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« The Closer
Episode Recap: "'Til Death Do Us Part Two"
As I said in this week's TV Guide Talk podcast, I had some concerns when the likes of Larry King and Dominick Dunne were recruited to guest-star as themselves on The Closer in Part 2 of the season finale. But it worked. It really made the court case at hand seem big and made Brenda's world seem that much more real.
Whereas Part 1 was deliberate and took its time setting the table, Part 2 really rock-'n'-rolled, showering us with new informattion, twists and motives. The best I understand it, Schaffer's wife (played by the wonderful Sarah Brown) had filed for divorce only to then learn that A) hubby had a second mystery home, which served as a marijuana farm, and thus B) any potential settlement would be piddly, not lavish as she expected. Hubby then convinced wife to off the attorney she had hired, while he enjoyed an airtight alibi. Did I get that right?
The pot thing I did not see that coming, even considering Topper's mysterious boating expeditions. Really nice guest-casting all around; the two guys came off as real oily scoundrels, and the aspiring-actress mistress? Poor thing.
Perhaps the best stuff, though, was to be found in Kyra Sedgwick's scenes with Jon Tenney, as Brenda confronted Fritz with his never-mentioned DUIs.
"To throw the word 'if' at me when you're wearing that ring...?!"
Hot damn, emotional stuff. Tenney really brought it. And then the final scene... I know I've been a bit lukewarm about these two this season, but that was scorching, as Fritz offered a sugar-free (yet not) solution to his fiancee's "cravings."
This season's final salvo of bullets:
"May as well draw a map to your body for the wolves."
AA-member Fritz: "Do I have to look up the word 'anonymous' in the dictionary for you?!"
Brenda telling an about-to-take-off Topper, "Or you could sit right back down." And then he dares to mock her accent!
More Brenda to Topper: "I'm unfamiliar with 'the usual stuff.' Could you describe it?"
Does a lady cop not put down her large handbag when staking out a place with her gun drawn?
Brenda blasting Schaffer and Topper's "medicinal marijuana" claim: "Based on the amount, you must be bracing for [a glaucoma] epidemic."
Brenda to newsroom Barbie: "We all know how horrible scandal is for an aspiring actor's career."
Recovering alkie Flynn saying, "When I used to drink, I could be a bit of an a--hole." And Provenza muttering, "Imagine that."
What a great, smart and satisfying episode. Hail to the chief, indeed. And hail to this blog's readers, who both appreciate quality television and are so thorough and passionate in discussing it.
I will see you back here whenever that off-season "special" episode airs.
PS: Closer creator James Duff updated his TVGuide.com celeblog today, in honor of the season finale. It's truly must-read stuff.
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Sep 10, 2007 10:07 PM
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well all i can say is very good episode. nice ending to the season.
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Sep 10, 2007 11:33 PM
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Those Fritz-Brenda scenes were just perfect; I knew I was watching a good argument when I kept flip-flopping on who I supported.
Those rare scenes with the entire group off-duty are such a treat.
*Sanchez: "Whenever I drink, women take advantage of me"
Good Stuff, Great Season
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Sep 11, 2007 12:05 AM
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I always know when I'm enjoying what I'm watching--I start muttering curses when the commercials come on--needless to say, I was cursing a great deal. I really enjoyed the way the season ended (I know a two-parter is coming--but to me it felt like the end of the season), the plot was wrapped up and the oily murderer was caught--I was feeling a little sorry for the wife--but that didn't last long. Great season!!
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Sep 11, 2007 1:22 AM
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Great ending for a great season!
I loved the look on the DDA's face when he realized Brenda was right all along. NEVER DOUBT BRENDA LEIGH!!
Fritz's dramatic scene was awesome. I felt so sorry for him. He really told things she needed to hear (i.e. her flaws). Although I wanted her to apologize at the end, I wasn't too surprised that she didn't.
The celebratory dinner with the team was touching. I found Flynn totally sexy when he smiled and winked at Brenda. 
Brenda, why did you have to hire Gary as your realtor? He lies!! 
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Sep 11, 2007 8:29 AM
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Great episode! And nice recap, Matt.
I also loved the Sanchez line - and he said it almost glumly, which made it even better!
How are we supposed to wait for Season 4?
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Sep 11, 2007 8:33 AM
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Last week, I was happy to see the wonderful Sarah Brown (THE quintessential Carly Corinthos from GH) on series TV but thought it odd that she was so underused......well, this week she really brought it and she was good.
I didn't expect the pot angle - when I heard about the second home, I thought the husband had a second family to go with it...great plot line! But even with Matt's on-the-nose recap, I was confused - I just didn't buy that the wife would actually commit murder, all the while giving her louse husband a seemingly air-tight alibi (they obviously didn't see Brenda coming!). Yes, money is a big factor but murdering your lawyer? I loved how easy it was for her to finger her husband when she saw his "receptionist" playing camera-girl on the fishing boat.
VERY emotional stuff between Brenda & Fritz - he really brought it last night, too! Guess Brenda has a couple of AA-ers in her life now...I think she got a different perspective on Fritz from Flynn as the group got their celebration on.
I was late coming to The Closer but I became a very avid fan very quickly and will be missing it next week.
Good Luck to Kyra at the Emmy Awards on Sunday!!!
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Sep 11, 2007 9:07 AM
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I am probably the only one who didn't think Mrs. Schaffer was involved and I must say Sarah Brown continues to remind me why she was such an amazing actress, and how lucky General Hospital was to have her as a part of their cast.
I was a bit relieved when the fight between Fritz and Brenda happened so early in the show because I was afraid that would have ended the episode - and left their relationship in question. Jon Tenney was amazing in those scenes and it was nice to see him get more than five minutes of airtime. Plus the closing moments were hot.
Also I liked how the storyline echoed the sentiments going through Brenda especially when she went to see the victim's ex wife and the whole 'if' line.
The most touching moment for me was at the party when Flynn winks at Brenda, and they shared a 'moment,' and you see how the pieces and all her anger towards Fritz just melted away, and made her at peace with his past.
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Sep 11, 2007 9:08 AM
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Great show, excellent finale. And I and probably a lot of viewers are happy that show didn't end with a CLIFFHANGER.
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Sep 11, 2007 9:40 AM
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Recovering alkie Flynn saying, "When I used to drink, I could be a bit of an a--hole." And Provenza muttering, "Imagine that."
I'm guessing the closed captioner was a bit of a prude, "a$$hole" was "jerk" for me. I didn't even realize it had been changed until you said it.
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Sep 11, 2007 9:57 AM
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Great finale and GREAT Season! Congrats to everyone involved with this show...actors, writers, directors, everyone! Simply the finest show on TV.
But did we have to have the product placement? Provenza eating the Kebbler Sandy Pecans and then a commercial for them right after that?
Loved the scene with the Team celebrating. Flynn is HOT. Fritz was great too, standing up to Brenda Leigh and telling her how she lies too. Glad they made up though...
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Sep 11, 2007 9:58 AM
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I am loving Lt. Tao this season. He was hysterical at the party at the end--the hat, the sunglasses, clearly tippling a bit too much. And what was it in the squadroom when Gabriel was leaning over Tao, Tao leaned back, his chair suddenly jerked too far backwards, and his glasses, which were perched atop his head, went flying behind him? Was that a blooper they left in? It had nothing to do with the plot or the scene, but it was pretty funny.
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Sep 11, 2007 10:09 AM
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A small detail...but I think the problem with the second house and the lawyer was that when he found out about it he put that lien on it... that scared the husband... his alternate career might be found out and wifey-poo loses her lifestyle or her divorce payoff.
I too came to this show just this season and am absolutely a convert. Really excellent and shows how lacking most of the broadcast fair has become...even Ugly Betty and Grey's look weak compared to the writing and acting on this show. Bravo, Brava to all involved.
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Sep 11, 2007 10:14 AM
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LOVE this show! Best show on TV, bar none. I think I'll miss this more than Lost. Really liked having a two-parter, giving them time for such things as the after-verdict celebration. Flynn & Provenza never disappoint. A highlight for me last night: when Brenda and Daniels went to the 2nd house, noticed the open door, drew guns and crept inside, it gave me a quick flashback to Charlie's Angels (the original).
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Sep 11, 2007 10:21 AM
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I loved this episode. I loved this season, although it was TOO SHORT!
I wonder why they've been painting Sanchez with the lecherous brush this season. I think something is going to happen next season, like a sexual harrassment charge.
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Sep 11, 2007 10:43 AM
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