Air Date: Monday, August 8, 2011, 9/8c
Brenda and Commander Taylor throwing out sleazy attorney Peter Goldman
The religious undertone of “Forgive Us Our Trespasses” not only explains the title but introduces us to facets of our favorite characters’ backgrounds we may not have been privy to before.
I worry that Brenda (Kyra Sedgwick) is teetering on the edge of despair. Just what is she going to do now? The wrongful death case against the police department is pulling her team apart and making her doubt her decisions. Take into consideration the opening scene: it’s full of confusion and hilarity yet it lacks polish. How the entire team could get fooled by Peter Goldman (Curtis Armstrong), the plaintiff’s attorney, is astounding. No one bothers to check his ID or even ask for it for that matter. Hmm… I have to hand it to Goldman though, he’s good. Not only does he not give up easily, he’s hard to get rid of. That alone makes me laugh thinking about how much of a thorn he is in Brenda’s side. She usually handles difficult people like him a little better. Maybe the stress of the wrongful death investigation is affecting her more than we realize.
The murder this week revolves around a pastor. Not only is he alleged to have committed suicide at home (according to his wife), but he was holed up in an hourly motel that his in-laws were found cleaning after his death. Yeah, my head’s still spinning too. I am right there with Brenda wondering what in the world is going on. I can really appreciate this week’s episode because the somber mood from “Under Control” left me a bit on the sad side. I need the comedic presence Lieutenants Provenza (G. W. Bailey) and Flynn (Tony Denison) bring—and boy do they bring it.
Brenda keeps a close eye on Gabriel
The characters not only entertain but keep you intrigued throughout the hour. You can’t help wanting to know what’s going to happen next. Especially since Sgt. Gabriel (Corey Reynolds) is being singled out amongst the team. Poor guy can’t catch a break sometimes. And Brenda does keep him close to her throughout the day. It’s a bit suspicious.
Observations:
Raymond J. Barry (Justified) guest stars this week as Pastor Wycoff’s (Peter Breitmayer) father-in-law. I didn’t think he could pull off comedy since I’m used to seeing him in a more dramatic role, but he does a great job. The fresh meat brought to The Closer never disappoints.
Chief Pope has an exercise bike in his office now? He’s really taking his losing weight initiative seriously. Nice to see the writers keeping the continuity throughout each episode.
The team seems to be shaken. They don’t know what to say during their depositions and are looking to Brenda for a heads up. Why is that? Dissension amongst the ranks isn’t good. We need this team to stay together.
The cases get harder to figure out as the season progresses. I never have a clue who’s guilty anymore. I credit that to great writing and applaud the writers for making The Closer one of the best TV dramas around.
Kate Burton (Grey’s Anatomy) guest stars and is phenomenal. Not once did I believe she was lying. She’s so on point with her facial expressions and mannerisms as Mrs. Wycoff she brings the deception her character displays as she tries to put Brenda off the trail of her husband’s killer to life.
Goldman does an excellent job of being a supreme prick. To be fair, not all lawyers are that bad.
Chief Pope voicing his anger over the wrongful death suit to Brenda
It’s interesting to see Brenda snacking on chocolate at the end of her day instead of throughout it. I guess she’s handling her stress for her team’s sake while at work.
The spilled wine used as a symbol of blood on Brenda’s hands brings the point home with precision. As she cries, “What have I done,” you can feel her pain and desperation behind the question. She wants an answer; she needs to know it wasn’t her fault someone died because she was her “doing her job.”
Funny Lines:
Lt. Provenza: “Not counting my five divorces, I’ve been sued seventeen times.”
**
Lt. Provenza to Sgt. Gabriel: “But hurry up. I’m not waiting here till Jesus comes back.”
**
Sgt. Sanchez (Raymond Cruz) upon entering a motel room that should have been empty: “Ma’am, put the spray cleaner down and step away from the sink.”
**
Lt. Flynn on confiscated crushed computers: “So, this is what’s left of the entire church IT system.”
Buzz: “This is what’s left of my desk.”
**
This episode is full of amusement. From finding out the dead guy wears women’s shoes, to the team wondering about Gabriel’s loyalty, I didn’t have a dull moment while watching. At least they’ve saved the best for last.
Tune in to The Closer, Mondays at 9/8c on TNT. For more on the show, visit http://www.tnt.tv/series/closer/.
All pictures ©Karen Neal/TNT Entertainment.
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