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The Closer

The Closer

20058
DramaKriminalitetMysterium
Udgivet
13. jun. 2005
Land
USA
Produktioner
The Shephard/Robin CompanyWalking EntropyWarner Bros. Television
Deputy Police Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson flytter fra Atlanta til Los Angeles for at lede en specialenhed i LAPD, der håndterer følsomme, højt profilerede mordsager. Johnsons skøre personlighed og hårde tilgang irriterer ofte kollegaerne, men hendes ry som en af verdens bedste afhøringsspecialister vinder i sidste ende selv de hårdeste kritikere.

About

Quick guide

Deputy Police Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson leads LAPD’s high‑profile murder unit, using her interrogation expertise to close cases.

Deputy Police Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson, a former CIA‑trained interrogator, moves from Atlanta to Los Angeles to helm the LAPD's Priority Homicide Division (later the Major Crimes Division). The series follows Johnson and her diverse team as they tackle high‑profile murder cases, often blending procedural work with complex personal stories. The show is known for its sharp dialogue, tense interrogations, and exploration of the interplay between law enforcement and political forces. Over seven seasons, 109 episodes aired on TNT between June 2005 and August 2012, and the series spawned the spin‑off "Major Crimes".

What to know

  • 7 seasons, 109 episodes.
  • Each episode runs 42–60 minutes.
  • Aired on TNT from June 2005 to August 2012.
  • Starred Kyra Sedgwick as Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson.
  • Team includes Assistant Chief Will Pope and Captain Russell Taylor.
  • Features sharp dialogue and intense interrogations.
  • Explores political pressure and justice system dynamics.
  • Spawned the spin‑off series "Major Crimes".

Watch if

If you enjoy intelligent crime dramas with a strong female lead who gets people to confess without a gun, and appreciate a mix of procedural cases and personal sub‑plots, The Closer will keep you hooked.

Skip if

If you dislike procedural shows that emphasize dialogue over action or prefer high‑octane crime dramas with a lot of violence, this series may not satisfy you.

investigation heavydialogue heavypolitical themesmature themeslanguage strongdark tonesuspensefulcrime violence
Meet Brenda Leigh Johnson
Deputy Chief Johnson arrives from Atlanta with a CIA‑trained interrogation background, stepping into the LAPD's Priority Homicide Division, later renamed the Major Crimes Division. She quickly earns a reputation for her direct, no‑nonsense questioning style that often forces suspects to confess. Her leadership sets the tone for the unit's relentless pursuit of justice.
The LAPD Team
Johnson's squad blends seasoned officers and specialists: Assistant Chief Will Pope (J.K. Simmons) provides bureaucratic support; Captain Russell Taylor (Robert Gossett) manages operations; Louie Provenza (G.W. Bailey) handles surveillance; and others contribute forensic, forensic accounting, and scientific expertise. Their diverse skill sets create a dynamic, often friction‑prone but ultimately cohesive team.
Procedural Casework
Each episode centers on a high‑profile murder, weaving intricate investigative steps with character backstories. The series balances the procedural rhythm—collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses—with the emotional stakes of the victims and suspects, keeping viewers engaged in both the 'case of the week' and long‑term narrative arcs.
Dynamic Team Relationships
Professional rivalries, especially between Johnson and Taylor, evolve into grudging respect. Interpersonal tensions with other officers and the FBI liaison add depth, while personal sub‑plots—such as marital strains and past traumas—humanize the crew. These relationships drive both plot tension and character growth across the series.
Political Forces at Play
Johnson’s investigations often intersect with political agendas, media scrutiny, and institutional reform. The show portrays the delicate balance between pursuing justice and navigating governmental pressures, highlighting how policy decisions can shape investigative outcomes.
Tone and Themes
The series adopts a dark, introspective tone, underscored by sharp, often intense dialogue. Themes of morality, accountability, and the complexity of human nature recur, while the show refrains from gratuitous gore, focusing instead on psychological tension and procedural detail.
Legacy and Spin‑Off
Concluding after seven seasons, 'The Closer' ends with a finale that transitions to its spin‑off, 'Major Crimes,' which carries forward the core team in a new context. The original series remains a benchmark for crime procedurals that blend character depth with investigative rigor.

FAQ

49 Q&A
Was there a spin-off of The Closer?
Yes, there was a spin-off of The Closer.
What kind of cases does the Priority Murder Squad handle?
The Priority Murder Squad handles serious crimes, often murders.
What is the name of the spin-off series?
The name of the spin-off series is Major Crimes.
Where did Brenda Leigh Johnson work before Los Angeles?
Brenda Leigh Johnson worked in Washington D.C. before Los Angeles.
Who is the main character in The Closer?
The main character in The Closer is Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson.
Who plays FBI Agent Fritz Howard?
FBI Agent Fritz Howard is played by Barry Corbin.
How many seasons did The Closer have?
The Closer had seven seasons.
Who plays Assistant Chief Will Pope?
Assistant Chief Will Pope is played by J.K. Simmons.
When did The Closer first air?
The Closer first aired on June 2, 2005.
Who plays Lieutenant Andy Flynn?
Lieutenant Andy Flynn is played by Tony Denison.
What is Brenda's father's name?
Brenda's father's name is Willie Ray Johnson.
Who plays Lieutenant Louie Provenza?
Lieutenant Louie Provenza is played by G.W. Bailey.
Who plays Buzz Watson?
Buzz Watson is played by Philip P. Keene.
What is Brenda Leigh Johnson's job?
Brenda Leigh Johnson's job is Deputy Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department's Priority Murder Squad.
Who plays Commander Russell Taylor?
Commander Russell Taylor is played by Robert Gossett.
Who plays Detective Irene Daniels?
Detective Irene Daniels is played by Gina Ravera.
What network aired The Closer?
The Closer was aired on TNT.
Who created The Closer?
The Closer was created by James Duff.
What is Brenda's mother's name?
Brenda's mother's name is Sharon Johnson.
Who plays Lieutenant Michael Tao?
Lieutenant Michael Tao is played by Michael Paul Chan.
Who plays Detective Julio Sanchez?
Detective Julio Sanchez is played by Raymond Cruz.
Who plays Brenda Leigh Johnson?
Brenda Leigh Johnson is played by Kyra Sedgwick.
When did The Closer end?
The Closer ended on August 13, 2012.
How does Brenda Leigh Johnson get confessions?
Brenda Leigh Johnson often gets confessions through persistent, psychologically astute questioning.
Who plays Detective David Gabriel?
Detective David Gabriel is played by Corey Reynolds.
Did Brenda get a DNA sample from Stroh?
Yes, Brenda eventually got a DNA sample from Stroh.
How did The Closer end for Brenda?
Brenda resigned from the LAPD after a difficult case and a lawsuit, choosing to move to Washington D.C. with her husband.
What was the theme of The Closer's third season?
The third season focused on Brenda's continued struggles balancing her demanding job with her personal life and her relationship with Fritz.
What happened between Brenda and Captain Sharon Raydor?
Captain Sharon Raydor was Brenda's superior officer and often clashed with her methods, but they developed a grudging respect over time.
Who was Brenda's lawyer during the Turell Baylor lawsuit?
Brenda's lawyer during the Turell Baylor lawsuit was Peter (played by Michael Patrick Thornton).
Who played Brenda's mother?
Brenda's mother was played by Dianne Ladd.
What is the name of the division Brenda leads?
Brenda Leigh Johnson leads the Major Crimes Division of the LAPD.
What happened to the character Rusty in The Closer?
Rusty was a young boy who Brenda took in and helped, becoming a ward of the court and later adopted by Captain Sharon Raydor.
What was the theme of The Closer's fourth season?
The fourth season continued to explore Brenda's personal and professional challenges, including her engagement to Fritz and the increasing pressure of her high-profile cases.
Who played Brenda's father?
Brenda's father was played by Barry Corbin.
What job did Brenda take after leaving the LAPD?
After leaving the LAPD, Brenda took a job with the Department of Justice in Washington D.C.
Did Brenda shoot Phillip Stroh?
No, Brenda did not shoot Phillip Stroh.
What was the theme of The Closer's first season?
The first season introduced Brenda's transfer to Los Angeles and her initial struggles to gain the trust and respect of her new team while solving complex cases.
Did Brenda face challenges as a woman in her job?
Yes, Brenda often faced challenges and skepticism due to her gender in the male-dominated police force.
What does 'The Closer' mean in the show's context?
The title 'The Closer' refers to Brenda's exceptional ability to close difficult and high-profile cases.
Why did the show end after seven seasons?
The show ended after seven seasons because the lead actress, Kyra Sedgwick, decided not to renew her contract.
Was The Closer filmed in Los Angeles?
Yes, The Closer was filmed in Los Angeles.
What was the main conflict in the final season?
The main conflict in the final season involved the ongoing pursuit of serial killer Phillip Stroh and the legal ramifications for Brenda and the LAPD.
What happened to Brenda in the final season?
In the final season, Brenda faced intense pressure from a lawsuit, continued to hunt Phillip Stroh, and ultimately decided to leave the LAPD.
What was the theme of The Closer's sixth season?
The sixth season dealt with the escalating threat of Phillip Stroh and the personal toll his pursuit took on Brenda and her team.
What city is The Closer set in?
The Closer is set in Los Angeles.
What was the theme of The Closer's second season?
The second season focused on Brenda's deepening relationships with her team and her continued efforts to navigate the political landscape of the LAPD.
What was the theme of The Closer's fifth season?
The fifth season explored Brenda's engagement to Fritz and the challenges of her relationship alongside her demanding career, as well as the growing threat of the serial killer.
Did Kyra Sedgwick decide to end the show?
Yes, Kyra Sedgwick's decision not to continue with the show led to its conclusion after seven seasons.

Skuespillere

Kyra Sedgwick
Kyra Sedgwick
Brenda Leigh Johnson
J.K. Simmons
J.K. Simmons
Will Pope
Corey Reynolds
Corey Reynolds
David Gabriel
Robert Gossett
Robert Gossett
Russell Taylor
G.W. Bailey
G.W. Bailey
Louie Provenza
Tony Denison
Tony Denison
Andy Flynn
Michael Paul Chan
Michael Paul Chan
Mike Tao
Phillip P. Keene
Phillip P. Keene
Officer Buzz Watson
Jon Tenney
Jon Tenney
Special Agent Fritz Howard
Raymond Cruz
Raymond Cruz
Julio Sanchez
Mary McDonnell
Mary McDonnell
Captain Sharon Raydor
Matt McCoy
Matt McCoy
Kevin Adams