TV Review: TNT’s ‘The Closer’ Starts Final Arc with Powerful Episode

CHICAGO – Kyra Sedgwick is in the final act of her time as one of the most popular and acclaimed stars on cable TV, and, based on the premiere, “The Closer” is going to make sure this popular character is given a riveting send-off. With intense drama, a great performance from Sedgwick, and a strong sense of purpose, this is going to be an impressive end-run for one of the biggest hits in the history of cable.

Television Rating: 4.0/5.0

It’s hard to go into detail on what is technically a mid-season premiere of “The Closer” because it is such a twisting and turning plotline that I wouldn’t want to spoil it in anyway. It features the return of Phillip Stroh (Billy Burke), who Brenda now suspects may be partners with a serial rapist. One of the men commits the crime, the other one gets him off in court. Is Brenda right about this one? Or is she pushing something that could get her in even more trouble?

The Closer
Photo credit: Marc Hom/TNT

Kyra Sedgwick has given one of the most consistent and impressive performances on television over the last decade and it’s clear from this stellar episode that she’s not going to let up this close to the finish line. (For the record, there will be six more episodes of “The Closer” followed by the series spin-off, “Major Crimes.” Stay tuned for a review of that in August.) She gets a great arc here. She has a history with Stroh and a severe dislike for the man. Is that clouding her judgment? Or is she about to catch a total maniac?

Sedgwick’s strong turn in the mid-season premiere alone makes the episode worth watching but there are also great supporting turns by the regulars and Billy Burke, who I suspect will go from “Twilight” dad to TV star this Fall when NBC’s “Revolution” premieres, is fantastic.

No one is starting their experience with “The Closer” with the final six episodes that will ever air so the question isn’t so much what to think of this show overall — you know by now if you like it or not — but how it fits in the history of the program. I’ve seen dozens of episodes of the show but never been a loyal, every-week viewer. Tonight’s return is strong enough that I won’t miss the final six.

[17]	By BRIAN TALLERICO [18] Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com [17]