Dial 'M' for Provenza

This is the very first episode of The Closer. It's very interesting to see what the characters are like in this first episode vs. what they're like in current episodes. Among other things, Kyra Sedgwick has a different accent and is more aggressive in this show. Plus this is the first time the characters meet up with Brenda Johnson, and that presents some interesting situations.

My title says it all. This is a top-notch show with excellent writing and characters you want to know more about. The southern accent gets a little old but it's pretty good. The shows take unexpected twists and I really enjoy trying to figure out who did it and how/why they did it.

This show has me hooked. I didn't start watching faithfully until the third season and now I am downloading old episodes. The chemistry that the cast has created is unique and captivating. The Southern mix and LA attitude is humorous and very accurate. I think TNT has a winner with this show.

So I wasn't too sure about The Closer at first. I like Kyra Sedgwick, but I'm burned out on cop shows. This one, however, hooked me with the basics: great writing, characters I want to know better, killer mysteries and ... a smart balance between personal interactions and crime-solving.

I was afraid the whole "Southerner in LA" thing would be a wearing affectation. It's not. Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson's accent and slight fish-out-of-waterness adds to things without becoming a crutch.

The greatest reward is watching how relationships develop over time, how Johnson goes from being regarding with suspicion (and worse) to someone who delivers. Winning over her squad does not happen easily, which makes it all the more real and rewarding. And winning them over doesn't suddenly mean everything's rosy. Also real. Also rewarding.

As engaging as the crime and suspects are the players in the internal political dramas. Brenda's not only dealing with killers, she's dealing with sharks in her own waters.