The Closer on TNT Cable TV Split Ends Episode
Emmy Nominee Kyra Sedgwick is Deputy Chief Brenda Johnson LAPD
Sep 1, 2008
The Closer, the TNT detective series starring Kyra Sedgwick,brought back Brenda Lee's parents for a touch of humor in the episode named Split Ends. As the fourth season of the acclaimed series is drawing to a close, Chief Deputy Brenda Lee Johnson, Priority Homicide, is a flawed character with endearing qualities and a steel will. In Split Ends a Hollywood hairdresser is found beaten and murdered.
Brenda's ever-patient boyfriend, FBI Agent Fritz Howard, puts up with her determination and her occasional neglect of their romantic relationship. Brenda and Fritz struggle with issues about where to live and and wedding plans.
Chief Deputy Brenda Johnson is a delicate looking southern beauty, who stops at nothing to get the guilty party. Brenda is a top notch detective and interrogator who pinpoints the suspect and traps them in their own lies, She is called the Closer for her ability to draw out confessions from criminals.
Split Ends Episode Summary
Brenda's parents are an endearing couple. Her father, Clay (Barry Corbin), looks and acts like a gruff bear, but he is a gentle man. Her mother, Willie Rae (Frances Sternhagen) , is a southern woman who charms Brenda's coworkers with baked goods and a sweet smile. Brenda's parents pay a surprise visit to Los Angeles on their way to Alaska in their RV.
The episode opens with Brenda's parents preparing breakfast for Fritz and Brenda, Clay proceeds to grill Fritz about the wedding date. Saved by the phone, Brenda is called into a homicide investigation. Fritz gets called into an FBI emergency. Brenda brings her parents to the investigation at a Hollywood studio, where Willie Rae and Lt. Provenza renew their innocent flirtation, infuriating Clay.
Domestic Violence and Murder
The homicide and domestic violence case that Brenda is called on seems open and shut at first, but takes convoluted twists and turns to a surprising conclusion.
A Hollywood hairdresser is found brutally beaten and murdered. All evidence points to the victim's husband, with a history of domestic abuse and wife beating. Brenda uncovers new evidence that points to another victim and another culprit.
Priority Homicide operates as a tightly coiled unit, when Brenda finds the other victim at her house. They talk at the front door, but the woman won't let Brenda in. The woman moves her collar to reveal a deep hand shaped bruise on her neck. Brenda puts her hand behind her back and motions to the side. Priority Homicide detectives circle the house.
Brenda puts out her hand, which the woman takes. A man springs from behind, grabs the woman and threatens to break her neck. Detectives burst into the house from all sides. Detective Irene Daniels comes from behind, puts the muzzle of her gun on his neck and says she will shoot. The abuser lets the woman go. Detectives spring on the man, as the woman cries, "Don't hurt him." Brenda arrests the abuser for the murder of the hairdresser.
Brenda and Fritz
The end of the episode Brenda and Fritz are preparing to go out to dinner with her parents. Brenda puts her foot down and tells her father that the next time the subject of a wedding comes up, it better be her that brings it up. Fritz tells here that her standing up to her father was inspiring. Then he gives her an ultimatum, telling her that he want to be married by early next year.
Cast of The Closer
Kyra Sedgwick has been nominated for an Emmy Award for her portrayal of Deputy Chief Brenda Johnson. The cast of The Closer has twice been nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award. The cast includes J. K. Simmons, Corey Reynolds, Robert Gossett, G.W. Bailey, Tony Denison, Raymond Cruz, Michael Paul Chan, Gina Ravera and Phillip P. Keene.
- Deputy Chief Brenda Johnson is played by Kyra Sedgwick.
- Assistant Police Chief Will Pope is played by K. K. Simmons. Chief Pope and Brenda has an affair when they both worked in Washington D.C.Since their affair, he has been divorced, married and divorced again.
- Sgt. David Gabriel is played by Corey Reynolds, Sgt.t Gabriel is Brenda's closest aide.
- Lt. Provenza is played by G. W. Bailey. Lt. Provenza is a cantankerous detective,but Brenda has come to rely on him.
- Lt. Andy Flynn is played by Tony Denison. Lt. Flynn is a slick operator who gets into troublesome situations.
- Lt. Mike Tao, played by Michael Paul Chan is the technical expert of the squad.
- Detective Julio Sanchez is played by Michael Cruz. He has extensive knowledge of L.A. gang culture.
- Commander Taylor is played by Robert Gossett. Commander Taylor wanted Brenda's job and resents her, but lately they seem to have come to a truce.
- Detective Irene Daniels is played by Gina Ravera. Irene is the forensic accountant.
- Buzz played by Phillip Keene runs the electronics room.
The Closer airs on TNT Cable TV on Monday nights.
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