[Labyrinth]

Quote

As the squad is busy looking into a suicide they also get into the middle of the dispute between a dying husband and his wife who is addicted to crystal meth. Meanwhile Pope is one of many applicants for the chief of police job but may not realize that Brenda may have a say in whether or not he can have the job.

Discuss!

Don't forget to Tailgate!!!

As a new moderator and thus imbued with great power, I would like to change the format a bit. For those who want to, review the episode and discuss how it could possibly relate to this season's theme, ATTRACTION.

[TxFan]

Labyrinth, on Jul 26 2010, 06:01 PM, said:

Discuss!

As a new moderator and thus imbued with great power, I would like to change the format a bit. For those who want to, review the episode and discuss how it could possibly relate to this season's theme, ATTRACTION.

This season so far started with a slow climb up the roller coaster in Episode 1, to an exciting vertical drop in Episode 2, and then a zig zag of turns in Episode 3. Season Six is going to be a wild ride, indeed.

I give this episode an A. It wasn't as thrilling like last week, but I don't believe it was meant to be. The episode introduced a lot of unanswered questions: shift in power at the LAPD; Sanchez's detachment from his job as he assumes self-appointed guardianship to young Rueben; and the squad's bickering amongst themselves about some simmering squabble. The writers did a wonderful job in conveying to us, the viewers, the restless mood among Brenda and crew. The show tonight ended with lots of question marks and few answers.

Through it all, Fritz is there to guide Brenda through the foggy landscape. But he seems a little biased towards convincing Brenda that a promotion would be a good thing. I once took a promotion because it was pretty much handed to me, and I ended up not very happy, until I bailed almost three years later. I think that's what would happen to Brenda. She would do the job of an Administrator, and all the while she would be wanting to jump in the mud pit with her old squad and get dirty again.

Pope seems too overconfident that he's a shoe in for the Chief of Police job. There is certainly some type of power struggle brewing ahead. And whenever there is this much zealousness in rising to power, there is the potential for betrayal and strained alliances. I think that's where this part of the drama is headed. Think of Shakespeare's Macbeth who allowed himself to be corrupted for a crown.

With regard to our moderator's urging to relate the episode to the season theme of attraction, I think we saw the motif repeated in several parts of the drama. Sanchez has gravitated toward caring for Rueben and has repelled himself from his duties as a Major Crimes detective. Brenda is feeling others pushing her towards power and prestige that she doesn't really care for. She is attracted to her job as the chief of the best team of detectives anywhere. She not only loves being their leader, she loves all of them like family. Pope is drawn to the Chief position and all the vanity he can suck out of it like a magnet. He feeds off of prestige and being a big shot. In the custody case that resulted in murder, we saw Cody being the center of his parents' and grandparents' universe. They all struggled over who would end up with him. And in the end, it destroyed three of the four.

Much of the attraction in this episode had little to do with attraction of the flesh and more to do with attraction of the heart and attraction of that lesser part of humans that tries to fill the emptiness with drugs, power, or advantage. It left me feeling somber. Except for Julio and his fatherly attraction to this young man who doesn't have anyone else that cares. He's a standup guy. And if they have an episode where Julio adopts the kid, I doubt that there will be a dry eye in the house, my friends.

That's all I have for now. Guess I'll watch The Closer again.

[FlynnFanChicago]

Another fine episode, albeit quite depressing (next week's ep should lighten things up a bit, lol). At the moment, I really don't have anything to add that Tx didn't already cover. However, I am going to have to re-watch this one because I am now realizing that watching the 10PM airing, when I'm starting to get tired, isn't really working out so well for me.

At the risk of sounding stupid, I am confused about something and could use a little help, please. The new job that Brenda is considering and has an appplication for ~ is that the same promotion/job Pope wants or is she up for Pope's current job? If I understood correctly, Brenda has an application to apply for the job Pope wants, but everyone else assumes she would take over Pope's current position if he gets the promotion? Am I right? Lastly, can someone please tell me what the difference is between being Chief of Police and Pope's current title? They've been calling him Chief all along. What is Pope's current title?

Maybe I just need a few more cups of coffee before I post here in the morning, lol.

[Ladibug]

FlynnFanChicago, on Jul 27 2010, 01:43 PM, said:

Another fine episode, albeit quite depressing (next week's ep should lighten things up a bit, lol). At the moment, I really don't have anything to add that Tx didn't already cover. However, I am going to have to re-watch this one because I am now realizing that watching the 10PM airing, when I'm starting to get tired, isn't really working out so well for me.

At the risk of sounding stupid, I am confused about something and could use a little help, please. The new job that Brenda is considering and has an appplication for ~ is that the same promotion/job Pope wants or is she up for Pope's current job? If I understood correctly, Brenda has an application to apply for the job Pope wants, but everyone else assumes she would take over Pope's current position if he gets the promotion? Am I right? Lastly, can someone please tell me what the difference is between being Chief of Police and Pope's current title? They've been calling him Chief all along. What is Pope's current title?

Maybe I just need a few more cups of coffee before I post here in the morning, lol.

I haven't watched last nights episode yet as I'm waiting for it to be posted online (no longer have cable). But, I think I can answer some of your questions.

Chief Pope is currently in the office of Assistant Chief--which I believe is right under the office of Chief of LAPD of which he is applying for. That is also the new job/position that Brenda is thinking of applying for.

I'm hoping that Brenda stays where she is. She never has been interested in the "Political Game" that Chief Pope has to play which would be the same if she were to become the Chief of LAPD.

Can't wait to see this episode---sounds like another winner!!

Ladibug

[FlynnFanChicago]

Ladibug, on Jul 27 2010, 10:54 AM, said:

I haven't watched last nights episode yet as I'm waiting for it to be posted online (no longer have cable). But, I think I can answer some of your questions.

Chief Pope is currently in the office of Assistant Chief--which I believe is right under the office of Chief of LAPD of which he is applying for. That is also the new job/position that Brenda is thinking of applying for.

Thanks, Ladibug! I watched the first five seasons back-to-back very recently, so how I could forget Pope's title is ASSISTANT chief is beyond me . Duh! Guess I was just paying to much attention to Flynn!

Ladibug, on Jul 27 2010, 10:54 AM, said:

I'm hoping that Brenda stays where she is. She never has been interested in the "Political Game" that Chief Pope has to play which would be the same if she were to become the Chief of LAPD.

I totally agree, and besides, the show is called The Closer. If Brenda takes either promotion, it would change everything. It should be interesting to see how this all pans out.

[TxFan]

FlynnFanChicago, on Jul 27 2010, 06:25 PM, said:

I totally agree, and besides, the show is called The Closer. If Brenda takes either promotion, it would change everything. It should be interesting to see how this all pans out.

Semie and I made a bet (unbeknownst to her, she consented. ). I say the Chief of Police issue won't be revealed until the very last episode of the season. Semie predicts we'll know by the 8th episode. <--- That's aimed at you, semie, ol' buddy!!!

We're betting an old Southern treat: a Royal Crown Cola and a moonpie!

Oh yeah! Bring it, semie!

Hey, Ladibug! Great to see you again. I'm glad that you won't miss out on watching THE CLOSER this season. I think it's so cool that TNT video streams the shows on the website after they broadcast it on television. Join us at the tailgater sometime.

[rosiered]

I took notes, but I can't find them!!! LOL

First of all, I'd like to go on record that Brenda won't apply for the Chief of Police job, and Pope won't get it either!!

Ok, now lets see......... Yep, Tx said most of it!!! The attraction part of this episode that really stood out for me is Sanchez and the little boy. I can't wait to see how that evolves. Also, the grand parents attraction to their grand child willing to do anything to get custody of her. How tragic!

There were little things that I wrote down, but can only remember 3 of them. They just made me chuckle! When they took that guy into the interrogation room and she said "sit" as she pushed him into the chair!!! Then when Fritz and Brenda were having the "discussion" and Cory says "they're fighting" and she says, "we are not!!" Then they sit down in unison!!!

The last 2 episodes were A's for me too. They had all the ingredients that make the plot interesting for me.

I am so excited for next week, I can hardly wait!!!!!!!

[semie]

TxFan, on Jul 27 2010, 07:46 PM, said:

Semie and I made a bet (unbeknownst to her, she consented. ). I say the Chief of Police issue won't be revealed until the very last episode of the season. Semie predicts we'll know by the 8th episode. <--- That's aimed at you, semie, ol' buddy!!!

We're betting an old Southern treat: a Royal Crown Cola and a moonpie!

Oh yeah! Bring it, semie!

I think I said the earliest we will know will be the 8th episode but I'll just go with it. Meanwhile, Tx you can figure out who you are shipping RC cola and a moonpie to Mississippi from Texas!

Quote

Pope seems too overconfident that he's a shoe in for the Chief of Police job. There is certainly some type of power struggle brewing ahead. And whenever there is this much zealousness in rising to power, there is the potential for betrayal and strained alliances. I think that's where this part of the drama is headed. Think of Shakespeare's Macbeth who allowed himself to be corrupted for a crown.

Tx, I wholeheartedly agree. I can't wait to see how it plays out between Brenda, Pope, Fritz and her squad if she decides to submit the application for the position of Chief of Police.

[Ruthie]

Had to think about this for a few days. I am not a big picture thinker--can't see the forest for the trees. Or, maybe it's because I'm distracted by who I now think of as Mr Dreamy Right Sanchez. Mr. Sensitive beneath all the anger. He can come habla a little espanol to me in his soft voice.

Okay, so the attraction theme. What I saw were people attracted to taking matters (or the law) into their own hands. The grandmother not trusting, perhaps rightly so, the court system to do what is best for the child chooses to confront the mother then kills her. The squad, knowing the child likely will be placed in foster care, wants to be the judge and jury by making the decision to lie about or suppress the evidence allowing the grandmother to go free. Sanchez stepping up and becoming an emergency foster provider because he believes the child is better off with him at the moment. Taylor not waiting for positions to change before he actively pursues a new job title.

Others here will speak more eloquently and might have better ideas but that's what I saw. The first ep of the season really disappointed me but they have rebounded nicely! I look forward to the rest of the season.

This post has been edited by Ruthie: 28 July 2010 - 06:21 PM

[crimereporter]

Tx, I have to commend you on a well written review - especially your comments about the attraction and repelling magnets imagery. I agree that this third episode is somber and while the case was full of twists, the office situation in the background and the future job changes were integrated well.

Yes, Pope thinks he will get the job and he is already thinking about how to shuffle the other positions including his previous job. I wonder if Brenda might submit her application just to give Pope a hard time and then refuse to follow through with the interview. Interesting that she thinks David is the only one on her squad she could see taking her spot.

Rosie - I don't know if I can agree with you - maybe Daniels will come back and be the new chief!

I really enjoyed the opening scene with Fritz and Brenda - interesting how he came down on her about not telling him about the job and she brings up that he didn't tell her about his possible promotion last season. Fritz is getting a lot firmer with Brenda - yelling at her last week for risking her life, then telling her they were fighting and for her to hang up the phone. Not that Brenda would give in, but it is good to see Fritz stand up and not let Brenda walk over him. Yes, he loves and and supports her, but he is being more forceful so far this season. I also liked the way the scenes with Fritz and Brenda bookended the episode - it began with them discussing the job, she gets called to a case and eventually solves it, then goes home and it ends with them discussing it. I loved the domestic scene with Joel.

The situation with Sanchez and Rueben continued from last week was both funny and sad. Brenda, not wanting to deal with it keeps telling Provenza to fix it.

I liked the way Brenda got her confession from the grandmother - that was the Brenda we were used to seeing, not the one in the first ep this season who was scattered.

Tx, - I thought Cody was a girl.

I gave it an A because the plot was well done and the background stories were not forgotten from previous episodes.

[Sanchez_Fan]

Ruthie, on Jul 28 2010, 07:20 PM, said:

Had to think about this for a few days. I am not a big picture thinker--can't see the forest for the trees. Or, maybe it's because I'm distracted by who I now think of as Mr Dreamy Right Sanchez. Mr. Sensitive beneath all the anger. He can come habla a little espanol to me in his soft voice.

Okay, so the attraction theme. What I saw were people attracted to taking matters (or the law) into their own hands. The grandmother not trusting, perhaps rightly so, the court system to do what is best for the child chooses to confront the mother then kills her. The squad, knowing the child likely will be placed in foster care, wants to be the judge and jury by making the decision to lie about or suppress the evidence allowing the grandmother to go free. Sanchez stepping up and becoming an emergency foster provider because he believes the child is better off with him at the moment. Taylor not waiting for positions to change before he actively pursues a new job title.

Others here will speak more eloquently and might have better ideas but that's what I saw. The first ep of the season really disappointed me but they have rebounded nicely! I look forward to the rest of the season.

I'm going to have to agree with you Ruthie! Mr. Dreamy Sanchez was extra sexy in this episode. I don't know if it was his sensitive side beneath his anger or that leather jacket OW OW! I would also love a little habla espanol to me as well

[TxFan]

crimereporter, on Jul 28 2010, 06:33 PM, said:

Tx, - I thought Cody was a girl.

Hey, I kind of pulled a Brenda!

I thought it was interesting as well that Brenda told Fritz that Sgt. Gabriel would be her choice to lead the squad. I guess now that the lovely Det. Daniels is no longer around to distract him, he's the most mature of all her boys.

semie, on Jul 28 2010, 05:19 PM, said:

I think I said the earliest we will know will be the 8th episode but I'll just go with it. Meanwhile, Tx you can figure out who you are shipping RC cola and a moonpie to Mississippi from Texas!

[rosiered]

Rosie - I don't know if I can agree with you - maybe Daniels will come back and be the new chief!

What part do you not? That Brenda won't apply for the job?

I think that is a terrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrific idea for Daniels to return into the Chief's job!!!!!!

[Sedgwick_Dry_CountyGirl]

LOVED IT My favorite quote: Brenda: Well send him some muffins

[FLfan]

I think Daniels would have the same problem as Gabriel. Not high enough rank.

[qodrn]

FLfan, on Jul 30 2010, 11:32 PM, said:

I think Daniels would have the same problem as Gabriel. Not high enough rank.

I think they will wind up bringing in someone from outside the department. Normally, for as big a department as LA, you would want someone already a chief in a smaller city with a great track record. Of course, not taking someone in the department offen leads to lots of resignations. Do supervisors do any real supervisings these days anyway?

[Ruthie]

Labyrinth, on Jul 26 2010, 07:01 PM, said:

As a new moderator and thus imbued with great power, I would like to change the format a bit. For those who want to, review the episode and discuss how it could possibly relate to this season's theme, ATTRACTION.

So, Laby, great new moderator imbued with great power, what are your thoughts on this episode and how it relates to attraction?

[Ladibug]

I finally got to see this episode tonight. I did like it although it seemed a little dis-jointed to me. Starting off with the fight that wasn't a fight between Fritz and Brenda, the arguing with Sanchez, & then the squad bickering amongst themselves about the case.

Brenda is already getting pulled here and there with everyone giving her their 2 cents worth about her job. Two pushing her to put in for the Chief of Police position and two assuming that she could move up to Assistant Chief. And no one has a problem coming up with who could "replace" her!! Brenda loves what she is doing--most of the time. I don't think she'd be happy doing anything other than being the Closer.

I was thinking tonight about the new spin-off with Flynn and Provenza that is coming in the future. Could changes in the Team this season be getting us ready for the spin-off?

I hate that I'm a week late in seeing & posting about the episodes. I wish TNT would go back to airing full episodes online the day after they're shown on TV. Either that or I need to go back to spending big money to get cable again so that I can watch it on Mondays.

Ladibug

This post has been edited by Ladibug: 02 August 2010 - 12:47 AM

[quiltgirl]

Ruthie, on Jul 28 2010, 11:20 PM, said:

Okay, so the attraction theme. What I saw were people attracted to taking matters (or the law) into their own hands.

I have to agree, but it seems to me that this attraction is only based on the "Brenda Leigh Johnson book of Ethics and Justice", at least no other opinions are considered.

Chapter 1...under no circumstances are you to beat the confession out of a suspect, but unlawfully kidnapping them and offering up libations are quite acceptable.

Chapter 2...Lying is a must, but make sure it isn't used on the one you love, it may cause problems.

Chapter 3...when you're Brenda Leigh Johnson anything in interview rooms is fair game, even if it means that the suspect you could not get will be gotten, whether by his own mob brothers or in prison where you can be sure he'll be murdered by inmates, playing judge, jury and executioner is recommended in certain instances.

So in the case of this episode, it was only a matter of "how" Brenda Leigh Johnson looked at this grandmother, and the method of justice she decided to take.

[Labyrinth]

TxFan, on Jul 27 2010, 08:46 PM, said:

Semie and I made a bet (unbeknownst to her, she consented. ). I say the Chief of Police issue won't be revealed until the very last episode of the season. Semie predicts we'll know by the 8th episode. <--- That's aimed at you, semie, ol' buddy!!!

As the Chief Moderator of this forum, I do not approve of such sleazy and morally questionable behavior such as, do I even have to say it? betting? Tx, I am shocked and ashamed that you would engage in such base behavior.