TVSquad

This week's episode of The Closer seemed almost like a comical idea rather than a drama, with the three fully grown "rich kids" of a well to do family coming up as suspects in a murder, all while the family fortune is somewhat up for grabs. As it turns out, this show has grown more and more Columbo-esque, with Deputy Chief Brenda Johnson seemingly having her own suspect without telling anyone who it was. And this week, the lack of Pope and Fritz, as well as Flynn still being off the team made the police force seem slightly peculiar, for a show that's only been on for nine episodes.

Additionally, District Attorney Yates appeared to be making a move on Brenda, washing her dishes and all, only to be left in the dust, being shown up as the show closed. When TNT says "we know drama" in their promos, I'd have to say they're right about that, even if they have created a formula for police action shows. When I first picked up this show and Wanted a few weeks later, I guess I've looked at them as "second rate" in the way that we used to look at some of the programs that Sci-Fi, USA, and other cable networks had created. But the more I keep watching, the more I realize that not only do these channels do something that the over-the-air networks are failing to do these days - create quality programs - all without dumbing it down to the stupidest level just for the sake of doing so. Sure, the ratings and share numbers might not be huge, but the sheer volume of quality television that the cable/satellite delivered channels are putting out today are enough to get people to look elsewhere for their nightly fix.

The characters on the show are not only becoming more and more likable (except for Brenda's "thankyou" with the Georgia accent), but seem to be liking each other more and more and working together, which is something that probably isn't noticed on many shows, but seems to be intrinsic to the plotline. That said, this week's plot seemed to completely avoid any of Brenda's personal issues - in a way, keeping Fritz and Pope out of the show almost did that for us all, in a symbolic sorta way.

So the season's coming to a close soon, and the questions will begin to appear about whether or not Ms. Sedgwick & Co. will be back for another season. Better yet, will the big boys step up and try to snag The Closer away from TNT's clutches? What do you think, TVSquad readers?