TVSquad

I got to sit in on a conference call with The Closer creator James Duff this week. I have sat in on these calls before-- well, one-- and the call was so crowded with other writers that I couldn't get a word in edgewise. The call with Duff was fantastic because they asked me if I had any questions! But I'll get to that later.

The Closer premieres its third season on Monday at 9pm EST on TNT. I, for one, cannot wait! I had heard the hype about the show, but when I finally watched it (on DVD), I was floored. I have always admired Kyra Sedgewick, especially from Singles and Something to Talk About. And as a parent, I appreciated the sacrifices to her career she made to raise her children while they were young. However, I wasn't prepared for the Tasmanian devil package of energy and talent she unleashed on Deputy Chief Brenda Johnson.

The theme of this third season is family: How do you keep a family together? This theme will be manifest not only as we see more of Brenda's parents (including Northern Exposure's Maurice (Barry Corbin) as her tightly-strung father), but we watch her navigate her relationship with Fritz, and also explore the possibility of having a child.

That was my question to Duff: Will Brenda ever have a child? He said I was not the first person to raise that question (so much for originality, but he was very sweet). However, he and Deputy Chief Brenda both have their doubts about whether or not Brenda would be a terrific mother. I laughed and said that given her bumbling nature, the comic implications of a pregnancy and a newborn would be numerous-- if not endless. Duff didn't give much away, but he did say that Brenda will have a health scare this year that will bring the idea of having a child up. And Brenda's biological clock is ticking...

This season promises some great stories too (without giving anything away):

For new viewers, this is a great way to get to know the characters: They are all going to have a chance to introduce themselves in significant ways in the premiere.

Continuing with the theme of family, the premiere will also raise some interesting questions about how to treat underage suspects-- and how to get a confession out of the same person twice.

Duff also promised two of the most amazing guest stars they have ever had in the premiere, but he wouldn't even tell us who they were.

Some of the other questions were about who the advisors and consultant are for the show. Duff said that a lot of other shows boast that their episodes are ripped from the headlines, but their stories are ripped from the heart.

"We try to find We try to find crimes in which you sometimes identify with the murderer," Duff said. "Most view themselves as victims."

This season will be even more focused on character than it has been before, and I cannot wait.