What I’m Watching: The Closer

The Closer: Season 5, Episode 10 “Smells Like Murder” (B+)

I’m impressed with the title of this episode and its ability to incorporate both major storylines – the dead man in the box and Charlie’s pre-dinner snack. I’ve always enjoyed when the Major Crimes Unit sends someone in undercover, like when Provenza took on his cover role a while back and when Brenda and Gabriel pose as something other than cops to trick suspects. The spy-like nature of this episode, with the cameras in the boxes to record suspects and dismiss them as they opened the box, and the fake smell reactions emitted by the team, was a lot of fun. The blatant product placement for the Prius, which has been advertising on this show for a while now, was a bit distracting, but I am impressed with how a lot of its fits: Buzz would drive a Prius, and Gabriel would explain the battery-only mode to the very technologically naïve Brenda. As far as Charlie is concerned, it’s a rare treat to see Fritz actually lose his temper, and it’s a powerful reminder of how he lives every day with his past as an addict. I’m sure no one would want to get that call where Fritz identifies himself as an FBI agent before citing his relationship to Charlie. Brenda’s efforts to curb Charlie’s rebellious behavior should be interesting to say the least, and seeing Brenda a little bit out of her element was certainly fun while it lasted.