What I’m Watching: The Closer

The Closer: Season 5, Episode 14 “Make Over” (B+)

It’s really fun to have Beau Bridges guest star on this episode, and this role was a whole lot more challenging and fulfilling than his Emmy-nominated guest spot from last year on “Desperate Housewives.” The most impressive part of it was responding to and playing off of G.W. Bailey’s intolerant and insensitive Lieutenant Provenza, whose reaction to Detective Andrews’ new look and identity and subsequent acceptance of it was the most spectacular part of this whole episode. That, and, of course, the continuing curiosity of Detective Sanchez, whose inability to keep his thoughts to himself was almost as funny as Detective Andrews’ willingness to answer them. Regarding the case, it’s always fantastic to get some hotshot in there who thinks that they know the law and how they can ensure they won’t get themselves caught, only to find themselves tricked and under arrest. That chain of events was particularly satisfying when it came to Sam Osgood, who oozed self-importance and smugness from the first moment he appeared on screen. Playing mother and son against each other also doesn’t hurt. Brenda’s hot pink coat was quite extravagant, though it wasn’t quite as showy as Fritz’ bold decision to go on their vacation without her. At the end of the day, he’s still the most loving and supportive spouse in the universe, so his return to their home at the end of the episode wasn’t much of a surprise, but it was still sweet.