What I’m Watching: The Closer

The Closer: Season 6, Episode 2 “Help Wanted” (B+)

It’s always a treat to have Mary McDonnell return to play Captain Raydor, and I’m glad that this show has favored her as a recurring player. She’s only the first of a few exciting guest stars. The couple that Major Crimes initially speaks to about the disappearance of the nanny is played by two terrific thespians. Catherine Dent sadly hasn’t done much since “The Shield” ended, though hopefully the “Lie to Me” episode featuring a whole number of former cast members from the groundbreaking FX drama will eventually air. She was great as the wife, especially impressive because of her acting partner. Titus Welliver has been popping up everywhere recently, most notably as the Man in Black on “Lost” and Peter Florrick’s nemesis on “The Good Wife,” and he’s the perfect person to play the role of the anger-prone but ultimately innocent husband. Towards the end of the episode, things got uncharacteristically intense, and sniper Fritz really came through and ended up saving the day. His immediate angry reaction and snap to screaming at Brenda for almost getting herself killed was a sharp reminder that Brenda doesn’t quite play by the rules. That may of course benefit her, considering the episode’s big bombshell: Raydor wasn’t there to vet Pope, but to vet Brenda! I have a feeling that she won’t ultimately get the top job because that would radically transform the show (maybe a good thing, though), but her likely decision to apply for the position should cause a rift between her and Pope, who has really been acting like a jerk lately.