“The Closer”

Starring Kyra Sedgwick, J.K. Simmons and Corey Reynolds

TNT

Tuesdays at 10… “The Closer”

Starring Kyra Sedgwick, J.K. Simmons and Corey Reynolds

TNT

Tuesdays at 10 p.m.

One of the best new shows of 2005, TNT’s “The Closer,” is making a reappearance on Tuesday nights with an encore of its first season.

Kyra Sedgwick leads the cast as Deputy Police Chief Brenda Johnson. After moving from her job with the police department in Atlanta, Brenda finds herself helming a group of homicide investigators at the Los Angeles Police Department. Brenda’s CIA training in interrogation makes her the leader of the group, but she’s less than welcome thanks to her managerial techniques.

Brenda’s boss and former flame, Assistant Police Chief Will Pope (J.K. Simmons), tries to help Brenda’s frustrated co-workers understand her better. Brenda also finds a skeptical ally in Sergeant David Gabriel (Corey Reynolds), whom she often asks to tag along during her interrogations and investigations into murders.

Sedgwick shines in her role as Brenda, the character that is aptly titled a “closer” because of her unusual ability to successfully close a case by extracting a confession from the suspect. Brenda’s southern accent and propensity to use “thank you” as a mantra make her a memorable character even after the episode is over.

Sedgwick’s performance as Brenda Johnson has earned her a 2006 Golden Globe nomination for the best performance by an actress in a drama series, pitting her against such established greats as Glenn Close and Geena Davis. The Screen Actors Guild also acknowledged Sedgwick’s work by nominating her performance in “The Closer” for a SAG Award.

“The Closer” injects comedy and true character into its episodes, making it stand apart from the slew of other crime dramas that overrun primetime television. Sedgwick’s character finds herself getting lost in Los Angeles, loves sweets when she’s stressed and encounters her fair share of hassle from the people with whom she works.

It’s easy to relate to Brenda and her antics, and her bright attitude and somewhat outlandish ways makes her more realistic. The diversity of characters in the cast of “The Closer” is a refreshing change from the mainstream. Rather than featuring an entirely young and attractive cast, “The Closer” favors a blend of personalities and traits over the stock, stereotypical characters. The sensible one, the troublemaker, the veteran and others all contribute their own flavor to the show.

While Sedgwick’s talent undoubtedly makes the show, Brenda is joined by the ideal cast to compliment her character.

The crimes featured on the show are always interesting, such as the incident in which a model was poisoned by her hair conditioner. But unfortunate showering escapades aside, the crimes are always secondary to the characters. The character’s stories and actions make the show worth watching. This emphasis on the people makes “The Closer” stand above the other crime dramas, and the viewer is drawn into the elements other than the crime itself.

The first season of “The Closer” has already begun re-airing on TNT Tuesdays at 10 p.m. The second season won’t begin until this summer, so fans will just have to be satisfied with the repeats while the new viewers enjoy a fresh look at the drama.

The TNT hit has something for everyone. Whether it’s great comedy, wonderful characters or just a good plot, “The Closer” is worth a look even if it means having to change the channel to something higher than 12.