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The Closer: Cherry Picking
Character development is usually the main focus when discussing an episode of The Closer – it’s a character driven show and I love that! The murder mystery usually is relegated to a secondary topic and oftentimes a barely glanced one at that. But last night’s episode was so character driven and the crime so compelling, to not discuss the them both would be like telling half the story.
Now it is no secret that I have a HUGE crush on Commander Taylor (Robert Gossett)). He’s bullish, abstinent, sexy and he just fills a room so good, ahem*, but we saw a different side of Taylor last night – soft, sensitive and.... needy. Like Flynn from last week, Taylor is wracked by anguish over a case. A young teenager tragically commits suicide. The week prior she was interviewed by a sensitive Taylor who reassured her and gently guided her into admitting her being sexually assaulted and by whom, this is a clear case of date rape.
**sidebar** I was especially pleased how both actors conveyed the anguish of this young lady and the helplessness of the officer. I was a victim at 19 and the idiot who was assigned my case was a jackass of mammoth proportions.
Taylor swallows his pride and request PHD (Priority Homicide Division) help. Now, you have to understand the dynamics of Brenda and Taylor’s relationship to fully appreciate how difficult it was for Taylor to ask, but also for Brenda to accept and help. We’ll hopefully discuss that in the thread.
The “alleged” rapist is another teenager who makes designs on “less attractive” girls at his high school. He and his “posse” names this, “Cherry Picking”. Cherry Picking is a term for targeting virgins and forcing them to have sex with you. Ugh! Who could blame Brenda for zealously pursuing this "non-priority", priority case? Obviously The Picker of Cherries believes he is bullet proof because his father is a big-time law enforcement officer. Steven Baldwin deserves an Emmy nomination for his performance. And big kudos to Brenda for standing up to the big bully at the reveal. Again, I hope we get the chance to discuss in the thread.
She bobs and weaves her way through Pope and the other baffled detectives who cannot understand why she is working on a rape case that cannot be brought to trial because the victim is dead and the evidence won’t hold up in court.
*By a show of hands, how many of you briefly thought perhaps the father joined his son in his sexcapades?* I saw a similar premise on Law & Order: Criminal Intent – I’m glad I was wrong.
What is it about criminals and their habits of telling on themselves? When I saw Cherry Picker’s list of victims on his school facepage…GRRR!! I did chuckle when Brenda threw out that line to the School Representative (I remember her from Judging Amy) about the stellar characters of the students there.
One scene I did object to was Brenda breaking the law by posing as an attorney to gain information from Cherry Picker's friend. She really put her job in jeopardy. I was afraid the father or someone would find out and turn her in. I hope that doesn’t come back to bite her in the you-know-where! I still remember how she got her britches in a bunch when Gabriel manhandled the pedophile from a few seasons ago.
To wrap up because this is getting long, Brenda gets her man and the way she manipulated Big Daddy to get him out of the room and sneered at his evil offspring about how the tables will turn on him in prison with his “cherry” being picked – priceless!
The final scene with Brenda and the other young victim in her office as Taylor looked on – again, priceless.
Oh, it was nice to see Fritz in an upright position again.
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Jul 29, 2008 12:56 PM
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Vee, I'm just popping in to say Hi 'cause I love ya!
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Jul 29, 2008 1:27 PM
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Hi My Trish!! 
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Jul 29, 2008 1:47 PM
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I'm watching Dr. Horrible again, did you get to see it? If you're interested check out Famin's Blog.
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Jul 29, 2008 1:53 PM
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Okay Rev - I LOVED this episode. For people who do not follow this show, Commander Taylor has been at odds with Brenda Leigh Johnson since the day she arrived in L.A. - he even filed a anonymous complaint against her for conduct unbecoming of an officer (I think). To say that they hated each other in the beginning is truly an understatement so they have come a long way since then. It took a terrible crime to bring them together.
Just a quick correction of Rev's blog - the Sherrif was played by Daniel Baldwin, not Stephen, but who can keep all of them straight anyway. Rev was absolutely correct in describing the masterfull performance this Baldwin did though! Heck, I was afraid for Gabriel when the Sherrif was arrested for providing false testimony.
Brenda Leigh was really walking a slippery slope when she posed as the Public Defender, but it all worked out well. I wasn't sure how she was going to pull this off unitl the very end - this was a VERY GOOD job done by the writers this week!
Terrific blog Rev - so glad to have you back.......
and I am still working on dinner plans!
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Jul 29, 2008 2:21 PM
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Rev - I'm getting ready to go over to my sister's house to visit my mom. I was hoping you'd do a blog about our program sometime this morning (my time). Thanks.
We did see a new side of Taylor last night. I remember what a jackass he was in the first season and sometimes last season, always trying to sabotage Brenda because he didn't want her there. He finally came around, but very grudgingly. But last night he was in tune with her all the way.
First of all, those of us who watch Desperate Housewives recognized Andrea Bowen, who played the murdered teenage girl. She plays Julie on DH. This is the first time I'd seen her in a straight dramatic role, and she was terrific.
Daniel (thanks, Ranger) Baldwin was also great as the murdering pervert's arrogant father. I loved Brenda's scenes with him and the pervert at the end.
While she was posing as a public defender, one of the guys asked, "Can she do that"? And someone answered that she could because she was interviewing him as a witness, not as a suspect. So, it wasn't illegal--unethical? yes, but not illegal.
I felt terrible for the other young girl who was victimized. As an overweight teenager, I could have been one of those "cherry picked" victims when I was in high school.
*By a show of hands, how many of you briefly thought perhaps the father joined his son in his sexcapades?*
I didn't think he participated in the rape; I thought he might have committed the murder.
Great blog, Rev. Thanks again.
--
Edited by Marci at 07/29/2008 11:24 AM
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Jul 29, 2008 2:22 PM
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Great review, Rev!!
I agree with everything that has been said-
VERY powerful episode!!
Legal or not, all of the deception you see on TV as far as interrogations go does bother me. THANK GOD I'm such an Angel if those depictions are true-to-life! But I do devilishly love it when it makes a fool of and brings down a scum bag!
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Jul 29, 2008 2:34 PM
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Hello Rev! Good to see you.
I am sorry to say that I missed The Closer last night, so I am unable to discuss it. Sounds like it was a very good episode. Of course about 99% are at least very good!
I have already found Grace to throw her into tonight's lineup. I'm sure that I will find Brenda Leigh some other time this week. I so love cable with their second and third chances!!
Stay well, dearie!
Lynda
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Jul 29, 2008 2:37 PM
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Just a quick correction of Rev's blog - the Sherrif was played by Daniel Baldwin, not Stephen, but who can keep all of them straight anyway
Thanks for the correction Ranger. I wish there was a way for us to edit the original blog. Daniel practically manhandled Gabriel and Sanchez. He is a healthy looking boy.
And thanks for the brief background reminder regarding Taylor's & Brenda's relationship. I still remember her chopping him down to size when she told him that in any scenario she would STILL be his superior. The look on his face... 
All the players were fabulous last night. I don't watch D.H. Marci, but that young lady was terrific and deserves an Emmy nomination as well.
Poor Pope doesn't seem to know whether he is coming or going. I hope the writers remember him soon and give him more to do than stand around in bewilderment while Brenda solves cases.
And someone answered that she could because she was interviewing him as a witness, not as a suspect. So, it wasn't illegal--unethical? yes, but not illegal.
I don't know about that Marci. She appeared to be crossing the line to me. With Taylor and Flynn now on her side (sort to speak), perhaps another nemesis should come on the scene. Perhaps Fritz's first wife, no, someone within the department. Pope?
and I am still working on dinner plans!
Your timing couldn't be more perfect Ranger.
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Jul 29, 2008 2:45 PM
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Ooooops! I claimed to be an Angel and we just had an earthquake!!!
I RETRACT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Everything is fine where I'm at-although I could feel it big time-news still coming from LA.....
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Jul 29, 2008 2:50 PM
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Please stay safe Furley! Angelic or not, we need you here!
Hi Lynda! Dances with ducks huh. OK. I'm curious. Please explain.
Marci - I meant to tell you to enjoy your visit with Mom!
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Jul 29, 2008 3:02 PM
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Like Trishy - I'm popping.
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Jul 29, 2008 3:26 PM
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The Closer: Cherry Picking
Shouldn't that be The Opener: Cherry Picking
Oh man, , , , I am soooo going to Hell for that one. **Blush**
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Jul 29, 2008 3:29 PM
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Please stay safe Furley! Angelic or not, we need you here!
I will Rev-thanks!
Did you feel anything, Marci, or are you too far north?
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Jul 29, 2008 3:29 PM
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Furley - are you doing Carol King this morning?
Feeling the "Earth move under your feet?" Hurry, get in your helicopter and fly away!!
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Jul 29, 2008 3:32 PM
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