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The Best Episodes of The Closer

Every episode of The Closer ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of The Closer!

Binge this in 3d 11h•Peaking at 9.4/10

Deputy Police Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson transfers from Atlanta to LA to head up a special unit of the LAPD that handles sensitive, high-profile murder cases. Johnson's quirky personality and hard-nosed approach often rubs her

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    The Closer Season 2 Episode 5 - To Protect & To Serve
    9.4/10(8 votes)

    #1 - To Protect & To Serve

    S2:E5

    Brenda finds herself involved in a cover-up of her own when she helps the PHD investigate a non-priority case. Why? Because the deceased woman was found in Provenza's garage...Once again, the team finds themselves racing against the clock before the LAPD brass discovers what they're up to. Will Brenda be able to protect her team and their hard-earned trust?

    Director:Elodie Keene
    Writer:Adam Belanoff

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  2. The Closer Season 4 Episode 13 - Power of Attorney
    9.4/10(8 votes)

    #2 - Power of Attorney

    S4:E13

    Brenda goes toe to toe with the tricky attorney of a man suspected of a brutal rape and murder.

    Director:Rick Wallace
    Writer:Michael Alaimo

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  3. The Closer Season 6 Episode 10 - Executive Order
    9.3/10(8 votes)

    #3 - Executive Order

    S6:E10

    The murder of two paramedics leads the LAPD and the FBI on separate investigations on a case that could be the precursor to a major terrorist attack. But Brenda fights to remain a step ahead, even though she's forced to work with the counter-terrorism unit's Chief Tommy Delk, who happens to be one of Brenda's fellow finalists for the job of Chief of Police.

    Director:Michael M. Robin
    Writer:Adam Belanoff

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  4. The Closer Season 7 Episode 10 - Fresh Pursuit
    9.3/10(7 votes)

    #4 - Fresh Pursuit

    S7:E10

    The squad investigates the death of a deputy sheriff; the judge considers dropping the charges against Brenda.

    Director:Michael M. Robin
    Writer:Adam Belanoff

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  5. The Closer Season 7 Episode 15 - Silent Partner
    9.3/10(6 votes)

    #5 - Silent Partner

    S7:E15

    Brenda seeks help from a businessman, played by guest star Jason George (Grey's Anatomy), with old ties to the neighborhood where Turell Baylor was murdered.

    Director:Arvin Brown
    Writers:Mike Berchem, James Duff

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  6. The Closer Season 7 Episode 14 - Road Block
    9.2/10(6 votes)

    #6 - Road Block

    S7:E14

    The LAPD's Police Commissioner and his wife, Gail, may be in trouble when Brenda becomes determined to uncover a scandal one of them tried to cover up.

    Director:Nelson McCormick
    Writer:Jim Leonard

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of The Closer

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  7. The Closer Season 1 Episode 12 - Fatal Retraction
    9.1/10(8 votes)

    #7 - Fatal Retraction

    S1:E12

    Brenda and her team must find not only a killer, but also identify the killer's victim when a deranged, homicidal madman is set free due to mistaken identity. While trying to make sense of an array of complexities in this unusual matter, the case takes an even darker turn when Brenda becomes the center of the psychopathic killer's attention.

    Director:Gloria Muzio
    Writers:Roger Wolfson, Wendy West

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  8. The Closer Season 1 Episode 13 - Standards and Practices
    9.1/10(9 votes)

    #8 - Standards and Practices

    S1:E13

    An unnamed source files a grievance against Brenda in the midst of a high-profile investigation of a murdered L.A. filmmaker. With her career on the line, Brenda is skeptical of Chief Pope's intentions when he volunteers to help. In classic Brenda style, she spurns the accusation and the PHD team comes together to act in unison, sending shock waves through the entire department.

    Director:Michael M. Robin
    Writer:James Duff

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  9. The Closer Season 3 Episode 1 - Homewrecker
    9.1/10(10 votes)

    #9 - Homewrecker

    S3:E1

    Brenda and the team investigate the grisly slaying of a family, and the only survivor is the drug-addled teen son. Meanwhile, a financial crisis rocks the LAPD, bringing about budget cuts and possibly Provenza’s early retirement. Meanwhile, Fritz hopes to move into a new house with Brenda.

    Director:Michael M. Robin
    Writers:Mike Berchem, James Duff

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  10. The Closer Season 3 Episode 4 - Ruby
    9.1/10(8 votes)

    #10 - Ruby

    S3:E4

    A recently released sex offender is accused of kidnapping a child, and with time running out, Det. Gabriel makes a startling choice.

    Director:Michael M. Robin
    Writers:Mike Berchem, Steven Kane

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  11. The Closer Season 4 Episode 10 - Time Bomb
    9.1/10(9 votes)

    #11 - Time Bomb

    S4:E10

    The newly renamed Major Crimes Division investigates the death of a teenager that may be related to a planned massacre.

    Director:Michael M. Robin
    Writer:Steven Kane

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  12. The Closer Season 6 Episode 2 - Help Wanted
    9.1/10(7 votes)

    #12 - Help Wanted

    S6:E2

    Capt. Raydor (special guest Mary McDonnell) accompanies Brenda on an investigation involving the disappearance of a nanny working for close friends of the mayor. Meanwhile, Raydor’s real purpose in taking part in the investigation could have big career implications for Brenda.

    Director:Nelson McCormick
    Writer:Steven Kane

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  13. The Closer Season 6 Episode 5 - Heart Attack
    9.1/10(7 votes)

    #13 - Heart Attack

    S6:E5

    At the request of Detective Mikki Mendoza, the squad becomes involved in investigating a series of brutal murders that indicate a Mexican drug cartel may have moved into the city.

    Director:Roxann Dawson
    Writer:Ken Martin

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  14. The Closer Season 6 Episode 11 - Old Money
    9.1/10(7 votes)

    #14 - Old Money

    S6:E11

    One of Brenda's detectives is ambushed on the street, and the main clue to figuring out the motive behind the attack is a garbage bag containing more than $37,500. The investigation then turns into a race to clear the detective's name over allegations of witness tampering.

    Director:Nelson McCormick
    Writers:John Coveny, Hunt Baldwin

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  15. The Closer Season 6 Episode 13 - Living Proof (1)
    9.1/10(8 votes)

    #15 - Living Proof (1)

    S6:E13

    Brenda's holiday plans change suddenly when a man is attacked by a knife-wielding assailant who is accidentally run over and killed by the police officer responding to the 911 calls. Brenda & Fritz receive a huge surprise for Christmas from Brenda's parents.

    Director:Rick Wallace
    Writer:Leo Geter

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  16. The Closer Season 6 Episode 14 - Living Proof (2)
    9.1/10(7 votes)

    #16 - Living Proof (2)

    S6:E14

    Brenda finds she has another victim and later learns that her parents have been robbed and the Christmas gifts stolen from the RV. The investigation has to continue through Christmas day.

    Director:James Duff
    Writers:Steven Kane, Michael Alaimo

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  17. The Closer Season 7 Episode 3 - To Serve with Love
    9.1/10(7 votes)

    #17 - To Serve with Love

    S7:E3

    Flynn and Provenza get into the usual trouble moonlighting as process servers when a man dies shortly after they serve him.

    Director:Michael Pressman
    Writer:Adam Belanoff

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  18. The Closer Season 7 Episode 8 - Death Warrant
    9.1/10(7 votes)

    #18 - Death Warrant

    S7:E8

    Brenda seeks Capt. Raydor's help in an investigation of possible police brutality; Brenda's attorney starts deposing the squad about the Baylor case.

    Director:Steve Robin
    Writer:Steven Kane

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  19. The Closer Season 2 Episode 13 - Overkill
    9.0/10(8 votes)

    #19 - Overkill

    S2:E13

    Brenda and Fritz have a hard time agreeing who is in charge when an informant's wife and and FBI agent are both murdered. When the killer's identity is uncovered, the PHD finds themselves under attack.

    Director:Michael M. Robin
    Writers:James Duff, Adam Belanoff

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  20. The Closer Season 3 Episode 5 - The Round File
    9.0/10(8 votes)

    #20 - The Round File

    S3:E5

    An old man’s confession to seven murders leads Deputy Chief Johnson to investigate the sudden and unnatural deaths at his nursing home.

    Director:Greer Shephard
    Writer:Michael Alaimo

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  21. The Closer Season 3 Episode 8 - Manhunt
    9.0/10(8 votes)

    #21 - Manhunt

    S3:E8

    It looks to be the return of a serial killer when two bodies turn up dead. With the knowledge that he kills in sets of three, Chief Pope charges Brenda and her squad to hunt down the killer before the third victim is taken.

    Director:Rick Wallace
    Writers:Mike Berchem, James Duff

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  22. The Closer Season 3 Episode 15 - Next of Kin (2)
    9.0/10(8 votes)

    #22 - Next of Kin (2)

    S3:E15

    Returning to L.A. proves to be a challenge when Brenda's witness remains hesitant, causing her to be creative. The fallout left behind in Atlanta leaves Brenda's parents picking up the pieces while Fritz becomes buried underneath all the stress.

    Directors:Roger Young, James Duff
    Writer:Mike Berchem

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  23. The Closer Season 4 Episode 3 - Cherry Bomb
    9.0/10(9 votes)

    #23 - Cherry Bomb

    S4:E3

    Brenda suspects something more than suicide when a high-school girl is found hanged in her bedroom, and the investigation uncovers a ruthless sexual game being played at a private school.

    Director:Rick Wallace
    Writer:Michael Alaimo

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  24. The Closer Season 5 Episode 6 - Tapped Out
    9.0/10(8 votes)

    #24 - Tapped Out

    S5:E6

    When an internet matchmaker is murdered, the team finds themselves investigating the matchmaker's early-stage television show. Adding to the craziness is a fake officer, who turns everything upside down. In an effort to school himself on the inner workings of Brenda's group, Pope decides to work as one of the team.

    Director:Adam Arkin
    Writer:Adam Belanoff

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  25. The Closer Season 5 Episode 7 - Strike Three
    9.0/10(8 votes)

    #25 - Strike Three

    S5:E7

    A high-profile shoot-out has left two policemen and a teenage boy dead leads to numerous mysteries spinning around the case. Enter Force Investigation Division bigwig Sharon Raydor, who upends Brenda's investigation with her merciless snooping.

    Director:Nelson McCormick
    Writer:Steven Kane

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Best Episodes Summary

"To Protect & To Serve" is the best rated episode of "The Closer". It scored 9.4/10 based on 8 votes. Directed by Elodie Keene and written by Adam Belanoff, it aired on 7/10/2006. This episode scored 0.0 points higher than the second highest rated, "Power of Attorney".