List of The Closer episodes

The Closer premiered on June 13, 2005. Each season is organized around a central theme, which drives both the criminal plot and Brenda's personal storyline. The crime story expands on an element of the theme, and often parallels or mirrors events in Brenda's personal life.

The series concluded with its seventh season.^[1] It contained 21 episodes,^[2] the final six of which transitioned the show into the spin-off series, Major Crimes, with Mary McDonnell heading the cast as Captain Sharon Raydor.^[3]

Series overview

Season		Episodes	Originally aired
			First aired	Last aired
	1	13	June 13, 2005	September 5, 2005
	2	15	June 12, 2006	December 4, 2006
	3	15	June 18, 2007	December 3, 2007
	4	15	July 14, 2008	February 23, 2009
	5	15	June 8, 2009	December 21, 2009
	6	15	July 12, 2010	January 3, 2011
	7	21	July 11, 2011	August 13, 2012

Episodes

Season 1 (2005)

Season 1 opens with the LAPD's new Priority Murder Squad (PMS), soon renamed the Priority Homicide Division (PHD), under the direction of Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson investigating the murder of a technological genius. Brenda has recently joined LAPD after a long career in law enforcement, including with the Atlanta and Washington, D.C., Police Departments. We soon learn Brenda is originally from Atlanta, Georgia, was CIA-trained, and was recruited by her former married lover, Assistant Chief Will Pope. Brenda is resented as an outsider by much of the LAPD and seen as an adversary by Robbery-Homicide's Captain Taylor, who initially persuades her squad to request transfers en masse in an unsuccessful effort to force Brenda's resignation. Brenda soon wins over her assistant, Sgt. David Gabriel, and the grudging admiration of the team when she shows them why she is called a closer; but her battle is far from over. As the season progresses, we see Brenda struggle to establish her authority and earn the respect of her squad, despite the efforts of Taylor and Detective Lt. Andy Flynn to both undermine her authority and hamper her investigations. Slowly, one-by-one, Brenda wins over her team; and, by season's end, she has earned the loyalty of them all, even the hard-boiled Det. Flynn, as they stand united against Capt. Taylor's final attempt to remove Brenda from the squad.

According to James Duff, the theme for Season 1 is a woman alone largely in a man's world but also in a new city. Brenda struggles to be taken seriously as leader of the PHD while establishing a new life in Los Angeles.

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	U.S. viewers (million)
1	1	"Pilot"[note 1]	Michael M. Robin	James Duff	June 13, 2005	7.03[4]
When an unidentified woman is found brutally murdered in the Hollywood home of a successful hi-tech millionaire, LAPD's newly appointed head of the Priority Murder Squad, Deputy Chief Brenda Johnson, finds herself challenged not only by the strangeness of the case, but by those who resent her appointment. With her Southern drawl and less than genteel ways, Brenda proceeds to show her skeptical team the skills she learned as a CIA trained interrogator and begins to unravel the mystery behind the high-profile murder. But when she discovers that the accused killer and the victim have a lot more in common than anyone guessed, the case takes an unexpected twist that surprises even the most senior member of the squad.
2	2	"About Face"	Michael M. Robin	James Duff	June 20, 2005	5.57[5]
Glamorous former model Heather Kingsley seemed to have it all: A movie-star husband, a fabulous Hollywood mansion, every luxury money could buy; and she left behind a beautiful corpse. It soon becomes apparent to Deputy Chief Brenda Johnson that foul play is involved — and the victim's philandering actor-husband is the chief suspect. While getting her own Hollywood makeover as she retraces Heather's last days on Earth, Brenda discovers some unglamorous secrets about the former model's marriage. But, as the Priority Murder Squad chips away at the perfect veneer of Heather Kingsley's life, the killer's motive hits a little too close to home for Brenda.
3	3	"The Big Picture"	Elodie Keene	Nancy Miller	June 27, 2005	5.35[6]
The murder of a Russian call girl becomes a case for the Priority Homicide Division when it's discovered that her clients include some of Los Angeles' most high-profile VIPs. But as Brenda investigates the involvement of Russian mobsters and a crooked customs agent, she meets with opposition from Assistant Police Chief Pope, whose motives are not totally by the book. With the FBI breathing down her neck and her own team doubting her, Brenda finds herself out on a limb trying to bring the killer to justice.
4	4	"Show Yourself"	Michael M. Robin	Wendy West	July 4, 2005	3.78[7]
When three members of a notorious Latino gang are gunned down in MacArthur Park, LA's Priority Homicide Division is brought in to investigate. There's little political interest in gang-on-gang violence, but Brenda discovers that the homicides may have been caused by a highly skilled military sniper bent on revenge. As the body count rises and eye-for-an-eye gang violence escalates, Brenda finds herself placing her trust in the father of the alleged killer, who claims he wants to stop his son's lethal mission. But as she zeroes in on the sniper, is Brenda leading her team on a wild-goose chase that will further undermine her credibility?
5	5	"Flashpoint"	Craig Zisk	Rick Kellard	July 11, 2005	5.01[8]
While administering an important drug test on a new anti-depressant to help addictive teenagers stay clean, a prominent doctor is murdered in his office. With the billion-dollar drug company refusing to cooperate and a growing list of suspects, Brenda and the Priority Homicide Division have their hands full. When Brenda disagrees with a member of her team over how to run the investigation, she finds her past coming back to haunt her, but as the allegations of her prior misconduct surface in the local press, Brenda discovers a suspect who has a dirty little secret of his own.
6	6	"Fantasy Date"	Greg Yaitanes	Roger Wolfson	July 18, 2005	4.91[9]
When the daughter of a prominent Congresswoman is raped and murdered in her home, shocking evidence points to the victim's sexual predilections. Brenda and the Priority Murder squad delve into a seedy underworld of S&M and the case takes a surprising turn. As Chief Pope pushes Brenda for a conviction in the high-profile case, she discovers a secret that could make her the next victim.
7	7	"You Are Here"	Gloria Muzio	Hunt Baldwin & John Coveny	July 25, 2005	5.21[10]
Brenda's love life is put on hold (again) when she is called to investigate an execution-style murder and carjacking of a California state judge with more than a few enemies, and the only witness to the crime is the judge's autistic teenage son. Now to solve the case, Brenda must get inside the boy's head and unlock the secrets that will reveal the identity of the real killer.
8	8	"Batter Up"	Arvin Brown	James Duff	August 1, 2005	6.13[11]
Chief Pope comes under intense political pressure when a spree of hate crimes targeting the gay community escalates from robbery to murder. Determined to catch the killer before he strikes again, Pope reassigns the case to Brenda and the Priority Homicide Division, much to the displeasure of Captain Taylor. But when a member of Brenda's team secretly provides Taylor with a lead that could close the case, Brenda must look beyond politics, both internal and external, and focus on finding a killer.
9	9	"Good Housekeeping"	Michael M. Robin	Wendy West	August 8, 2005	5.39[12]
When the daughter of a maid in an affluent L.A. household is raped and murdered, the Priority Homicide Division is enlisted to find the girl's killer. Leads point to a registered sex offender, and the case seems open and shut until a cruel twist sends the investigation back to square one. But when Brenda uncovers shocking new evidence, she finds herself compromising a conviction to bring the real murderer to justice.
10	10	"The Butler Did It"	Tawnia McKiernan	Rick Kellard	August 15, 2005	5.11[13]
The unexpected death of the young widow of one of L.A.'s wealthiest men and the subsequent suicide of their butler, who was on trial for her murder, spells double trouble for Brenda and her team. With all members of the dearly departed's dysfunctional family under suspicion, the Priority Homicide Division must separate the fact from fiction in a complicated whodunit. But as Brenda focuses on obtaining a conviction, is she being frozen out by Captain Pope and LAPD brass?
11	11	"LA Woman"	Rick Wallace	Hunt Baldwin & John Coveny	August 22, 2005	5.28[14]
When a prominent Iranian businessman is gunned down in Hollywood, Brenda locks horns with the FBI over who will run the investigation. Reluctantly agreeing to work together, the FBI assigns Brenda's boyfriend, Special Agent Fritz Howard, to the case. But when it becomes apparent that the FBI has its own agenda, can Brenda's relationship with Fritz handle the pressure?
12	12	"Fatal Retraction"	Gloria Muzio	Story by: James Duff Teleplay by: Wendy West and Roger Wolfson	August 29, 2005	5.77[15]
A case of mistaken identity results in the release of a convicted psycho-killer, Bill Croelick (Jason O'Mara). Now Brenda and the Priority Homicide Division not only have to find the killer, but also the real identity of the victim. As Brenda sorts through the complicated details surrounding the bizarre case, she discovers that a member of her team may have tampered with the evidence. But she may have bigger problems when the recently released killer fixates on her.
13	13	"Standards and Practices"	Michael M. Robin	James Duff	September 5, 2005	6.39[16]
While the Priority Homicide Division is busy investigating the murder of a Hollywood producer, an anonymous complaint is filed against Brenda that threatens to jeopardize her career. When Chief Pope offers assistance, Brenda is dubious. Is he trying to help, or edge her out? After she refuses to compromise, or temper her attitude, Brenda's team conspires behind her back and seals her fate, surprising everyone – especially Brenda.

Season 2 (2006)

In Season 2, Brenda is now firmly established as leader of Priority Homicide, with her team firmly behind her.

The theme for Season 2 is partnerships, which is established as the opening episode explores a partnership within the LAPD and another in Brenda's life. The theme plays out as the Flynn/Provenza partnership comes front and center early in the season and as Brenda's relationship with Gabriel grows and strengthens while she forms an uneasy working alliance with Commander Taylor. At the same time, Brenda's romance with Fritz grows serious as they make the decision whether they should live together.

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	U.S. viewers (million)
14	1	"Blue Blood"[note 1]	Michael M. Robin	James Duff & Mike Berchem	June 12, 2006	8.28[17]
Brenda investigates the murder of an LAPD officer while he was off duty, and Fritz pressures her for a decision on whether or not he can move in with her.
15	2	"Mom Duty"	Gloria Muzio	Wendy West	June 19, 2006	6.11[18]
When a juror dies during a mob boss' trial, Brenda has to finesse her way to questioning the remaining jurors. Meanwhile an unannounced visit by her mother (Frances Sternhagen) delays Fritz moving in.
16	3	"Slippin'"	Elodie Keene	Hunt Baldwin & John Coveny	June 26, 2006	5.60[19]
The shooting of three USC students, two fatally, has Brenda juggling responsibilities for entertaining her mother and solving the case.
17	4	"Aftertaste"	Arvin Brown	Steven Kane	July 3, 2006	5.30[20]
The investigation into the murder of an owner of a trendy restaurant is complicated by Brenda's odd behavior.
18	5	"To Protect & to Serve"	Elodie Keene	Adam Belanoff	July 10, 2006	6.40[21]
When Flynn and Provenza put sky box tickets over duty, the repercussions could bring the unit down after a body is discovered in Provenza's garage.
19	6	"Out of Focus"	Michael M. Robin	Hunt Baldwin & John Coveny	July 17, 2006	5.70[22]
Brenda investigates the apparent suicide of a "stalkerazzo", and Fritz receives a disturbing phone call.
20	7	"Head Over Heels"	Matt Earl Beesley	Wendy West	July 24, 2006	6.63[23]
Brenda's investigation into the murder of a porn star who was subsequently dismembered, brings up emotions that may or may not be related to the case. A pregnancy remains uncertain.
21	8	"Critical Missing"	Rick Wallace	James Duff & Mike Berchem	July 31, 2006	6.93[24]
The discovery of the bodies of a Japanese woman and her daughter from an apparent murder/suicide, put the team on the trail of a possible multiple murderer.
22	9	"Heroic Measures"	Nelson McCormick	Adam Belanoff	August 7, 2006	6.40[25]
An 8-year-old boy dies and his friend blames himself for his death; he is very distraught. The detectives think that the mother was the responsible party for this, but she tries to put the blame elsewhere.
23	10	"The Other Woman"	Lesli Linka Glatter	Steven Kane	August 14, 2006	6.56[26]
The death of a meth-head has Brenda looking at the Narcotics division, and a deposition may reveal a deeply held secret.
24	11	"Borderline"	Rick Wallace	Hunt Baldwin & John Coveny	August 21, 2006	6.35[27]
A fender-bender while she's on duty interferes with Brenda's investigation into an apparent triple murder with no bodies, that may have ties to illegal immigration.
25	12	"No Good Deed"	Charles Haid	James Duff & Wendy West	August 28, 2006	6.50[28]
The shooting of a witness who may free a murderer has the team investigating a Catholic school's civics class, and a bombshell is dropped in the murder room.
26	13	"Overkill"	Michael M. Robin	James Duff & Adam Belanoff	September 4, 2006	7.60[29]
The death of the wife of an FBI informant and the agent babysitting the couple puts Fritz in the role of peace keeper between the FBI Agent in charge and Brenda.
27	14	"Serving the King (Part 1)"[note 2]	Arvin Brown	Hunt Baldwin & John Coveny	December 4, 2006	5.44[30]
On administrative leave four months after the shoot-out in her murder room, Brenda is called upon by an old friend to solve the murder of a teenager with ties to a terrorist cell. Working covertly, can Brenda find the killer before her team is completely dismantled by Commander Taylor?
28	15	"Serving the King (Part 2)"[note 2]	Kevin Bacon	James Duff & Mike Berchem	December 4, 2006	5.44[30]
After being restored to command of the PHD, Brenda must make good her promise to find a member of the Army of Allah, who the CIA desperately wants to interrogate regarding a shipment of missing plutonium. But when it becomes apparent that the CIA has given her misleading information, has Brenda been set up? With the future of the Priority Homicide Division hanging in the balance, Brenda must figure out who she can trust before she becomes the next victim.

Season 3 (2007)

The theme for Season Three is family. The PHD has now come together as a unified division, and their stories center on how they function as a family that must cope with a budget crisis. Episodes this season explore issues of family, beginning with a tale of bigamy, and ending with two stories of family pitted against one another. The season also explores the elements of family life in America, the secrets a family keeps and the horrors a family must face. In Brenda's personal life, we meet her father for the first time along with Fritz, with some interesting results. Brenda faces a personal health crisis even as her relationship with Fritz takes a large step forward.

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	U.S. viewers (million)
29	1	"Homewrecker"[note 1]	Michael M. Robin	James Duff & Mike Berchem	June 18, 2007	8.81[31]
The squad investigates the brutal murder of a family, the only survivor being the son, who soon becomes their main suspect. But things are not always as they seem when the father's secret emerges, leading to new suspects. Meanwhile, Brenda fights against budget cuts in the LAPD.
30	2	"Grave Doubt"	Arvin Brown	John Coveny and Hunt Baldwin	June 25, 2007	6.45[32]
The body of a long-dead murder victim is uncovered along with Lt. Provenza’s business card, setting off the squad’s search for his identity and killer. When the bullet is traced to a gang weapon that had been turned into the LAPD 15 years prior, Deputy Chief Johnson is forced to contend with political activist Father Jack and the echos of past political unrest.
31	3	"Saving Face"	Michael Pressman	Adam Belanoff	July 2, 2007	7.19[33]
At a retired cop’s funeral, Lt Provenza and Lt. Flynn discover something quite unexpected in the casket along with the corpse. Meanwhile, Brenda has to deal with an irate bride whose wedding was ruined by the investigation.
32	4	"Ruby"[note 3]	Michael M. Robin	Story by: Mike Berchem Teleplay by: Steven Kane	July 9, 2007	7.41[34]
A recently released sex offender is accused of kidnapping a child, and with time running out, Det. Gabriel beats a confession out of him. Deputy Chief Johnson must deal with Gabriel's actions while gaining a legally admissible confession from the suspect, leading her to turn to Cmdr. Taylor for help.
33	5	"The Round File"	Greer Shephard	Michael Alaimo	July 16, 2007	6.85[35]
When a senior citizen appears at the precinct, claiming to have poisoned and killed six fellow senior citizens, Brenda is unconvinced by his confession. After eventually believing him, the man takes back his claim and tells Johnson that the retirement home staff are ones who are poisoning people, leading to the manager with some sinister cost-cutting strategies.
34	6	"Dumb Luck"	Elodie Keene	Duppy Demetrius	July 23, 2007	7.29[36]
A personal trainer is murdered while on a date with a married woman. Brenda suspects that her possessive husband may have hired a hitman to kill the deceased. However, the only witness to the murder is a valet parker diagnosed with OCD. Brenda and Provenza have to solve the case on their own while the rest of the squad undergo anti-terrorist training.
35	7	"Four to Eight"	Arvin Brown	Ken Martin	July 30, 2007	7.67[37]
When two members of the Catorce street gang are shot to death, Brenda and her squad must solve the murders before a gang war erupts. Meanwhile, Brenda has a personal health scare when she finally visits the doctor.
36	8	"Manhunt"	Rick Wallace	James Duff & Mike Berchem	August 6, 2007	7.53[38]
A serial killer appears to have returned when two bodies turn up dead on a Los Angeles beach. With the knowledge that he kills in sets of three, Brenda and her squad to must hunt down the killer before the third victim is taken.
37	9	"Blindsided"	Kevin Bacon	John Coveny & Hunt Baldwin	August 13, 2007	7.36[39]
In an effort to get good PR for the department, Deputy Chief Johnson takes a journalist on a ride-along. But when their car is targeted and shot at, Brenda is forced to live under 24-hour police protection, while being the key witness in the case she must solve.
38	10	"Culture Shock"	Elodie Keene	Adam Belanoff	August 20, 2007	7.72[40]
When a Chinese business woman is found dead on the tour bus she and her husband operate, Brenda and the squad must dig deep to investigate her past life. Brenda's parents reveal to the squad that Brenda and Fritz are engaged.
39	11	"Lover's Leap"[note 4]	Jesse Bochco	Steven Kane	August 27, 2007	7.78[41]
A car belonging to a Department of Homeland Security employee is found at the bottom of Mulholland Drive. Priority Homicide is brought in to uncover the details surrounding the driver's death, but the investigation leads Brenda a lot closer to home than she expected.
40	12	"'Til Death Do Us Part One"	Roger Young	Story by: James Duff Teleplay by: Michael Alaimo	September 3, 2007	8.17[42]
Deputy Chief Johnson's investigation into a famous Hollywood divorce attorney found floating in his swimming pool is under heavy scrutiny. Meanwhile, Fritz and Brenda are trying to consolidate their financial affairs, leading Brenda to discover a secret Fritz has been keeping.
41	13	"'Til Death Do Us Part Two"	Michael M. Robin	Story by: James Duff Teleplay by: Duppy Demetrius	September 10, 2007	9.21[43]
Under intense pressure, Brenda has forty-eight hours to break a new witness' alibi and get her case back on track. Meanwhile, Brenda's relationship with Fritz is in danger as she reveals she's learned Fritz' long-kept secret.
42	14	"Next of Kin, Part 1"[note 2]	Scott Ellis	Story by: Mike Berchem Teleplay by: Hunt Baldwin & John Coveny	December 3, 2007	6.05[44]
At Christmas, Brenda and Fritz struggle to find a buyer for their home. When a violent bank robbery leads Brenda's prime suspect to flee to Atlanta, Brenda and Fritz find themselves houseguests in her parents home, where Brenda finds herself torn between duty to job and family. Even more unexpected is the arrival of Flynn and Provenza!
43	15	"Next of Kin, Part 2"[note 2]	James Duff	Story by: Mike Berchem Teleplay by: Adam Belanoff & James Duff	December 3, 2007	6.05[44]
Brenda, Fritz, her parents, Flynn and Provenza, and her prime suspect hit the road back to Los Angeles in her parents' motor home. But Brenda's tactics used to gain the cooperation of her witness lead to an unforeseen outcome, shocking her parents.

Season 4 (2008–09)

The theme for Season Four is power. Brenda and the Priority Homicide Division deal with the power of the media this season, when a Los Angeles Times reporter shadows them, but with an agenda all his own. The power of the legal system, and those who both use and abuse it are explored throughout the season, as is the power that gun violence exerts on lives. On the personal front, Brenda must confront the power plays that come as she and Fritz begin planning their wedding, with a bit of help from Clay and Willie Rae Johnson.

Unlike the previous three seasons, Season Four ran for 10 summer episodes, concluding September 15, 2008, and returned in January, 2009 with five additional episodes.

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	U.S. viewers (million)
44	1	"Controlled Burn"	Michael M. Robin	James Duff & Mike Berchem	July 14, 2008	7.81[45]
Brenda and the PHD investigate a fire in Griffith Park whilst reluctantly being shadowed by LA Times reporter Ricardo Ramos. Things get complicated when a body is found in the burn zone and Ramos becomes involved in the case. At the same time, Brenda and Fritz settle into their new home, but have an unexpected, and very unwelcome visitor from Brenda's professional past – one who is connected to Brenda's current case.
45	2	"Speed Bump"	Arvin Brown	Hunt Baldwin & John Coveny	July 21, 2008	7.06[46]
When the murderer of the daughter of a wealthy producer is paroled after eight years, her mother initiate a campaign of harassment against the man, now living in a halfway house. When the man turns up dead, Priority Homicide must investigate, with the girl's parents soon their prime suspects. But is the halfway house where the man lives all it seems to be, or does it keep a secret Brenda and the team must uncover?
46	3	"Cherry Bomb"	Rick Wallace	Michael Alaimo	July 28, 2008	7.36[47]
When a young girl testifying in a sexual assault case against the son of a Sheriff's Department Commander is found hanged in her bedroom, an apparent suicide, Commander Taylor calls in Brenda's squad. The investigation uncovers the son's startling hobby known as "cherry picking".
47	4	"Live Wire"	Elodie Keene	Steven Kane	August 4, 2008	7.86[48]
A man wearing a wire as part of the investigation of a drug ring is shot to death in a downtown alley. Brenda soon discovers LA Times reporter Ramos is involved in the case and Brenda's personal and professional lives overlap when the PHD and the FBI fight over jurisdiction.
48	5	"Dial M For Provenza"	Arvin Brown	Adam Belanoff	August 11, 2008	6.42[49]
Brenda sends an unlikely homme fatale, Lt. Provenza, undercover to sting a woman (Jennifer Coolidge) attempting to murder her husband. But when the evidence from the sting is stolen and the husband is murdered, things get complicated for Flynn and Provenza. It's up to Brenda and the PHD to recover the evidence and solve the case.
49	6	"Problem Child"	Scott Ellis	Duppy Demetrius	August 18, 2008	6.44[50]
After a troubled 13-year-old adopted boy disappears, Brenda must decide whether he should be treated as a runaway or an abduction. The further into the case she goes, the more suspicious the child seems, and Brenda begins to question if the missing boy is a victim or a potential killer.
50	7	"Sudden Death"	Kevin Bacon	Hunt Baldwin & John Coveny	August 25, 2008	7.41[51]
A case becomes personal when Det. Julio Sanchez' brother is shot. Brenda finds herself caught between finding the shooter and controlling Sanchez, who appears bent on his own form of justice.
51	8	"Split Ends"	Roxann Dawson	Ken Martin & Mike Berchem	September 1, 2008	8.05[52]
Brenda and the team must investigate the movie set murder of a hairdresser. It soon appears the woman's abusive husband may be the killer, or is he? In the meantime, Brenda must deal with her parents, who are eager to begin planning her wedding.
52	9	"Tijuana Brass"	Anthony Hemingway	James Duff & Mike Berchem	September 8, 2008	7.44[53]
Two Tijuana police officers are found murdered in LA. As it becomes clear the two officers may have had ties to a drug cartel, Brenda and Priority Homicide find themselves questioning whether the two men were murdered or killed in self defense. As expected, the LA Times publishes an article attacking the Priority Homicide Division's caseload forcing Chief Pope to prepare to deploy damage control.
53	10	"Time Bomb"	Michael M. Robin	Steven Kane	September 15, 2008	7.63[54]
When a teen bomber-to-be is discovered dead, the newly renamed Major Crimes Division (MCD) becomes involved in the investigation of the bomber's intent. Political pressure mounts to call the case closed after the victim's apparent target is identified, but Brenda soon interprets a mysterious clue that leads to a murderous conspiracy putting the squad in danger as it diffuses the lethal situation.
54	11	"Good Faith"	Elodie Keene	Adam Belanoff	January 26, 2009	6.24[55]
Set at least a month after the preceding episode, Brenda and the team, including a mostly recovered Sanchez, investigate the apparent suicide of a man. Among the suspects are his cancer-stricken ex-girlfriend and his church pastor. Brenda's parents visit as Brenda and Fritz prepare for the wedding, and Brenda must confront her feelings for her father when his health is suddenly threatened.
55	12	"Junk in the Trunk"	Scott Ellis	Duppy Demetrius & Leo Geter	February 2, 2009	5.37[56]
Brenda and the team investigate the death of a plus-sized man who was found dead in a car trunk. The main suspect is his current girlfriend, who is most certainly not what she seems. Brenda and the team must deal with the girlfriend, who turns out to be an illusionist with an interest in diamonds and deadly motives of her own.
56	13	"Power of Attorney"	Rick Wallace	Michael Alaimo	February 9, 2009	5.44[57]
Brenda meets her match in Phillip Stroh, a threatening and manipulative defense attorney, whose client is accused of raping several women and murdering one. As the case unravels, it appears that the client may actually be a victim which could lead to the team losing its first case.
57	14	"Fate Line"	James Duff	Steven Kane	February 16, 2009	5.89[58]
Brenda's clairvoyant soon to be sister-in-law (Amy Sedaris) comes to town for Brenda and Fritz's wedding. She soon becomes involved as Brenda and the team may need to prevent another murder before it occurs. But will it mean danger for Brenda and the team when they come a little too close to a possible victim?
58	15	"Double Blind"	Matthew Penn	Ken Martin & Leo Geter	February 23, 2009	6.01[59]
Brenda and Fritz, both distracted by different cases, prepare for their wedding. Brenda focuses on the case as her team tries to convince her to take time, be happy, and enjoy the time she has with her new husband. Claire, Clay and Willie Ray work to make the night perfect for Brenda and Fritz. But will they make it to the wedding, or will work interfere yet again?

Season 5 (2009)

The theme for Season Five is change. Brenda must adapt to the changes that come, both as she begins a new life as a married woman, and when she loses her beloved Kitty. Also this season, the Priority Homicide Division must adjust to the loss of Det. Irene Daniels, as it settled into its new role as the Major Crimes Division (MCD). There's change in Lt. Provenza's life as well, when he becomes involved with a much-younger woman with some new ideas, much to Lt. Flynn's chagrin. Meanwhile change isn't all good for Sgt. Gabriel, who pays the price for his role in Daniels' transfer. An officer-involved shooting brings a new figure into the lives of the MCD: the formidable Capt. Sharon Raydor of Force Investigation who is not at all impressed by Chief Johnson's approach to policing. We also learn a long-held secret: Lt. Provenza's first name.

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	U.S. viewers (million)
59	1	"Products of Discovery"	Michael M. Robin	Michael Alaimo	June 8, 2009	7.14[60]
Brenda and the MCD investigate the murder of a family of four that connects them to an FBI case. The team starts to realize Provenza's weird behavior.
60	2	"Blood Money"	Rick Wallace	Steven Kane	June 15, 2009	6.47[61]
Brenda and the MCD investigate the disappearance of a financial advisor who stole millions from innocent people. In Brenda's personal life, things are difficult with a sickened Kitty.
61	3	"Red Tape"	Rick Wallace	Duppy Demetrius	June 22, 2009	6.41[62]
Sgt. Gabriel comes under investigation for shooting a homicide suspect when the facts don't add up. The internal investigation led by Captain Sharon Raydor gets in the way of the original murder investigation, leaving the entire team tied up in knots.
62	4	"Walking Back the Cat"	Steve Robin	Leo Geter	June 29, 2009	6.29[63]
Once again working with Fritz and Fritz's partner, Special Agent Jerry Moore (David Hewlett), the team helps get to the bottom of a murder which occurred amidst a drug ring investigation. Also again, Brenda finds FBI feathers ruffled by her unorthodox methods.
63	5	"Half Load"	Roxann Dawson	Ken Martin & Mike Berchem	July 6, 2009	6.05[64]
When a reformed gang member is murdered, the case takes the team back to a familiar neighborhood where they find themselves unwelcome. Brenda must figure out a way to solve what appears to have been a missed-mark murder and bring peace to an unstable community.
64	6	"Tapped Out"	Adam Arkin	Adam Belanoff	July 13, 2009	6.59[65]
When an internet dating "legend" is murdered, the team finds themselves investigating the legend'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.
65	7	"Strike Three"	Nelson McCormick	Steven Kane	July 20, 2009	6.60[66]
Brenda crosses paths again with Captain Sharon Raydor when a gunfight kills two police officers and a teenage boy. The subsequent rift comes crashing full force into the team's case involving white supremacists.
66	8	"Elysian Fields"	Nicole Kassell	Michael Alaimo	July 27, 2009	7.45[67]
When a man believed to have murdered two young women is found dead in Elysian Fields, evidence points to his victims' families. An old detective comes out of retirement to help Brenda and the team wade through the suspects to find the true killer. Brenda's worries about the Stroh case intensify as she starts having nightmares about him.
67	9	"Identity Theft"	Rick Wallace	Story by: Ken Martin Teleplay by: James Duff & Steven Kane	August 3, 2009	6.98[68]
Brenda must reopen the case of a murdered homeopathist when a man maintains that he committed the act and supplies an account of events that doesn't corroborate the actual story. Brenda is certain of a cover-up and sets out to find the truth. As the investigation heats up, Brenda gets a surprise visit from her mother and troublesome teenage niece.
68	10	"Smells Like Murder"	Michael M. Robin	Duppy Demetrius	August 10, 2009	6.95[69]
The discovery of a large container with human remains has Chief Brenda Johnson scrambling to find the killer and gets more than she bargained for. The list of suspects includes an upset ex-fiancée, a tenant-hating landlord, a bible-quoting step dad, and a too-generous best friend. With one of her team preparing for a crucial exam, Brenda decides to make the investigation like a class-room lesson. In the mean time, Charlie, Brenda’s niece, attempts an outlandish deed that may get her sent packing.
69	11	"Maternal Instincts"	David McWhirter	Leo Geter	August 17, 2009	7.31[70]
Brenda and the MCD look into a school parking lot shooting killing one and leaving another in a critical condition.
70	12	"Waivers of Extradition"	Kevin Bacon	Adam Belanoff	August 24, 2009	7.39[71]
A Texan serial killer performs his works in Los Angeles, and Brenda and the MCD work with an El Paso detective to bring him to justice. Brenda's father, Clay, comes to get Brenda's niece, Charlie, to bring her back to Atlanta.
71	13	"The Life"	Steve Robin	Hunt Baldwin & John Coveny	December 7, 2009	6.18[72]
When a 12-year-old boy is found murdered in a gang hangout, and two gang members from the same gang are murdered, Brenda and the MCD fear a gang war is about to break out. Soon, the hunt for a missing girl who may have been involved uncovers a much more painful crime, and the hard realities of multi-generational gang life. Meanwhile, Fritz has a surprise for Brenda, as does an unlikely suitor.
72	14	"Make Over"	Rick Wallace	Michael Alaimo	December 14, 2009	5.45[73]
When a forensic lab is decertified, an old case of Provenza's is re-opened. Returning to LA to lend a hand is Provenza's retired partner, George Andrews, who has made some radical changes in his life since Provenza saw him last. Complicating the investigation: the MCD must get creative when George is unable to testify, and Provenza must cope with the changes around him, and the team learning his biggest secret: his first name.
73	15	"Dead Man's Hand"	James Duff	Duppy Demetrius & Ken Martin	December 21, 2009	5.97[74]
Captain Sharon Raydor returns with a request for the Major Crimes Division. At the same time, Brenda must deal with Fritz's eccentric behavior.

Season 6 (2010–11)

The theme for Season Six is attraction.

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	U.S. viewers (million)
74	1	"The Big Bang"	Rick Wallace	James Duff & Mike Berchem	July 12, 2010	7.66[75]
The investigation into the murder of a man who loved to take pictures of star constellations from the privacy of his own balcony leads Brenda and the squad to think there may be a close connection to the woman with whom he was having an affair. A few unanticipated problems arise including a missing murder weapon and the squad's move into a new building.
75	2	"Help Wanted"	Nelson McCormick	Steven Kane	July 19, 2010	6.97[76]
Brenda and her squad must find out why a nanny disappeared and if the mayor's friends were somehow connected to the disappearance. Captain Sharon Raydor joins Brenda in the investigation, but when Brenda tries to determine the motive behind the Captain's assistance, she comes upon something she did not expect.
76	3	"In Custody"	Michael M. Robin	Michael Alaimo	July 26, 2010	6.75[77]
As the squad is busy looking into a suicide, they also get into the middle of a dispute between a dying husband and his wife who is addicted to crystal meth. Brenda learns that if Assistant Chief Pope is selected as the next Chief of Police it could lead to a promotion for her, leaving Commander Taylor to take over the MCD. Brenda must also control Sanchez' overwhelming paternal instincts leaking out over Ruben and creating mayhem in the workplace.
77	4	"Layover"	Steve Robin	Adam Belanoff	August 2, 2010	6.94[78]
When Provenza and Flynn pick up flight attendants on their way back from extraditing a prisoner, Provenza finds one of their co-workers dead in the bathtub of one of the stewardesses. Meanwhile, Brenda tells Chief Pope of her intentions to apply for the open Chief of Police position.
78	5	"Heart Attack"	Roxann Dawson	Ken Martin	August 9, 2010	7.21[79]
As the team picks up a case involving body parts of likely gang members found in plastic bags, they discover that Brenda has thrown her hat into the ring to be the next Chief of Police. Provenza and Tao worry about Sanchez' fading enthusiasm for finding Ruben's mother.
79	6	"Off the Hook"	Michael M. Robin	Duppy Demetrius	August 16, 2010	6.82[80]
When an emergency phone call to Major Crimes Division is cut short, Chief Pope decides to take over the investigation, fearing a public relations disaster. Everyone starts noticing abnormal changes to Chief Pope's behavior as his lack of tact during the investigation could remove Pope's name as a candidate for the new Chief of Police.
80	7	"Jump the Gun"	David McWhirter	Leo Geter	August 23, 2010	7.04[81]
In the aftermath of a bank robbery gone wrong, the FBI's new liaison officer to the Major Crimes Division doesn't make Brenda's life easier, though it leaves wonders if it is a sign that Brenda is in the lead to be the new Chief of Police. Chief Pope learns he is not on the short list, and begins to think that the FBI may actually be plotting against Brenda by promoting a liaison officer which may compromise her candidacy.
81	8	"War Zone"	Steve Robin	Michael Alaimo	August 30, 2010	7.61[82]
A drive-by shooting of three soldiers who had just returned from Afghanistan gets the military involved since the case has potential terrorist overtones. But Brenda doesn't react positively to heavy-handed interference with a case that, to her, is so clearly gang-related.
82	9	"Last Woman Standing"	Stacey K. Black	Steven Kane	September 6, 2010	7.92[83]
The Major Crimes Division investigates the murder of an actress who was using an online dating service, and Brenda immediately suspects a serial dater who was with the victim the night she was murdered. Meanwhile, Captain Sharon Raydor, Chief Pope and Commander Taylor encourage Brenda to rethink her decision to withdraw her candidacy for Chief of Police.
83	10	"Executive Order"	Michael M. Robin	Adam Belanoff	September 13, 2010	7.21[84]
The Major Crimes Division must stop a deranged man from detonating a massive explosive at the memorial of two murdered paramedics. Brenda is helped by Tommy Delk (Courtney B. Vance) of the Counter Terrorism Bureau, who is also on the short list for the next Chief of Police. Brenda takes extreme measures in solving the case by putting some of her colleagues at risk, as well as making an important command decision that may be the deciding factor that results in Delk becoming the new Chief.
84	11	"Old Money"	Nelson McCormick	Hunt Baldwin & John Coveny	December 6, 2010	5.82[85]
Lieutenant Flynn is attacked on the street following an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting and calls Captain Sharon Raydor for help. Brenda attempts to focus on both her case and helping Flynn, who is falsely charged with witness tampering after Captain Raydor opens an internal affairs investigation.
85	12	"High Crimes"	Nicole Kassell	Ralph Gifford & Carson Moore	December 13, 2010	5.46[86]
Chief Delk assigns MCD an armed robbery case involving several marijuana dispensaries. As the team takes over the case, the most recent robbery results in a murder. During the investigation, Brenda is pressured by both the Chief and Fritz to consider accepting an offer to take over Chief Pope's position.
86	13	"Living Proof (Part 1)"	Rick Wallace	Leo Geter	December 20, 2010	5.40[87]
The holiday spirit is felt by every member of the MCD, but just as a case is put in their hands, Brenda urges to close it to get out of Captain Raydor's hair and to let everyone be home for Christmas, as well as herself who must deal with the visit of her parents.
87	14	"Living Proof (Part 2)"	James Duff	Michael Alaimo & Steven Kane	December 27, 2010	6.51[88]
Brenda and MCD must put all the pieces together after a mistake with a DNA test reveals a secret that could be the key to solving the case. Fritz and Brenda must deal with a crime that Brenda's parents consider a top priority.
88	15	"An Ugly Game"	Sheelin Choksey	Duppy Demetrius	January 3, 2011	6.63[89]
The arrest of a crack addict exposes a questionable rehab facility and leads Brenda's squad on a race to find a missing woman; Gabriel questions Brenda's judgment; Fritz reveals some ugly truths about his past.

Season 7 (2011–12)

The theme for Season Seven is love and loss. Throughout the season, events are overshadowed by a lawsuit against Deputy Chief Johnson over the events that transpired with Turrell Baylor at the conclusion of last season's "War Zone" (Season 6, episode 8).^[90] This season is also the final season of the series before the spinoff, Major Crimes.

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	U.S. viewers (million)
89	1	"Unknown Trouble"	Nelson McCormick	Michael Alaimo	July 11, 2011	7.23[91]
Chief Delk begins to establish his hierarchy as Brenda and the LAPD are sued by Turell Baylor's family (Season 6 episode 8), while MCD investigates a rapper killed in his home along with his party guests. At a meeting announcing his changes to the department, Delk suddenly collapses and dies from a brain aneurism.
90	2	"Repeat Offender"	Steve Robin	Steven Kane	July 18, 2011	6.47[92]
The team investigates the death of a house sitter while Capt. Raydor audits MCD for Chief Delk's personnel changes, and for the civil suit as well.
91	3	"To Serve With Love"	Michael Pressman	Adam Belanoff	July 25, 2011	6.15[93]
Lieutenants Flynn and Provenza get into trouble while moonlighting as process servers when a man (Adam Arkin) dies shortly after they serve him.
92	4	"Under Control"	Rick Wallace	Duppy Demetrius	August 1, 2011	6.55[94]
The team searches for a missing boy at a camp where Lieutenant Tao's son works. Capt. Raydor continues to audit the MCD.
93	5	"Forgive Us Our Trespasses"	Roxann Dawson	Leo Geter & Jim Leonard	August 8, 2011	6.50[95]
A family works to protect their late minister's reputation from scandal. Meanwhile, most of the MCD is subpoenaed by the Baylor family's attorney, raising suspicions about the one who wasn't – Detective Gabriel.
94	6	"Home Improvement"	Sheelin Choksey	James Duff & Mike Berchem	August 15, 2011	6.73[96]
The body of a convicted sex offender turns up on a home construction site; Brenda and Fritz weigh the expense of a high priced attorney (Mark Pellegrino).
95	7	"A Family Affair"	Anthony Hemingway	Michael Alaimo	August 22, 2011	6.57[97]
The squad investigates the suspicious death of a fellow law enforcement officer's (Roxann Dawson) daughter; Capt. Raydor focuses her efforts on Detective Sanchez.
96	8	"Death Warrant"	Steve Robin	Steven Kane	August 29, 2011	6.83[98]
Brenda seeks Capt. Raydor's help in an investigation of possible police brutality; Brenda's attorney starts deposing the squad about the Baylor case.
97	9	"Star Turn"	Stacey K. Black	Leo Geter	September 5, 2011	7.17[99]
The father of a singer (Skyler Day) is found dead after being reported missing a week earlier. Brenda and the LAPD investigate whether it was an accident, suicide, or murder.
98	10	"Fresh Pursuit"	Michael M. Robin	Adam Belanoff	September 12, 2011	6.15[100]
The team investigates the murder of a deputy sheriff by a car-theft ring; in the Baylor case, the course of justice for Brenda takes a sudden turn, escalating to a federal civil suit for multiple wrongful deaths on Brenda's watch.
99	11	"Necessary Evil"	Nelson McCormick	Duppy Demetrius	November 28, 2011	5.40[101]
The shooting of a high school principal leads Brenda and her team to investigate the school's football coach. Meanwhile, Capt. Raydor tries a new approach on the Baylor family's attorney, finally confirming that there is a leak in the MCD.
100	12	"You Have the Right to Remain Jolly"	Rick Wallace	James Duff & Michael Alaimo	December 5, 2011	4.85[102]
Brenda and her team investigate the suspicious zipline death of a Kris Kringle at a Christmas village run by Santa Jack. Buzz Watson's sister catches the eye of the men in the team. Brenda finds out who actually paid her attorney's fee.
101	13	"Relative Matters"	David McWhirter	Ken Martin	December 12, 2011	5.30[103]
A man is found dead in his car shortly after he was badly beaten by a man under FBI surveillance; Brenda finds it difficult to focus on the investigation after her father gives her some bad news.
102	14	"Road Block"	Nelson McCormick	Jim Leonard	December 19, 2011	5.81[104]
A police commissioner's wife tries to cover up her DWI, which resulted in the death of a college girl.
103	15	"Silent Partner"	Arvin Brown	James Duff & Mike Berchem	December 26, 2011	6.16[105]
There is a murder related to Turell Baylor's death; Brenda seeks the help of a businessman with old ties to the neighborhood; Brenda's lawyer and the Baylor family lawyer face off over the latest murder and settlement of the Baylor case.
104	16	"Hostile Witness"	Steve Robin	Steven Kane	July 9, 2012	6.15[106]
Brenda faces her archenemy, attorney (and presumed rapist and murderer) Phillip Stroh, who's representing a rapist the MCD apprehended. When Brenda tries an unorthodox strategy to gain more time to find the rapist's partner, she incurs the wrath of the ADA and discovers how the Johnson Rule has weakened her position in the LAPD.
105	17	"Fool's Gold"	Jon Tenney	Ralph Gifford & Carson Moore	July 16, 2012	6.36[107]
Brenda's team must catch a thieving duo after they rob a jewelry store right under the noses, and red faces, of Flynn and Provenza (trying to buy back the wedding ring he gave his first ex-wife).
106	18	"Drug Fiend"	Paul McCrane	Duppy Demetrius	July 23, 2012	5.84[108]
A cancer-clinic doctor is strangled to death with an IV tube and Brenda investigates, even as she's worried about her own father's cancer. Detective Gabriel's season long girlfriend, and potential fiancée, Ann Mason is introduced.
107	19	"Last Rites"	David McWhirter	Leo Geter	July 30, 2012	5.77[109]
While Brenda's mother and ailing father visit, she and her team investigate the murder of a priest who had come to an apartment to deliver last rites.
108	20	"Armed Response"	Michael M. Robin	Steven Kane & Jim Leonard	August 6, 2012	6.00[110]
A veteran working as a security guard is shot dead in front of an abandoned house, where MCD finds evidence of sexual activity. Brenda returns from her mother's funeral and takes over the case. Capt. Raydor discovers the (unaware) source of the leak in the department.
109	21	"The Last Word"	Michael M. Robin	James Duff & Mike Berchem	August 13, 2012	9.08[111]
When a frantic 911 call (made by Rusty Beck) leads Brenda and the team to Phillip Stroh's burial grounds, she must employ extreme means to close the case. Passed over for Assistant Chief of Police in favor of Commander Taylor, suspended, nearly fired, still reprimanded despite apprehending Stroh while saving her and Rusty's lives, Brenda chooses to retire from the LAPD and take a job as Chief of the LA County District Attorney Bureau of Investigation.

Notes

1. Originally broadcast commercial free. Subsequent airings of the episode were edited to fit a one-hour slot with commercials.
2. Originally broadcast as a two-hour double episode.
3. Originally broadcast as a 75 minute extended version. Subsequent airings of the episode were edited to fit a one-hour slot with commercials.
4. Original title "Shredded."

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