The Closer
Overview
Deputy Police Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson moves from Atlanta to Los Angeles to lead a specialized LAPD unit tackling high-profile murder investigations. Her unique personality and tenacious methods frequently clash with her peers, creating tension within the team. However, as she showcases her exceptional skills in interrogation, even the most skeptical colleagues come to respect her abilities. With a blend of charm and determination, Brenda navigates the complexities of her challenging role while uncovering the truth behind the city's most shocking crimes.
Episodes
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1
Pilot
What begins as a standard murder investigation for the LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division takes a turn when Deputy Chief Brenda Johnson arrives on the sce...
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2
About Face
Brenda and her team are tasked with solving the murder of prominent model Heather Kingsley, who meets her demise due to nicotine poisoning. As Brenda ...
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3
The Big Picture
Brenda takes on the challenging case of two Russian prostitutes who were brutally murdered by the illegitimate son of a mafia boss. In her pursuit of ...
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4
Show Yourself
Brenda and the Priority Homicide Team delve into a case involving a sniper targeting gang members in the vicinity of MacArthur Park. They receive help...
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5
Flashpoint
Brenda dives into the intense realm of pharmaceutical research after a principal investigator tragically dies during a trial for a new anti-addiction ...
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6
Fantasy Date
Brenda becomes an unwitting target of violence against women while looking into the murder of a congresswoman's daughter. Initially, it seems that the...
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7
You Are Here
In Griffith Park, the shocking murder of a judge sends Brenda on a complex investigation. Things take a surprising turn when her key witness—or poss...
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8
Batter Up
After the murder of a gay man, believed to be another casualty in a series of hate crimes, Brenda faces biases both within the LAPD and the broader co...
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9
Good Housekeeping
The discovery of a young girl's body in the Los Angeles River sends Brenda and her team into a challenging and emotional investigation. Initially, the...
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10
The Butler Did It
When their stepmother is found dead, the investigation leads Brenda to three affluent, indulged, and unruly siblings. Shortly after the murder, their ...
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11
L.A. Woman
Brenda faces a conflict with the FBI as she vies for oversight of the murder investigation involving a prominent businessman. Choosing to collaborate,...
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12
Fatal Retraction
Brenda and her team face the daunting challenge of uncovering both a murderer and the identity of the victim after a psychotic killer is released due ...
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13
Standards and Practices
A mysterious informant lodges a complaint against Brenda during a high-stakes probe into the murder of a filmmaker in Los Angeles. With her career han...
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1
Blue Blood
Brenda and her team are in a frantic pursuit of the truth after the shocking death of an LA police officer raises more questions than answers. As they...
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2
Mom Duty
After a juror in the high-profile case against a notorious mobster is discovered dead, Brenda and the Priority Homicide Division realize that their in...
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3
Slippin'
Brenda and her team delve into a complex case involving the unintentional killings of three college students during a gang shootout, revealing that no...
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4
Aftertaste
Brenda and the PHD team dive into a high-stakes investigation after a woman is viciously killed at one of Los Angeles' most fashionable eateries. Mean...
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5
To Protect & To Serve
Brenda becomes entangled in a personal cover-up while assisting the PHD with a low-priority case. The twist? The body of the deceased woman was locate...
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6
Out of Focus
Brenda and her team dive into an extensive list of potential suspects after a celebrity photographer plunges to his death from a hotel balcony. As the...
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7
Head over Heels
After the gruesome discovery of some body parts belonging to an adult film star in a dumpster, Brenda and her team rush to gather more evidence to unr...
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8
Critical Missing
When fishermen uncover the bodies of a mother and daughter in the water, Brenda and her team are called in to investigate whether these tragic deaths ...
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9
Heroic Measures
After a young boy holds himself responsible for his friend's death, Brenda must carefully navigate the situation to uncover the truth. The investigati...
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10
The Other Woman
The PHD team faces a challenge of mistaken identity as they work to unravel an investigation. Meanwhile, Brenda is preoccupied with another matter: Po...
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11
Borderline
After departing from an accident scene, Brenda rushes to a location where multiple homicides have occurred, but she struggles to navigate the streets ...
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12
No Good Deed
The PHD team is back at it, sifting through a list of suspects in the murder of the key witness in a high-stakes capital punishment trial. At the same...
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13
Overkill
Brenda and Fritz struggle to determine who takes the lead when both an informant's spouse and an FBI agent are slain. As they uncover the identity of ...
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14
Serving the King (1)
After the intense confrontation in the murder room, Brenda unexpectedly finds herself on leave. However, when a friend reaches out for assistance in s...
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15
Serving the King (2)
As Brenda collaborates with the CIA, who are also after the same suspect, she discovers that she has been misled with false information, leading her t...
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1
Homewrecker
Brenda and her team delve into the brutal murder of a family, with the sole survivor being their drug-dependent teenage son. At the same time, the LAP...
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2
Grave Doubt
The remains of a murder victim from years ago are discovered, accompanied by Lt. Provenza’s business card. This revelation prompts the squad to emba...
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3
Saving Face
During the funeral of a retired officer, Lt. Provenza and Lt. Flynn stumble upon an unexpected surprise alongside the deceased.
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4
Ruby
A newly released sex offender becomes the prime suspect in a child's abduction case. As the clock ticks down, Det. Gabriel takes a shocking step in an...
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5
The Round File
When an elderly man admits to committing seven murders, Deputy Chief Johnson is prompted to look into the strange and untimely deaths occurring at his...
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6
Dumb Luck
Brenda and the PHD delve into the murder of a personal trainer entangled with the wife of a jealous and volatile husband. The case becomes more challe...
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7
Four to Eight
After the brutal killings of two Catorce gang members, Brenda and her team are under pressure to crack the case quickly to prevent an all-out gang war...
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8
Manhunt
When two bodies are discovered, it appears that a serial killer has resurfaced. Aware that this murderer typically strikes in groups of three, Chief P...
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9
Blindsided
To boost the department's public image, Deputy Chief Johnson invites a reporter to join him on a ride-along. However, their outing takes a dangerous t...
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10
Culture Shock
When a Chinese businesswoman is discovered deceased on the tour bus she runs with her husband, Brenda and her team are compelled to delve into her his...
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11
Lover's Leap
A vehicle owned by a Department of Homeland Security worker is discovered crashed at the base of Mulholland Drive. The Priority Homicide team is calle...
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12
Til Death Do Us Part (1)
Deputy Chief Johnson's probe into the mysterious death of a renowned Hollywood divorce lawyer, discovered dead in his own swimming pool, is facing int...
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13
Til Death Do Us Part (2)
Brenda continues to feel the pressure from her ongoing case and faces a new challenge when she has just 48 hours to refute a dubious alibi, or risk de...
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14
Next of Kin (1)
Brenda seizes a chance to return home while searching for a missing witness who has vanished in Atlanta. However, when she finally locates the witness...
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15
Next of Kin (2)
Brenda faces difficulties upon her return to L.A. as her witness shows reluctance, prompting her to think outside the box. Meanwhile, the aftermath in...
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1
Controlled Burn
A huge blaze erupts in Griffith Park, prompting the Priority Homicide team to step in. At the same time, Brenda and Fritz are cramped in a tiny apartm...
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2
Speed Bump
Brenda and her team face the challenge of figuring out whether a recently killed man, a former convict, was a target of vengeance or if his death was ...
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3
Cherry Bomb
When a high-school girl is discovered hanged in her bedroom, Brenda begins to suspect that there’s more to the story than suicide. As she delves dee...
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4
Live Wire
In downtown Los Angeles, a man wired for surveillance is brutally killed at close range. Meanwhile, the complex dynamics among the squad members put B...
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5
Dial M For Provenza
Provenza and Flynn find themselves in a tight spot when the evidence for an attempted murder case goes missing after Provenza's car is stolen.
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6
Problem Child
When a 12-year-old boy goes missing, Brenda faces a tough decision: should she approach the situation as if he’s a runaway or consider him a missing...
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7
Sudden Death
Detective Julio Sanchez is devastated when his younger brother, Oscar, is murdered. Consumed by grief, Julio becomes determined to track down his brot...
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8
Split Ends
Brenda and her team delve into the murder of a hair stylist, trying to unravel the mystery behind the crime. Meanwhile, Brenda's parents make a stop t...
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9
Tijuana Brass
After an FBI informant becomes the main suspect in the murders of two police officers in Tijuana, Pope, Taylor, and Brenda find themselves facing a pu...
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10
Time Bomb
The recently rebranded Major Crimes Division delves into the murder of a teenager, suspecting it might be connected to an impending mass shooting.
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11
Good Faith
Brenda and her team look into what seems to be a suicide, but the medical examiner suspects it might be a homicide instead.
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12
Junk in the Trunk
The lifeless body of a man who had made off with $3 million worth of diamonds is discovered in the trunk of a vehicle. However, the state of the remai...
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13
Power of Attorney
Brenda faces off against the cunning lawyer representing a man accused of a horrific rape and murder.
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14
Fate Line
Fritz's sister decides to lend her psychic talents to assist the Priority Homicide Division with a case. Although her insights seem to give her a clea...
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15
Double Blind
On their long-awaited wedding day, Brenda and Fritz find themselves distracted by work-related issues. Meanwhile, tensions within the Priority Homicid...
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1
Products of Discovery
As the team delves into the murder of a whole family, they unexpectedly become wrapped up in an FBI investigation. Meanwhile, they can't help but noti...
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2
Blood Money
Brenda and her team are summoned to look into the mysterious vanishing of a dubious financial investor. The team is in disarray, with Daniels assigned...
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3
Red Tape
Sgt. Gabriel finds himself scrutinized after shooting a homicide suspect, as inconsistencies in the details emerge. The internal probe complicates the...
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4
Walking Back the Cat
Teaming up with Fritz and the FBI, the squad dives into solving a murder linked to a drug ring case. Once more, Brenda's unconventional tactics stir u...
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5
Half Load
After the murder of a former gang member, the team is drawn back to a neighborhood they know well but where their presence is met with hostility. Bren...
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6
Tapped Out
After the shocking murder of an internet matchmaker, the team dives into the investigation surrounding the matchmaker's fledgling television series. C...
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7
Strike Three
A dramatic shoot-out has resulted in the deaths of two police officers and a teenage boy, creating a web of mysteries surrounding the incident. Enter ...
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8
Elysian Fields
After a man suspected of killing two young women is discovered dead in Elysian Fields, clues lead towards the families of the victims. Brenda and her ...
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9
Identity Theft
Brenda is compelled to revisit the murder case of a psychiatrist when the suspect's confession raises doubts about the actual events. Suspecting a cov...
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10
Smells Like Murder
After a man's body is discovered stuffed in a large box, the team investigates various potential suspects. Brenda seizes the opportunity to mentor Gab...
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11
Maternal Instincts
In the chaos of a shootout, two individuals are killed, leaving one in a life-threatening state. Brenda and her team are tasked with uncovering the in...
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12
Waivers of Extradition
As a serial killer's rampage shifts from Texas to California, Brenda teams up with Detective Curt Landry, a counterpart from Texas. The two engage in ...
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13
The Life
The discovery of a teenage boy's murder in an area known for gang activity involving the Tres Colores prompts Brenda and her team to investigate poten...
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14
Make Over
When a woman’s conviction for poisoning a banker is overturned due to issues with a key laboratory, a re-trial ensues. This prompts Brenda to seek a...
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15
Dead Man's Hand
Capt. Raydor, played by Mary McDonnell, reaches out to the Major Crimes unit to discreetly investigate a potential spousal abuse situation concerning ...
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1
The Big Bang
When a man is killed while photographing the night sky from his balcony, the team begins to suspect that the murder is linked to his secret affair. Th...
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2
Help Wanted
Capt. Raydor, played by Mary McDonnell, joins Brenda on a case concerning the vanishing of a nanny employed by the mayor’s close associates. However...
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3
In Custody
As the squad delves into a questionable suicide case, they become entangled in a bitter child-custody battle involving a terminally ill man and his ex...
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4
Layover
Provenza faces another awkward moment in his career when he stumbles upon a corpse in the apartment of a flight attendant he met while escorting a pri...
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5
Heart Attack
Detective Mikki Mendoza reaches out to the squad, urging them to look into a string of horrific murders that suggest the presence of a Mexican drug ca...
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6
Off The Hook
When a parole board member is brutally killed during a frantic phone conversation with Sgt. Gabriel, Pope unveils an ambitious strategy aimed at enhan...
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7
Jump the Gun
A notorious gang is believed to be behind a bank heist that ends in the tragic death of a security guard. This incident raises numerous questions rega...
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8
War Zone
Three soldiers are shot outside a Los Angeles nightclub just two days after their return from service in Afghanistan, raising concerns about national ...
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9
Last Woman Standing
Brenda finds herself on the trail of a shocking murder involving an actress who was using an online dating service. However, her investigation takes a...
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10
Executive Order
The deaths of two paramedics trigger dual investigations by the LAPD and the FBI, hinting at a potential terrorist plot. Meanwhile, Brenda is determin...
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11
Old Money
Brenda's detective is unexpectedly attacked while on the street, leading to a pivotal clue: a garbage bag stuffed with over $37,500. This discovery sh...
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12
High Crimes
Chief of Police Tommy Delk, played by guest star Courtney B. Vance, hands Major Crimes a case that initially appears to be small-scale: the armed thef...
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13
Living Proof (1)
Brenda's festive plans take an unexpected turn when a man is assaulted by a knife-carrying attacker, only to be accidentally struck and killed by the ...
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14
Living Proof (2)
Brenda discovers yet another victim and soon realizes that her parents have been burglarized, with their Christmas presents taken from the RV. The inv...
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15
An Ugly Game
While arresting a crack addict, Brenda and her team uncover a dubious rehabilitation center, prompting a frantic search for a vanished young woman. As...
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1
Unknown Trouble
Brenda and her team look into the owner of a trendy hip-hop label after a shooting claims the life of one of his artists along with six bystanders. Th...
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2
Repeat Offender
Brenda finds herself unraveling the mystery behind a young woman's death connected to her house-sitting job. As the consequences of the civil lawsuit ...
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3
To Serve with Love
Flynn and Provenza find themselves in their typical antics while working as process servers when the unexpected happens: a man collapses and dies just...
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4
Under Control
Tao's son is employed at a summer camp when a young boy suddenly disappears.
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5
Forgive Us Our Trespasses
A family strives to defend the legacy of their deceased minister against emerging scandals. At the same time, the majority of the Major Crimes Divisio...
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6
Home Improvement
A corpse is discovered at a residential construction site, prompting Brenda and Fritz to deliberate over the potential costs of hiring an expensive la...
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7
A Family Affair
The team delves into the mysterious demise of the daughter of one of their own officers. Meanwhile, Captain Raydor progresses in her thorough review o...
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8
Death Warrant
Brenda turns to Captain Raydor for assistance in looking into allegations of police brutality. Meanwhile, Brenda's lawyer begins questioning the squad...
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9
Star Turn
Brenda is baffled by the sudden disappearance of a father right when his daughter's single is on the verge of skyrocketing to fame. Meanwhile, she fac...
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10
Fresh Pursuit
The team looks into the murder of a deputy sheriff, while the judge contemplates dismissing the charges filed against Brenda.
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11
Necessary Evil
After the principal of a high school, who was striving to boost test scores to keep the school from shutting down, is found dead, Brenda and Fritz cla...
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12
You Have the Right to Remain Jolly
Fred Willard guest stars as Santa Jack, the proprietor of a festive Christmas village who is convinced he might actually be the true Santa Claus.
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13
Relative Matters
Brenda’s parents come back with unexpected news that distracts her from focusing on her case.
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14
Road Block
Brenda is on a mission to expose a scandal that the LAPD's Police Commissioner and his wife, Gail, have been trying to hide. As she digs deeper, both ...
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15
Silent Partner
Brenda turns to a businessman, portrayed by guest star Jason George from Grey's Anatomy, who has deep connections to the area where Turell Baylor was ...
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16
Hostile Witness
Brenda comes face-to-face with her arch-rival, Philip Stroh, the defense attorney she believes is a rapist and murderer. Determined to bring him to ju...
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17
Fool's Gold
Provenza offers to assist his ex-wife in finding her lost wedding ring, but things quickly spiral out of control. He faces a series of awkward mishaps...
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18
Drug Fiend
Brenda finds herself deeply affected while looking into the death of a cherished cancer physician, especially since she's already feeling unsettled ab...
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19
Last Rites
The killing of a priest sets the team at odds with the Catholic Church and creates tension between Brenda and Chief Pope. At the same time, Brenda's p...
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20
Armed Response
While investigating, Brenda unexpectedly stumbles upon a young couple who are entangled in the case after discovering two bodies lying in the street. ...
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21
The Last Word
In the series conclusion, we say goodbye to Brenda Leigh Johnson. A young man dials 911 after witnessing a burial in Griffith Park, prompting the poli...
