When a priest is murdered, the local Catholic Church leaders insist that all of the priest's journals and papers not be turned over to the police. Pope supports this view (yes, his name begs for a pun to be made here - and it is in the show) but Brenda is, of course, livid. A question arises as to whether or not the priest was preying on young girls at the school where he taught. At the same time all of this is going on, Brenda's parents are staying with them so her father can be treated by a new doctor - and indeed her father seems to be getting better. The investigation into the murder was interesting as was the scene where the cops and the Church compromise so that they both get what they want. The show's ending was a real surprise but it made sense. This was a particularly strong episode and it is clear that the show is winding down and heading for a big finale.
4 Reviews
Best episode ?
Tony_rooke25 September 2018
Warning: Spoilers
The final scene was absolutely incredible - what outstanding acting and drama. Great direction, great writing and sensational acting by all concerned. The silent credits only added to the OMG moment. I can only wonder how hard it was to do that scene and how many takes it required - Brenda's expression and reaction was award winning stuff. Just another example of why this series was one of the best ever.
Excellent, gripping, well-done episode
amorehl-93-993382 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I'd like to reiterate all the 3 reviewers here already said. Everything was brilliantly done.
I'd add that generally I always hated any of the episodes with/against the Catholic Church (perhaps more on Major Crimes than The Closer), but this episode was spellbinding in how the episode progressed as Brenda & her team realized that things were not as they first appeared, found a way to work with the Church, and doggedly pursued the real criminal, his motives, and his crime(s).
And I've always loved how they made Chief Pope a complex character, just as in this episode, appearing like a completely self-serving jerk at the start but then, by the end, showing he still cares about Brenda and was concerned for her welfare.
But the ending's kind of a dirty trick for Brenda, since she will never know what her mother wanted to tell her. As someone who has been there for the death of both parents, there is plenty of guilt without adding that on - although it's certainly dramatic, to be sure! Still, kudos to everyone, those in front of, and behind, the camera, it was a superb episode, encompassing everything the show was throughout its run.
I'd add that generally I always hated any of the episodes with/against the Catholic Church (perhaps more on Major Crimes than The Closer), but this episode was spellbinding in how the episode progressed as Brenda & her team realized that things were not as they first appeared, found a way to work with the Church, and doggedly pursued the real criminal, his motives, and his crime(s).
And I've always loved how they made Chief Pope a complex character, just as in this episode, appearing like a completely self-serving jerk at the start but then, by the end, showing he still cares about Brenda and was concerned for her welfare.
But the ending's kind of a dirty trick for Brenda, since she will never know what her mother wanted to tell her. As someone who has been there for the death of both parents, there is plenty of guilt without adding that on - although it's certainly dramatic, to be sure! Still, kudos to everyone, those in front of, and behind, the camera, it was a superb episode, encompassing everything the show was throughout its run.
Amazing episode
thefinderofthings27 October 2018
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