Ep 3. Slippin'

In "Slippin'," the third episode of The Closer's second season, Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson (Kyra Sedgwick) and her team are called in to investigate a murder with a bit of a twist. While the victim is a member of a notorious gang, the killer is not from a rival group or even a gang member at all. Instead, the suspect is a high school student named David who has an alibi for the time of the murder but also has a history of violence and is known as "Slippin'" for his tendency to suddenly snap.

As Brenda and her team dig deeper into David's life, they discover that he's been struggling with a range of issues, including poverty, a turbulent family life, and mental health problems. His mother (played by L. Scott Caldwell) has been trying to get him help but has been unsuccessful, and David has fallen through the cracks of various institutions and social services. When Brenda confronts him, he initially denies the murder but eventually breaks down and admits to the crime, revealing the reasons behind it and leading to a poignant resolution.

Meanwhile, the episode also explores the personal lives of the detectives. Detective Julio Sanchez (Raymond Cruz) is struggling with a gambling addiction and asks Brenda to help him pay off a debt, leading to some tension between the two. Detective Sergeant David Gabriel (Corey Reynolds) is dealing with a difficult family situation and has to put aside his own concerns to focus on the case. And Deputy Chief Johnson herself is dealing with a persistent toothache that she keeps putting off dealing with, adding some humorous moments to the otherwise serious episode.

"Slippin'" is a powerful episode that delves into various issues facing young people, including poverty, mental health, and the failures of social services. It also highlights the dedication and compassion of the LAPD's Priority Homicide Division and their leader, Brenda Leigh Johnson, who are committed to seeking justice and understanding the complex motivations behind crimes. With strong performances from the entire cast and a thought-provoking storyline, this episode is a standout in The Closer's already impressive run.