Ep 5. The Round File

The Closer is a crime drama series that centers on Brenda Leigh Johnson, a Deputy Chief of the LAPD who heads the Priority Homicide Division, a special unit that handles high-profile murder cases. Throughout the series, Brenda uses her keen investigative skills and unconventional methods to solve complex cases while managing the politics, personalities, and controversies within the LAPD.

In the season 3 episode 5 titled "The Round File," Brenda and her team investigate the murder of a high-profile defense attorney named Martin Garwater. Garwater was shot and killed in his office building's parking garage, and the only witness is his young female associate who was with him at the time of the shooting. While Brenda and her team initially suspect Garwater's high-profile clients may have been involved in his murder, they soon uncover a web of deceit, betrayal, and greed that leads them to a surprising suspect.

As Brenda leads the investigation, she finds herself at odds with the victim's wife, Sandra Garwater, who is more concerned about protecting her husband's reputation than finding his killer. Meanwhile, Brenda's personal life also becomes a source of tension as she deals with the aftermath of her mother's death and struggles to balance her job with her relationship with FBI Agent Fritz Howard.

Throughout the episode, the tension builds as Brenda and her team race against the clock to solve the case before the killer strikes again. As they follow leads and gather evidence, they encounter a colorful cast of characters, including Garwater's arrogant former law partner, a shady nightclub owner, and a gun-toting security guard with a questionable past.

The episode culminates in a series of tense confrontations and surprising twists that keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Brenda's unique approach to crime-solving, which often involves reading suspects' body language and using her Southern charm to disarm them, is in full force in this episode, showcasing the character's intelligence, tenacity, and strength under pressure.

Overall, "The Round File" is an entertaining and suspenseful episode that keeps viewers guessing until the end. It showcases the strengths of The Closer as a series that balances complex character development with engaging crime stories, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.