Kyra Sedgwick in TNT's The Closer

Television networks love to seize upon on a popular show, churn out tons of knock-off versions of that show - same genre or similar premise, for example. - and then tell the viewers how these offshoots are "original" and "unique." But this time, it's in Miami...But this time, one guy in the group of friends includes a former movie actor...but this time, we'll show you what the alien looks like. Often, the network promise of original content, of a spin that makes a show stand out, ends up being broken, inadvertently maybe, but broken nonetheless. 

In the case of TNT's series The Closer,  the claim to standing out in a very crowded crime drama field is the show's main character, Deputy Chief Brenda Johnson, a CIA-trained former Atlanta PD detective who comes to the LAPD to run it's Priority Murder Squad. Johnson's known for having  knack at nailing people in the interrogation room, getting confessions. Thus the show's title. Starring Kyra Sedgwick as the Deputy Chief,  The Closer is a sharp, interesting drama with a a strong, multi-dimensional main character. The series, like Johnson herself, manages to solve crimes with a twang that sets it apart. 

With Johnson, The Closer gives viewers a main character who is at once in and out of her element. This is what she does- she catches killers, gets confessions.  She's hired by Chief Pope (JK SImmons) who is in fact her ex-lover, because she's such a talented detective. She's a woman adept at reading criminals and witnesses and figuring out the best approach to get that confession: act tough or flirtatious or bewildered or sensitive. She'll put on whatever face is required to take care of business. However, at the same time she's doing her job, Johnson's acutely aware of the fact she's not in Kansas - or Atlanta - anymore.