There are so many forensics shows (including various locales) but I am not a big fan. Saw Law & Order through various detectives, but stopped watching regularly about half-way through or so. Saw NCIS recently -- a basic cable station aired it back-to-back (etc.) and it was an okay time waster, though a tad boring. And, back in the day, I saw a few episodes of The Closer, maybe, but never go into it. In the midst of its seventh, and last season (so it says), that changed. It's my new thing.
It's a fun show. Kyra Sedgwick plays a Georgia girl brought by a former flame (and assistant chief) to "close" tough cases for the LAPD. Turns out she was CIA trained (tidbit I caught when watching the First Season on DVD) and all, so she's wicked talented, though her people skills leave something to be desired. This causes various problems in the department, though her team is on her side by the end of S1. She is willing to break the rules (which is coming back to haunt her in the current story arc) to close those cases, such as leave people in harm's way. In S1, she tricks a seventeen year old rapist/murderer (well, accident) to confess to his crimes against a Mexican national in a police station down there, his parents helping him to escape and him having no incentive to come back to the U.S. Better than a few times when her actions led to the death of the murderers in question.
She is also something of a nut -- she has an emotional side, a candy fetish and keeps mixing up the gender of her cat (turns out to be pregnant, but she likes him/her as a boy). The cats bring in some amusing stuff, plus a touching episode or two. Not a big one for appearance, favoring serviceable clothing (including sweaters) and bright red lipstick. Hooks up again with a FBI agent she had worked with in the past, who conveniently seems to be connected to every other case she handles somehow. They marry in the Fourth Season (the other one I have seen). Well acted with generally good story lines. Good opening with a distinctive beat. The continual theme of recording interviews etc. is good standard practice.
Good cast. Some familiar faces, including G.W. Bailey, who I first saw in a motor pool in Korea. Gina Ravera left after the 4th Season, apparently not having much to do, though the role of another woman detective among a bunch of men (and only female semi-regular) was later filled by Mary McDonnell. The supporting cast is key to enjoyable episode television, including various quirks and charms, and this one provides the goods. This includes each having a certain role, including the technical nerd and the young somewhat uptight assistant, old cynical vet and so forth. Some good guest stars, including -- look at that -- that is one of the assistants from Beakman's World!
Crime and overall drama ... The Closer does the trick. Oh well, about time for the second that does it for me, Body of Proof, also having various familiar faces.