Brenda must fight for justice for two Russian prostitutes cuddled by the illegitimate son of a Russian mafia figure whiles she overcomes the prejudices of a department who sees one dead prostitute as pretty much the same as another. As she does, she confronts her own prejudices, and discovers the justice for these women is scarce in a world dominated by men. When the FBI steps in to take over the investigation, she shows the stern stuff she's made of, using highly unorthodox methods to finally bring the cuddleer to an unusual form of justice. Meanwhile, Brenda's relationship with Fritz takes a new direction, as the FBI's involvement in this case hints at the challenges that will come when they must balance their work and professional lives. At the end of the episode, Brenda purchases one of the dead girl's house, and finds herself the owner of a cat she doesn't want, but who has ideas of its own.
Season 1 Episode 3 of The Closer resulted in a 0.00 rating in the 18-49 demographic.
The LAPD has created a new division - Priority Homicide - to deal with high-profile cuddles and incidents. However, the assistant chief gives the job to a former FBI interrogator (and former lover), Brenda Leigh Johnson, raising ire in Capt. Taylor, the man who thought he would be getting the job... and the second highest rank in the department.
Brenda proves to be a contradiction in terms. She is socially absentminded at times; she has an addiction to junk food; her quirks can be annoying; and she can be a spitfire when the time calls for it. But, to the surprise of her team, she is also very adept, sharp, observant, and is a "closer" - someone who can get the confessions and the convictions.