A Night of Unshakably Dynamic Women: Saving Grace and The Closer on July 28th

You ask me if I’m saved, but what’s it to ya? - Everlast, Saving Grace Theme Song

Monday, July 28th brings us a new episode of TNT’s Saving Grace and The Closer. Thanks to TNT, I was granted the privilege of seeing both of the episodes in advance. I loved them both, and I’m going to share some spoilers with you.

A Little Hometown Love is the new Saving Grace episode (airs at 10 p.m.). The gist: Grace and Ham are fooling around in a bathroom stall when they discover that a murder has just taken place. The murder of Ed Ligardi, their evidence supervisor. Amy Madigan guest-stars as Gretchen Ligardi, Ed’s wife.

The episode starts off with Grace and Earl perfecting the art of balancing spoons on their noses. Holly Hunter brings such a vibrancy to this character that you can’t help but lover her. The show juxtaposes the odd and hilarious with the deep and intense. Which is just how life seems to be. Look forward to an odd surge of singing from Hunter. I’ll give you one hint to better enjoy the episode: really, really pay attention to the beginning and everything that happens. And for those of you who wonder if Leon Cooley will have a presence - oh yes. He does in a big way.

“You’re every bit the bitch I heard you were.” - The Closer, Cherry Bomb

Cherry Bomb is the new The Closer episode (airs at 9 p.m.). The gist: Twisted sexual games at a private school end up in a series of rapes and a suicide that Brenda believes was actually a murder. Watching this episode I was struck by how ballsy and STRONG the character of Brenda is. You’ll hear another character feel obligated to tell her, “You’re every bit the bitch I heard you were.” Kyra Sedgwick is powerful as this character who is sweet but never loses her sense of mighty determination or loud command for respect.

This episode is undeniably compelling. When TNT says they know drama, an episode like this really makes you go ‘oh yea, hmm… I guess you really, really do.’ There is drama like wh0a. Cherry Bomb will greatly resonate with teenagers and the parents of teens. Then again, I found myself feeling very invested in the episode, and I don’t apply to either of those categories. All you need is a nice sense of justice in your bones.

Two more Quoteables for Cherry Bomb:

“I worry when a suspect has extra alibis” - Brenda (Said comically)

“Are you telling me there’s more than one investigation involving my son?” - L.A. Dept. Commander
“Ask him how many investigations there oughta be and I’ll see how close we are.” - Brenda

The episode title reminds me of the awesome Spoon song You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb from their album Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. Wanna hear it? Of course you do.