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I was raised on crime drama. I remember watching Law and Order with my mom, rooting for Stone and McCoy, Lenny and Logan. Crime drama has always held a special place in my heart, and indeed, in the world of television. TNT loves to declare that The Closer is the highest rated cable drama, and they just may be right about that. It is compelling, at turns humorous and tense.

Deputy Chief Brenda Lee Johnson, head of Priority Homicide, is a sweet sounding southern belle who packs heat and a crack wit. She may be obsessed with snacks, but she’ll break a criminal’s will without breaking a sweat – that is, until she falls ill. The first part of season one centers around Brenda’s mysterious illness, and how it affects her life. Lucky for her, the boys of priority homicide are loyal almost to a fault, and no matter what, they have her back.

The season opens with “Homewrecker”; Buzz the camera guy collects statements from everyone on a crime scene, re-introducing us to each character and their place on the crew. The season opener is powerful, introducing season-long themes like budget cuts that threaten the stability of the group. It’s startling and harsh, but in “Saving Face”, the show swings back to the comedic side when a second body pops out of a cop’s coffin at his funeral.

In “Dumb Luck”, the budget cuts come back to haunt the crew as they face WMD training. This episode brings in some of the funniest moments, and best goofs during the gag reel.

Brenda’s parents come into the show, providing what begins as humor and by the end of the season, turns into drama when Brenda is forced to recruit her parents into a murder investigation. Their reactions to her methods are shocking and harsh, yet brave in their own way. Her relationship with her parents evolve as does her romantic situation with Fritz changes for the better. A new house, a new ring – backwards and stubborn Brenda is dragging kicking and screaming, as per usual, into new phases of life.

The Closer has, from the get-go, been a powerhouse of a show. It balances so many aspects of drama with the ease of a high wire walker. Every confession is gotten with skill and dramatic flair, and no matter how funny some episodes may begin, they all end with breath-holding tension.

Included on this DVD are a few bonus features – deleted scenes, a gag reel (wonderful) and a documentary called “The Art of Interrogation”. Like the previous two DVD releases, The Closer Season Three is wonderful, watchable over and over again.

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