The Closer

Chief Johnson leaves the LAPD to work for the District Attorney as an investigator and takes Sgt. David Gabriel with her.

"Looks like Love" were the first words spoken by Brenda in the series Pilot. They were also the final words spoken by Brenda in the series finale.

After the dramatic conclusion of the episode, the closing credits are shown without the usual background music.

Much ado is made over Dr. Parr not releasing the names of patients seen by the practice on the day of the murder. Ann Mason cites the federal government's Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to bolster Dr. Parr's refusal. In point of fact, HIPAA allows release of identifying information to police -- name, birth date, social security number and physical description among others -- for purposes of investigation. By claiming the patients present as suspects or material witnesses, Brenda could have done an end run around both of them with one of her patented creative truths.

We learn that Capt. Raydor married a lawyer who became a drunk and a gambler and has been separated from him for 20 years.

Clay tells us that the names of Brenda's three brothers are Jimmy, Clay Jr. and Bobby. We also find out that Jimmy lives in New York, and is in a somewhat long-term gay relationship.

Although credited, Mary McDonnell (Capt. Sharon Raydor) does not appear in this episode.

In this episode, we meet Buzzie's very attractive little sister, Casey Watson, who works as a meteorologist in Seattle. We also learn that Buzz and Casey lost their father at a very young age.

Recoleta, Argentina
Recoleta is one of the more affluent neighborhoods in the Argentinian capital city of Buenos Aires. It is a residential neighborhood located downtown and is an area of great historical and architectural interest, one of the more popular tourist destinations and the cultural center of the city.

The disappearance/death of the victim is similar to the 2009 disappearance/death of Crayon Shin-chan creator Yoshito Usui. Usui was reported missing after leaving his home to go on a hike. Then about a week later, his body was found, dead. His body was later identified by members of his family.

We find out that Buzz' real name is Francis B. Watson.

Lt. Provenza tells everyone that, not counting his five divorces, he has been sued 18 times.

During the scene in which Chief Pope is talking to Captain Raydor and Brenda about whether the case is going to FID or Major Crimes, the number of Christmas cards on the pillar behind him changes between shots.

The dress the chief wears to the interview in the last scene was purchased during an investigation in Season One's About Face.

We learn in this episode that Brenda's father Clay was an Air Force officer for 25 years and that she was born on a military base.

Chief Pope tells us he went to Stanford.

Fans of Homicide: Life on the Street no doubt recognized Det. Paul Falsone (Jon Seda) who here portrays Det. Frank Verico.

The team is shown gathering underneath a street sign of Katrina Ln.

West Katrina Lane is located just south of Griffith Park in between I-5 and the Hollywood Freeway. It is located off North Vermont Avenue about 300 feet from Los Feliz Blvd, which is the closest bus route.

In one scene, Brenda walks past the sign:

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
Ronald F. Deaton Civic Auditorium

The Deaton Auditorium is part of the new LAPD Police Administration Building complex located at 100 West First Street. It is named after Ronald Fincher Deaton, who served the city for 42 years. Ron began his career in the Department of Water & Power (DWP) in 1965 and spent the majority of his time at the Chief Legislative Analyst's office. He served as Chief Legislative Analyst for more than a decade before returning to DWP as its General Manager in 2004. He retired in December 2007.

After almost 5 whole seasons, we finally know Lt. Provenza's first name. As his ex-partner calls him "Louie", we can assume that his name is Lou Provenza.