Cast: · Kyra Sedgwick · Mary McDonnell · J.K. Simmons Grade: A

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Remember the episode "War Zone?" You know that ending couldn't happen without repercussions, right? Well, those chickens come home to roost in the final season opener, "Unknown Trouble," which finds the fragile friendship between Brenda Leigh Johnson (Kyra Sedgwick) and Internal Affairs Captain Sharon Raydor (Mary McDonnell) stretched thin as Brenda is forced to face the music.

Speaking of music, the case being investigated in this episode is the murder of an up-and-coming rap star. The opening scene is masterfully crafted, with the hip-hop music video overpowering the scene and the activities of the crime scene investigation -- including Brenda's walk-in -- timed perfectly to the rhythm. The editors had to be having fun with this one, and it really hooks the viewer in, artistically.

The case has all the trappings of a gang killing. However, Detective David Gabriel (Corey Reynolds) believes otherwise, having known some of the victims' families, and he's determined not to have the boys' families humiliated by letting the public think their sons were involved with a gang. Lieutenant Andy Flynn (Tony Denison) believes otherwise, based on circumstantial evidence and stereotypical experience. All this has to be dealt with while Brenda simultaneously juggles a full-on Internal Affairs investigation and some heavy duty shakeups in the department's organizational structure. And when one of her prime suspects turns out to be on the FBI's watchlist (for entirely different reasons), she finds herself pitted even against her husband (John Tenney).

"Unknown Trouble" is a completely engrossing episode of The Closer, from its unique opening sequence through watching Brenda repeat some costly mistakes right up through the heart-stopping cliffhanger ending. The writers have seriously stepped up their game for this season, and if this episode is any indication it's going to be one wild ride through to the finale. You cannot miss this one.

The Closer, "Unknown Trouble" premieres Monday, July 11 at 9pm|8pm CT on TNT.