(S04E07) The Closer continues to get some great mileage out of the supporting cast in season four. With episodes featuring Flynn and Provenza already in the books, this week Sanchez steps to the front of the stage. The resulting story was quite a bit darker than what we saw with "Dial M For Provenza." As Sanchez dealt with the murder of his younger brother, we got to take a closer look at him than the usual episode provides.
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(S04E05) This was probably the most anticipated episode of The Closer ever, for me. I mentioned the episode in the early look at the season, and the idea of Provenza stepping into the spotlight and working undercover seemed like a can't miss. Add to that the dramatic conclusion to last week's "Live Wire" and we really seemed to have the makings of a great episode on our hands. Unfortunately, it didn't really work out that way. "Dial M For Provenza" certainly had it's moments, but overall, I'd call it hit and miss. I'll explain, after the jump..

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Here she is (opens iTunes). Just like I promised. Storm Large, the best contestant on last summer's Rock Star: Supernova, was a guest on an Oregon public radio program called Live Wire. It's a variety-type show that is recorded in front of a live audience (I attended the December taping). She sang "Beautiful", a PG-rated version of "Ladylike", and a sultry rendition of "I'll Be Home for Christmas" at the very end of the show.

That show has finally aired- it made air in Oregon just before Christmas and now Live Wire's podcast is in iTunes. Not only does Storm blow away the public radio types with her performances, she also gives an entertaining interview about being a very scary stepmom.

I just had to drop a quick note to fans of Storm Large, one of the most popular contestants on last summer's Rock Star: Supernova. I got to see her perform live last night for a public radio program here in Portland, Oregon. The radio show is called Live Wire (it records once a month at the Aladdin for you P-towners), and it's sort-of like Prairie Home Companion, but for young people. Storm Large and the Balls, who are a very big deal here in Portland, performed three songs last night for the radio program. She sang two of her originals, "Beautiful" and the uber-popular, PG-rated version of "Ladylike". She closed out the show with a very sultry version of "I'll Be Home for Christmas".

I freely admit that I'm a Johnny-come-lately fan of Storm Large, but... damn, she rocks! I saw her on Rock Star a few times last summer and the television does her no justice whatsoever. You have to see this woman perform live. Her stage presence is captivating-- probably a combination of her self confidence and her amazing voice. I felt like I was in a trance as I watched her-- she's so damn commanding. Plus, she's drop-dead gorgeous!

For Oregonians, the Live Wire featuring Storm Large airs at 8 pm on OPB on December 23rd. The radio program also has a podcast version so I'll post a link to that when it comes out during the week of Christmas.