The Closer’ Gets Personal

By CHUCK BARNEY

“The Closer,” 9 p.m. tonight, TNT. Feminine yet forceful Brenda Leigh Johnson (Kyra Sedgwick) is back on the case as cable’s No. 1- rated drama returns for its third season. Things are getting more complicated for our dynamic cop lady, who finds herself under pressure to make do with less as budget cutbacks are forced upon her LAPD homicide unit. Meanwhile, on the personal front, her new live- in boyfriend, FBI agent Fritz Howard (Jon Tenney), is pushing hard to make things more permanent. No wonder poor Brenda is always seeking refuge in her junk-food drawer. The taut season opener airs without commercial interruption.

Tonight

“Heartland,” 10 p.m., TNT. Treat Williams (“Everwood”) returns to primetime in this new drama. He plays a brilliant organ-transplant surgeon who’s prone to risky maneuvers when lives are on the line. Naturally, he butts heads with the director of the organ-donor center (Kari Matchett), who happens to be his ex-wife.

“Age of Love,” 9 p.m., NBC (WXII, Channel 12). Is love truly ageless? Maybe this new reality series will enlighten us. Maybe not. Mark Philippoussis, a hunky 30-year-old tennis pro, is presented with a harem of beautiful women, but there’s a twist: Half the group is made up of young participants in their 20s (The Kittens). The other half consists of sophisticated 40-somethings (The Cougars). Let the cat fight begin.

TUESDAY

“Frontline,” 9 p.m. PBS (WUNL, Channel 4). The season finale, “End Game,” examines the military and political events — as well as glaring miscalculations — that have led to the current “surge” strategy in Iraq. Now strategists are left to wonder: Is it already too late?

Wednesday

“AFI’s 100 Years … 100 Movies: 10th Anniversary Edition,” 8 p.m., CBS (WFMY, Channel 2). The original countdown of outstanding films is revised, taking recent releases into account. So did “Lord of the Rings” make the cut?

Thursday

“Live From Abbey Road,” 10 p.m., Sundance. A new series that weaves together live concerts and interviews from contemporary musical artists. Each episode offers three acts, as well as insights into the music-making process. Artists include Gnarls Barkley, John Mayer, The Killers, Snow Patrol and Dave Matthews.

friday

“Stargate SG-1,” 8 p.m., Sci Fi. After 10 years of adventures in deep space, this show finally wraps up its prime-time expedition with tonight’s series finale. But fans don’t need to shed too many tears as a “Stargate” TV movie is already in the works.

saturday

“Finding Nemo,” 8 p.m., ABC (WXLV, Channel 45). We’re so looking forward to “Ratatouille,” the new animated treat from Pixar that hits theaters later this month. But in the meantime we’ve got an airing of “Finding Nemo,” Pixar’s 2003 Oscar-wining blockbuster that gave us a new appreciation for aquatic creatures and Ellen DeGeneres voice talents.

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