Detective Lt. Provenza

Infobox character
name = Provenza


first = Pilot Episode
last =
gender = male
occupation = LAPD Detective Lieutenant
family =
children =
portrayer = G. W. Bailey
creator = James Duff

Detective Lieutenant Provenza is a fictional character featured on TNT's crime drama "The Closer". He has been featured on the show for all 4 seasons, from 2005 - present. He was created by James Duff, and is portrayed by G. W. Bailey

In the "Closer" universe

Provenza is a Lieutenant II on the Los Angeles Police Department. A veteran of the Robbery/Homicide unit, he was selected to join the Priority Homicide division. Initially, Provenza had no greater love for Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson than any of the rest of the unit, but has slowly grown into a paternal figure among the squad members.

Character history

Provenza is an LAPD old-timer, who has been on the force for several decades. A seasoned veteran of the Robbery/Homicide unit, he was selected to join the elite Priority Homicide Squad. Lt. Provenza was injured during a shooting incident in the murder room in the second season. He and Deputy Chief Johnson were both on leave following the incident. He and Lt. Andy Flynn have a close, albeit sometimes caustic, friendship. After four divorces, Provenza apparently has several children -- he complains about paying a lot of child support.

Characteristics

An old-school detective, he seems to enjoy sitting back and watching what is going on around him with amusement. He also seems to enjoy watching Brenda during an interrogation. Was instrumental in rallying the squad when Brenda was in trouble with the ethics board. Has recently been left in her debt due to a foul-up he had with Lt. Flynn and was forced by Brenda to pay off the squad for helping keep him and Flynn out of the fire. He was forced into retirement after a shootout incident at the murder room but was later reinstated when Brenda made a deal with the CIA to secretly investigate the murder of an Arab teenager. Lt. Provenza helped Brenda greatly in this investigation.

An old-school detective, Lt. Provenza has seen it all, and he knows how to work a case. He's tough as nails--a self-professed SOB and proud of it. The class clown of the team, Provenza always has a witty one-liner ready. However, Provenza has a soft side buried beneath his hard exterior. He reveals small glimpses of it as he slowly warms up to Dep. Chief Johnson and begins to show her more respect. Their relationship has further improved since the shooting incident in the murder room.

Chauvinistic and politically incorrect, Provenza's been forced to attend sensitivity training for his inappropriate behavior and remarks. Sometimes he has a hard time accepting new or different methods for conducting interrogations and solving cases. He resists practically any type of change and resents being bossed around by a younger female Deputy Chief. But above all else, he absolutely hates it when anyone sits on his desk. [ [http://www.tnt.tv/series/closer/squadprofiles/ The Closer squad profile] ]

References