Andy Flynn

For the English footballer, see Andy Flynn (footballer).
Andrew Flynn
First appearance Pilot episode
Last appearance Current
Created by James Duff
Portrayed by Tony Denison
Information
Nickname(s) Andy
Gender Male
Occupation Los Angeles Police Department Detective Lieutenant I Major Crimes
Family Unknown woman (ex-wife)
Children Daughter Nicole, unnamed Son

Detective Lieutenant I Andrew Flynn is a fictional character featured on TNT's crime drama The Closer. He was created by James Duff, and is portrayed by Tony Denison. He has been featured as a main character on the show for all 6 seasons, from 2005 - present.

In-universe

Career history

Originally a member of the LAPD Robbery/Homicide Division[1] (commanded by then-Captain Taylor), he was sent to "assist" (sabotage) Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson's team by Commander Taylor.[1] Flynn was constantly antagonistic to Deputy Chief Johnson at first,[2] but after Commander Taylor blamed him for a mishandled investigation that nearly ended his career and Brenda proved his innocence, he transferred to Deputy Chief Johnson's team on a permanent basis and gained respect for her.[1][3] He was forced further into her debt due to the mishandling of another investigation (with Lt. Provenza) and was forced by Deputy Chief Johnson to repay the squad for helping keep him and Provenza out of trouble with the department.[4] In the episode Homewrecker, Flynn identifies himself in the opening crime scene video sequence as "Andrew Flynn, PHD."

Personality

An influential man, Flynn has the ability to persuade fellow detectives and officers into taking his side on political and LAPD-related matters.[1] He originally preferred to take the easy way out when it comes to solving crimes, which led to mistakes. Flynn can sometimes be disloyal and sometimes fails to keep his word. He has difficulty keeping secrets to himself, and he perpetually has a toothpick in his mouth.[1] Flynn has a fiery temper and can be protective of his coworkers and daughter, Nicole.

Personal life

After then-Captain Taylor accused him of botching an old case, Flynn began to realize that his commanding officer was not as loyal as he previously thought. Angered by Taylor's accusations, Flynn decided that he wanted to permanently join Johnson's team after she defends him in the matter.[1] Although he initially looked for ways to sabotage Dep. Chief Johnson, Flynn now has a growing respect for her, and increasingly works with her, rather than against her.[1] He is close to Lt. Provenza[1][5] (Denison and G.W. Bailey are friends in person as on-screen).[5] He was an alcoholic and a participant in Alcoholics Anonymous and is trying to make amends with his family. He has been sober for 10 years and now prefers to drink cranberry juice with soda.[1] In the episode "Dial 'M' for Provenza" he mentions that Provenza was married four times, but he - as well as his suspect in a murder-for-hire - only once.

Awards and decorations

The following are the medals and service awards fictionally worn by Lieutenant Flynn.

LAPD Liberty Award
LAPD Human Relations Medal
LAPD Police Life-Saving Medal
LAPD Police Meritorious Service Medal
LAPD 1987 Papal Visit Ribbon
LAPD 1994 Earthquake Ribbon
LAPD 1992 Civil Disturbance Ribbon

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 "TNT The Closer: Squad Profiles". Turner Networks. Archived from the original on 10 August 2008. Retrieved 2008-08-10.
  2. "Batter Up" (1-8) James Duff & Arvin Brown August 1, 2005
  3. "Fatal Retraction" (1-12) Wendy West and Roger Wolfson, Gloria Muzio August 29, 2005
  4. "To Protect & to Serve" (2-5) Adam Belanoff & Elodie Keene July 10, 2006
  5. 5.0 5.1 "Shifting tone keeps 'Closer' fans tuning in". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved 2008-07-09.

External links