Mike Tao is a fictional character portrayed by Michael Paul Chan in the TV series The Closer.
In the first episode they appeared in, titled Pilot (season 1), they were 54 years old.
They appear in 107 episodes out of a total of 109 aired and have accumulated 614 positive votes.
The character of Mike Tao is mainly associated with Brenda Leigh Johnson, Louie Provenza and Russell Taylor.
Episodes107
Pilot
episode S1.E1 june 2005Brenda Johnson arrives in L.A. where she faces resentment from her peers and squad during her first investigation - a woman beaten to death, whose suspected murderer has disappeared along with all evidence of his existence.
About Face
episode S1.E2 june 2005Amidst meddling by Captain Taylor (who plants one of his staff on her team), Brenda looks into the murder of a movie star's wife.
The Big Picture
episode S1.E3 june 2005Brenda's investigation into the murder of a teenage prostitute puts her in the FBI's headlights, and in a possible conflict with Fritz.
Show Yourself
episode S1.E4 july 2005Brenda forms an alliance with a man while searching for a sniper, but her trust is put to the test when he manipulates and out-maneuvers her, causing a gang backlash.
Flashpoint
episode S1.E5 july 2005Brenda's investigation into the murder of a psychiatrist and the drug trial he was conducting is disrupted when Pope leaks confidential information that Flynn uses against her.
Fantasy Date
episode S1.E6 july 2005Brenda works to solve the rape and murder of a congresswoman's daughter.
You Are Here
episode S1.E7 july 2005Priority Homicide investigates the murder of a judge, and Brenda must bond with his autistic son to find the killer.
Batter Up
episode S1.E8 august 2005Brenda is asked to prove a hate crime, but Taylor's interference may finally be enough to ruin the case.
Good Housekeeping
episode S1.E9 august 2005Brenda's investigation into the rape and murder of a young girl begins to affect her emotions, and in order to close the case she makes an unlikely deal.
The Butler Did It
episode S1.E10 august 2005Brenda tangles with a meddling deputy D.A. as she investigates a butler's possible murder made to appear as suicide.
L.A. Woman
episode S1.E11 august 2005The investigation of the murder of a Middle Eastern businessman and his bodyguard is complicated by the FBI who believe the case to be related to terrorism.
Fatal Retraction
episode S1.E12 august 2005Brenda is asked to help keep a criminal imprisoned when the woman he was convicted of murdering shows up recently dead, and her actions alienate everyone. Meanwhile, Captain Taylor makes a fateful decision about supporting one of his men.
Standards and Practices
episode S1.E13 september 2005Captain Taylor makes his move against Brenda, meaning she must juggle concerns of an I.A. investigation with solving the murder of a famous producer.
Blue Blood
episode S2.E1 june 2006Brenda investigates the murder of an off-duty L.A.P.D. officer, and Fritz pressures her for a decision.
Mom Duty
episode S2.E2 june 2006When a juror dies during a mob boss trial, Brenda has to finesse her way to questioning the remaining jurors. Meanwhile, an unannounced visit put her plans with Fritz on hold.
Slippin'
episode S2.E3 june 2006The murder of two USC students in an apparent gang shooting that leaves another in the hospital has Brenda juggling responsibilities for entertaining her mother and solving the case.
To Protect & to Serve
episode S2.E5 july 2006When Flynn and Provenza put sky box tickets over duty, the repercussions could bring the unit down.
Out of Focus
episode S2.E6 july 2006Brenda investigates the apparent suicide of a "stalkerazzo," and Fritz receives a disturbing phone call.
Head Over Heels
episode S2.E7 july 2006Brenda's investigation into the murder of a porn star who was subsequently dismembered brings up emotions that may or may not be related to the case.
Critical Missing
episode S2.E8 july 2006The discovery of two bodies, a Japanese woman and her daughter in an apparent murder/suicide, puts the team on the trail of a possible multiple murderer.
Heroic Measures
episode S2.E9 august 2006An 8-year-old boy dies and his distraught friend blames himself for his death. As the grieving mother casts blame on the doctors, the detectives look into her as the responsible party.
The Other Woman
episode S2.E10 august 2006The death of a meth-head has Brenda looking at the Narcotics division, and a deposition may reveal a deeply held secret.
No Good Deed
episode S2.E12 august 2006The shooting of a witness may free a murderer, and as the team investigates the involvement of a Catholic school's Civics class, a bombshell is dropped in the "murder room."
Overkill
episode S2.E13 september 2006The death of an FBI informant's wife and an agent puts Fritz in the role of peacekeeper between the FBI Special Agent in charge and Brenda.
Serving the King: Part 1
episode S2.E14 december 2006Brenda, on paid administrative leave after the station shooting, is bored from inactivity. Salvation in the form of a covert ops assignment may be more than she bargained for, even if it means regaining her team.
Serving the King: Part 2
episode S2.E15 december 2006Although Brenda has extorted her team back, the consequences may prove deadly as she probes deeper into a young man's death.
Homewrecker
episode S3.E1 june 2007When a father, mother and daughter are found stabbed to death in their home, the surviving son is found cowering in the attic, high and claiming innocence.
Grave Doubts
episode S3.E2 june 2007The discovery of a body at a building site dating back to the L.A. Riots puts Brenda on a collision course with a priest, a politician, and one of her team.
Saving Face
episode S3.E3 july 2007Brenda becomes the most downloaded video on YouTube after being assaulted by a bride whose wedding she's stopped due to a corpse falling out of a casket.
Ruby
episode S3.E4 july 2007When a little girl is abducted, Sergeant Gabriel steps over a line for results, jeopardizing the case and his career.
The Round File
episode S3.E5 july 2007Brenda finds herself investigating the goings on at a retirement facility when a man confesses to seven murders and refuses to give his name.
Dumb Luck
episode S3.E6 july 2007Brenda, while ill and with most of her team forced into WMD training, has to solve a murder with just Provenza.
Four to Eight
episode S3.E7 july 2007A suspected gang retaliation double murder takes a different turn, and Brenda continues to feel ill.
Manhunt
episode S3.E8 august 2007Brenda seeks a serial killer who murders in groupings of three, brands the feet of his tortured victims and dumps the bodies along the Pacific Coast Highway, a sadist who has resumed after an eight-year hiatus.
Blindsided
episode S3.E9 august 2007A reporter dies while Brenda helps him profile the LAPD, but Pope bars her from participating in the case until the department psychiatrist clears her for duty. At home, she and Fritz await her parents for a visit.
Culture Shock
episode S3.E10 august 2007Brenda leaves Fritz in charge of her visiting parents while she investigates the death of a Chinese tour bus guide, much to Fritz' and her parents' irritation.
Lovers Leap
episode S3.E11 august 2007A relentless Homeland Security auditor is found dead, but it wasn't the car crash that killed her. Fresh from surgery, Brenda is on the case but soon contracts a case of poison oak.
Til Death Do Us Part: Part I
episode S3.E12 september 2007The murder of a prominent divorce attorney goes to trial despite evidence that isn't as iron-clad as Priority Homicide normally produces (in the main, no confession).
Til Death Do Us Part: Part II
episode S3.E13 september 2007When an alibi, previously thought fictitious, turns up to derail Prosecutor Garnett's efforts in the Shafer trial, Brenda discovers a second house that provides the motive.
Next of Kin: Part 1
episode S3.E14 december 2007Brenda tracks a robbery-homicide suspect back to Atlanta, Georgia, where her parents resent being lead to believe she's returned home to visit them for Christmas.
Next of Kin: Part 2
episode S3.E15 december 2007Brenda, her parents, Fritz, Wesley, Flynn and Provenza begin a cross-country RV trip to return her suspect to LA. Along the way, she administers one of her blackest lies.
Controlled Burn
episode S4.E1 july 2008Brenda investigates the murder of a woman and the wild fire she was found in, complicated by the reappearance of Bill Croelick who is either the likeliest suspect or the best resource she'll ever have to find the killer.
Speed Bump
episode S4.E2 july 2008The team investigates the hit-and-run death of one of Flynn's old cases, and Brenda works on her political skills when it turns out the case may lead to a Hollywood director and his wife.
Cherry Bomb
episode S4.E3 july 2008A girl is dead. At Commander Taylor's entreaty, Brenda steps beyond her purview to bring a high school rapist protected by his intimidating policeman father to justice.
Live Wire
episode S4.E4 august 2008A murdered man wearing a wire is discovered in an alley. Once he's identified, his ties to an FBI drug case put Brenda in conflict with Fritz.
Dial M for Provenza
episode S4.E5 august 2008Carjackers compromise Priority Homicide's successful murder-for-hire sting operation when they make off with Lt. Provenza's car, containing all the compiled evidence.
Problem Child
episode S4.E6 august 2008A 13-year-old boy goes missing, and the more Brenda's team looks into it, the more they can't find anyone who wouldn't want him dead.
Sudden Death
episode S4.E7 august 2008Det. Julio Sanchez' little brother Oscar is shot and killed, leaving Julio beside himself with grief and seeking his killer any way he can, which threatens the investigation.
Split Ends
episode S4.E8 september 2008A movie studio hair-stylist is found beaten to death, making her physically abusive, soon-to-be-divorced husband the prime suspect.
Tijuana Brass
episode S4.E9 september 2008Brenda takes on the Catholic church and the obnoxious Ricardo Ramos as the team investigates the deaths of two Mexican policeman while facing the possible end of the Priority Homicide unit.
Time Bomb
episode S4.E10 september 2008Brenda and her newly christened Major Crimes Division investigate the victim of a crude pipe bomb that exploded too soon, a case that leads them to disaffected teens with a plot that will make one of the team a deadly target.
Good Faith
episode S4.E11 january 2009Dr. Morales calls in a favor when he believes a suicide is murder, interfering with Brenda planning her wedding with her parents.
Junk in the Trunk
episode S4.E12 february 2009Brenda's personal day is ruined when the body of an obese jewel thief is found in the trunk of his car, without the diamonds he stole.
Power of Attorney
episode S4.E13 february 2009Brenda and her team match wits with a sex offender's lawyer in a case involving murder and a serial rapist, and when Deputy DA Garnett forces an unpalatable plea bargain, no one is prepared for the result.
Fate Line
episode S4.E14 february 2009Fritz' sister, a newly-discovered 'intuitionist', assists Brenda and her team with a case that involves text messages that imply a murder and a suicide that isn't what it seems.
Double Blind
episode S4.E15 february 2009Brenda and Fritz both deal with cases on the day before their wedding; Provenza puts his foot down, resulting in a resignation.
Products of Discovery
episode S5.E1 june 2009Four family members are killed in their home - innocent victims in an attempted execution of a trial witness, all because the killer went to the wrong address.
Blood Money
episode S5.E2 june 2009Brenda and her team step into the delicate kidnapping case of a real estate mogul accused of fraud, which is complicated by frozen assets, an FBI case, obnoxious relatives, and a victim who may not be victimized.
Red Tape
episode S5.E3 june 2009When Sergeant Gabriel wounds an unarmed suspect, Brenda finds herself at odds with the FID Captain - a woman who is as single-minded and as intense as she is - jockeying for position and Gabriel's career.
Walking Back the Cat
episode S5.E4 june 2009Special agent Howard asks Brenda for Major Crimes' help in finding a "missing person;" however, when that person turns out to be a murdered drug dealer-turned FBI informant, the sparks begin to fly.
Half Load
episode S5.E5 july 2009A reformed former convict is shot and killed outside a community center in gang territory. The team tries to solve the crime while Brenda tries to assure a public that has grown wary and skeptical of police cooperation.
Tapped Out
episode S5.E6 july 2009Brenda deals with a psychotic wannabe detective who holds the keys to her case involving the murder of a pick-up artist. Unfortunately, he also holds her evidence and Chief Pope's career in his delusional hands.
Strike Three
episode S5.E7 july 2009Two officers are shot and killed in the line of duty; however, Captain Raydor's internal investigation could jeopardize Major Crimes' chances of finding the killers.
Elysian Fields
episode S5.E8 july 2009Brenda works with a retired detective on a case involving an accused killer who is murdered, but they clash because Brenda wants to find the killer's killer while the detective is more concerned about closure for the killer's victims.
Identity Theft
episode S5.E9 august 2009When a confessed killer gets an important detail of the murder wrong during his allocution, Brenda suspects that he may be covering for his schizophrenic son. Meanwhile, Brenda gets a visit from her mother and teenage niece.
Smells Like Murder
episode S5.E10 august 2009A cooler containing a body over three years dead comes to Major Crimes, leading Brenda to consider four hostile suspects. Meanwhile, Brenda's niece outstays her welcome with Brenda and Fritz.
Maternal Instincts
episode S5.E11 august 2009Brenda uses her niece Charlie without her knowledge to uncover a motive after a schoolyard shooter kills one teenager and leaves another seriously wounded.
Waivers of Extradition
episode S5.E12 august 2009Texas authorities help Major Crimes catch a serial killer, but will Brenda allow the killer to be extradited to Texas to face the death penalty? Meanwhile back at home, she must decide whether Charlie can stay and live with Fritz and her.
The Life
episode S5.E13 december 2009When the younger brother of a gang leader and two other gang members are killed, Major Crimes suspects that they are victims in a gang war; however, when a stolen ATM card is recovered at the scene of the crime, a new motive emerges.
Make Over
episode S5.E14 december 2009Major Crimes runs into a problem when it is forced to reopen an old murder case and discovers that the detective who closed it (Provenza's ex-partner) had a sex change and is now a woman.
Dead Man's Hand
episode S5.E15 december 2009Tension between Captain Raydor and Major Crimes escalates as Chief Pope asks Brenda to discretely investigate the abuse of one of Raydor's detectives. Meanwhile, Fritz has news that could change his and Brenda's life together.
The Big Bang
episode S6.E1 july 2010While Major Crimes struggles to get comfortable in their new, state-of-the-art surroundings, Brenda investigates the murder of a contractor who was having an affair with the wife of one of his clients.
Help Wanted
episode S6.E2 july 2010Brenda's case involving a murdered Hispanic nanny escalates into a serial rapist investigation, but why is Captain Raydor shadowing her in this case and scrutinizing her every move?
In Custody
episode S6.E3 july 2010As Brenda contemplates applying for the promotion, her case involving the possible suicide of a drug addict becomes complicated when she uncovers a custody battle between the victim and a dying father.
Layover
episode S6.E4 august 2010Flynn and Provenza's double date with a pair of flight attendants gets Major Crimes caught in the middle of a pair of murders connected to drug trafficking, after Provenza finds a dead body in the woman's apartment.
Heart Attack
episode S6.E5 august 2010Major Crimes takes a homicide that appears to be a Mexican cartel murder, but they soon discover a possible alternative motive. Meanwhile, Provenza questions whether Sanchez is actively searching for Ruben's mother.
Off the Hook
episode S6.E6 august 2010The tension between Brenda and chief Pope comes to a head when he takes over her case involving the murder of a California Parole Board commissioner.
Jump the Gun
episode S6.E7 august 2010While Major Crimes tries to identify a team of bank robbers, Fritz is named FBI liaison for the LAPD, and chief Pope and Brenda find out who's on the short list for police chief.
War Zone
episode S6.E8 august 2010In order to satisfy military authorities after three Army Rangers are killed outside a nightclub, Brenda is forced to make an immunity deal with a gang member who is the twin brother of one of the victims, which backfires badly.
Last Woman Standing
episode S6.E9 september 2010While Major Crimes tracks down a man suspected of murdering a woman he met on an Internet dating website, Brenda begins to get cold feet before her final interview for police chief.
Executive Order
episode S6.E10 september 2010While Brenda awaits the mayor's final decision for police chief, Pope forces her to work with one of her competitors on a case involving a man who murdered a pair of paramedics and may hold a grudge against first responders.
Old Money
episode S6.E11 december 2010Brenda tries to prove that a man from one of Det. Flynn's old convictions hired a man from prison to have him killed, and bribed a witness to recant her testimony to have his appeal granted.
High Crimes
episode S6.E12 december 2010The new LAPD chief assigns Major Crimes a case involving a string of armed robberies at medical marijuana dispensaries, and gives Brenda an opportunity to replace Chief Pope in the near future.
Living Proof: Part One
episode S6.E13 december 2010An apparent Albanian blood feud puts the kibosh on everyone's Christmas getaway plans, all but for Brenda, whose parents have come to announce that they're moving to Los Angeles.
Living Proof: Part Two
episode S6.E14 december 2010The investigation into the Albanian blood feud uncovers a surprising secret about the identities of one of the family members, and somebody breaks into Brenda's parents' RV.
An Ugly Game
episode S6.E15 january 2011Will Brenda's pity for an unlikely crackhead found on skid row cloud her judgment in a murder investigation?
Unknown Trouble
episode S7.E1 july 2011While the team investigates a massacre that included an up and coming rapper, Delk begins a major restructuring at Major Crimes, including a surprising new boss for Brenda.
Repeat Offender
episode S7.E2 july 2011Pope becomes interim chief after Delk's death, but he doesn't cancel Raydor's investigation into Brenda. Meanwhile, Major Crimes tackles a case involving a house sitter who was killed while the family who hired her was on vacation.
To Serve with Love
episode S7.E3 july 2011To make some easy money on the side by serving a convicted embezzler, Flynn, Provenza and Buzz get in trouble when their actions result in the death of a man hired to be his impostor.
Under Control
episode S7.E4 august 2011The death of a young boy hits close to home for Lieutenant Tao, and Brenda continues to duck Raydor's investigation.
Forgive Us Our Trespasses
episode S7.E5 august 2011While Major Crimes tackles a case involving the death of a cross-dressing minister, the entire team is served in the Terrell Baylor case - except for Gabriel.
Home Improvement
episode S7.E6 august 2011While Major Crimes tries to figure out who killed a registered sex offender and buried him under a retaining wall, Brenda tries to find a way to pay for her new high-priced defense attorney.
A Family Affair
episode S7.E7 august 2011An escort appears to have died from an overdose, but her mother, a Phoenix police officer, insists it's not true. Meanwhile, Raydor's continuing investigation makes Brenda comes to terms with a shocking reality.
Death Warrant
episode S7.E8 august 2011While Major Crimes tries to stop a hit ordered from prison by a Mexican drug cartel, Brenda's attorney begins the uncomfortable task of find the leak in the department.
Star Turn
episode S7.E9 september 2011While Major Crimes investigates the death of an aspiring teenage pop star's father, Brenda contemplates whether to accept what appears to be a generous offer to settle her case.
Fresh Pursuit
episode S7.E10 september 2011Brenda's attorney's efforts at requesting a summary judgment in her case are interrupted when the team is called out to investigate the murder of a deputy sheriff.
Necessary Evil
episode S7.E11 november 2011As Brenda suspects a good Samaritan high school coach of murdering his new principal to cover instances of pedophilia, Captain Raydor catches Pope off guard with the surprise announcement of her retirement.
You Have the Right to Remain Jolly
episode S7.E12 december 2011A Christmas village Santa is killed in a zip-line accident, and the village's other Santa comes under suspicion. Meanwhile, Brenda's lawyer informs her that his retainer has run out and she needs to pay him $25,000.
Relative Matters
episode S7.E13 december 2011Brenda and Fritz butt heads when the FBI appears to sabotage her murder investigation because her main suspect is under their surveillance, and Brenda's parents come to town for the holidays with some bad news.
Road Block
episode S7.E14 december 2011The police commissioner's wife tries to claim that her car was stolen to cover up for her drunken vehicular homicide, but Brenda sees right through her lies.
Silent Partner
episode S7.E15 december 2011When Major Crimes finds Peter Goldman's card on a murdered witness to Turell Baylor's death, new questions and suspects emerge in the Baylor case that could ultimately prove Brenda's innocence in the federal suit against her.
Hostile Witness
episode S7.E16 july 2012Brenda is willing to go to extreme lengths to prove that a sleazy defense attorney from her past is actually his client's accomplice in a rape/murder case.
Fool's Gold
episode S7.E17 july 2012Flynn and Provenza fail to detect a robbery-homicide in progress at a cash-for-gold store, leading to a messy and awkward investigation for Major Crimes.
Drug Fiend
episode S7.E18 july 2012The murder of a doctor who treats cancer patients hits close to home for Brenda and gets her in hot water with Pope.
Last Rites
episode S7.E19 july 2012Brenda gets in more trouble with Pope when the Catholic Church stonewalls her investigation into a priest's murder. Meanwhile she also faces pressure at home caring for her sick father.
Armed Response
episode S7.E20 august 2012While Brenda returns early after her mother's death to help Major Crimes solve the murder of a security guard, Raydor uncovers the leak in the department from Brenda's Turell Baylor case.
The Last Word
episode S7.E21 august 2012Brenda puts her career on the line to prove that Philip Stroh is guilty of murder, even though she has no hard evidence or smoking gun.
- Pilot
- About Face
- The Big Picture
- Show Yourself
- Flashpoint
- Fantasy Date
- You Are Here
- Batter Up
- Good Housekeeping
- The Butler Did It
- L.A. Woman
- Fatal Retraction
- Standards and Practices
- Blue Blood
- Mom Duty
- Slippin'
- To Protect & to Serve
- Out of Focus
- Head Over Heels
- Critical Missing
- Heroic Measures
- The Other Woman
- No Good Deed
- Overkill
- Serving the King: Part 1
- Serving the King: Part 2
- Homewrecker
- Grave Doubts
- Saving Face
- Ruby
- The Round File
- Dumb Luck
- Four to Eight
- Manhunt
- Blindsided
- Culture Shock
- Lovers Leap
- Til Death Do Us Part: Part I
- Til Death Do Us Part: Part II
- Next of Kin: Part 1
- Next of Kin: Part 2
- Controlled Burn
- Speed Bump
- Cherry Bomb
- Live Wire
- Dial M for Provenza
- Problem Child
- Sudden Death
- Split Ends
- Tijuana Brass
- Time Bomb
- Good Faith
- Junk in the Trunk
- Power of Attorney
- Fate Line
- Double Blind
- Products of Discovery
- Blood Money
- Red Tape
- Walking Back the Cat
- Half Load
- Tapped Out
- Strike Three
- Elysian Fields
- Identity Theft
- Smells Like Murder
- Maternal Instincts
- Waivers of Extradition
- The Life
- Make Over
- Dead Man's Hand
- The Big Bang
- Help Wanted
- In Custody
- Layover
- Heart Attack
- Off the Hook
- Jump the Gun
- War Zone
- Last Woman Standing
- Executive Order
- Old Money
- High Crimes
- Living Proof: Part One
- Living Proof: Part Two
- An Ugly Game
- Unknown Trouble
- Repeat Offender
- To Serve with Love
- Under Control
- Forgive Us Our Trespasses
- Home Improvement
- A Family Affair
- Death Warrant
- Star Turn
- Fresh Pursuit
- Necessary Evil
- You Have the Right to Remain Jolly
- Relative Matters
- Road Block
- Silent Partner
- Hostile Witness
- Fool's Gold
- Drug Fiend
- Last Rites
- Armed Response
- The Last Word
Best moments10
- Fritz' sister, a newly-discovered 'intuitionist', assists Brenda and her team with a case that involves text messages that imply a murder and a suicide that isn't what it seems.
- The death of a young boy hits close to home for Lieutenant Tao, and Brenda continues to duck Raydor's investigation.
- Brenda, while ill and with most of her team forced into WMD training, has to solve a murder with just Provenza.
- Brenda investigates the murder of an off-duty L.A.P.D. officer, and Fritz pressures her for a decision.
- While Major Crimes struggles to get comfortable in their new, state-of-the-art surroundings, Brenda investigates the murder of a contractor who was having an affair with the wife of one of his clients.
- The discovery of two bodies, a Japanese woman and her daughter in an apparent murder/suicide, puts the team on the trail of a possible multiple murderer.
- Brenda leaves Fritz in charge of her visiting parents while she investigates the death of a Chinese tour bus guide, much to Fritz' and her parents' irritation.
- The new LAPD chief assigns Major Crimes a case involving a string of armed robberies at medical marijuana dispensaries, and gives Brenda an opportunity to replace Chief Pope in the near future.
- An 8-year-old boy dies and his distraught friend blames himself for his death. As the grieving mother casts blame on the doctors, the detectives look into her as the responsible party.
- When a confessed killer gets an important detail of the murder wrong during his allocution, Brenda suspects that he may be covering for his schizophrenic son. Meanwhile, Brenda gets a visit from her mother and teenage niece.
- Fate Line
- Under Control
- Dumb Luck
- Blue Blood
- The Big Bang
- Critical Missing
- Culture Shock
- High Crimes
- Heroic Measures
- Identity Theft