Andy Flynn (The Closer)
| Andrew Flynn | |
|---|---|
| First appearance | Pilot episode |
| Last appearance | Current |
| Created by | James Duff |
| Portrayed by | Tony Denison |
| Information | |
| Nickname(s) | Andy |
| Gender | Male |
| Occupation |
LAPD Lieutenant, Major Crimes Former Detective Robbery/Homicide Division |
| Title | Detective Lieutenant I |
| Family | Unknown woman (ex-wife), Captain Sharon Raydor (in a romantic relationship) |
| 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 portrayed by Tony Denison. Andy has been featured as a main character on the show for all seven seasons (2005-12).
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 originally antagonistic to Deputy Chief Johnson;[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 (Priority Homicide Division)." In the Major Crimes episode "Risk Assessment", Flynn tells Rusty Beck he became a cop because he was nearly arrested for stealing a motorcycle and decided he'd rather put criminals behind bars than end up there himself. He later tells Provenza in "Chain Reaction" that he thinks about retiring everyday, but has given too much to the job to do it, namely a good relationship with his children and his faith in most of humanity.
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. When in trouble, he often tries to talk his way out of it by asking and answering a series of rhetorical questions which inevitably make things worse. 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 has been married four times, but he has been married only twice. During the 7 seasons of "The Closer" both Flynn and Provenza remained unmarried. Flynn has an adult daughter named Nicole from whom he is estranged. Flynn initially refused to go to her wedding when she wanted both him and her step-father who Flynn hates to walk her down the aisle. However, Captain Sharon Raydor convinced him to go and he took her as his date. Since then, he seems to have developed a closer relationship with Nicole with her even visiting him once for a while.
While Flynn initially had a rocky relationship with Captain Sharon Raydor, the two became close friends and he took her to his daughter's wedding and the Nutcracker. However, the two maintained they were just friends to his daughter Nicole despite Rusty Beck pointing out just how often they have dinner. Flynn and Raydor seemed surprised by this and Raydor asked Rusty about it and he told her they're "not dating" several times a month. In Snitch, Flynn decides to ask Raydor out on a proper date, which she accepts. They are now in a romantic relationship.
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 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "TNT The Closer: Squad Profiles". Turner Networks. Archived from the original on 10 August 2008. Retrieved 2008-08-10.
- ↑ "Batter Up" (1-8) James Duff & Arvin Brown August 1, 2005
- ↑ "Fatal Retraction" (1-12) Wendy West and Roger Wolfson, Gloria Muzio August 29, 2005
- ↑ "To Protect & to Serve" (2-5) Adam Belanoff & Elodie Keene July 10, 2006
- 1 2 "Shifting tone keeps 'Closer' fans tuning in". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved 2008-07-09.