Deja View: The Closer’s Mark Pellegrino 

I remember when I first heard about Mark Pellegrino‘s arc on The Closer. It was a while back but I got so excited. I’m such a fan (and you’d better be too if we’re going to stay friends) so I thought I’d take this opportunity to show some appreciation for his other work. I’ve really enjoyed seeing him spar with Kyra Sedgwick‘s Brenda Leigh Johnson, but I’ll get to that later. Let’s look at some recent shows where’s he’s made an idelible impression.

Bishop on Being Human

At the end of the day, I really feel like Bishop was all about family. He worked very hard to keep his vampire familiy together and that included bringing Sam Witwer‘s Aidan back into the fold. I wasn’t shocked by his demise – in fact, I thought it was coming and was prepared to be enraged - so I liked how it went down. And I’ve heard – SPOILER ALERT – that he’s coming back for season 2. I don’t know how many episodes, but I would assume we’ll see him in flashblacks. I’m looking forward to it.

Jacob on Lost

So I may or may not have mentioned how much I love Titus Welliver so when he and Mark Pellegrino shared the screen on Lost? Heaven. Mark Pellegrino excels at playing complex, often murky, conflicted men. For the longest time we had no idea who Jacob was or what purpose he would ultimately serve but I was so happy to be along for the ride. And, of course, Benjamin Linus had a hand in Jacob’s demise. That’s not surprising but what is is how often he gets himself killed of a show.

Lucifer on Supernatural

I’m not religious so I don’t pretend to know anything about this fallen angel but I thought his portrayal was so interesting – as satan’s vessel Nick and as Satan himself. I’ve never thought Mark Pellegrino was anything other than a great actor, but he really kind of made me root for Lucifer here. I’m just saying that’s how good he is although no one and nothing will ever make me abandon my Winchester boys.

Paul Bennett Dexter

He played Rita’s drug addicted, abusive ex-husband. This role was my first introduction to Mark Pellegrino and I hated him. It was hard to watch him trying to worm his way back into Rita’s – and his kids – good graces. I wasn’t at all sad when he died of a drug overdose. I have to say, if I wasn’t impressed with Dexter’s sense of justice before I was after that episode. I don’t believe he was ever truly reformed and I wanted to see Dexter happy. Good riddance!

Gavin Q. Baker III on The Closer

I’ve never seen Mark Pellegrino play a character quite like this so it’s been a lot of fun to watch. I love that he’s playing a gay man – so stylish – and has a history with the LAPD. I love that he’s comfortable around cops and I can’t wait to see how he is in the courtroom. He’s already prevented Brenda from inadvertently admitting liability in the Shootin Newton murders. Now, I want to see him get the case dismissed at summary judgment, just like he’s promised to do. I wonder when we’ll find out who the leak is in Brenda’s department. I hope it’s tonight. Part of me also hopes we see more of Gavin Q. Baker III. But if he’s as good as he says he is, we won’t see him again anytime soon. Pity.

The Summer Finale of The Closer aired Monday, Sept 12th at 9/8 c on TNT.