The lowdown on new seasons for popular TV

The small screen's sweet 'n' sly Deputy Police Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson returns for a third season of "The Closer" (9 p.m. Mondays on TNT). And anybody who's been a fan knows Kyra Sedgwick, who plays the crafty police interrogator, applauded loudly when she (deservedly) nabbed the Golden Globe earlier this year.

But let's hope this new season finally delves into the Brenda Leigh-and-Fritz relationship. I mean, how patient and accommodating can this guy (Jon Tenney) possibly be? In the season's first episode Fritz pushes back a bit (he's insisting on a new house for the two of them). Brenda Leigh's main interest, however, is her career and her squad, which meanwhile comes under attack by a fiscal crisis: Someone needs to be laid off?!

There remain a few good men for our viewing pleasure, too, this summer, even without the masterful James Gandolfini. Denis Leary arrived last week, bringing back our favorite firefighting head case Tommy Gavin on "Rescue Me" (10 p.m. Wednesdays on FX). Note to viewers: Total shocker arriving at the end of episode three in yet one more example of how this series skillfully hopscotches from tender to intense. And its portrayal of men is winning. I would have called it the best show on TV depicting men and male camaraderie if "Entourage" didn't bounce back in recent weeks.

"Entourage," in fact, begins a new season Sunday (10 p.m. on HBO) and if you're confused well, what you had been watching (new female agent; Ari showing he has heart; Johnny Drama landing a TV show) was actually the last half of Season Three. Now begin 12 new episodes, the first two featuring Rhys Coiro as maniacal but brilliant director Billy Walsh. And well, my lineage mandates me to point out one important thing: Vince's gorgeous Colombian co-star in the Pablo Escobar flick is in fact Colombian Sofia Vergara. (Yes, such things do really matter to some.)

HBO sticks with guys in the subsequent time slot with its premiere of "Flight of the Conchords" (10:30 p.m. Sundays), a quirky, appealing comedy starring musical duo Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie set in some grungy New York City 'hood. This pair of shaggy, struggling New Zealanders became a cult favorite following live performances throughout the world and their brand of comedy — randomly breaking out into song à la music video — is a riot. A low-budget show deserving of high marks.

And finally, a new noir drama "Meadowlands" debuts at 10 p.m. Sundays on Showtime. A family of four arrives blindfolded, with a secret past, to a pretty painted Kent (England, not South King County) suburb and starts a new life. Gorgeous scenery, spot-on acting (in particular Felicity Jones as aggressive/vulnerable teen Zoe), intriguing if not puzzling plot lines. "The Riches" meets "Twin Peaks," and if you're pining for "Dexter" — it just might fit the void.

Florangela Davila: 206-464-2916 or fdavila@seattletimes.com