The CloserThe CloserSeason 11998 · 10 episodesEpisodes1PilotJack McLaren works at Colburn & Whitney Advertising. Jack is notorious cynic and a master at closing deals so he's nicknamed 'The Closer'. Jack's staff includes his tough talking assistant Beverly Andolini, copy writer Bruno Verma, and long-term veteran Carl ""Dobbs"" Dobson. A new accountant, Erica Hewitt, is sent from New York to work for him. However, Erica finds herself unemployed after less than 20 minutes at her new job and so does the other, thanks to Jack: in an attempt to get to handle the coast guard's advertising, Jack has played golf with the President and beaten him. The President gets them all fired, but Jack convinces another company, Cutcher & Willhaven, to hire him and give him a huge salary. He doesn't seem to care about the people he's been working with for years. Jack tries to reconcile with his estranged wife Claire but she's tired of his cynicism and hands him the divorce papers. Jack grows a conscience, buys a small, run-down factory and starts up McLaren & Associa2Morality BitesJack faces a serious moral dilemma when he takes the account, and agrees to be the spokesman, for a hamburger chain once accused of selling tainted meat.3Dobbs Takes a HolidayTroubled by Jack's insensitivity as the gang tries to land a new client, Dobbs quits--leaving the head honcho to make amends. Meanwhile, Beverly and Erica help Alex buy a dress for a formal frat party.4The ReboundJack and Claire are in the middle of the divorce process but they are treating each other very, very nice - frustrating their lawyers. Jack has what he calls a delayed reaction to the divorce and is depressed. He then bumps into Claire and her date Steve. They start arguing but somehow they end up in bed back at Jack's place. Alex is surprised but her parents insist this was the closure of their marriage. Bruno's pride is on the line when Erica isn't impressed by his copy writing for a chicken ad. The fact that Dobbs seems to prefer Erica's chicken copy makes Bruno even more jealous. Jack tries to date a girl named Connie but instead ends up in bed with Claire - again. Alex worries how the divorce is affecting Jack and brings her snowboarding coach, Christine, to the apartment the set her up with Jack. It's not a big success since Claire is there. Bruno comes with an excellent chicken copy to outclass Erica but she doesn't want the job anyway - she just wanted to be noticed. However, D5Baby, It's Cold OutsideJack and his staff try to land a new client with a group of monks who train dogs. Meanwhile, Jack tries to deny that he's on the rebound and aggressively pursues a therapist, Carrie Dover. However, the monks' secretary Susan, goes after Jack when she finds out he single and forces him to a date. Alex tries to set her dad up with her boss Grace, and Alex's strange co-worker Julie also goes after Jack. When Jack and the others are showing the campaign to the monks, all the women show up and all get angry. Jack tries to convince Carrie to still go out with him but she only agrees to be his therapist since he is obviously confused.6Honor Thy Jack7Deep GameBruno's parents come to town to celebrate his birthday — and to persuade him to join the family business.Meanwhile, Dobbs and Beverly experience unusual reactions to what they think are a potential client's herbal vitamins.8The Hand That Rocks the OfficeOriginally scheduled to air March 9, 1998.9My Best Friend's FuneralJack attempts to relinquish certain office responsibilities in order to have a more balanced life and -- more importantly -- prove to Carrie that he is ready to date again. He puts Bruno in charge of hiring the new office assistant. But in the middle of his plans, Julie suddenly shows up and she's still in love with him. To get her out of the way, Jack gets the lonely Bruno to go out with Julie. Against all odds, Bruno and Julie have great sex, and Julie convinces Bruno to hire her as the new office assistant. However, she turns out to be completely incompetent and everyone hates her.10My Best Friend's FuneralJack is put on the spot when he is asked to deliver a eulogy for a man whom he barely knew. Outside of their business relationship, Jack knows nothing of the man, but he finds that he just can't refuse the request from the man's widow.