We're back! Five more episodes of "The Closer" to air this year. It doesn't seem possible that it's almost 2012!

I'm writing this blog on Saturday, November 26, 2011. Just two days before we go back on the air for episode 711. Today, at 10:02 am EST, the Atlas V rocket with Mars Science Laboratory (a.k.a. Curiosity) encapsulated in its payload successfully launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Base. If anyone is a space geek like me and would like to see the video of the launch, here is the URL:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QCNsKricls&feature=player_embedded

What does this have to do with the most current episode of "The Closer" you may ask? Well, nothing! However, the day after we wrapped this episode, was GW Bailey's birthday, and in his honor we had a HUGE party. Oh wait… there were actually TWO reasons for the big party. GW's birthday, AND the celebration of the upcoming 100th episode of The Closer! That's right.

We girls celebrated by eating, drinking, and wearing black dresses. It was a requirement.

Even Greg LaVoi got in on the black clad madness.

Here I am with Makeup Artist and owner/operator of BathBar, Kristina Vogel.

As you can tell it was a great time!

But now, back to the actual show we were celebrating. This was one of my favorite kinds of episodes, because it was directed by the extremely talented and foxy Nelson McCormick.

When I last spoke to Nelson about this particular ep, he had some really interesting and cool ideas for the editing. I can't wait to see it myself!

While we were shooting this dark and moody episode, we had to prep for the next one, which is just the way it's done. However, next week's features a jolly man in a red suit, and lots of Flynn, Provenza and Buzz. Tonally, quite different from urban school teachers and coaches trying to make a difference with at-risk students.

That's The Closer for ya. We'll break your heart, make you laugh, but always, hopefully, make you think.

See you next week!

Stacey has been burnin' hair on Hollywood TV and Film sets since 1996. She is a two-time Emmy nominee for her work on "GLEE." Her other credits include the feature films "THE STEPFATHER," "RUNNING WITH SCISSORS," "THE MINUS MAN," and TV Series "NIP/TUCK," "JAKE IN PROGRESS," "THE D.A.," "EZ STREETS," "PROVIDENCE," "CSI:NY," "TOTAL SECURITY," and of course, TNT's "THE CLOSER," where she is enjoying Season 7 as the Department Head Hair Stylist. Stacey also made the jump to Director last season, on the episode "Last Woman Standing," and took the reigns on her second episode,"Star Turn," this season. She also enjoys making music and movies. And grilled sweet potato salad.


The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer/speaker and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Turner Entertainment Networks, Inc.