Boy there sure are a lot of prudes writing about "The Shield". This is an adult TV show folks not designed for young teens or children (and you would have thought they had figured this out by now). Fox hasn't kept the show around because of sympathy. They've kept it around because it is one of the most compelling adult shows on TV. The fact that it plays on FX and that isn't a mainstream channel allows the writers/producers/directors to tackle complex adult material that might other wise not be done for TV (unless it was Showtime or HBO). It's a cop show and there are only so many variations that can be on cop shows but Shawn Ryan manages to make "The Shield" compelling television by playing with the formula as much as possible. It's a police version of "The Sopranos" with Vic Mackey (the excellent Michael Chiklis)willing to break the law to convict criminals and also not afraid to skim their profits or take kickbacks to control the street.
The first season was designed to paint Mackey as a corrupt officer unafraid to tackle law enforcement his way. As the seasons progressed, Mackey (particularly during the fourth season)saw an opportunity to redeem himself and tried to but the skeletons in his closet continue to rattle away. I'm perplexed by those here who feel the show was "hyped" (sure it was...it's called getting the viewers to tune in), disappointed (maybe they should follow the show for more than three or four episodes)and horrified (this isn't a Network TV show folks--it's a cutting edge drama that continues to create complex characters and watches them suffer for their sins). Clearly I'm watching a different show than they did. I heard all the hype and was impressed with the top notch writing, direction and performances.
I do wish that Glenn Close's character had been kept around longer but she only signed for the one season. Her character was a strong no-nonsense officer that had risen through the ranks to Captain and found Mackey both an important member of her team as well as a rogue officer that needed to be reined in. Forrest Whitaker has also done a terrific job as the IAD agent out for Mackey's blood at any cost. The heroes and villains of the show often cross over from one role to the other.
It's a gritty series that doesn't shy away from adult content, language, situations and presents some of the most morally complex characters on television. Kudos to Ryan and his crew for moving ahead inspite of the misguided criticism seen (often)here. I'm looking forward to the changes in season seven (which will reportedly be the last season)and looking forward to the continued excellent work by CCH Pounder, Michael Chiklis and the rest of the cast and crew.
The first season was designed to paint Mackey as a corrupt officer unafraid to tackle law enforcement his way. As the seasons progressed, Mackey (particularly during the fourth season)saw an opportunity to redeem himself and tried to but the skeletons in his closet continue to rattle away. I'm perplexed by those here who feel the show was "hyped" (sure it was...it's called getting the viewers to tune in), disappointed (maybe they should follow the show for more than three or four episodes)and horrified (this isn't a Network TV show folks--it's a cutting edge drama that continues to create complex characters and watches them suffer for their sins). Clearly I'm watching a different show than they did. I heard all the hype and was impressed with the top notch writing, direction and performances.
I do wish that Glenn Close's character had been kept around longer but she only signed for the one season. Her character was a strong no-nonsense officer that had risen through the ranks to Captain and found Mackey both an important member of her team as well as a rogue officer that needed to be reined in. Forrest Whitaker has also done a terrific job as the IAD agent out for Mackey's blood at any cost. The heroes and villains of the show often cross over from one role to the other.
It's a gritty series that doesn't shy away from adult content, language, situations and presents some of the most morally complex characters on television. Kudos to Ryan and his crew for moving ahead inspite of the misguided criticism seen (often)here. I'm looking forward to the changes in season seven (which will reportedly be the last season)and looking forward to the continued excellent work by CCH Pounder, Michael Chiklis and the rest of the cast and crew.