The Shield

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FX (ended 2008)
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Show Summary

  • Ended
The Road To Justice Is Twisted
The Shield breaks the conventional formula of the cop genre. It plays out in a tough, morally ambiguous world in which the line between good and bad is crossed every day. The series focuses on the tension between a group of corrupt but effective cops and a captain torn between bringing them down and advancing his own political ambitions. The Shield stars Michael Chiklis (The Commish) as rogue cop "Det. Vic Mackey," leader of the elite Strike Team unit, who is effective at eliminating crime but who operates under his own set of rules. Benito Martinez (Outbreak & Her Costly Affair) plays "Captain David Aceveda," the young precinct head who doesn't like Mackey's tactics and wants to bust him off the force. And the Emmy-nominated CCH Pounder (ER & Boycott), plays "Det. Claudette Wyms," a veteran detective who understands Mackey and knows how to play both sides of the fence. The show made history by becoming the first ad-supported cable series to win the 2003 Golden Globe Award for Best Drama Series. In its first season, Shawn Ryan (Writing) and Clark Johnson (Directing) received Emmy nominations, which were also firsts for basic cable in those categories. The Shield has received two TCA nominations for Outstanding Achievement in Drama. As of March 2005, the show has become the longest running series on the FX Network.moreless
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Episode Guide

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S 7 :  Ep 13 Aired 11/25/08
S 7 :  Ep 12 Aired 11/18/08
S 7 :  Ep 11 Aired 11/11/08
S 7 :  Ep 10 Aired 11/4/08
S 7 :  Ep 9 Aired 10/28/08

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Fan Reviews (222)

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  • The Best Cop Drama Ever

    10
    "Perfect"
    By efonsecajr, Jan 19, 2012
    Easily the best cop drama ever made. The characters are extremely likable and the plot never sways from it's main theme. Based on the real LAPD corruption scandal of the 1990s. The Series Finale itself is must see TV. You will not be disappointed.

  • As Good as TV Gets

    9.5
    "Superb"
    By drlowdon, Jun 09, 2011
    This show is often compared to The Wire (another fantastic show worth picking up) but other than being cop shows they really have little in common. Whereas The Wire gradually built its story and developed its characters over the course of its five seasons The Shield starts quickly and never lets up.

    That's not to say the story is lacking though and, alongside the ongoing story of Vic Mackey, many of the episodes do have individual cases that need solving. Often considered controversial during its lifespan The Shield never holds back on showing and tackling subjects that most shows fear to discuss. It is however the questionable tactics deployed by Vic Mackey and his strike team, a theme that runs throughout the course of the show, that will really have you coming back for more. It is testament to the quality of the writing and acting that most viewers will never make up their minds as to whose side they are really on. I can't recommend this show highly enough.moreless

  • The greatest tv show of all time.....and i dont say that lightly

    10
    "Perfect"
    By 1968_1999_2008, Jun 05, 2011
    What can you say about this show and Vic Mackey and his unorthodox strike team that hasnt already been said.

    I have watched alot of tv shows (sopranos, the wire, Oz etc) and the shield eclipses them all. No tv show i've seen before or since grabs you by the throat and slaps you around whilst you watch it - the shield does.

    The writing in this show is top notch bordering on genius, every episode is a story in its own right but the overriding arch story of the strike team and their past endeavours catching up with them is always going on throughout, from the unforgettable epsiode one. The characters in this show are of course wonderful and in Vic Mackey, Shane Vandrell, Dutch and Claudette you have 4 of the greatest tv characters ever created, you will be gripped and taken in by all of them.

    The other thing the shield has over its elite competitors is IMO - not only the greatest tv tale ever woven(across 7 seasons) but that is doesnt have one weak season. What i mean by that is I couldnt even seperate one season and say it was better than another, they are all equally sublime and brilliant.

    Just do yourself a favour and watch this unforgettable show.moreless

  • This show spanks the baby bottom of your favorite TV show, yatch.

    9.9
    "Superb"
    By tb_ib_mah_lahfe, May 26, 2011
    CSI is absolute garbage. I wouldn\\\'t line my birdcage with it if I could. The Wire is quality, but it is way too slow. Maybe cop work is like that, sure. I can accept that The Wire is the most realistic cop show. But when it comes to watchable television, nothing even approaches The Shield. Nothing on cable tv, nothing on pay tv, nothing before and nothing since. The new Battlestar Galactica is the only exception that I might be willing to accept. It approaches the level of excitement that The Shield delivers. But it does not match it. No, sir, it does not. How can it? The Shield is THE best show, ever. Yes, ever. Even if Mike C. did Fantastic Four (everything shot in Canada should be boycotted as union-busting slurry), and even if Mike C. believes that Osama did 9-11 (building seven), this show is la merde! The absolute SH e IT baby! It is rock and roll clown on cocaine good, ye-ye-ye-yeaaaaah! It smokes everything else in a glass pipe, sucka! It is the best, ever. EVER!__________________ THE (cotton-pickin, itsybitsyspider stomping) ENDmoreless

  • That's right, this show it's so good that I'll become an instant classic once it "sadly" ends.

    10
    "Perfect"
    By danamesplissken, Apr 23, 2011
    The most intelligent, well written, finely directed & exceptionally acted cop show so far.

    Every season gets better & one of the most important things is that they "do" follow up on every character; I mean, not only the main characters but also the supporting & recurring characters which gives the show a great pacing & a more realistic mood.

    Shooting the series on 16mm film in order 2 give it a "documentary" look was great so I'd like 2 congratulate Shawn Ryan as well as the late Scott Bazil (rip) 4 making that decision. Michael Chiklis' performance is one that every aspiring (and many "consumed") actor should watch; I mean, the truly good actor is the one that quite simply: DOESN'T ACT & Mr. Chiklis' performance is so natural that he does exactly that; so I don't know what were the "selective" people of the Golden Globes & Emmys doing when they completely ignored both Glenn Close's (season 4) & Forrest Whitaker's (seasons 5 & 6) exceptional performances but I just hope that they come 2 their senses & reward those who really deserve it as I'm certain that this next upcoming final season will the best.

    At the moment I have mixed emotions as I'm eagerly awaiting the premiere of the 7th season but I'm also sad as it will be it's last.

    I'm sure that when it goes...it'll go out with a bang !!!moreless
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The Shield Forums


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  • the shield dutch killing a cat
    hey the shield fans i was just wondering if there is someone else like me that was a big fan of dutch until he killed that cat in ...
    By disse6, May 19, 2012
    05/19/12
    1
    Reply
  • The Shield Music List
    Hey all, since these questions come up a lot, I thought we could compile a list of all the songs played in the show that we know o...
    By DocMartigan, Jan 26, 2006
    12/01/11
    186
    Reply
  • The Shield vs 24
    We already have the poll of Vic vs Jack, but which is the better television show?  To me, 24 is nothing more than a gimmick show....
    By vicisdashiat, Apr 14, 2007
    10/28/11
    53
    Reply
  • Vic vs. Shane (how they commit murder)
    Does Vic's action against Terry synonymous with Shane's action against Lem?
    By gabriel927, May 08, 2007
    07/23/11
    16
    Reply
  • Season 8
    I was disgusted by how Ryan/FX ended the show. They didn't properly finished up all stories, and pictures Vic as a monster (when h...
    By Seyss2, Sep 18, 2010
    04/11/11
    6
    Reply

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Action & Adventure, Drama

Themes

bloody and violent, cerebral, characters with hidden agendas, controversial, corruption

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