Rating: 
Summary: Unbeatable -- when it sticks to the drama
Review: I've been a hardcore fan of The Shield since it first aired. It is quite simply the best thing I've ever seen on TV. The writing is highly original, and doesn't lapse into TV-land cliches, but the acting is what stands out here. For all the nudity and violence, The Shield packs more honest-to-God humanity into one episode than most shows can manage during an entire run. These actors are not afraid to play the worst sides of their characters -- petty, ugly, stupid, weak, racist, sexist, ambitious, whiny, selfish, vicious, self-righteous, manipulative, dishonest -- and that makes their best moments shine all the brighter. Benito Martinez, Walton Goggins, Jay Karnes, and Michael Jace are especially brilliant in this regard.Too bad the same can't be said for Shield creator/exec. producer, Shawn Ryan. The episode commentaries reveal him to be a man obsessed with avoiding self-congratulation, and true to the Middle Eastern myth, what he fears most ends up killing him and every commentary track he's on. With numbing regularity, Ryan interrupts his colleagues' fascinating stories, comments, feelings, and insights to offer meager insights of his own. The result is never an improvement; Ryan bulldozes over many potentially honest (painfully so?) moments, especially from his actors. He needs to learn that the space between others' words is not just occasion for him to figure out what he's going to say next. For a writer (who is also, theoretically, a trained observer), this is a dangerous tendency. I hope it doesn't mar the writing of future shows or the commentary tracks on future DVDs. I can only wish that Fox would release a bonus disc with all the stories Ryan verbally erased just so he could hear himself talk.
Rating:
Summary: Props to Michael Chiklis
Review: You will not regret this DVD set because the show itself will not dissapoint you, but will keep you riveted to your seat until the end-- of every single episode... Michael Chiklis brings a raw intensity and a complicated morality to his cop character that you will never see anywhere else on television--even in the movies! After watching him, it's easy to see why he won an award for it.. The storylines are intriguing, almost shocking, but always fascinating because it will leave with many questions to ponder about in our law enforcement system. Possible downsides for some: disturbing themes/plotlines, language Advantages: unique cop show, writing, Chiklis' performance
Rating:
Summary: WOW
Review: I had always heard tv shows described as "Riveting!" After seeing this show, I knew what everyone else wished they were talking about. This is the show that redefined amazing television.
Rating:
Summary: The Shield - Unprecedented Entertainment
Review: Who ever thought that the obscure cable network channel FX would ever produce such a gritty, phenomenal, ultra-real drama as The Shield? I certainly would have never guessed it. Yet, because I work in the field of law enforcement, I decided to give FX a chance and watched the pilot for The Shield last year. I was truly blown away. This is no Law and Order, folks. This is as close to the real deal as any TV show will ever get. The acting in the show is truly amazing, and I give the writers a lot of credit for making the show credible among law enforcement circles. If you want to know what life can be like behind the protective walls of a police department, watch this show. You will certainly not be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: neither good cop or bad cop.
Review: This is, by far, the greatest television drama series to be shown to the public. At first glance, one would question the content of it, asking why it's not on HBO. Perhaps because HBO couldn't handle the intesity and depth this show displays. Every twist and turn is as smooth and memorable as the hair of an angel. "The Shield" is forever a milestone in television history. If you're human and alive, then it's highly recommended that you get your hands on this! And make sure to pump up the volume when watching!
Rating:
Summary: Its great!
Review: I would have been just happy with having the first season but having just a little more is so incredible. All the audio commentaries are great and reveals that for a group of people who do such heavy stuff they are really a fun bunch. Even the little season two teaser which is just Michael Chiklis & Shawn Ryan isn't bad either. Both behind the scenes featurisms, including the one from FX are bother excellent. My only complaint is that "The Shield" is not presented in wide screen. The deleted scenes are pretty cool to and check the after math of the child molester. Over all the audio commentaries are fairly enlightening as we learn to really appreciate the music of the show as one of the characters. So go out and buy this on DVD now because it rocks. -Jason
Rating:
Summary: Breaking barriers on and off screen
Review: I still remember seeing promotions for this show when watching repeats of The Practice on FX, months before it premiered. It really had me pysched to see it, it was shown as a tough, gritty, no holds barred cop drama like we have never seen before. The problem was the dates kept getting pushed back and I forgot about it until after the season had already started. I came in during the middle, but since then I have never left. The Shield delivers on it's promise. It is the not only the best cop drama on television, it is the best drama of ANY genre. Like Vic Mackey, The Shield pushes boundaries and sometimes breaks them, when it comes to censorship. The first season has many highlights, but for me there are a few that stick out in my memory. First is when the serial killer case is finally solved. Jay Karnes, who plays Dutch, the detective on the case, is in top form in this episode. It is an unforgettable, award worthy performance. Second is the season finale. The riots that break out are the perfect backdrop for the chaos going on in the LAPD and specifically Vic Mackey in that episode. Vic Mackey is a character that is hard to know how to feel about. On the one hand, he does many many good deeds and is all about justice. On the other hand he has committed horrendous crimes himself, even killing a cop (the Internal Affairs informant). We should despise him, yet I find it impossible to do. Michael Chiklis (many of you may recognize him from The Commish, although he has gotten in shape since then) plays Vic flawlessly. There is no fault in his performance, not in any episode. He deserved the Emmy, but it was still a surprise win. To beat out HBO's Six Feet Under AND the West Wing AND 24 is no easy task. This DVD has many extras, but the main thing for me is the commentary. It is rare to get commentary from the cast at all, but to get commentary from cast and crew on EVERY episode is amazing! Deleted scenes and outtakes are also on the DVD, as well as cast auditions which will be interesting to see. Overall this DVD is well-packed with extras and above average as TV show DVD sets go. This show is recommended for any fan of serious drama. It is never formulaic, never repetitive, never normal. It will blow you away.
Rating:
Summary: The Cop Drama Above All Others
Review: Being a cop seems pretty attractive on TV. Some of the hit shows today show cops who are really clever, tough, and sexy. Their jobs are great, only interrupted by a serial killer or two. They always catch the bad guys though, and everything turns out all right. It makes a good television fantasy, but as NYPD Blue proved, a serious, hardcore police drama can work with the viewing public. The Shield builds on the success of NYPD Blue, taking an edgy style to the limit and sporting an unbelievably talented star and supporting cast. If you want a grown up drama that does not gloss over street life in LA's worst neighborhoods, the Shield's 1st season is the first place you should turn. The Shield centers around Detective Vic Mackey, played possessively by a transformed Michael Chiklis. Mackey runs an elite Special Police Force, that specializes in high risk investigations and arrests. Based partly on the infamous LAPD Ramparts division, Mackey's unit is brutal in its efficiency and gives little heed to regulations. Mackey justifies his extreme brutality by pointing out the drop of crime in the area, once thought hopelessly crime ridden. His secret is that, through collusion with the local drugs gangs, Mackey overseas a peaceful narcotic distribution and crime operation that shies away from shootings and other violence. Mackey is good, but many are after his hide. His main foil is Captain Aceveda, a politically motivated official who considers bringing Mackey down essential to his professional future. The dynamic between the two is intense, as is Vic's discovery of skeletons in Aceveda's closet. At every turn, Aceveda stands ready to take down Vic's regime. I am sure many think that the whole show is based on Vic. He is the most engaging character of the show, but the supporting cast is a great compliment. Standouts include "Dutch", a police detective who has a lot of inner conflicts, including a lack of confidence. His development during the season is really exciting. Shane Vendrell, Mackey's right hand man, is a treat to watch, as he begins to degenerate into reckless criminality that threatens Vic directly. The other great performances are too numerous to mention, suffice to say this is, besides the Sopranos, the best cast on TV today. The writing of this show is top notch. There are only one or two sub par episodes, while most installments are just mind blowing. The first episode and the last 3 are the highlights, but good episodes abound. We meet a colorful group of criminal leaders, psychopaths, police relatives, [prostitutes], and corrupt cops that even surpass Vic. Visible throughout the whole inner city milieu is Vic, who almost never deviates from his one-man crusade to keep the neighborhood safe. I am so glad Chiklis won the Emmy, as he delivered a performance just as good as Kiefer Sutherland, on a much smaller stage. Just a great show.
Rating:
Summary: Better than anything else on TV
Review: The Shield is the only thing worth watching on TV these days. Action, drama, mystery, it just rocks. It keeps me on the edge of the my seat every time I watch it. I'm buying the first season the day it comes out.
Rating:
Summary: What 'NYPD Blue' WISHES it could be.
Review: 'The Shield' is by far the most violent, most graphic and most interestingly layered cop show on television, period. On basic cable, 'Shield' gets away with more of what 'NYPD Blue' wishes it could do, mainly ripping the censor's bellies right open and pouring salt in the wounds. That said, beneath the refreshingly un-Politically Correct premise of the show, the characters are all unique, with distinct motivations and flaws. You love and hate all the main characters at the same time, and it's great. And each episode is as fresh and intense as the last. It simply NEVER slows down. It's an adult show with adult themes, for adults to enjoy and absorb. Keep your kids away and have a fun ride!
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