“The Shield” is one of the best TV series I’ve ever watched. Well cast and expertly written it hit the ground full speed and never stopped through the finale this year. Lead by Michael Chiklas starring as the flawed and driven Vic Mackey, this is a milestone series for television.

Michael Chiklas is brilliant in his role as Vic Mackey. If this guy doesn’t receive tons of film or TV work after this then there is no justice in the world. He is one of the best actors I’ve seen on film in a long time. Chiklas is supported by a uniformly strong ensemble group of actors with standout performances by Jay Karnes, CCH Pounder, Walton Goggins and Benito Martinez. The finale of the series is not what you expect, with twists and turns throughout. It may not be what you expect in the end but it is chilling notheless.

If you haven’t seen this series rent it. It is not an easy watch as every emotion you can imagine will appear from the extremes of subject matter. If you want to see great television at its best “The Shield” ranks with the best TV series ever created.

2002-2008. Created by Shawn Ryan. Starring Michael Chiklas, CCH Pounder, Jay Karnes, Benito Martinez, Walton Goggins, Kenneth Johnson, David Rees Snell, Catherine Dent and Cathy Cahlin Ryan.

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