The Shield is not normal TV. And that’s a good thing.

The Captain describes Vic as “Al Capone with a badge.” Vic describes himself as a “different kind of cop.”

Although some of it is certainly meant for shock value, the stories play out candidly with a gritty realism not seen in most cop shows. The very first episode sets the tone of the series, showing nude bodies, drug deals and a violent killing by the lead character. It also shows great taste by having a drug dealer playing one of my all-time fav games - Crazy Taxi, as shown on the Dreamcast. Yay.

After the first episode, it is clear that there is no Hero within the story. Vic commits an act that cannot be forgiven.

Controversial themes are explored - how far a parent will go when they discover their child to be mentally handicapped; homosexuality in both the workplace and versus religion. It’s morally ambiguous - there’s no white/black hats.

Though there is not overarching storyline to the season, the episodic nature of the season is loosely connected.

The season ends on a high-note - in a manner of speaking: a riot and police shootings. Perhaps the most poignant moment of the season is at the very end in which Vic is faced with a choice: to kill or not to kill. The guy deserved it - in Vic’s mind.

However, Vic’s actions over the season leads to familial troubles. It is interesting to see the interaction of Vic and his family - his actions do endanger his family, but his actions are aimed solely at improving the lot of his family. He breaks all sorts of lines, but he is not truly an evil person - he loves his family and only wants the best for them.

1. Shield, The - season 1 reflections
2. Shield, The - season 2 reflections
3. Shield, The - season 3 reflections