The Bottom Line
I thought this was a darkly compelling police drama. I was particularly impressed by the complex character study of rogue detective Vic Mackey created by the combination of the strong scripts and what actor Michael Chiklis does with the role.
Pros
- Strong writing and Michael Chiklis’ performance combine to create a fascinating character study
- Well-written and thought-provoking scripts
- Not heavy-handed and respects the audience's intelligence
Cons
- Extremely unnerving and very difficult to watch at times
- Explores unsettling moral ambiguities and negative aspects of human nature (could be a pro)
- Not for those who offend easily—storylines include police brutality, drugs, racism, and more
Description
- DVDs (4) of "The Shield – The Complete Second Season" television show
- Release date for DVDs: January 6, 2004
- Excellent picture and sound. Note: only disc one evaluated (partial screener received)
Guide Review - "The Shield – The Complete Second Season" DVD Review
Although I found it extremely unnerving and very difficult to watch at times, I thought this was a darkly compelling police drama. I was particularly impressed by the complex character study of rogue detective Vic Mackey created by the combination of the strong scripts and what actor Michael Chiklis does with the role. Another thing that I appreciated was this show was not heavy-handed in the way many television dramas often are. One of the most daring things about the "The Shield" is that it had the courage to trust the audience’s intelligence by not spelling out what to think or feel about the slippery moral dilemmas and ambiguities faced by the show’s characters.
