Phil’s Quick Capsule Review:
The Shield is arguably in my top two TV shows of all time.  From Michael Chiklis’ uncompromising central performance to Shawn Ryan’s on-point writing and show running to it’s gritty handheld photography… The Shield was unlike anything else on TV in the early 2000’s.  Even The Sopranos was far more polished & glossy in its execution.  Over 88 episodes the show took in subjects from abuse, racism, betrayal and child sex rings as it dug unto the underbelly of both crime and the law in downtown LA without compromise and without shying away.  Even 10 years on from when Vic walked away from his Strike Team the show has lost none of its power.  This is a show that starts with Vic killing a fellow cop and and ends with him turning on his friends.  Truly essential.

Best Bit: Lem & the grenade

Buy, Stream, Avoid: Buy

If You Liked this Try: The Sopranos, Battlestar Galactica, The Wire