The Shield: The Complete Sixth Season – DVD Review

DVD Reviews, Reviews, Top Story

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These days edgy and controversial television shows are known to be found on HBO, where lines can be crossed and television shows can go farther than any other shows in history. However, the FX Network is quickly becoming known as the “HBO of cable television.” One big reason is the firefighter drama Rescue Me, but another big reason is The Shield. The Shield has become known for its controversial portrayal of corrupt police officers and was loosely based on the true life Rampart Division police scandal. The first five seasons gained huge praise from critics and viewers alike. But is it possible that the six season, and the second-to-last one, is the climax and the best one ever?

The Shield is all about an experimental division of the Los Angeles Police Department set up in the fictional Farmington district (“the Farm”) of Los Angeles. Using a converted church (“the Barn”) as their police station, a group of detectives called the “Strike Team” are the central focus of this series. Lead by Vic Mackey (Michael Chiklis), the “Strike Team” will stop at nothing to bring their version of justice to the streets. They use a variety of illegal and unethical methods to maintain peace on the streets, while making a profit through illegal drug protection schemes and robbery.

However, at the beginning of season six everyone is still feeling the effects of losing one member of the “Strike Team”, Lem (Kenneth Johnson), at the end of season five at the hands of another member, Shane (Walter Goggins). Shane has been overcome by guilt and becomes reckless and suicidal. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Kavanaugh (Forest Whitaker) refuses to let the case die and resorts to planting evidence and coercing witnesses to lie about the “Strike Team”. Dutch Wagenbach (Jay Karnes) and Claudette Wyms (CCH Pounder) begin to suspect his integrity. Vic learns from Claudette that the Chief plans to force him into early retirement — and vows to get revenge on Lem’s killer before losing his badge. Claudette also learns that “The Barn” could be shut down if no improvements are made by the time quarterly crime statistics are released.

This season is quite different than previous seasons. After losing one of their own, we finally get a deeper look inside the heads of the main characters. It’s interesting to watch Shane trying to overcome his guilt, and Vic out for revenge searching for Lem’s killer. In addition, it’s still fascinating to watch Lieutenant Kavanaugh try to take down Vic and his partners.

Michael Chiklis is obviously excellent in his role as usual. However, the beauty of The Shield is that this is a true ensemble cast. Walter Goggins really shows his acting range this season and Forest Whitaker is arguably the best supporting character to appear on a dramatic television series in recent years. But besides them, it seems that even minor characters get their time to shine during this season. From top to bottom, the acting is tremendous once again this season.

Season six of The Shield is more like the first part of the final season of the show. This season is the climax of the series, which is saying a lot since there have been five previous seasons that were all good. The emotions that get stirred up during this season will excite fans of the show and at the same time engage new viewers as well. The Shield is just another example of an excellent edgy dramatic series that can be found on your local cable provider without paying extra for it, and season six is The Shield at its best.

Episodes:

Disc One:

Episode 1 – On the Jones
With the Barn grieving over the loss of one of their own, Vic’s out to avenge his friend’s murder, but finds himself in the crosshairs of Kavanaugh. Claudette assigns the Strike Team to investigate the torching of a methadone clinic. Meanwhile, Julien and Tina look into a robbery/assault at a porno shop, and Dutch makes a horrifying discovery in San Marcos.

Episode 2 – Baptism by Fire
Kavanaugh acquires what he needs in order to apprehend Vic who is preoccupied with getting revenge on Guardo. Claudette finds herself under the political microscope as a result of the San Marcos incident, and Danny receives some news about her future at the Barn.

Episode 3 – Back to One
Consumed by bloodlust, Vic finally gets the chance to avenge his friend’s murder, despite Shane’s pleas against it. Meanwhile, Ronnie is assigned by Claudette to help Dutch and Billings investigate a robbery homicide at a pharmacy.

Disc Two:

Episode 4 – The New Guy
Claudette gives Vic a chance to save his job if he agrees to train his potential replacement. An unsolved rape case from the past that Dutch and Claudette were working on resurfaces. Meanwhile, Aceveda meets someone that can help him further his political career.

Episode 5 – Haunts
After being badly beaten, Shane’s life spirals even more out of control as his guilt continues to eat away at him and his marriage begins to fall apart. Vic and Ronnie try to learn who was responsible for Shane’s attack. Meanwhile, under the new leadership of Kevin Hiatt, Claudette assigns the Strike Team to investigate the San Marcos murders. Dutch and Billings make progress in a serial rapist case.

Episode 6 – Chasing Ghosts
Vic redirects his attention to finding out who really killed Lem after he learns for certain that Guardo wasn’t involved. The Strike Team investigates the murder of a politician’s daughter. Later, Cassidy confronts her father about his unethical past.

Disc Three:

Episode 7 – Exiled
After Vic disowns him, Shane turns to the Armenian mob for help. Vic gets more involved with the San Marcos investigation, while Dutch and Billings are able to track down someone who survived the massacre.

Episode 8 – The Math of the Wrath
Vic learns about his true status at the Barn from Hiatt. Shane gets involved with the daughter of an Armenian mob boss. Claudette begins to question Hiatt’s loyalty.

Disc Four:

Episode 9 – Recoil
As progress is being made in the San Marcos investigation, Vic receives bad news about his career. Meanwhile, Shane and Diro become business partners as she prepares to take over the Armenian mob.

Episode 10 – Spanish Practices
Claudette notices Hiatt’s mistake when he makes an arrest, and Billings delivers shocking news to the department. Vic forms an alliance with Aceveda, while he waits for his review board hearing. Meanwhile, Shane’s life keeps spiraling out of control.

The video is given in anamorphic widescreen color with an aspect ratio of 1.78:1. The transfer is good with no major problems at all. Most FX shows look good on DVD and this one is no exception.

The audio included is in English Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo sound. The dialogue and music come out loud and clear. No major problems here either.

Audio Commentaries
There are 8 of these this season. Shawn Ryan (creator), Marie Brazil (director), and Catherine Dent (actor) comment on the “On the Jones” episode. Shawn Ryan (creator), Cathy Cahlin Ryan (actor), Jay Karnes (actor), and Scott Rosenbaum (writer/producer) comment on the “Baptism by Fire” episode. Jay Karnes (actor) and Michael Chiklis (actor) comment on the “Back To One” episode. Michael Chiklis (actor/director), Walton Goggins (actor), Executive producer Glen Mazzara, Marciano and Michael Jace on the “Haunts” episode. Shawn Ryan (creator), Walton Goggins (actor), and Frank Darabont (director) comment on the “Exiled” episode. Shawn Ryan (creator), Benito Martinez (actor), and Catherine Dent (actor) comment on the “The Math of the Wrath” episode. Jay Karnes (actor), Marciano (actor), and Guy Ferland (director) comment on the “Recoil” episode. Shawn Ryan (creator), Kevin G Cremin (line producer), Benito Martinez (actor), Cathy Cahlin Ryan (actor), Scott Rosenbaum (writer/producer) and Michael Jace (actor) comment on the “Spanish Practices” episode. There is a good mix of information and entertainment with all of these, so be sure to check these out when revisiting the series on DVD.

“Saturn’s Sons” Featurette
This runs 30 minutes and it’s basically an overview of the story lines that occurred during this season. Nice summary, but if you watch the season you don’t really need to watch this.

“Two Directors” Featurette
This runs 29 minutes and it’s all about working with two great directors, Frank Darabont and Paris Barclay. Decent enough.

“Full Circle: Franka Potente” Featurette
This runs 14 minutes and the cast and crew talking about working with the very special guest star, Franka Potente. Another “fluff” piece.

Deleted Scenes
There are 31 minutes worth of scenes that got cut from certain episodes during this season or extended from what was originally seen this season. There is some interesting things in here, but none of it is “must-watch”.

Fans of the The Shield will want to run out and buy this season. Newcomers might be lost on some of the background information, but this is not the worst way to start out with this show. It is probably the best season so far, and if you haven’t seen the show give this at least a rental.

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Sony Pictures Home Entertainment presents The Shield – Season 6. Created by Shawn Ryan. Starring Michael Chiklis, Walton Goggins, Benito Martinez, CCH Pounder, Jay Karnes, Catherine Dent, Michael Jace, Cathy Cahlin Ryan, and David Rees Snell. Running time: 498 minutes. Rated: NOT RATED. Released on DVD: August 26, 2008.
Available at Amazon.com

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