The show is still watchable in today's political climate
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Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — The Shield
Movie&TVSummaries — 2 years ago(May 04, 2023 09:05 PM)
Unlike other shows that show cop-aganda or have annoying political rants, it is still watchable and disturbingly fascinating much like any of the other crime shows before or after (Homicide, L&O, Sopranos, Oz, Power, Ray Donovan, even The Commish).
The creator has been rather skilled at all of his material on his other shows and was wise to allow the viewers to go on a road trip with these career criminals while also seeing how they're basically bullying each other or not realizing what psychotic actions they're about to become a part of (sometimes unwillingly).
With all the unacceptable real life actions that have happened by cops, crooked feds, soulless politicians and even vigilantes causing mayhem at otherwise peaceful protests and turning them into riots, it's neat to see that this show commentated on how easy it is for anyone with too much power to just think that the rules don't apply to them.
P.S.: It's also been neat seeing people like 24 head writer Howard Gordon and Breaking Bad lead star Bryan Cranston bring up the show as well as lead character Vic Mackey and noting how they echoed the progression of villain protagonists on these edgy yet thought provoking tv shows. -
mechajutaro — 2 years ago(September 10, 2023 10:08 AM)
We're going to have to go back in time and revisit content produced before late '15, if we want to relearn how to put together compelling stories and character. Had we known just how censorious our entire culture was going to get back in The 2000s, we would've been a lot more grateful for what we had
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preachcaleb — 1 month ago(February 23, 2026 02:56 PM)
The show definitely needs more recognition for its masterclass in story telling. It created a hostile world full of greed and corruption and still found a way to keep audiences hooked for seven seasons. Vic Mackey is one of the greatest drama protagonists of all time. I'd dare say he was better than Walter White.
So many stories, so little time. -
Movie&TVSummaries — 1 month ago(February 23, 2026 09:32 PM)
I concur; now that TV has truly changed, they focused way too much on getting a well-known actor or has been performer to play a complex role, but they don’t make sure that the script is working completely.
I will give credit for credit is due though, and say that I do applaud to help both cable, and Streaming shows (sometimes network events) we have less episodes (i.e. 8 to 13 total) and so far it truly has made a difference in reducing plot holes, filler episodes or other formula material that could possibly happen and I many are just so ungrateful for it when there’s a very clear difference, especially if you binge watch something.
The Shield and The Wire we’re definitely the first non-minister shows where I noticed it was only 13 episodes each. Vic definitely is underrated as a villain protagonist and I find them way more captivating than say Tony Soprano, who is interesting in his own right but more in just that he’s an adulturer, never apologizes for his illegal lifestyle or lies to everyone (but we the audience are shown the deception).
Vic and White are both fascinating because we never truly know the real side of them until that final confession.
There’s been similar gangster protagonists that are worthy of praise like “Ghost” St. Patrick on Power or Ray Donovan but while the show does seem to keep finding an audience, it doesn’t always make the best shows of all time and that’s just inaccurate.