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From Amazon.co.uk
With the addition of Glenn Close to its already excellent cast, The Shield entered its fourth season with tensions high and tempers flaring. Aceveda (Benito Martinez) has gained political clout on the City Council, and former Farmington district officer Monica Rawling (Close) is introduced as the new Captain of "the Barn," where she immediately confronts a maelstrom of personal and professional turmoil. His strike team now splintered, Mackey (Michael Chiklis) has returned to routine detective duty, while Shane (Walton Goggins) and new partner "Army" Renta (Michael Peña) are neck-deep in trouble with Farmington's "untouchable" drug-lord, Antwon Mitchell, a new villain played to perfection by actor/comedian Anthony Anderson. This seemingly traitorous predicament places Shane at further odds with former strike-teammates Mackie, Lemon (Kenneth Johnson) and Ronnie (David Rees Snell), and while Wyms (CCH Pounder) resents Rawling's promotion, the "Dutch" (Jay Karnes) makes a selfish backroom deal that causes further friction with Wyms and Mackey. Tensions are intensified by Rawling's aggressive seizure of homes and property paid for with drug money -- an effective campaign that forces "Danny" (Catherine Dent) and Julien (Michael Jace) and the entire police force to take sides in a hotly divisive civil rights debate that culminates in the murder of two Farmington cops.
Although some critics felt Close was too refined for a series as gritty as The Shield, she quickly found her place in the show's tight ensemble, earning an Emmy nomination (along with Pounder) and giving Mackey a formidable boss who earns his respect. And while Aceveda wrestles with psychosexual demons resulting from his humiliation in season 3, the high-stakes threat of Antwon Mitchell embroils the Barn in a cauldron of mistrust and political upheaval. More than any previous season, this 13-episode story arc is character-based and internally driven by clashing agendas. Sub-plots run the gamut of neighborhood killings and gang-banger conflict, but as always The Shield also finds room for plenty of mordant wit and tension-relieving sarcasm. Like all previous Shield DVDs, this four-disc set includes informative episode commentaries from the entire cast (including Close) engaged in revealing discussions of their creative process with creator Shawn Ryan and several primary writers and directors. Best of all, the "Under the Skin" documentary is a way-above-average, 60-minute survey of The Shield's day-to-day production, offering plenty of behind-the-scenes footage and eloquent insight about the challenge of maintaining high-quality drama during a fast-paced guerilla production schedule. It's essential viewing for Shield fans and anyone considering a career in television. --Jeff Shannon
Product Description
The complete fourth season of the tough-talking US cop show set in inner city Los Angeles. Episodes comprise: 'The Cure', 'Grave', 'Bang', 'Dog House', 'Tar Baby', 'Insurgents', 'Hurt', 'Cut Throat', 'String Theory', 'Back in the Hole', 'A Thousand Deaths', 'Judas Priest' and 'Ain't That a Shame'.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I think season 4 and season 3 aswell just falls short of the first two great seasons. The big talking point in this series is the inclusion of Glenn Close who plays the new captain and also the new villain played by Anthony Anderson. The plotline in season 4 is just a little bit boring for me. Anothony Andersons role in the series was enjoyable but I feel it played out too long and drawn out just to keep Anderosn in the show till the end. At the begining I didn't really get/like the Captain Rawlings(Close) character but I have to say I began to like her especially towards the end.
I miss the good old days when the strike team were knocking down doors and doing their dirty business but there is very little of that now. This season the strike team are not together anymore and without them the show doesn't feel the same as before.
Anyway, I still think the season was very good. I actually loved the Glenn Close and Anthony Anderson character and the whole storyline with Shane and a lot more but I dont want to spoil it for you. I think my review comes out more negative than anything else because Im comparing this to seasons 1 and 2 which were far superior in my view. Dont let my negatives put you off this as it is one of the most unique TV shows ever made. From my understanding this is just the beginning of the best were gonna see from the show, the way the season ended and also from what I hear about season 5, it seems its gonna be back to its best.
Oh yeah, this season 4 and season 3 better be released here in Europe, we're suffering out here.
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By M. JONES
VINE™ VOICE
Format:DVD
After the events that split the Strike Team up in season 3, the Farmington precinct is going through some big changes. A new captain takes over, with an agenda that causes controversy on the streets as well as on the force. Meanwhile, Vic and Ronnie are stuck with regular detective duty.
However, things start to go bad for Vic when he discovers that Shane and his new partner are "cozying up" with gang boss Antwon Mitchell. With the ever-reckless Shane trying to be his own boss and rule the streets, it's up two Vic, Ronnie and Lem to get him out of trouble in a slow-burning but hugely rewarding season.
I thought the fourth season of The Shield started very slowly indeed. In fact, its only until Shane turns up at the end of episode 1 that things kick off. However, the slow start is more than made-up for by the sheer brilliance of the season's various storylines. Glenn Close is just right as the new captain; tough-but-fair Monica Rawling. After the hypocrite David Aceveda, its refreshing to have a captain who is honest and upstanding (although controversial).
The different storylines are all well-written and never feel like padding. Aceveda is struggling to deal with the horrific rape that took place last season, Dutch and Claudette are in the DA's "dog house" because of Claudette's investigation into a lawyer's past convictions whilst Dutch tries to move in on Mackey's ex-wife.
As usual, there are some shock moments in season four and some episodes which are just disturbing, including an encounter between Aceveda and a prostitute. As I mentioned, the season starts slow (on purpose perhaps?) and steps it up a gear or two as the Strike Team pull together to save Shane.... Read more ›
However, things start to go bad for Vic when he discovers that Shane and his new partner are "cozying up" with gang boss Antwon Mitchell. With the ever-reckless Shane trying to be his own boss and rule the streets, it's up two Vic, Ronnie and Lem to get him out of trouble in a slow-burning but hugely rewarding season.
I thought the fourth season of The Shield started very slowly indeed. In fact, its only until Shane turns up at the end of episode 1 that things kick off. However, the slow start is more than made-up for by the sheer brilliance of the season's various storylines. Glenn Close is just right as the new captain; tough-but-fair Monica Rawling. After the hypocrite David Aceveda, its refreshing to have a captain who is honest and upstanding (although controversial).
The different storylines are all well-written and never feel like padding. Aceveda is struggling to deal with the horrific rape that took place last season, Dutch and Claudette are in the DA's "dog house" because of Claudette's investigation into a lawyer's past convictions whilst Dutch tries to move in on Mackey's ex-wife.
As usual, there are some shock moments in season four and some episodes which are just disturbing, including an encounter between Aceveda and a prostitute. As I mentioned, the season starts slow (on purpose perhaps?) and steps it up a gear or two as the Strike Team pull together to save Shane.... Read more ›
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
In my opinion there are only 3 television shows which are better than The Shield. However Season 4 of The Shield in my opinion is the greatest single series of any TV show ever.
The storyline is one of the most gripping i have ever experienced and im not going to go into details for fear of people reading this that have still to see it.
The acting has always been of the highest order in this show but with the introduction of Anthony Anderson as Antwon Mitchell and Glenn Close as new Farmington captain Monica Rawlings it actually manages to surpass previous series of the show.
If your a fan of The Shield and have watched the first three series then this will not disappoint you.
Money well spent.
The storyline is one of the most gripping i have ever experienced and im not going to go into details for fear of people reading this that have still to see it.
The acting has always been of the highest order in this show but with the introduction of Anthony Anderson as Antwon Mitchell and Glenn Close as new Farmington captain Monica Rawlings it actually manages to surpass previous series of the show.
If your a fan of The Shield and have watched the first three series then this will not disappoint you.
Money well spent.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
It's Season 4 and The Shield has really hit its stride. This season, the cop show feels more mature and the obvious comparisons with The Wire are more obvious than ever.
The previous seasons were a mix of gritty realism, great drama and all out fun - but the fourth season sees a shift in focus, and although still hugely enjoyable to watch, the emphasis is now clearly on delivering a engrossing story revolving around the politics both on the street and in the office.
With the previous Chief of Police, Aceveda, now in office a newcomer steps up to fill his boots - non other than Hollywood A-lister Glenn Close - and if the crooks and dealers of Farmington thought they were in trouble before, wait until they find out that the new chief shares the same mindset as the star of the show, Vic Mackey: crack skulls and ask questions later.
The pair form an uneasy alliance but share a mutual respect of sorts for each other. A bond each of them will need to rely on if they are to successfully navigate the pit falls on the street and in the corridors of power as both dealers and city officials try their best to bring them down.
The main season four story arc revolves around a drug king named Antoine (perhaps another comparison to be drawn with The Wire there?) and this time, each individual episode feels much more like a piece of that jigsaw. Episodes from the previous seasons were often episodes in their own right, with a bigger story running in the background. And it's this shift in gear, making the season story the focus, that makes box set number 4 feel more grown up.... Read more ›
The previous seasons were a mix of gritty realism, great drama and all out fun - but the fourth season sees a shift in focus, and although still hugely enjoyable to watch, the emphasis is now clearly on delivering a engrossing story revolving around the politics both on the street and in the office.
With the previous Chief of Police, Aceveda, now in office a newcomer steps up to fill his boots - non other than Hollywood A-lister Glenn Close - and if the crooks and dealers of Farmington thought they were in trouble before, wait until they find out that the new chief shares the same mindset as the star of the show, Vic Mackey: crack skulls and ask questions later.
The pair form an uneasy alliance but share a mutual respect of sorts for each other. A bond each of them will need to rely on if they are to successfully navigate the pit falls on the street and in the corridors of power as both dealers and city officials try their best to bring them down.
The main season four story arc revolves around a drug king named Antoine (perhaps another comparison to be drawn with The Wire there?) and this time, each individual episode feels much more like a piece of that jigsaw. Episodes from the previous seasons were often episodes in their own right, with a bigger story running in the background. And it's this shift in gear, making the season story the focus, that makes box set number 4 feel more grown up.... Read more ›
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant series
Although some rate this season as being weaker than the others, this is still well acted and most enjoyable; it adds to the overall series.
Published 18 days ago by Mr. D. G. Phillips
5.0 out of 5 stars
GRITTY!
A gritty American police drama film to have in your library for those dull days.
Cheaper than going to the cinema, and you don't have to drive home in the rain!
Cheaper than going to the cinema, and you don't have to drive home in the rain!
Published 25 days ago by Bargain Hunter
5.0 out of 5 stars
Cool Show
Absolutely great serie, the charactors are three dimensional and you find some you like and some you dont, some you care about and some you dont. Read more
Published 1 month ago by jimmy
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great series about to order Season 5
Can't believe I didn't watch it when it was on TV! Both my son and I are hooked on this series
Published 4 months ago by Christine Thorley
5.0 out of 5 stars
best series ever
this series gets better and better once you start watching it is so addictive.have bought copies of the whole 7 series cant wait to see how it all ends
Published 10 months ago by suzanne
5.0 out of 5 stars
Vic and the Strike Team just get deeper in ....
Is it possible, but could 'The Shield' be as good as the 'The Wire', if not better?- a tough one. I have been working my way through 'The Shield' boxset's for a while- it's almost... Read more
Published 20 months ago by os
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Shield
This is a great series as a whole and I'm pleased that I ordered it from Amazon. I must confess to have only seen a few episodes here and there on TV but read some great reviews... Read more
Published on 24 May 2011 by Nuno Miguel Da Graca
5.0 out of 5 stars
Politics is the major crime of Los Angeles
This Los Angeles Police Department is rotten to the core, not by rotten cops but by politics especially since the ex-captain of the precinct concerned here has become a city... Read more
Published on 5 May 2011 by Jacques COULARDEAU
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Shield. Season 4!
Whilst it is true that Season 4 dips in quality, it is still a highly enjoyable show. I found this season to be not as exciting as previous ones, the whole Armenian money train... Read more
Published on 16 Jan 2011 by Luke Shelton
5.0 out of 5 stars
Kojak interpreted by Hieronymus Bosch
I can't say I watch a lot of American television, but then The Shield isn't like a lot of American television. Read more
Published on 22 Sep 2010 by John Fletcher
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