The series invites viewers to form their own judgments regarding Mackey's volatile behaviour, which includes killing an undercover cop in the electrifying pilot episode. While each episode stands alone, the arc of the series incorporates Aceveda's campaign to end Mackey's career, the self-loathing of a homosexual rookie (Michael Jace) whose partner (Catherine Dent) is Mackey's occasional mistress, a straight-laced detective (Jay Karnes) yearning for respect, Mackey's compassionate attempt to rehabilitate a crack whore (Jamie Brown, giving the season's finest guest performance), the autism of Mackey's young son and the recklessness of his closest partner (Walton Goggins) and the vigilant stoicism of Det. Wyms (CCH Pounder), who's as sensibly upright as Mackey is corrupted. The Shield is excellent TV for those who can grasp its complexities; all others beware. --Jeff Shannon

DVD Description
Set in a tough LA neighbourhood populated by gangsters, immigrants, hookers, pimps and pushers, The Shield is the story of an inner city LA Police precinct, where Detective Vic Mackey (Chiklis) leads a corrupt, but highly effective Strike Team against paedophiles, necrophiliacs, white racist serial killers and gang beatings. In a tough, morally ambiguous world, the line between good and bad is crossed every day.

See all Reviews