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« The Shield
May 8, 2007: Chasing Ghosts
There it was, folks. The biggest episode of The Shield so far this season. Shane vs Vic, man vs man, dog vs dog. The one-on-one confrontation we've all been anticipating this entire season has happened, and my lord, is Shane in trouble now.
The last 10 minutes developed nicely over the course of this episode, starting with Shane being in a much more chipper mood. I guess Mara took him back and now that he got the murder off his chest, he just wants to “put this in the rearview mirror.” It’s a complete reversal, of course, since after Vic killed Guardo the rest of the strike team tried to put it behind them, but Shane kept preventing that. That’s of course the moment that Vic really puts two and two together and Ronnie starts thinking about the semiconfession that Shane told him a while back. Both of them were still thrown a little off when Ronnie counted the grenades and they were all there. Now, the viewers all saw Shane pocket one last season, but for me personally, I didn’t really think about how truly premeditated Lem’s killing could have been until Vic pointed it out. Shane did take the grenade before any of the crap went down. Could it have just been because he was dirty and it was easy to do? Sure. But I guess he could have taken it thinking that he may need it for something in the end, too. Everything completely clicked for Vic after he read the final report that Kavanaugh wrote in Lem’s file, and then he just had to take his own advice for the strike team from earlier in the day: “Find out the truth, then figure out what to do with it.” And what to do with it created the final 10 minutes, which had my heart pounding. I could feel the adrenaline racing through my body as I expected Shane to get brutalized by Vic, and even though he didn’t, that certainly wasn’t a letdown for me. If anything, it’s going to make the final stretch all that more interesting. There was such amazing dialogue in that scene, I wish I could quote it word for word here, but that’s just too much to do. But I do want to call out some of the finer points between Vic and Shane:
Vic: You piece of sh-t. He was strong, you were a coward.
Vic: I would have spared Lem.
Shane: And I stepped up and put Lem down so you could go to bed at night believing that.
Shane: You will learn how to accept it.
Vic: You and me, we’re all out of time.... Get in your truck, drive away, leave here before I kill you.
Shane: No, you won’t. We’ve already been through all of that.
Vic: Before you didn’t blow Lem in half with a grenade.
Vic: I see you again, I will kill you.
Obviously, there’s a bit of dialogue between those lines, but those were the moments that really stuck in my head. I just can’t believe Shane. He was backed into a corner and tried to flip it all around on Vic and then tried to tell Vic that he’d have to accept it. Wow, that takes cojones. And what happens now? I mean, Shane does still work in The Barn. He’s going to have to show up for work tomorrow, right? Does Vic kill him? You know what sets The Shield apart from other shows? Right now, there are so, so many directions this show can take that I can’t even begin to predict what’s going to happen next. I love 24 as well, but I can probably tell you exactly what’s going to go down for the rest of that show's season. Here, I have no clue what the end result of the confrontation is going to be. That’s why this show is so delicious. Six seasons in and I’m still on the edge of my seat, every episode.
Personally, I think I shouldn’t even comment on any other story line in this episode, because frankly what I just talked about was the episode. But I still want to hear your comments on these, so I’ll recap briefly.
We had an all-together new case for the strike team. Emily Martin, the daughter of “some important city dude,” died, and the strike team was told to find the truth and make it look good for the city. Vic found the dirty truth and then had the suspects tell a cleaned-up story. Then he got the city controller to look into his retirement case as a return favor. Nice, Vic. I think the most important thing I took out of this one was simply that Julian just doesn’t belong here. He’s way too straight and narrow for the strike team. I know we didn’t see this go down, but I have to wonder if this is all a setup. Was Julian recommended by Claudette not really for the team, but to go “undercover,” if you will, to get some dirt on how the team really operates? And does Julian know this? I can’t tell for sure, but I can certainly see a move like that coming from a sly fox like Claudette.
The Billings and Dutch war came to a head in this one. I love the continued ribbing of Dutch about his fondness for Tina. And Dutch’s scene where he said to Billings, “This stops now, you understand? This Tina BS. This isn’t high school” was great. I love seeing Dutch get angry, because he still has such composure even when he’s fuming. And to bring up the vending-machine problem again was awesome. Dutch rocks. Billings was right, too, of course. In the break room, Danny took a gaze at Kevin. Kevin took one at Tina. Tina, of course, eyed him up right back, and then there was Dutch yet again with that “I think I’m going to vomit” look on his face. He’s such a lovesick puppy. I feel for him and everything involving Tina now.
I was pleasantly surprised to see Antwon Mitchell back, even if for a few minutes. He’s one of my favorite recurring characters because he brings such a dynamic to the screen. He knew right from the start that Vic was desperate for answers, and he certainly has a bit of a psychological advantage after this meeting. After Vic accused him of setting up the hit on Lem, he stated, “And that, ladies and gentlemen, is my final encore. Making the great Vic Mackey think I’m everyone and everywhere, responsible for all the worst crimes against humanity.” The look on Vic’s face was priceless.
Finally, outside of Vic vs Shane, my favorite part was with Cassidy. I can’t believe that her friend did a LexisNexis search on her dad and she found out all his dirty secrets, including the fact that she had a baby brother. The best moment of this whole story was after Vic told her to show him some respect and she countered with, “Respect is earned.” Yikes.
OK, so this was not such a brief recap after all. Sorry for the length of the blog this week, but if I could sit you all down in a room today and chat all day about this, I would. That’s how much I’m loving this show. Please comment and let me know your thoughts.
Until next week, friends.
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May 8, 2007 11:02 PM
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Another awesome episode. Unlike Lost, 24 and other favorites, The Shield never disappoints. One thing you didn't touch on was what I view as the most important part of the encounter between the "important city dude" and Vic. What will be Vic's reaction when he learns that there is no appeal hearing scheduled? Will Claudette be in the cross hairs, or will Vic exploit the "dude" to ensure his future employment? Maybe both.
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May 8, 2007 11:51 PM
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Top notch. I really liked the way that last scene went down. Shane has completely rationalized his actions, turned it around to be Vic's fault, and has been waiting for weeks to have that conversation with Vic. He's argued his case in front of the mirror (or Mara) dozens of times, and had a (lame, but convincing to him) answer for everything.
One thing Chiklis can't play is "anguished." I'm glad the director pulled focus on Shane while Chiklis was trying/crying, because Goggins can play pathetic and ashamed as good as any actor working.
One last confession: I'd watch a show with a Kevin/Julian/Ronnie strike team. Kevin could be a hell of an interesting character.
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May 9, 2007 3:44 AM
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David - no reason to apologize for a great recap, no matter how long it went! Just like you said, it was the best episode of the season and deserves as much blogging as we can dish out. I'm right there with you - I would LOVE to sit around and talk about it all day and the possible repercussions.
If I can chest thump for only a moment, I predicted on here a few weeks ago that Vic was going to find out. But I honestly didn't think the confrontation would go down the way it did. But as soon as Ronnie said "I'll be like 5 minutes behind you" I think we all knew. I'm surprised Shane didn't pick up on that.
The thing that makes The Shield so great are the moral conflicts. It paints the world in very true 'gray' colors. Not everything is as black and white as we wish it to be, and the good guys aren't always so good. Hats off again to Walter Goggins - another top-notch performance. He is really doing an excellent job of turning his horrible actions into near-sympathy. I know we all want to hate him for what he did, but reliving the whole scenario last night helped put things into perspective. Vic was right - Lem was strong. But we all know Lem was compassionate and the most emotional. He already cracked once, trying to burn all the cash from the money train. And that was without any threats from IAD. I'm not saying Shane was justified - I'm just saying that if you ask yourself... knowing what he did at the time... can you say with 100% certainty that you wouldn't have done the same thing?
So what happens next? Marna is such a royal b**ch she could be the one who screws things up. The promos made it look like she was in the Barn confronting Vic - with Shane's son no less. Can Vic really let this go if all Shane has to do is get out of Dodge?
And let's not forget the reason for the other story line - Vic using the controller to try and get his retirement put off. Slick way to do it - the writers for this show (and the cast and the crew) are just simply the best on TV right now. These last 5 episodes are going to go by way too quick.
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May 9, 2007 9:52 AM
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Excellent recap. I agree wholeheartedly with the observations and, too, the comments of prior posters. The show pulsates with no let-up. I watch in a clenched state, breathing freely only upon a shift to commercials. Arid humor, interspersed, is subtle, clever and true.
I don't think Shane is returning to work. He's scrambling to sort out the loss of his friends and work, left with a wife, son and baby en route. His whole sense of being hangs in the balance. I don't know how he survives.
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May 9, 2007 10:26 AM
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As always loved last night's episode. I have nothing to add to David's great blog or the comments to follow. I will be very saddened by the end of this series. There is simply NOTHING on tv like this and it is a shame people slept on this show. A million thanks to FX for recognizing great tv and letting us all journey with the Strike Team and the Barn.
Oh just one thing, I was not happy with Tina's little snippy comment to Dani about showing respect and watching her tone. Tina has been there all of 10 min, please!!! I wish she could have told her off but someone walked in! That scene with Dani checking out Kevin, Kevin checking out Tina and Dutch on the outside looking in (as always) was priceless!
The scenes with Cassidy were so sad because at the end of the day he is responsible for all the dirty deeds he is accused of and I know he was ashamed to have to lie to her like that. He loves his kids. And you can see her love for him has changed. I think that is the real price he will have to pay.
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May 9, 2007 11:17 AM
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OMG, HOW MUCH DO I LOVE THIS SHOW!!! First off I have to say that Shane is really no match for Vic. Everything that he says he has on Vic he was a part of it so he would have to implicate himself trying to bring Vic down. It was him and Vic in the room when Vic shot Terry, Vic was the only one not around when they robbed the money train, but he did set the whole thing up. Vic is dirty, but he's also very smart about being dirty. This can't end well for Shane. And Mara who the hell does she think she is to take on the great Vic Mackey? There isn't anything she can say to Vic that would rattle his cage. He has told Ronnie so now they both know they have to be on the lookout for Shane and whatever he may try to do. THIS SHOW ROCKS!!! I can't wait to see what happens.
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May 9, 2007 11:20 AM
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Yeah, Shane's in trouble since Dutch is on the case, too. Now he knows, from Kavanaugh's report, that Vic couldn't have killed Lem. Of course there's that whole other matter of Guardo and Guardo's girlfriend hanging over Mackie, with Wyms looking to dot the "I"s and cross the "T"s before signing off on Vic's early retirement.
So many balls in the air, which one will drop?
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May 9, 2007 11:29 AM
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David - thanks for a great recap! Yours are always very insightful and on the money!
WOW - loved this episode. It really had it all. Classic conflicts at the Barn. Did Dutch and Claudia actually believe that they could trip up Vic Mackey? Come-on, not on your best day!
Hiatt is fitting in very nicely. He truly is respectful of Vic and his way of doing things - way nore than Julien who cant seem to get his head around what the Strike Team is all about! I'm not sure that this is what Claudia had in mind when she brought him in - especially now that Vic has an "in" with the city!
Can not wait until next week!
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May 9, 2007 11:32 AM
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I moved into a new apartment complex late last year and they have a tv package already set up with DirecTV. The good news, it's included in rent. The bad news, they didn't include FX! Unfortunately, that means I have to download The Shield if I want to watch it.
I'm sure many of you know that people are putting up the French version that airs 2 episodes a week. It's in English, at least, except for the on screen text. Well, long story short, I have seen 9 of the 10 episodes from this season. I was only going to watch one each week to keep pace with the US showings, and read everyone's thoughts here, but I just couldn't stop watching. This is the BEST show on television right now. Last night's episode was possibly the best hour of TV anywhere this year.
I won't spoil anything for anyone else, but the show is absolutely amazing, and this is possibly one of the best seasons yet. I hate that it's only 10 episodes, but I'm glad we are getting another 13 next year. I will really miss this show when it's gone!
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May 9, 2007 12:54 PM
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The confrontation between Vic and Shane was much calmer than I expected. I am waiting for Vic to get really mad at the people who deserve it-Cavanaugh and Acaveda. Shane would not have killed Lem if no for those two crooks convincing him that Lem was turning on the team. Not that that excuses murder, but I think Vic will think about this eventually and forgive Shane. Vic and Shane have always seemed closer "friends" than Vic and Lem. Lem was always this close to walking away because of his morals. Nothing is ever too rotten or dirty for Shane to do. I am liking Kevin a lot, but cannot stand Tina. Make her go away!!
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May 9, 2007 1:13 PM
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I, too, was expecting Vic to go medieval on Shane, but it was somehow better that he didn't because it was so unexpected. Shane is past redemption as far as I'm concerned. From the whole mess with Tavon to Lem's murder, he's only looking out for number one, and if even a close friend gets in Shane's way, he's toast. Not surprised he turned it all back on Vic.
Could someone PLEASE bust a cap in Tina's ass? Sgt. Danny is on to that beeyotch, so I hope she knocks Tina down a few pegs before she schtupps the entire Barn.
So glad Ronnie is getting more screen time this year! We've learned more about him in the last few weeks than we have the entire run of the show.
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May 9, 2007 2:16 PM
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That's it?!? I felt like the confrontation between Vic and Shane at the end was a bit off-character. Once Shane confessed, Vic would totally have punched him in the face in anger, but would have restrained himself from hurting him any further because its his close friend. I expected more menacing involved, rather than Shane rationalizing and guilt-tripping Vic. The last threat that Vic would kill Shane the next time he sees him, just didn't pack enough oomph, considering Vic had earlier already vowed to kill Lem's murderer. You could say that a lot of time has passed and Vic's rage could have subsided, but he did just tear apart the hospital room last episode in rage/grief over not being able to save the drug banger trying to get out. If I were to write that scene, I would have Vic tackle and punch Shane, but then stop. Shane would get up, and partially out of resentment would say that it was all Vic's fault. He would rationalize it all, and Vic would be anguished and argue back at Shane that he went too far, that there's always a line between "us and them." Shane would say then that Vic would learn to accept it as a necessary act to save the group, Vic would say he would never accept it and declare that it's over between them, it's done, you're one of "them" now. Shane would get pissed and say fine it's over, and call Vic a big, fat hypocrite. That would be a scene I think that would be more true to their characters than the restrained and at times overly dramatic dialogue in last night's encounter. Can't wait for the next episodes though for the inevitable Vendrell sh--t storm coming up!
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May 9, 2007 2:21 PM
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Very busy episode.....many many story lines and twists and turns.....The biggest thing that stands out to me that I have not seen where anyone picked up on.....The conversation between Kevin Hyatt and Dutch about speaking to Hernan...When Dutch asks him how did he manage to set up a meeting and Kevin says it is easy for Federal Agencies to work together and do that....then Dutch says you aren't a Fed anymore and Kevin just gives him a weird look and the scene ends......Kevin is an Undercover Federal Agent sent into infiltrate the Strike Team and Take Vic and the boys down..........
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May 9, 2007 2:45 PM
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You know what kills me about this show is that the things that happen at the end of any given episode are what some series would use as their season finale. I mean you would think that Shane's confession to Vic and Vic's last words to Shane would be the season finale and then we come back next season and pick up with the final showdown. But the way things are, we've still got 4 or 5 episodes left in this season for things to play out. I'm psyched!
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May 9, 2007 6:05 PM
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