One element eluding many of the American TV shows out there at the moment is realism. Don't get me wrong, I am a huge fan of 24 (I have watched every single episode at least once). I love seeing the torture loving hero Jack Bauer biting through a terrorist's jugular to escape yet another formidable situation. Yet 24 lacks believability as does it's counterparts such as Lost and Prison Break. It's pure fantasy. However, with this fantasy comes predictability and the feeling that the viewers are just being strung along to rake in the dollars (see Lost in particular!). Flogging a dead horse comes to mind.

Step forward The Shield. Started in 2002, The Shield is set in the trenches of LA amidst the gangs, pimps, paedophiles, drugs and cartels. It follows the Strike Team, an elite unit of cops attached to the local precinct who use forceful tactics to get the job done. The team is headed up by Vic Mackey (Michael Chiklis) who, like his fellow members, isn't afraid to bend the rules in order to get the result. Only trouble is, the result usually means the Strike Team taking a cut in the criminal underworld.

What makes The Shield different from other TV dramas is it's gritty realism. Firstly, it's made by FX Networks which as far as I know means it isn't subject to the stringent restrictions that the likes of FOX are when it comes to swearing, violence and sexual reference. The camera work is mix of fixed angles and hand cams giving the viewer a real sense of experience.  Kudos to the creator Shawn Ryan. The characters are multi-dimensional, detailed figures that never lack in originality. This is complimented by the outstanding level of performance from the actors.

Sadly, The Shield ended for good a couple of weeks ago after 7 brilliant seasons. It was truly epic television, reviving any pride that American TV drama had. Having watched 24, Prison Break, Lost, and Dexter, I can say without doubt that The Shield is the most gripping and fearless show I've ever seen.  I'm sorry that it is now over, however the creator called it a day exactly when he should have, and didn't string the franchise out with only the green in sight.

Go out and buy the box sets. I promise you, you won't be disappointed.

• UrbanFox wrote ...

• at 16:57, Thursday 11 December 2008

"Forget 24, Prison Break and Lost, The Shield, Alias, ad infinitum. Watch The IT Crowed :)"

• SoundChaser wrote ...

• at 00:48, Tuesday 6 January 2009

"Just a short point about LOST:

LOST is a Science Fiction show. So "duh" about it having an element of fantasy to it: most science fiction does (except for "hard" SciFi). However, it's not "dragging" on. There are two more seasons. This is a story with a beginning, middle and end...
"