The Shield (2002 — 2008)

The Shield (2002–2008), an acclaimed American crime drama television series starring Michael Chiklis, premiered on FX in the United States on March 12, 2002. It ended its successful seven-season run on November 25, 2008. Based loosely on the Rampart Division police scandal, the show’s Strike Team quickly gained recognition for its depiction of corrupt officers. Created by Shawn Ryan for Fox Television Studios and Sony Pictures Television, The Shield has been praised as one of the greatest TV series of all time. In fact, it won both a Golden Globe Award and a Primetime Emmy Award for Best Drama Series in 2002. Additionally, Chiklis received both a Golden Globe and an Emmy that same year for his compelling performance as lead actor. Most recently, the final season was honored with a 2008 AFI Award for best television series.

Season 1 (2002). The first season, which aired from March to June 2002 and contained 13 episodes, focused on the aftermath of Mackey and Vendrell’s shooting of Terry Crowley. The Strike Team had been under scrutiny by David Aceveda and the Department of Justice, who suspected them of wrongdoing. Meanwhile, Dutch investigates a possible serial killer targeting prostitutes. Lowe grapples with his sexuality and religious beliefs, making him vulnerable to blackmail. Sofer, who is involved in a relationship with Mackey, struggles with conflicting emotions while trying to mentor Lowe.

Season 2 (2003). The second season of The Shield (2002–2008), which aired from January to April of 2003, consisted of 13 episodes. The first half focuses on a new drug threat from Armadillo, an immigrant who has united the black and Hispanic gangs against the Strike Team. This makes charging him difficult for them. In the second half, the Strike Team discovers a money train used by Armenians to launder money out of the country. They successfully hijack it and keep millions for themselves. Mackey and Aceveda agree to protect each other as Aceveda runs for city council. Claudette’s investigation into Armadillo is hindered by Mackey and Aceveda, forcing her to take a more active role as a moral leader. Dutch makes a mistake in his investigation and starts doubting himself. Lowe’s marriage is almost exposed by an ex-lover in the department. Sofer becomes caught up in Barn politics and begins questioning the ethics of the Strike Team.

Season 3 (2004). Season 3 started and ended in the span of three months, consisting of 15 episodes. The storyline revolves around the aftermath of the money train robbery. Mackey discovers that some of the stolen money was marked by the Treasury Department, prompting the Strike Team to come up with strategies to avoid federal attention. However, Lemansky’s anxieties about having the money lead him to impulsively burn it before anyone can intervene. This ultimately results in the disbandment of the Strike Team. Dutch grapples with investigating both the money train heist and a serial rapist case. Claudette takes on administrative tasks as she prepares to become Captain, but her concerns about an incompetent defense attorney put her career at risk. Lowe’s near exposure in the previous season causes him to adopt a tougher persona, leaving Claudette uncertain about his future.

Season 4 (2005). Season 4 of The Shield, which aired from March to June in 2005, consisted of 13 episodes. The Strike Team members find themselves entangled with Antwon Mitchell, a renowned drug lord who manipulates Vendrell into helping him. Vendrell’s predicament is ultimately resolved with the help of new Barn Captain Monica Rawling, resulting in the reuniting of the Strike Team and the gathering of enough evidence to put Mitchell behind bars. However, Rawling’s approach of seizing assets linked to drug money causes her dismissal as Captain. Claudette and Dutch continue to be sidelined by the DA’s office, causing Dutch to make a deal behind closed doors to protect their careers. A disagreement arises between Lowe and Sofer over the seizures policy. Aceveda capitalizes on the policy to gain more influence on the city council and advance his own agenda.

Season 5 (2006). Season 5, consisting of 11 episodes, premiered on January 10, 2006 and concluded on March 21, 2006. The LAPD’s Internal Affairs Division, under the leadership of Lt. Jon Kavanaugh, launches an investigation into Lemansky for allegedly failing to report a stash of drugs he had taken. However, their true motive is to uncover the Strike Team’s wrongdoings. Upon discovering this, Mackey attempts to discredit Kavanaugh in an effort to prove that the investigation is personal. In retaliation, Kavanaugh intensifies his efforts and charges Lemansky. To avoid him talking and incriminating them, the Strike Team tries to flee the country with Lemansky but Vendrell becomes paranoid and kills him with a grenade instead, effectively ending the investigation. Meanwhile, Lowe mentors Tina Hanlon but doubts her abilities for the job. Dutch and Claudette continue their pursuit for a serial killer despite having no evidence against them while also dealing with Claudette’s declining health.

Season 6 (2007). The sixth season of The Shield aired from April to June 2007, spanning 10 episodes. After Lemansky’s death, the Strike Team suspects a gang and struggles to come to terms with their loss. Meanwhile, Vendrell remains tight-lipped about his involvement. Kavanaugh continues his investigation outside of Internal Affairs but ends up confessing to planting evidence and gets arrested. As Mackey faces early retirement, he fights back by trying to prove his worth. Tensions within the team cause Vendrell to confess to Lemansky’s murder and seek protection from the Armenian mob, which leads to exposing their involvement in the money-train heist and putting their families in danger. Vendrell blackmails Mackey by sending duplicates of all their crimes through mail.

Season 7 (2008). The seventh season, which aired from September 2 to November 25, 2008, consisted of 13 episodes. During this time, Mackey and Aceveda uncovered the Mexican cartel’s plan to gain control in Farmington. With assistance from ICE, they united to take down the cartel. As a result of this operation, Mackey was granted immunity for his previous crimes in exchange for his new role at ICE. Meanwhile, the Barn collected significant evidence to arrest the corrupt Strike Team. Vendrell’s attempt to kill Mackey backfires and he becomes a fugitive with his family. Despite landing a job at ICE, Mackey is bound to a desk job or else risk being arrested himself. Dutch becomes fixated on a young individual who he believes will become a serial killer. Sofer attempts to keep their son away from Mackey due to her fear of him. In need of help, Corrine turns to Claudette and Dutch for support after finally realizing the true extent of Vic’s actions.