The Shield Virgin Diary – Vic wins and loses

Season One, Episode Thirteen, “Circles”

Season one of my journey into the world of The Shield has finally come to a close. I was blown away (see what I did there) by the pilot, but the rest of the season didn’t carry that excitement and tension established in the first episode. I haven’t yet decided if I’m going to continue into the next couple of seasons yet. I’d love to get your advice on the subject. That being said, if season two is more like this final episode, I’m much more likely to jump back in.

I was surprised to see Gilroy alive by the final credits. He crossed several lines with Vic (a loaded gun in his daughter’s room?) and the Strike Team, so Vic had (at least in the ethics of The Shield) reason enough to exact his revenge. The bigger point, though, is that Gilroy knows way too much about Vic and his methods. He is a liability, and Vic can’t think that their “history” (that probably kept Vic from pulling the trigger) will even begin to keep Gilroy’s mouth shut.

My favorite story that police shows often visit is chasing down cop killers. The camaraderie that exists and is the basis for the motivation I saw on screen always is a bit awe-inspiring for me. The Mackey/Aceveda coalition, temporary as it will be, is an example of how people who generally are working at cross-purposes now are together truly dedicated to a common goal.

I’ve never been a big fan of Aceveda. I get that we’re probably not supposed to be, but we’ve never seen much of him being a good cop (in the sense of being good at his job, and not just a good politician). But when shots were fired at the Barn, he was the first officer in the bullpen with his weapon drawn, and immediately took control. More of this, please.

It’s about time that Julien and Dani found some common ground. The original wedge between them, his testimony against Mackey, seems to be a completely forgotten storyline. I liked Dani (though Julien, not so much) this season. However, I’ve heard though that if I continue watching The Shield I probably wouldn’t continue to like her. But for now, I’m glad these two partners actually have each other’s backs now.

Notes & Quotes

• Vic busting through that fence was rather than jumping over it was rather badass.
• “Who are the other shooters?” – Vic
  “Kiss my ass, man.” – Sonny
  “I can’t tell you how much I was hoping that’s what your answer would be.” – Vic
• “If they want to come peacefully fine. If not.… They killed Rudy, Patrick, and Chris.” – Vic
• Loved the final scene, the desperation, and then eventually resolution, that Vic showed.

Clacked by Ivey West
on Sep 15, 2010 @ 13:00 EST5EDT