Starring Michael Chiklis, Glenn Close, Catherine Dent, Walton Goggins, Michael Jace, Kenny Johnson, Jay Karnes, Benito Martinez, CCH Pounder
Written By:
Directed By: Shawn Ryan
Studio: 20th Century Fox
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Vic Mackey and the now-defunct strike team are back for a fourth season. Bringing more to the table, the cast is now joined by Glenn Close and Anthony Anderson. When I first heard Glenn Close has signed on to the show, I knew she was going to be great and wasn’t exactly sure how her role would play out. Anderson was a nice surprise. Known for more campy comedies, Anthony Anderson brings a lot to the show in a truly great villainous role. The Shield is stronger than ever, and turns in one of the best seasons for the series.

The Farmington Police Department is a little bit different from when we first saw “The Barn” last. Vic Mackey is just another detective again, working surveillance with Ronnie (David Rees Snell) on a garage sting operation. Not as exciting as running the streets and keeping them clean. Shane (Goggins) is working for vice with a new partner and finds he’s deeper in trouble than ever. Lemonhead (Johnson) is working as a juvenile detective who keeps an eye on the schools in the area and takes down troublesome kids. Captain Aceveda (Martinez) is finally out as Captain of The Barn, and headed to the City Council. He still plays a huge part in the show and is involved with The Barn’s actions and arrests. Aceveda leaves new Captain Monica Rawlings (Glenn Close) a mess and does very little to help out, usually just to help his own agenda. With the creation of the character for Captain Rawlings, it adds an element that The Shield has not yet seen. We get a woman in power, with plenty of control. Monica tries accomplishing many things during her tenure at The Barn, including trying to take hold of Vic Mackey and his former strike team members, as well as institute new programs and policies. One of which becomes very controversial. A seizure program that takes away homes, vehicles, anything related to drugs or other related crimes in the area. This policy gets to local activist Antwon Mitchell, an ex con that has everyone to believe he is a do-gooder now. In truth, he is far from it, and The Captain and Mackey are really starting to get to him and his business opportunities. On top of that, Shane is involved with Antwon and helps each other out with favors. Not exactly the best person to have dealings with.

As with most Shield seasons, you get the “Steady cam” shots and multi angle directing that makes The Shield one of the best shows on television. It gives the viewer the documentary feel and also, “I’m going to vomit” feeling when the steady cam is running along with the actors in one of the many action sequences. If you are a fan of the show, than you know what I’m talking about. Extremely violent deaths, gunfire, rape, intense interrogations are some of the things that The Shield fans have come to expect, and it’s no different with Season 4.

Extras include plenty of deleted scenes spread out over 4 discs, commentary by cast and crew for select episodes and a 60 minute documentary that takes a look at the show as a whole. Fans will love to watch that as it gives an insight into the personas of the characters and how the Actors develop their characters. We also get in depth interviews with the cast, directors and writers. It’s a very good documentary for sure.

The Shield: Season 4 is one of the best seasons of the series so far and I think that has a lot to do with the addition of Glenn Close and Anthony Anderson. Both played their roles excellently, and added a new freshness to the series. I missed most of the show this season on TV but with the DVD I got sucked back in just in time for Season 5. Michael Chiklis, as always, proves his totally badass and continues to shine as Detective Vic Mackey. The Shield is still one of my favorite shows on television.

Features:
-Making of Documentary
-Deleted Scenes
-Commentary/Multi Angle

Audio:
ENGLISH: Dolby Digital Surround CC

Video:
Standard 1.33:1 Color

Subtitles:
English, Spanish

Favorite Scenes: The Cure, Doghouse, Tar Baby, Cut Throat, Back In The Hole, Judas Priest
Rating: NR
Running Time: 623 minutes
Extras Rating:
Overall Rating: