Customer Reviews

The Shield - The Complete Third Season

5 star:		(60)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

"The Shield" seems to up it a notch with every season. I remember watching the very first season and thinking to myself that there was no way this show could get any darker, more intense or more outrageous. I was proven wrong when I saw the second season, but yet again I made the wrong assumption and thinking there was no way in the world that the next season would be more devastating and brutal.

After seeing Season 3, I have finally learned my lesson and will no longer make that silly assumption. This is because "The Shield: Season 3" takes you even further down the rabbit hole that is this amazingly dark and take-no-prisoners cop drama that pretty much breaks all of the rules. You are given some deeply flawed characters... and yet, we still want to learn more about them and even care what happens to them.

After successfully robbing the money train, the heat is on the Strike Team more than ever. Vic needs to keep his team in line until the dust settles, but that proves to be an impossible task as emotions and paranoia run high among the other participants. Captain Aceveda is still trying to maintain his political career while taking care of The Barn, but something horrific will happen to him that will leave him never being the same again. Claudette is still striving for the position of the "top dog" at The Barn and doesn't make things easier for Vic when she decides to include a Decoy Squad, while keeping a close eye on Vic and his team. Still, Vic has other problems to deal with, and I'm not even talking about his family issues. The Strike Team is in constant danger of being the latest victims of the Armenian Mob, who is willing to kill anyone involved with the whole money train robbery. This is only a small part of the fun that lurks in this explosive third season.

The show is still extremely dark and brutal at times, but it still gets in a lot of the ironic humor in it as well. Fans of the first two seasons will most likely enjoy this new season, as each episode is engaging and addicting. The great writing and execution is still there and by the time you finish these 15 episodes, you'll want more. Michael Chiklis does an excellent job of playing "Vic," and even though there are times you really hate him, there are also times where you cannot help but root for him.

This show is not for those who get offended easily or are extremely sensitive. Just like the other two seasons, these guys pretty much get away with ANYTHING (the only exception I've seen is the usage of the F-word). This is definitely something you'd think you would catch on HBO. There's a lot of violence, language, disturbing situations and content, and there is a pretty horrible rape scene... but it's not what you would think. Anyways, just be cautious. If you can handle the first two seasons, then you shouldn't have too many problems dealing with Season 3. Extras included are commentary on selected episodes, deleted scenes and a making-of documentary.

"The Shield: Season 3" delivers the goods when it comes to addicting and mesmerizing TV. All of the episodes are highly entertaining and you will find yourself having a hard time putting the DVDs away. Once you start, it is VERY hard to stop watching. If you haven't seen the other seasons, then I'd recommend checking those out first, although it is possible to get the gist of what's going on without doing so. "The Shield" has definitely kept its edge, and Season 3 proves that big time. -Michael Crane

As the third season of The Shield unfolds Mackey's (Michael Chiklis) family falls apart and his team continues to face pressure regarding the stolen drug money earmarked for their "retirement" fund. Clashes abound between teammates, lovers and family members making tackling criminals even more complex than ususal. The "Armenian money train" case continues to worry the team forcing Lemon (Kenneth Johnson) to solve their problem and, in the process, creating more problems for the strike team. More bodies show up with their feet missing as the bad guys get closer to the discovering who took their money. Meanwhile Wyms (CCH Pounder) works undercover to bust a child porn film ring.

The Shield continues to be one of the best written, directed and acted series on basic cable. The series' ultra realistic look with the use of handheld cameras, grainy film stock and gritty locations continues to create an environment full of powerful drama. Usually a series will begin to drop in quality over the course of its run but the fact that the series runs only fifteen episodes helps keep the writing and directing quality high. There's also a number of high profile guest star turns particularly in the David Mamet directed episode where Mamet's "regulars" Rebecca Pidgeon and Clark Gregg appear turning in outstanding performances. While the Mamet episode is definitely good it's not the best episode from the third season and that's saying quite a bit about this terrific show.

In addition to a number of deleted scenes with optional commentary we also get a terrific documentary on the third season. Breaking Episode #315 gives us a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the production and collaborative method of writing the series. To access the documentary you have to select the episode On Tilt and select Special Features which is a bit odd for a boxed set. We're taken through all parts of the process for an episode of the series from pitching ideas for the multiple storylines to the actual shooting on location and the set. On the production side of things we see the difficulty in creating a stunt involving a wolf for a particular sequence. The 60 minute documentary spends the bulk of its time in the writer's room watching them come up with the various ideas that will might show up in a particular episode. Additionally, there's a preview of what's to come with Glenn Close playing Det. Ronnie Gardocki during the fourth season of the series. You do have the option of playing the episode without the recap of each episode which is a nice touch.

The commentary tracks are all recorded with various cast and crew members together. It works much better doing it this way as the banter and synergy created by the "team" creates a much more interesting commentary track. There's few performers, writers or directors that can provide a commentary track that will keep your interest beyond 10 minutes so this team approach will keep viewers much more involved with interesting behind-the-scenes observations about performances, the writing and how it changes from page to screen and the production touches that continues to keep this show cutting edge.

Once again Fox comes up with a winner with The Shield. 15 high quality episodes with strong performances, a great documentary on the creation of an episode and deleted scenes with optional commentaries makes this one of the best values out there. We also get deleted scenes with optional commentary. The packaging is nicely done with each disc housed in a Thinpak DVD case. I'm definitely looking forward to season four.

As season three of FX's controversial cop drama The Sheild opens, Vic Mackey (Michael Chiklis, soon starring as the Thing in the Fantastic Four movie) and his Strike Team have scored all the money they could have ever dreamed of after their hit on the money train. Now, Vic and co. have to keep their actions on the downlow, as they get a new member and Acevedo (Benito Martinez) struggles to maintain control over the precinct as Claudette (CCH Pounder) prepares for her new role. The precinct also tracks down a sexual predator for a majority of the season, which at times seems contrived and written to fill in time at some spots. With that fact in tow, it's practically unanimous among fans of the show that the thrid season of the Shield is a step down from the excellent and groundbreaking previous two seasons, but this is still the best drama on basic cable. By the time that someone's conscience catches up with them by the last couple episodes, the events that unfold in the season finale find Vic and co. sitting on a powder keg that will leave you salivating for the upcoming fourth season. All in all, the third season of the Shield may not be the best the series has offered thus far, but the show is still the best drama on basic cable TV today.

The opening episode of Season 3 is a classic, showing the Strike Team
on a stake out with the "Pina Colada Song" playing on the radio. It's a great
opening to a much anticipated new season, and gives it much needed humor.

Many people disagree with my opinion, but I think the third season of The Shield is the best one yet. It's much more plausible and realistic than the previous 2 seasons, and the adding of humor to the script really helps the show. It was starting to crush under the weight of it's seriousness.

You can feel the clamps coming down on detective Vic Mackey, and he's not able to escape scrutiny as easily as he was in season's 1 and 2. The tension regarding the money train scam is almost unbearable to watch.

This season contains some of the best episodes of the series, including one of the best fight scenes ever put on television. This episode, where the Strike Team wins the bet against the Decoy Squad, is my personal favorite.

The most shocking events of the entire series involve Captain Aceveda,
but you have to watch to find out...

Although not as scary as Armadillo from Season 2, a new villain named Margos is lurking in the background, and you never know when he's going to surface. The money train scheme comes to a head on the last episode, with an unexpectedly shocking ending.

One of the great things about this show is it's ability to avoid clichés and typical TV endings. Season 3 does not disappoint!

I love the Shield. Season 2 surprassed all my expectations, which were quite lofty after Season 1. I know the show was only supposed to last 3 seasons originally, so it seems the producers and writers wrote the first two seasons the way they should have been, and then the show experienced some growing pains in Season 3. I'm not complaining - I faithfully watched every episode, and loved every one during season 3, but some storylines were dragged out a little long and Vic wasn't allowed the latitude that he's had the last two seasons, so it wasn't as entertaining.

By growing pains, I mean the show has attempted to introduce new characters while simultaneously expanding on the personal lives and character flaws of the existing cast. It worked out pretty well - the show didn't tank, it just wasn't as exciting.

During the entire season, the money train is mentioned or comes into play. It becomes obvious that they're going to do all they can to keep running and hiding the money so the trail never leads back to them. Without ruining anything, the Strike team does some pretty awful things to ensure they don't get caught.

Also, the issue of Tavon comes into play. Shane and Tevon fight in Shane's apartment; Shane is angry that Vic is bringing him too close for Shane's comfort in the Strike Team's circle. Tevon almost dies and Vic has to ensure Shane doesn't get into trouble for it, which causes Vic another dillemma.

Themes of using people as a means to an end abound, with much more blunt references to this theme than in the previous two seasons. They come close enough to being caught with the money train stash that one of the Strike Team members takes matters into his own hands - I'll say no more in case you haven't seen it.

We end with a split within the Strike Team's ranks, Claudette unable to grab the Captain's chair due to wanting to accomplish too much and too soon without playing politics first, Dutch continuing his impotence theme as he's unable to do the investigating he feels he's capable of doing, and an uncertain future for the whole squad when it's revealed a new Captain, someone outside the Barn, will be introduced when Aceveda leaves for his newly won City Counseler's position.

Overall good, and certainly with some flaws, but it something which will probably be made up with a solid Season 4.

The Junior year of The Shield finds Mackey's Striketeam on high from having successfully robbed the Armenian mob of millions of dollars.

Stealing from the mob is a risky proposition. Not only are the Armenians in hot pursuit of the culprits, but the Federal government is looking into it, too. Finally, there is the burden of the money itself, which is a double-edged sword, and like the gift of a crafty genie might prove more than the boys had bargained for. All of these pressures piled on top of the day to day stresses of being a cop in a high-crime district threaten to destroy their friendships with one another.

This third season is about consequences.

And, like the two seasons coming before it, it is wonderful. Indeed, I would place it above the second season (if still slightly behind the first) in terms of overall quality. It's great for all of the same reasons--acting, plots, etc. If for some strange reason, you're reading this review without having seen the first two seasons of The Shield, then you owe it to yourself to go out and try this series, one of the best television has ever produced. If you've seen the first two seasons, then you don't need me to tell you that. This third season doesn't lose anything from its predecessors. Rather, it gains.

Five stars, easy.

whilst most other reviewers consider the 3rd season lacking I disagree, I think this season is building upon the events of the previous seasons and the suspense and tension is getting unbearable with the money train story arc-which is the underlying dominating theme this season-

I really enjoyed the introduction of the decoy squad and in particular liked the charachter of Trish, and what happens to her on an undercover assignment gone wrong.I actually sensed in the beginning that her and Vic may have had the opportunity of getting closer?

I'm on to the final disc now and the story is moving at breakneck speed towards an unkown conclusion, just how many times can Vic and his team survive their narrow escapes?

All in all a terrific box set and at this price great value, you really can't go wrong purchasing this DVD it really leaves me salivating for the 4th season (you lucky Americans with basic cable will get to see the new season this March)

Quite simply the greatest show since the Sopranos, thats it.... its just fantastic, and if you don't watch it well then you're an idiot and should get back to American Idol, I think Simon Cowell just said some crap singer was crap...

...and still is one of the best things on TV.

"The Shield's" third season centers more on the turmoil within The Barn (their precinct station) than in Farmington (the volatile fictional section of Los Angeles they serve).

The "money train" plot thread from season two is a prominent but secondary issue for the majority of the season here, as other smaller arcs rise to the top. As you have come to expect, everything is related, and the season finale is wholly satisfying, tying up most threads, yet leaving a gaping vacuum of a cliffhanger.

The shows that come in the middle of the season, the best of the year, are also amongst the best ever seen on 'The Shield'.

One of those smaller arcs, the "cuddler rapist", is one of the best-handled stories of the series. The Dutch character shows more of his fangs here. He is a fascinating misfit, right in the center of the action.

Another arc, involving Captain Aceveda, is also harrowing, and shows that this show goes where no other cop show even dares.

CCH Pounder, again, is a marvel, and there is absolutely nothing more that can be said about the amazing Michael Chiklis. He has created a character for the ages.

The Strike Team members get some development, although the fourth member, Ronnie, is still the least defined. Lem, with his perpetual, dyspeptic wince, and Shane, with his unhinged glare, really come into their own...

The arc involving Vic's family is constantly surprising, and his older daughter (played by Chiklis' real daughter) has several nice turns...his estranged wife, played by the creator's (Shawn Ryan) wife remains one of the most true-to-life wife portrayals on TV.

There are several other surprising plot twists during the season that I wouldn't dream of spoiling; just be happy you haven't seen this season yet.

You have another fifteen hours of extraordinary television ahead of you...

I've watched all three seasons and this show continues to improve on itself in ways that most shows simply can't do. The 3rd season is easily the most intense. This show is the epitome when it comes to good cop drama.

Dominant storylines of this season:
1.Aceveda, Dutch, and the Armenians are all looking for the men who knocked off the money train. The Armenians are taking no prisoners when it comes to finding information. An Armenian psycho from the first season returns to help in the search.
2.Aceveda is on his way up to city council and Claudette is replacing him. This season covers the transition and the power struggle between Claudette and Aceveda as they both struggle to run the barn.
3.Aceveda has a truly shocking experience when he is taken prisoner by a gang member. Much of the season deals with him tracking this gang member down. Will he seek personal revenge or will he bring the man to legal justice? This storyline is intense and incredible.
4.Dutch questions a serial killer who gives him great insight into life, death, and killing. Dutch becomes very curious about taking life. This gets a little disturbing and pretty shocking.
5.A new team is brought into the barn and rumors are circulating that they could replace the Strike team. This leads to fierce competition between Vic's team and the newbies.
6.Shane's fear of Tayvon culminates to one of the most shocking moments in the show's history.
7.The Strike Team struggles to maintain and not break down as the pressure comes down on them. Vic finds out that some of the money taken in the 2nd season may be marked by the Feds. Things get worse when some of their money goes missing and no one is willing to fess up to taking it.

Overall this show keeps getting better and better. It deserved to win Best drama and best actor Emmy's and Golden Globes in its first season. Michael Chicklis is amazing and the cast overall is just incredible. CCH Pounder really needs to be nominated for best actress because she delivers some of the best acting seen on tv today. Don't jump right into this season. That would be a big mistake. Watch all the seasons in order and you will not be dissapointed in anyway. Everyone I've shown this show to has loved it. It's unbelievable how good it is. FX is amazing when it comes to delivering intense drama. The Shield, Nip/Tuck, and Rescue Me are 3 of the best shows on tv today.