And The Shield ends

Tonight was the end of The Shield. There are a lot of things that can be said about the episode, far too many, but it’s too soon to say many of them I think. It would be unfair to comment as I think those that missed the episode will be looking forward to Tivo or a rerun that is sure to happen this weekend.

What I will say is the ending is unlike what you might expect, and far more conclusive than say the end of the Sopranos.

Beyond that I want to reflect on the series in general. It has been a tour de force in drama and an example of what can be done on cable television. It has expanded the formerly rote cop drama into something far more powerful and watchable. And that has to do with the reality the program brought to us.

For once we got a cop show that had a precinct that reflected the neighborhood in which it was situated. Unlike even Law & Order, which is diverse, but isolated as well with its focus on a handful of stars. Because this show had several major characters that were of color, police officers and not just primarily the criminals, and at levels of authority.

Perhaps for the first time, if ever on television, we were introduced to police officers that were White and corrupt. We saw a side of the police force that was real, if only a small portion in the real world. And I would bet that there are some in the nation that never bothered to watch the show just because they could not believe in a dishonest police, especially when they are White.

But honestly it wasn’t the race of any person on the show that mattered. It’s important because before this program there was the constant quota system of Hollywood, 1 person of color – normally a secondary character – and 1 woman. But after this show started there seemed to be a plethora of shows on cable that recognized that the world is populated by more than an overabundance of White men. So that is one thing that kept me coming back.

And the show hit on issues that no one touched before in a meaningful way. A gay Black cop, an Hispanic cop that has ambitions for political gain, a Black woman detective seeking the recognition of her years of work, a female cop that wanted to be taken seriously just for her abilities. And that was just in the first season. And only scratching the complexities of the characters at that.

That’s why we all tuned in week after week. Because the raw and honest interaction made sense. There was no quick answers, no ultimate resolutions at the end of a weekly hour-long episode. There were no absolute lines of right and wrong. And only in a place so real could a guy like Mackey thrive.

Well maybe not thrive. Because he is never off his guard. Never safe and happy. Never without a need to look over his back, or to make sure that he has everyone fearing for their private secrets he might expose. And all of that ate away at the man who had the plan.

Vic Mackey is real. He exists in police departments across the nation. And he is a hero, at times. Mostly because it serves his need. Mostly because it give him the freedom to move in the shadows and cracks that always exist in a job that deals with the worst of any society.

I liked this show because it was never safe. Cops got killed. People were betrayed. Tragedies happened at horrible times. And Near perfect plans blew up in people’s faces. It was more of a reality program than American Idol or Survivor, or any of those silly shows ever could be in their best moments.

Am I sad to see the program end? Yes. Do I think Vic Mackey needs to be in jail? It depends on the day and what he has just done. Because he is as much a cure as a poison to the community. Though his need to survive his own machinations makes him ever so much more lethal.

I will miss the honesty, and complexity of this program. I will miss seeing Michael Chiklis weave his emotions and intensity. I will miss the gray that seems to fail to be reflected in all the shows about the legal system supposedly based in reality. But if you missed the season end of the show I suggest you get a copy. Because it’s worth every minute. And the ending is just what I would expect, though I never expected it beforehand.

From here to there in a few words - 3.30.2007.1

So what else has happened in the world as Paris Hilton get more air-time than could ever be justified. Well in India there was a woman that gave one of the strongest expressions of love that I think I’ve ever heard. It seems that the woman was engaged a short while before her fiancé fell down a well and died. That is a sad thing, but what was sweet was her commitment Prior to her betroved being buried the woman, with the blessing of his family, married the love of her life. That’s a statement. At first look I thought it was creepy, but in thinking about it I find it sweet. Now where is an example of something like that here at home?

Now for something completely different. UFO conspirators rejoice. Yes there has been confirmation from France that something is out there, and it visited here. Since 1954 France has held onto documented cases, some seen by thousands, which cannot be explained by an earthbound means. This is similar to the Project Bluebook files that were (and possibly continue to be) held by the United States Air Force. While many of the files released to the internet were explained, roughly 400 have not been. It just goes to prove the simple math I have long believed. There are just too many solar systems, galaxies and so on in the universe to believe we are the only things alive and with intelligence in it. It just smacks of the same logic that held the earth as flat or that our planet was the center of the universe. One day, if we don’t kill ourselves off [high probability], I’m sure that thinking will seem as absurd as the current consensus.

Following the pattern of jumps, The Shield will start its new season on Monday. I can’t wait. Vic Mackey, Mr. Michael Chiklis, is a unique character, both endearing for his loyalty and angering in his blatant corruption. With Mr. Forest Whitaker still in the cast, and causing no lack of problems for Mackey and his crew, sparks may be the least of things to fly.

And Shane, Mr. Walton Goggins, better watch his back. His murder of a teammate was brutal and wrong. I cannot see any of the dwindling Strike Team members forgiving this. I can see a vicious retaliation. Especially when you consider the fact that there are a few ‘innocents’ that are going to have a ton of bricks come down on their heads before the truth is known. [On a side note, imagine having to kill your best friend in real life. In a manner of speaking Mr. Goggins did exactly that. In real life he is very good long time friends with Mr. Kenneth Johnson who portrayed the conflicted Lem. The day they filmed the murder both men had just returned from the 2006 Super Bowl that Mr. Johnson invited Mr. Goggins to. That’s rough.]

Continuing to the next thing, the world of books. I know some must still read actual books, I do. For those who have read the actual Lord of the Rings Trilogy, perhaps good news. The son of JRR Tolkein has finished his father’s last book. From what I understand it’s not a continuation of the story, nor even in Middle Earth. Yet the themes of the 4 parts of the One Ring stories are maintained. [Yes 4 parts. The Hobbit starts it all. And no there isn’t a movie of it yet. And the movie will not be made by Mr. Peter Jackson. You have been warned.] This is something to pick up. I’ll read it shortly after it comes out and let you know what I think.

Oh, expect a review of 300. Late as it may be. Good movie, in parts, but a bit disappointing as well.

This is what I think, what do you think?