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?

What about Rocky? - 12.28.2006.1

Have you seen the latest Rocky movie? I haven’t, and I will probably pick it up as a DVD or from a bootleg. Given that I was watching a couple of programs and noticed a couple of things about the Rocky movies I started to wonder. The movies have been successful, and I have seen the first 4 in the series. I have enjoyed the ones I’ve seen. That said there are some things that I wonder about.

When I look at the latest movie trailers and I consider that there has not been a champion boxer that has been White in decades, is part of the success due to the dream (or wish) that it was true for the white patrons viewing the film? Is the entire Rocky series just wishful fulfillment for the millions of White Americans that have lost a connection with the boxers that have held titles for years now? It’s a deeper question than is seems to be. I think it also may be more accurate than it appears on the surface.

The ultimate way to view this is to ask ‘would Rocky still be the success it is if the lead character was black’? On top of that would the movies work if the black lead were fighting a white champion? Do either of these things change the movies?

To answer the first question the answer should be it makes no difference. But that answer would be rhetoric and untrue. It does make a difference. Envisioning the movies and placing a black lead does not fit, and it’s not because Mr. Sylvester Stallone was so great. There are many movies that anyone can envision another actor portraying as well if not better than the actual actor in the film. Only truly classic films, like It’s a Wonderful Life or The Godfather are examples of movies where either the acting or the storyline (or a combination of both) prevent seeing another in that role. Rocky is not a classic film, good but not classic and there are other actors that could have done it.

So why does that make a difference? Because it wouldn’t be an underdog story. If this were a movie done in the era of the 1930’s or so it wouldn’t work. It wouldn’t work with a black champion or lead. It’s just too unbelievable. Which is sad because it should be able to work.

Yet I cab understand the need to feel connected. I would imagine millions of Black Americans have no connection to most of the programs on television, like I do. While there are good shows out there I’ve noticed that shows where there is some type of diversity tend to attract my attention more than others. The Blade series, the Shield, Eureka, House, CSI and other shows have character(s) that I can empathize with more and in part I want to see how those character fare in those series. Shows like Seinfeld, Friends, Will & Grace did not, and I viewed them occasionally but never felt a connection to them. [Shows like Cheer, Frasier, Moonlighting and others were favorites without connection to similar characters.]

This also feeds into the desire of connection with the film. An audience needs to feel connected to the characters and/or the situation. While there is no denying that fans of all races and nationalities enjoy boxing today, there is also no denying that many would like to see a White champion. It’s natural. They can connect with that character. It’s no different than the millions of African Americans that connected with Mr. Muhammad Ali, or Mr. Tiger Woods as they took the world stage by storm. Even in basketball this is true, though to a lesser extent, and in football with quarterbacks like Mr. Warren Moon and others. The fans can see themselves as that figure and can connect more completely with their success. It’s wish fulfillment.

In terms of Rocky, the success of non-White athletes is not an underdog story but somewhat of a given as there have been decades of champions without a White contender. I think the last real shot was Mr. Cooney some time ago. I could be wrong and please let me know if I am.

So Is Rocky really a great series of films, or a good film propelled by the desires that are unrealized in the real world? And what does that mean about the psyche of America? Does that mean a White champion would make more money just because of his skin color? That a so-so contender would be paid more, and propelled up the ranks faster just to give fans a new dream?

Given that there is no direct connection between reality and the movies, it’s interesting how close the character of Apollo is to Mr. Ali and Mr. Joe Frasier. The character of Clubber Lang (the début film for former bouncer Mr. T) seems eerily like Mr. Mike Tyson, thought the release pre-dates Mr. Tyson by 4 years.

I realize that the film is regarded as a classic by many, and that it won 3 Oscar Awards. I understand that it made over 100 million dollars in profit. Even so, it is not on the caliber of the Marathon Man, The Sting, and others. The question remains in my mind what is behind the great performance of these movies (the 3rd and 4th movies were not nearly as good as the first 2 and made more money). And what does that mean if I am correct.

Or am I just letting my mind wander too much?

This is what I think, what do you think?