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Nov 03, 2009 By Nick Hyman Web Exclusive

After having covered the last two seasons of The Shield on DVD, what’s left to say about the show that put basic cable network FX on the map? Well, if you haven’t seen the show or are looking to add the entire collection to your library, you’re in for a gritty treat. All seven seasons of the Los Angeles Police Department drama (contained on 28 DVDs) are housed in 34-page anthology book full of rare pictures and a written introduction from creator/writer Shawn Ryan. This set was clearly designed with holiday shopping in mind and is a loving tribute to this often undervalued show.

Every extra from previous DVD releases is included (that means commentary on nearly every episode) and a bonus disc detailing the series inspiration in the fascinating real-life LAPD Rampart dirty cops scandal in the late ‘90s and the bittersweet dismantling of the core “Barn” location after shooting had wrapped on the final episode. If you only know Michael Chiklis as The Thing from Fantastic Four, please introduce yourself to Detective Vic Mackey, and you’ll witness one of the all-time best television performances. Mackey, along with Shane Vendrell (Walton Goggins), Dutch Wagenbach (Jay Karnes), and Claudette Wyms (CCH Pounder), are characters that you won’t soon forget. Critical darling The Wire often overshadows The Shield, but now that both shows are complete, you’ll see that both are cousins in corruption. (www.SonyPictures.com)

Author rating: 9/10