For those of you looking for a distraction as the smoldering summer hits it's final stretch, get your Netflix queue ready and spend a little time with the guys and gals from Farmington.
If you're the proud recipient of the FX channel, its safe to assume you've at least heard of 'The Shield'. Debuting in the spring of '2002', 'The Shield' was FX Networks first foray into original programming. The first season was a critical success and paved the way for other critically acclaimed FX shows such as Niptuck, Rescue Me, and The Riches.
In the vein of 'Training Day', the plot revolves around a team of less than ethical L.A. police officers. For the first fifty minutes of the pilot, you may think you've figured the show out. 'OK, so this guy is a cop that doesn't operate within the rules, but he is effective... blah, blah, bliggity blah'. It's in the last ten minutes that the true direction and tone of the show is revealed to you, setting the stage for everything that follows.
Despite the fact the Bill O'Reilly once admitted 'The Shield' was one of his favorite shows on television, I still highly recommend it. It's a slow burn that will consume you, and you will shat your pants.
OK, I've said enough... if you get started now you can catch the final 7th season as it returns on September 2nd. The seasons are short, and while it will be tight, it's a great way to beat the August heat!
