The The Shield - Complete First Season (2002)

Shawn Ryan, a regular writer for "Angel" and other programs, created this crime drama to challenge the mores of televised entertainment and to provide a heightened reality with increasingly complicated moral questions. Michael Chiklis stars as Vic Mackey, perhaps television's most no-nonsense detective. His violent, brutal methods bring results, but are often despised by his colleague Detective Wyms (CCH Pounder). Also included are a cast of layered characters including a homosexual cop (Michael Jace) and an officer who is also running for office (Benito Martinez). The show's popularity on the F/X network comes from its hard boiled delivery emphasized by unflinching portrayals of police brutality and unclean street language. Episodes have been helmed by first-rate directors including Nick Gomez (LAWS OF GRAVITY, THE SOPRANOS) and D.J. Caruso (THE SALTON SEA).