I am – Hercules!!
A tough start for the final season of “The Shield”! Its 7th-season premiere pulled lower numbers than “Sons of Anarchy” last week and now our own “Capone” hints at a momentary dip in quality for episode two!
I remind readers that things get really exciting for Vic and what’s left of the Strike Team in about five weeks.
Hey everyone. Capone in Chicago here, back again on AICN's East Coast to discuss Episode 7.2 of FX's "The Shield." This "Final Act" series-ending season has filled me for so much anxiety that it's literally difficult to concentrate on anything else. It's a feeling I loathe, but it's one I seek out whenever I can and can't get enough of. I've just going to dive right in and dispense with the preamble (you can read my built up for this season in last week's Episode 7.1 review. Let's get to it…
Title?
SNITCH
Writer?
Gary Lennon (writer/director of the 2006 crime drama .45, starring Milla Jovovich; this is his first time writing for "The Shield")
Director?
Gwyneth Horder-Payton (director of 2 episodes of this show, as well as episodes of "The Riches" and "Bionic Woman"; first assistant episodes of 33 episodes of the "The Shield")
Where do we pick things up?
Vic (Michael Chiklis) and Shane (Walton Goggins) make a tentative peace in order to get the gatherer of the intel in the blackmail box out of the country via the reverse coyote route to Mexico, which has served them well in the past. Meanwhile, the Mexicans have bought Vic's false information about the Armenians being in possession of the blackmail box, and they intend to take out Rezian (Ludwig Manukian), who is currently in jail. Remember is Rezian dies, Vic's family dies as well. Shane is still charged with keeping Rezian happy and protecting Vic's family.
What is the mayor doing to make the Strike Team's collective lives a living hell?
The mayor and the police commissioner have put out of list of the 10 most wanted gang bangers in the city. What could possibly be wrong with that? Vic and most other cops anticipate gang members vying for the top spot, or for those gangs that didn't make the list to step up their activities to make a showing. Within hours of the list's release, Vic's theory appears to come become a fact. Still, the Strike Team does manage to turn one murder suspect into an impromptu body guard for Rezian in jail. Homeland Security agents make an appearance in connection with Top 10 List-related murders when someone indicates Al-Qaeda may have infiltrated the L.A. gang scene. Vic smells bullshit.
Hey, don't other people do police work at "The Barn"?
Dutch (Jay Karnes) and Billings (David Marciano) investigate the death of a white singer who lives in an otherwise peaceful Latino apartment complex. Seems a cinder block landed on her head, and nobody saw anything. The feeling that Dutch is starring in his own, equally great show seems verified this week.
Who brought in the Feds?
Laurie Holden's FBI Agent Olivia Murray, who has set up shop in the Barn to help out with the Mexican-Armenian situation barely registers this week.
What I liked.
Shane's reassuring conversation with an accountant set to testify against Rezian. Claudette (CCH Pounder) interrogates a 13-year-old Spook Street gang banger and loses her temper.
What I didn't like.
Whereas Episode 7.1 tied up many of the cliff hangers from last season, this episode feels more low stakes than most. It's far from a bad installment, but it doesn't cover much new ground that we haven't seen on the show before. Neither case holds much weight in the big picture. What this episode DOES do well set the early ground work for the major confrontations yet to come between groups and individuals. If you are slightly unsatisfied with this week's offering, don't worry; things pick up next week, I promise.
How does it end?
A killer is set loose on Rezian in prison. In the aftermath, Vic goes to Pezuela (F.J. Rio) with a new deal involving handling the Armenians, a new price to stay on Pezuela's payroll, and a new payment schedule.
-- Capone
capone@aintitcoolmail.com
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