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Best...show...ever

I love the Shield. Season 2 surprassed all my expectations, which were quite lofty after Season 1. I know the show was only supposed to last 3 seasons originally, so it seems the producers and writers wrote the first two seasons the way they should have been, and then the show experienced some growing pains in Season 3. I'm not complaining - I faithfully watched every episode, and loved every one during season 3, but some storylines were dragged out a little long and Vic wasn't allowed the latitude that he's had the last two seasons, so it wasn't as entertaining.

By growing pains, I mean the show has attempted to introduce new characters while simultaneously expanding on the personal lives and character flaws of the existing cast. It worked out pretty well - the show didn't tank, it just wasn't as exciting.

During the entire season, the money train is mentioned or comes into play. It becomes obvious that they're going to do all they can to keep running and hiding the money so the trail never leads back to them. Without ruining anything, the Strike team does some pretty awful things to ensure they don't get caught.

Also, the issue of Tavon comes into play. Shane and Tevon fight in Shane's apartment; Shane is angry that Vic is bringing him too close for Shane's comfort in the Strike Team's circle. Tevon almost dies and Vic has to ensure Shane doesn't get into trouble for it, which causes Vic another dillemma.

Themes of using people as a means to an end abound, with much more blunt references to this theme than in the previous two seasons. They come close enough to being caught with the money train stash that one of the Strike Team members takes matters into his own hands - I'll say no more in case you haven't seen it.

We end with a split within the Strike Team's ranks, Claudette unable to grab the Captain's chair due to wanting to accomplish too much and too soon without playing politics first, Dutch continuing his impotence theme as he's unable to do the investigating he feels he's capable of doing, and an uncertain future for the whole squad when it's revealed a new Captain, someone outside the Barn, will be introduced when Aceveda leaves for his newly won City Counseler's position.

Overall good, and certainly with some flaws, but it something which will probably be made up with a solid Season 4.