Shawn Ryan talks 'The Shield' finale

TCA -- "The Shield" showrunner Shawn Ryan says he has paid close attention to how other shows have concluded and was determined to give his FX hit "The Shield" the ending that fans deserved.

"I've been more concerned about being able to end it properly," Ryan says. "I've paid a lot of attention the past couple years of the finales of shows I've really admired ... the one thing I learned is the shows that stayed true to themselves, those were the finales that succeeded more ... if and when you watch the finale it will feel like 'The Shield' universe and it will feel completely appropriate."

Actor CCH Pounder said: "I think it's the greatest finale ever. It blew my socks off. This finale is what Vic Mackey deserves."

Ryan is looking at Pounder very intently as she says that last line, presumably because it seems to suggest that Michael Chiklis' character is doomed.

Actor David Marciano jumps in: "I wouldn't agree with that," he says, then adds: "With 'The Sopranos,' it's been mixed reviews. There will be no mixed reviews. You will get your money's worth."

Said Chiklis: "This is tricky. You haven't seen it yet. I don't want to blow it for people. ... I will concur with David that Shawn did a tremendous job in writing this finale."

Ryan says he rewatched the entire series before writing the final season to look for opportunities to wrap up as many story threads as possible. The 13-epsiode final season starts Sept. 2.

Comments

[Ebert]

Excellent. I can't wait. The Shield is the best show on television period.

[lisa]

i am so so sad my husband and i have been watching since being pregnant with our first child we are now have three children and its so sad to see it end.

[phil skinner]

I remember seeing this teaser about a new cop show, just as N.Y.P.D blue was coming to an end. I was blowen away at the start of this show. Who kills a good guy in the first show like that? Now that shows coming to an end. I've never watch a show from start to finish like I have with the Sheild. I now find my self asking what the hell am I going to watch now? The cast was awesome, I liked the idea that they all were just normal looking people. Not the super model actors that you see in most shows today. Greatest show ever in my opion!!!!!

[phil skinner]

I remember seeing this teaser about a new cop show, just as N.Y.P.D blue was coming to an end. I was blown away at the start of this show. Who kills a good guy in the first show like that? Now that shows coming to an end. I've never watch a show from start to finish like I have with the Sheild. I now find my self asking what the hell am I going to watch now? The cast was awesome, I liked the idea that they all were just normal looking people. Not the super model actors that you see in most shows today. Greatest show ever in my opinion!!!!!

[Griz]

I started watching The Shield at the beginning of the season that Shane killed Lem. I've been watching ever since and have watched the other episodes as a prequel. They were still awesome even though I knew part of what would happen. I agree with skinners point about having normal looking actors. Its something you don't see often. Whenever I think of normal looking characters, I think of Sanford and Son (Grady's missing tooth and green tatts. Sorry to get off topic there, The shield rules and I can't wait til tomorrow.

[teri]

How can The Shield be over? I started watching reruns from three different seasons. Talk about confusing, but once I caught on to the concept...I was hooked. The acting is Oscar worthy and I always felt as if I was watching something from an inside view, almost voyeuristic.

I loved Goggin, Johnson,Chiklis - the entire cast and all of the guest stars...How can this be over? The finale was Okay...but seemed rushed to me. Poetic, but not profound. God, I love this show.

In my humble opinion, it is the best show ever seen on TV - I want to see a Big Screen Version, like they did with SITC - How can it be over?

You guys are the best!!!!!!!!!!

[Charles Wayne]

Man this show needs a big screen version to give fans closure,but make it at the time when lem was still around,and it would have to be pushin at leats 2 to 3 hours,make it happen,Thats money to be made!!!!!!!!