Laertes

I've never heard anything but raves for this show, but I don't have cable. I have the chance to buy both seasons for $80. In other words, $40 for the first two seasons. I'm required to buy both to get the deal. Is it really that good? I'm severely tempted. Severely.

I enjoy the occasional violent cop show, though I haven't watched many cop shows and I'm not sure why. TV boxsets I own: Six Feet Under, Buffy, Simpsons, Freaks and Geeks.... a few others I can't remember.

I wouldn't mind hearing from naysayers, since all I hear is good stuff, but please, for the love of god, *no spoilers* please.

Like I said, violence doesn't bother me at all, as long as there's a decent story, acting, etc. surrounding it.

Any advice?

Patman

Good show. I caught up with season 1 and 2 right before FX started with season 3 in March. I'm tempted to buy season 1 because it features commentaries on (I think) 9 episodes.

das Monkey

Your "own" list indicates to me that you appreciate offbeat quality shows. I wouldn't classify The Shield as offbeat, but it's definitely quality, and it shares the stellar longterm character development over a large cast that you get with Six Feet Under and Buffy. It's very intense, the stories are pretty good, and the acting is topnotch. With the decline of a few other shows, I'd argue it's probably the best thing on the air right now (in its third season), and the 1st and 2nd were just as good. Will you like it? Who knows. But it is "that good."

das

Groucho

I don't usually recommend blind buys, but it's that good. This is one show that a) you don't want spoilers for, and b) you should watch from the beginning.

Groucho

There's actually commentaries on all 13 episodes. Unfortunately, there's only a handful of commentaries for season 2.

Meatpants

When it comes to TV on DVD, I'd always reccommend renting. Even if you end up loving The Shield, you might not end up watching entire seasons over and over.

cleaver

Great show, so so price. $80 for the pair is about what I paid, but if you wait a while you might be able to get them a little cheaper.

Michael T Hudson

I would say yes by both seasons. One of the best shows on TV right now.

Geofferson

Agreed - you can't go wrong.

TK-421

I would recommend it as well.

I would start with the "Co-Pilot" episode from Season 2, then continue as normally with all of season 1 and the rest of season 2.

"Co-Pilot" takes place right before the pilot on Season 1.

Groucho

Don't do this. "Co-Pilot" was meant to be seen in the middle of Season 2, and the "Pilot" episode is a much better introduction to the show. Watching anything else first would lesson it's impact, IMHO.

SFranke

I recommend against buying it. I found it enjoyable and interesting the first time I watched my set, but upon second viewing I realized it was a poor investment (most TV shows I own on DVD get better with repeated viewings, so it is not the fact that I've "seen it before" that leads to my low opinion of the show). I don't care for the low production value of the show, and I found the storylines hackneyed and overly edgy not for the sake of the story, but for shock value. I have only seen the first season, so bear that in mind.

Chew

I think it's a great show and also would recommend buying it.

bralph

Short Answer: Yes

Long Answer: Absolutely

DeputyDave

Yes. I have watched all of the episodes in 1 and 2 at least 3 times. Now that I am watching season 3 I regret not waiting for it to come out on DVD (not that I was capable of waiting). I miss not sleeping and blowing through a season in 3 or 4 nights.
Definitely my favorite show on TV (with the Sopranos a close second).

Groucho

DeputyDave likes the show because he can relate so much to the character of "Julien."

Jonny2k1

I would definitely buy both seasons, in fact I will have to myself in a few weeks.

das Monkey

Worst suggestion ever. (no offense, of course ) Do not do this.

das

TK-421

I'm a continuity freak, so I enjoy watching things in order.. I felt that co-pilot was out of place in season two, but then that's just me I guess.

latenight

lost interest after season 2. I do not plan on buying them.

cleaver

I think there's a "Previously on the Shield" thing at the beginning that summarizes the whole show up to that point.

Buy it and watch them in order.

DeputyDave

DeputyDave is preparing to go all "Vic Macky" on Groucho's ass.

Actually I guess I could go all "Julian"... but I'd need a few beers first.

chrisih8u

I bought these blind and I couldnt be happier. Unfortunatly, I bought them after season 3 already started and now I have to wait for repeats. I hope they have a marathon soon.

Groucho

Let's compromise and you can give me an "Acevada."

mikewendt

Highly recommend buying them`