I had a feeling that after what I thought was probably the best season premiere for The Shield that the second episode wouldn't be able to live up to it. I was quite wrong.
This episode really throws a lot at the audience all at once, which is a fantastic way to keep the pace nice and taut, while still leaving room for character development, something which I found at times to be missing in previous seasons. Just the opening sequence alone is a real shocker - Ben Gilroy has been found dead; just seeing Vic react to his dirty appearance and hearing how he ungraciously died is very good.
The episode continues to expand and develop Glen Close's character, Monica Rawling - someone who seems vastly different compared to Aceveda. She appears quite easy going as she begins making changes in the Barn, finally getting the men's toilets fixed after a funny little scene with Dutch. It'll be very interesting to see what other changes she'll make over the course of the season and whether she'll be able to handle just what the Barn throws at her.
Aceveda leaves the Barn still outwardly appearing to be an a-hole but deep down we see he's been deeply scarred and disturbed. Hopefully his wife won't find the video tape he stole...Something also tells me this won't be the last we see of Aceveda - I think he'll still pop up from time to time to be a pain in the neck to Vic and now maybe even Monica.
The way we see Shane acting at the end of the episode gives me the impression that unless Vic intervenes, he'll end up aggravating the wrong dude and will go down for it. Season 4 is now off to a fantastic start!
This episode really throws a lot at the audience all at once, which is a fantastic way to keep the pace nice and taut, while still leaving room for character development, something which I found at times to be missing in previous seasons. Just the opening sequence alone is a real shocker - Ben Gilroy has been found dead; just seeing Vic react to his dirty appearance and hearing how he ungraciously died is very good.
The episode continues to expand and develop Glen Close's character, Monica Rawling - someone who seems vastly different compared to Aceveda. She appears quite easy going as she begins making changes in the Barn, finally getting the men's toilets fixed after a funny little scene with Dutch. It'll be very interesting to see what other changes she'll make over the course of the season and whether she'll be able to handle just what the Barn throws at her.
Aceveda leaves the Barn still outwardly appearing to be an a-hole but deep down we see he's been deeply scarred and disturbed. Hopefully his wife won't find the video tape he stole...Something also tells me this won't be the last we see of Aceveda - I think he'll still pop up from time to time to be a pain in the neck to Vic and now maybe even Monica.
The way we see Shane acting at the end of the episode gives me the impression that unless Vic intervenes, he'll end up aggravating the wrong dude and will go down for it. Season 4 is now off to a fantastic start!
