Worth a Close-r look

The Shield is back for a fourth season this Tuesday and after seeing three episodes I'm happy to say: damn, it's as good as ever.

Fans of the show know how good it is. Those who have never seen it are advised to rent some DVDs and start from the beginning (this is the kind of show worth the time investment, its unique world grows deeper each season building on what has come before).

The big news on season four is the addition of Glenn Close. A bona fide Oscar nominee, Emmy winner and "acting legend" signing on as a TV series regular for the first time in her career. Close is no stranger to slumming but her career is also filled with risky offbeat choices and it's clear that TV is no compromise here. Not only is The Shield basic cable's finest drama ever (faint praise you say?) it's also the best ongoing drama anywhere outside of HBO.

Close is a casting coup that has already brought plenty of media (and hopefully Emmy) attention to the show. But more importantly she fits right in to an already perfect ensemble. Her presence is immediately, and strongly, felt. This is no "special appearance by" ratings gimmick, she's a full on co-lead with series star Michael Chiklis. But even though the new character is a dominant force she doesn't detract from the continuing standout performances by Chiklis, C.C.H. Pounder, Benito Martinez, Jay Karnes and Walton Goggins. There are new dynamics at work for nearly every character on the show and it makes the potential for the fourth season extremely exciting. (Also adding some fresh spark: Anthony Anderson as reformed, or is he?, gangbanger Antwon Mitchell.)

Although The Shield had its finest season yet last year (I've found each season to be a little better than the previous one) it also experienced some ratings erosion and bewilderlingly received zero Emmy nominations. Hopefully Close will reverse both of those things (the third episode alone makes her the lead contender for a best actress Emmy this year and would it be too optimistic to hope the show finally gets a deserved Drama Series nomination?).

But no matter what happens, it's good to know The Shield will continue to excel creatively. This is the only cop show around (with the possible, probable?, exception of HBO's The Wire) that is pushing the genre forward in fresh, provocative and intelligent directions.