The Shield Finale: "It's What Vic Mackey Deserves"

• Jul 15, 2008 07:29 PM ET
• by TV Guide News

What's going to happen on the series finale of The Shield? Beats me, but check out these merciless teases from the show's cast and creator:

"I was very concerned about ending it properly," says series creator Shawn Ryan. "To me, it feels like a graduation where you did well in school." Ryan tried to avoid writing an ending that departed radically from the show's essential character. "It will feel like The Shield," he says cryptically, mentioning that in preparation to end the crooked-cop drama, he studied the finales of shows that he admires, including The Sopranos' controversial fade to black.

"There will be no mixed reviews; you will get your money's worth," says David Marciano, who plays Det. Steve Billings, of the ending.

"I'm a chicken when I watch The Shield," says CCH Pounder, in direct contrast to her tough-as-nails character Det. Claudette Wyms. "But I think it's the greatest finale ever. This finale is what Vic Mackey deserves," she says with particular emphasis.

"You will not see this [storyline] coming, but looking back, it will make sense," says star Michael Chiklis. "The Vic Mackey at the beginning of this season is a guy who has come to understand that there are consequences for him and for everyone around him. But you can't change the spots on a leopard."

Oooooooo, good teasing, guys! How do you think The Shield should end its seven-season run? What is it that you think Vic Mackey ultimately deserves? Do I hear a "Mackey, face down, in a pool of blood"?

The Shield returns to FX on Tuesday, Sept. 2 at 10 pm/ET. - Mickey O'Connor