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Post by -|E|- on Apr 17, 2007 10:44:04 GMT -5
From the FX website: "Vic finally catches up to Lem's suspected killer as Shane's torment worsens. Claudette delivers an unexpected blow to Vic concerning his future at the Barn. Dutch creates an awkward situation when he misinterprets Tina's flirtatious behavior. Ronnie hides his concern for Vic while working an undercover case with Dutch and Billings." From TVGuide.com: "Shane can protest only so much when Vic catches up with Guardo and turns up the heat on the man he thinks is Lem's killer. Ronnie, meanwhile, is assigned to work with Dutch and Billings on a meth-murder case. Tina is also involved, and Dutch mistakes her interest in his work for something else. And Claudette tells Vic about an upcoming addition to the Strike Team." "Back To One" was written by Adam Fierro and directed by Gwyneth Horder-Payton.======================================== Was this a good episode? What rating did you give this episode and why? What's the most memorable moment? Why do you think this episode is titled "Back To One?"What was the best line?! Private Message your nominations for the BEST LINE POLL for this episode to chemikalman or .:E:.!! We'll have the poll up in the SEASON 6 POLL BOARD by Thursday evening.....Please share your thoughts/comments on Episode 6:03!Last weeks' ep, 6:02 'Baptism by Fire' ratings as of today: A - 24 B - 17 C - 3
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Post by BenYankee on Apr 17, 2007 21:57:35 GMT -5
Holy...!! Best use of Duran Duran and Dutch since Hungry Like the Wolf appeared in his car.
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Post by BenYankee on Apr 17, 2007 22:04:37 GMT -5
Can I vote in the poll in any Mac browser? I don't have IE for OS X installed on my home machine.
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Post by striketeamwashere on Apr 17, 2007 22:07:02 GMT -5
Dutch was almost cool, but fell down that ladder big time tonight.
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Post by Lemonhead on Apr 17, 2007 22:07:33 GMT -5
Actually, that was A Flock Of Seagulls, not Duran Duran.
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Post by Strike Team 4 Life on Apr 17, 2007 22:09:33 GMT -5
It didn't get good until a little over half way the episode... but when it got good, IT GOT GOOD!!! I rated it a "B".
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Post by lynch345 on Apr 17, 2007 22:17:55 GMT -5
Pretty good episode, I give it a B. The Guardo torture didn't end up being nearly as brutal as I thought it would be. It almost seemed like they were trying to play it safe. It was dimly lit, they cut away from the most brutal portion, and had the gunshout wound take place just off camera. The scene could've been much more visceral and brutal.
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Post by badcop187 on Apr 17, 2007 22:18:15 GMT -5
Well I will be giving my first A of the season, an A- but still an A. It was a little slow going, but any ep Vic whacks someone is usually pretty good. The previews for next week, not only show Vic getting pushed out, but the new guy wanting his own team. Should be interesting.
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Post by badcop187 on Apr 17, 2007 22:18:59 GMT -5
I agree the face burning on the stove was much more graphic I thought. And wow, Ronnie really showed how much he has been overshadowed by Vic and Shane the last few years. Or he shows what saps Dutch and Billings are. Anyone else notice that he was tackling that guy on his own? Dutchboy and Billings were sure slow on helping out.
Ironically, Billings was feeling tough, wanting to be on the ST??? Remember his pussy ass at the car wash shooting? Who is he kidding?
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Post by jadedgirl on Apr 17, 2007 22:22:15 GMT -5
Wow. I forgot how much of a badass Ronnie can be and it felt good to be reminded of it. IAR is really going to love that since he also had a lot of screentime tonight. Anyway, you could just see those machinations and those wheels turning in Vic's mind as soon he heard he was being replaced. You could almost here him thinking "great, I got another guy to get rid of". It's going to be a party between those two. I swear Dutch must love cheesy '80's music-and that may be the only thing that loves him back. But you had to love Billings tonight...he's still a dope. Which brings us to Shane...his sense of self preservation is astounding but you'd think he would know Vic enough to know better. It doesn't matter how much guilt he's consumed with, that and his fear of Vic will always be stronger. That was clear tonight.
Anyway to keep myself from ranting (again), I'll just stop here, give it a A and add twenty to Billings' bet for next week.
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Post by BenYankee on Apr 17, 2007 22:52:17 GMT -5
Actually, that was A Flock Of Seagulls, not Duran Duran. Yeah, I realized that a few minutes ago. Still, the whole point of that was to invoke Hungry Like the Wolf, one of the best moments in Shield history.
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Post by westernplows on Apr 17, 2007 22:55:21 GMT -5
great episode no doubt. Billings is a great comic relief from the intense vic story. And it was great seeing ronnie kicking some serious a** and getting a good storyline,hope to see more of that this season.
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Post by chemikalman on Apr 17, 2007 23:03:09 GMT -5
I give it an A, no question. This may be one of those eps you have to see a few times to fully appreciate. The acting by Chiklis was the most passionate I ever saw from him on this show.
The turmoil in Shane was outstanding, too. He continues to fall down the bottomless pit as he now knows that a baby will be born an orphan thanks to him. Not that Guardo was any model citizen, but still Shane was thinking of the mother and child. And maybe a little worried for his own family's safety if word gets out that he was part of what happened to Guardo.
Ronnie ... oh, Ronnie, you FINALLY got to show what you can do. Like jadedgirl said, Dutch and Billings were like spectators while Ronnie was the man, showing them how the ST gets things done. Billings was back to his laughable self and Dutch showed why he and Billings need to stay in suits.
And good for Danny, showing she ain't ready to toss in the towel after working so hard to make sergeant.
What was up with Claudette? She was getting way too much pleasure dealing on Vic at the end ... bitch. She may be a little too smug. Doesn't she know Vic well enough by now to realize he's gonna be calling the shots, new guy or not, up front and center or from behind the scenes. I think that's what the expression on his face was saying.
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Post by Lemonhead on Apr 17, 2007 23:24:00 GMT -5
This was a great episode, definitely an A from me.
First and foremost, as one of Ronnie's biggest supporters throughout the years, it was cathartic to see him get his own storyline; and he was great. Kicking ass, taking point, and f*ck, did anyone notice that "f*ck me now" look Tina gave him after he put the beating on Bobby? Gardocki's the man. However, with Lem gone, and Ronnie taking more of a central role, the "grounded" character that we've all come to know and love will no longer be the spectator; him being intregal to the plot moreso than ever means he could very well be next on the chopping block.
I'm serious, if Walton Goggins and Michael Chiklis are skipped over for awards this time around, there will be hell to pay. The anguish and rage in Vic was haunting; listen to his rage take control when he yells, "It was Emolia, that Salvadoran slut that tipped you off, I KNOW IT!" - that was scary. And as bad of a guy Guardo is, it's a testament to this show's power that you can feel at least a little sorry for the poor bastard.
Shane's "Peace" line was telling. Dude DESERVES an Emmy.
Great episode.
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Post by jadedgirl on Apr 17, 2007 23:32:59 GMT -5
Ronnie ... oh, Ronnie, you FINALLY got to show what you can do. Like jadedgirl said, Dutch and Billings were like spectators while Ronnie was the man, showing them how the ST gets things done. Billings was back to his laughable self and Dutch showed why he and Billings need to stay in suits. What was up with Claudette? She was getting way too much pleasure dealing on Vic at the end ... bitch. She may be a little too smug. Doesn't she know Vic well enough by now to realize he's gonna be calling the shots, new guy or not, up front and center or from behind the scenes. I think that's what the expression on his face was saying. Aw. Thanks for the plug, Chem. I could hug you but that would be awkward. Also, if they ever do decide to make a spinoff after all, it should be about Ronnie, Dutch and Billings grouped together. That would be kickass. Those three are like The Three Stooges of Farmington. Ronnie is the Moe, Dutch is the Larry and Billings obviously is the Shemp. But who's Curly then? I'm sure someone can figure that out. As for Claudette, you can't fault her for trying to get rid of Vic her way but we all know that's easier said than done. Vic will do himself in the end-something else we all know to well.
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Post by ShootFirst on Apr 17, 2007 23:42:38 GMT -5
The shows thus far have only gotten better. This week's A makes the season premiere look like a B.......but I digress.
Ronnie was a badass tonight. Glad to see he finally got to shine. He handled Dutchboy and Billings with what seemed like minimal effort and he kept Dutch at bay knowing he was trying to figure out what the ST was up to. Loved it when he said "Now you'll roll over." By his words in the house, you can tell he had no clue of what Shane did or even the possibility. Not only did he show more of his ass kicking side, he showed more of his dark side in his loyalty to what Vic did. Billings just cracks me up. My co worker and I lost it and started rolling when he said he'd like some ST action.
Tina grows on me. She showed some smarts with her idea tonight. I thought she was going to goo herself over Ronnie. When she asked Dutch about their night being a date, I could just hear Dutch saying a quiet "Thank you!" in his mind....then a "You gotta be shittin' me." when he saw some woman on his porch. You could tell he was getting a little peeved at Ronnie for what he saw as honing in on his woman.
Shane's acting and self torment, as Chem stated, is fantastic. He's playing the part flawlessly and really setting up for some good stuff to come. I knew the truth wouldn't come out tonight because the previews from last week were too obvious. It continues to be the little things he says and does that make his work great. He's definitely headed south and in a hurry.
Claudette seemed back to her old self this week when she told Vic of Det. Hiatt. It was her bitchy delivery that seemed like it only pissed off Vic more. I think she continues to have the most mystery with her character. Seems like I hate her one minute, like her the next, and go right back to hating her again.
Vic's rage was taken to new levels tonight. It only builds up his inevitable confrontation with Shane. As stated on her already, this was the most passionate acting to come from Michael Chiklis that I've seen. It was almost sickening seeing the satisfaction after he shot Guardo. He'll only give to the new guy what he feels like and WILL win any confrontation with anyone who gets in his way. I'm not buyig this retirement thing and feel very strongly that he comes out of it.
Not a lot of things make me cringe but the burning of the body in the pit was personal. Memories and emotions I'd just as soon forget.
If next week continues the trend, I see it as topping even this one.
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Post by I Adore Ronnie on Apr 18, 2007 0:20:52 GMT -5
...look Tina gave him after he put the beating on Bobby? Gardocki's the man. However, with Lem gone, and Ronnie taking more of a central role, the "grounded" character that we've all come to know and love will no longer be the spectator; him being intregal to the plot moreso than ever means he could very well be next on the chopping block. Ahem. Yes, I noticed all the glances they kept giving each other. Looks like Dutch is going to have to find another woman to pimp... though Ronnie deserves better than the dumbass rookie. They may be trying to make her step up, but she seems to have improved too quickly, it's not realistic. Her original ignorance is still there… Though tonight’s episode proved her as least cop worthy. "Nice operation. Thanks for making me look good to the Captain." I think Billings has a male crush on Ronnie "Ya know, you're very sarcastic." Billings to Dutch, hah. I tried to post earlier and it spazzed on me, so now I have to think what else I was going to write... I thought Guardo’s torture was plenty! Some people expect too much with regards to violence on The Shield. They don't show it just for the wow factor, they showed enough to get the message across. The turmoil in Shane was outstanding, too. Yes! Shane's "peace" line (when Guardo asked him what he wanted) was so powerful in itself! Shane kept justifying what he knew Vic would do to Guardo, "Well you killed a shitload of other people." "...Those were kids, man." "...I had to walk through their blood." "I don't like how blood money spends." -- <ahem> Money Train cash, much? It's what separated the team in the first place. And of course, the Antwon dealings are what got Lem into the mix. Vic, "Don't you think he deserves to die for what he did?" The look on Shane's face. Wow. "We just killed somebody." - Shane seems to have a complete turn-around from his past behavior. Guardo wasn't innocent, I'm surprised he cares enough to feel guilt over it. He didn't seem to give a crap when the Armenians died because of their heist, or any of the other dealings. Family seems to be his only moral grounding now. He sympathized with Guardo more because of his child, than with the man himself. The woman telling Dutch to focus on what would bring Guardo out of hiding could be bad - easily bring him to the girlfriend, and thus to Vic. AMAZING how different Vic was after Guardo was dead and burned/buried. That really gave him closure, while it just laid on the guilt for Shane. Those three are like The Three Stooges of Farmington. Ronnie is the Moe Ha, “Moe” like the name of my cat? Ronnielicious! A definite A from me! ;D
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Post by Maggie1956 on Apr 18, 2007 0:54:43 GMT -5
Ronnie was a badass tonight. <snip> Tina grows on me. She showed some smarts with her idea tonight. I thought she was going to goo herself over Ronnie. When she asked Dutch about their night being a date, I could just hear Dutch saying a quiet "Thank you!" in his mind....then a "You gotta be shittin' me." when he saw some woman on his porch. You could tell he was getting a little peeved at Ronnie for what he saw as honing in on his woman. Shane's acting and self torment, as Chem stated, is fantastic. <snip> Claudette seemed back to her old self this week when she told Vic of Det. Hiatt. It was her bitchy delivery that seemed like it only pissed off Vic more. <snip> Vic's rage was taken to new levels tonight. It only builds up his inevitable confrontation with Shane. As stated on her already, this was the most passionate acting to come from Michael Chiklis that I've seen. It was almost sickening seeing the satisfaction after he shot Guardo. He'll only give to the new guy what he feels like and WILL win any confrontation with anyone who gets in his way. I'm not buyig this retirement thing and feel very strongly that he comes out of it. Not a lot of things make me cringe but the burning of the body in the pit was personal. Memories and emotions I'd just as soon forget. If next week continues the trend, I see it as topping even this one. Ronnie was excellent this episode, I look forward to more of the same. ITA agree about Ronnie, Tina, and Dutch...and the bad thing is even Dutch must realize that Ronnie is not TRYING to attract Tina he's just being himself and doing his job. Which makes Tina melt like hot butter. Tina is growing on me, too. I though she was just brainless eye-candy, but she's developing a mind and personality. Also some ambition, which is bound to bring trouble. The great thing about Claudette's bitchiness is that it was so low-key and bland. If someone who'd never seen the show watched this scene, they wouldn't realize how much conflict was brewing there. Kudos to the actress for underplaying the scene to perfection. Can't wait to see what happens when the new detective shows up. No way is Vic taking early retirement, not when the show's got another season to go. I sympathize over the burning zapping you. This show is damned good at pushing our emotional buttons. That's why we love it, but sometimes it really hits hard. I could hardly breathe through the whole Guardo torture and death part. I gave this episode an A.
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Post by electroshockblues on Apr 18, 2007 2:45:00 GMT -5
I feel the same.
Don't get me wrong - it was brutal and cringeworthy enough to be powerful, but I was really expecting Vic to get surgical on Guardo, not just beat him over and over again.
One of the things that makes me excited about future episodes is the 'Hernan' revelation. It reminds me of the revelation in S3 that the Money Train cash was marked as a part of a federal investigation into the Armenians. In S3, this revelation is what complicated things for Vic and made the plot so much more interesting, making S3 my favourite season. Once Vic hears that Hernan can vouch for Guardo's innocence I wonder how he'll feel?
Also, I think we can safely assume that this Hernan is Clifton Collins Jr's character.
This episode is another solid 'A' from me.
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Post by Cletus Van Damme on Apr 18, 2007 2:54:26 GMT -5
This episode was intense and there were both things I liked and disliked about it.
I really liked Ronnie's story. I'm not what you would call a Ronnie fan, but it was fun watching him kick ass.
The best part was when Tina was giving him those looks and Dutch (who doesnt miss a thing) had that dismayed expression on his face. I laughed so hard after when Dutch was trying to sway Tina back his way with that little speech about how detective work is not as sexy but that it is where brain power like her's can be utilized.
Also, Billings is great comic relief and if any season needs it its this one!
I disliked the Guardo torture scene. Maybe I'm just a softie at heart but I can't bear to watch people suffer for something they havent done. Vic beat the guy to a pulp with that chain! And I disagree with those who said that the scene had too little violence. It got its point across. Any more and it would start being torture-porn like 24 does sometimes.
I agree with Chem about Claudette. Smircky litte bitch!
Also, why do I get the feeling that Guardo's girlfriend is a loose end and that Dutch (who now knows Guardo was in LA becuase of something serious) is going to track her down? Since Vic used his, Ronnie's and Shane's real names when they first spoke with her she can identify them. That wont be good!
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