The Shield

10 Worst Episodes of The Shield

The story of an inner-city Los Angeles police precinct where some of the cops aren't above breaking the rules or working against their associates to both keep the streets safe and their self-interests intact.

Written by Sophie and last updated on feb 02, 2023.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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The Shield - S2E10

#10 - Coyotes (Season 2 - Episode 10)

When Lanie's report on the Barn is leaked to the press, everyone suddenly fears for their jobs, including David who's mentioned as the reason for most of the problems. Gilroy skips bail and winds up on Vic's doorstep looking for help, so while Vic and Shane deal with him Lemonhead is forced to show the newest member of the Strike Team the ropes. Meanwhile Claudette faces some of her own demons as she and Dutch try to uncover the culprit behind a possible robbery/homicide and Danny comes to a startling realization.

The episode was rated 7.76 from 401 votes.

The Shield - S1E4

#9 - Dawg Days (Season 1 - Episode 4)

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Mackey attempts to broker a peace agreement between rival rappers whose feud is spilling into the streets. Danny is attacked after identifying a shooter, Julien helps a woman whose son's body has been stolen, and Dutch and Claudette search for a mission migrant worker. Meanwhile, Capt. Aceveda finds a powerful ally in "Kingmaker" Jorge Machado.

The episode was rated 7.75 from 522 votes.

The Shield - S2E9

#8 - Co-Pilot (Season 2 - Episode 9)

Flashback to the first day of the barn. Under pressure to get results, Vic and his new Strike Team make an impression on the streets. Dutch and Claudette realize they make a good team, and David discovers he doesn't have as much power as he thought he would.

The episode was rated 7.74 from 393 votes.

The Shield - S1E9

#7 - Throwaway (Season 1 - Episode 9)

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A planted gun in a truck-jacking case causes complications for the Strike Team, and now they're left to clean up their own mess. While the rift between Officers Lowe and Sofer deepens, causing Capt. Aceveda to intervene. Also, Detective Wyms deals with the mess of her family during a visit from her daughter.

The episode was rated 7.73 from 464 votes.

The Shield - S3E2

#6 - Blood and Water (Season 3 - Episode 2)

Tension within the group begins to mount as the Strike Team attempt to rectify a mistake Vic made when he decided to use some of the cash from the stolen money train during a botched gun-running sting. Meanwhile, Dutch and Claudette seek the help of a college honor student named Esteban who was the only survivor in the murder of two latin gang members, one of them being his close friend.

The episode was rated 7.72 from 374 votes.

The Shield - S1E2

#5 - Our Gang (Season 1 - Episode 2)

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Internal Affairs investigates the shooting death of Det. Crowley, but Aceveda speaks starts his own investigation. Meanwhile, Claudette and Dutch investigate the shooting of a churro vendor that ends up in the Strike Team busting up a gang initiation

The episode was rated 7.71 from 643 votes.

The Shield - S3E3

#4 - Bottom Bitch (Season 3 - Episode 3)

A prostitute seeks the help of the police in her quest to bring down her pimp. Claudette assigns Vic against his wishes to the case, which puts him on the verge of going over the edge. Dutch uncovers a disturbing trend of rapes and a politician is arrested for solicitation.

The episode was rated 7.71 from 387 votes.

The Shield - S6E8

#3 - The Math of the Wrath (Season 6 - Episode 8)

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Vic learns about his true status at the Barn from Hiatt. Shane gets involved with the daughter of an Armenian mob boss. Claudette begins to question Hiatt's loyalty.

The episode was rated 7.71 from 304 votes.

The Shield - S4E2

#2 - Grave (Season 4 - Episode 2)

Mackey tries to help an old acquaintance find a wayward teenager, but the search quickly turns ugly when the missing teen appears to have been involved in a shoot-out. Meanwhile, Shane heads out into the field with his new partner Army, teaching him shady police tactics and seeing how far he'll go to be partnered up. Plus, Aceveda spends his last day trying to bury Vic for good, which makes things difficult for Rawling trying to take his place.

The episode was rated 7.70 from 344 votes.

The Shield - S1E3

#1 - The Spread (Season 1 - Episode 3)

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In a routine sweep to nab every outstanding suspect, the detectives divvy up the warrants. But when they cast their nets, they bring up far bigger fish than expected. Danny and Julien uncover a gun-smuggling operation; and Mackey and his team encounter a pro-basketball star who's in town to play the Lakers, when they bust in on drug dealers. Meanwhile, Claudette and Dutch try to catch a man who has been raping women in an attempt to procreate.

The episode was rated 7.61 from 552 votes.

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