Doogie-01

Arguably the most intense "Knight Rider" ever, this episode takes the viewer on an emotional roller coaster. Michael's new life as a one-man criminal fighting machine truly comes full circle as he is faced with turmoil in everything he now knows.

Michael encounters distress, love, pain, fear, triumph, and defeat all in a matter of TV minutes. His past as well as his future is called into the public eye, and he must deal with both. The character relationships viewers have learned to associate with and covet are challenged like never before.

The series continued for several episodes after this one, although many fans consider this to be the "actual end" of the Michael Knight saga. If encountered in syndication, Knight Rider fans would be remiss to skip this installment.

As a long-time fan of "NYPD Blue," I knew I had to tune in and view at least one episode of "The Shield" in order to continue calling myself a fan of biting police drama.

As it aired at the same time as my beloved "Blue," I missed the first two seasons of "The Shield" entirely. When the off-season struck during Season Three and the major networks could offer me nothing better, I finally grabbed an episode of "The Shield." I couldn't be happier that I did.

Since that glorious day, I've checked out every season from the local library and may or may not have purchased them all for my very own.

The cast of characters is colorful, delightful, and strong. Each has his or her own set of issues, passions, and eccentricities. Writer Shawn Ryan has pulled out all the stops on character development.

While some viewers will grumble about violence or ethical concerns, these thoughts point to a poignant, insightful, and believable set of circumstances depicted in the show. Moaning "Shield" watchers are still doing both -- watching to see what will make them moan the most.

Captain / Cop / Coucilman Acaveda is a credible and despicable "bad guy." Captain Monica Rawlings gave all Vic Mackey fans hope that the brass would cut him a break. Forest Whitaker is stoking critics, although as of this writing it is too soon to tell if he will make, break, or exit the series. Mackey's "Strike Team" is composed of a loyal handful of characters and a severely underrated band of actors.

"The Shield" will drag its viewers kicking and screaming to any number of extreme emotions, and is destined to entertain even those with the most discriminating of TV palettes.

This show current airs at 10:00 ET on FX and has earned a solid 9 on my little scale.

I'm sorry to say I rented this with a clear head. Under-developed story, little use of Applegate's ability as a fine actress, and no nudity ruined this film. I kept thinking to myself "If there was just the occasional breast, the movie would be fine." I was wrong, but what the hey?

The characters were sorely undeveloped. The story was never shown to the viewer. The "past" that Applegate is trying to conquer and escape is never shown.

And what kind of morons do the writers think we watchers are? The blonde kid in the car? The flash to the future? Come on.

Never rent this. Ever.

My dish: 1 out of ten, and that's my being gracious.