MovieChat Forums > The Shield (2002) Discussion > Pretty retarded that they would present ...

Pretty retarded that they would present being an analyst as 'hell'

posted 8 years ago by Wilfamy
16 replies | jump to latest

I found it pretty hilarious that the writers think that writing tactical analysis reports day in and day out would be considered 'emasculating' or 'being in hell', especially for someone like Vic Mackey. I get that he's supposed to be a shark, and needs to be where the action is, but it really isn't all that bad, except for the 15 page reports. Being a crime analyst can be one of the most rewarding professions for a person with an inquisitive mind. You get a bigger perspective on gang issues by learning about trends, changing dynamics, criminal methods, key targets, and hot spots of activity; something you wouldn't have if you were focused solely on only making arrests when the crime occurred, aka reactive policing. As an aspiring crime and intelligence analyst I find it insulting that they insinuate that Mackey is working a job that is beneath him and is 'trapped'. Crime analysis and line level policing are meant to be 2 sides of the same coin. If anything this is technically more of a golden opportunity for him to learn as much intelligence as he can of the different gangs and their associations so that when the day comes that he's out in the field as an agent, he'll be way more knowledgeable and better prepared compared to all the other cops.

[–] Milkdoesabodygood 8 years ago

Because he is a controlled lab rat now and everyone despises him at the office or so it seems and nothing is on his terms anymore, he has become a computer now.
Your right, he needs to use this time to LEARN and expand and start over.

Spoiler alert for them spoil sports out there! Y'all like spoiled milk, stop crying over it!

[–] depaul_rules 8 years ago

If you know Vic Mackey, this would be hell for him. He's a rush/danger junkie and needs this consistently to feel alive. He will not last pushing papers around a desk for 3 years.

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[–] sawfan1414 8 years ago

For Vic, the ending is his own personal hell. He's forced to come to the job he despises most, suit and tie 9-5 desk job (he's said numerous times throughout the series that he's not some "desk jockey"), he's lost his kids, his credibility, friends/team, everything. He'll never be allowed in the field as an agent as long as that contract lasts, which he is stuck in. And after ICE, he'll be blacklisted at any major departments or any real federal job. He'll likely end up like his old partner or like Gilroy.

THAT was the point. Sorry you were offended, but it was a perfect ending for the character.

[–] PreachCaleb 8 years ago

Being a crime analyst can be one of the most rewarding professions for a person with an inquisitive mind

And that's why it's a hell for Vic. That's not him. Vic doesn't like reports. He likes actions. Being out on the streets. Getting information from snitches, not from data.

Plus, as others have pointed out, it's not just the job. Vic has lost everything. The job was just the latest thing.

Seize the moment, 'cause tomorrow you might be dead.

[–] hughbromont 8 years ago

You don't get it.

Also, there is no way in hell Vic is going to be "out as a field agent" have you been paying attention to the show?

[–] Wilfamy 8 years ago

Sorry,but you have no proof of that. There's no guarantee that once his 3 years are up he'll be let go. It's just as likely that someone higher up in comparison to Olivia might take notice of his value and think he's be better off working in the street. They could just as easily put him undercover on a top secret operation and no one would know.He was never charged for any of the mirders he committed, so legally they can't terminate him on that basis. We've had cops who've gotten away with murder in this country who're still working as cops, so there's nothing to suggest his past would prevent ICE from renewing his contract.

Also, don't forget a big theme in the show is Vic beating the odds time and time again when people have tried to hold him back. It's only natural as continuation that he would work on a way to get back in the field

[–] PreachCaleb 8 years ago

It's just as likely that someone higher up in comparison to Olivia might take notice of his value and think he's be better off working in the street.

Considering everything he confessed to while working on the streets, not a chance.

And the actual theme is that Vic does worse things to get himself out of situations and pushes his friends and family away so there's nothing left.

Seize the moment, 'cause tomorrow you might be dead.

[–] MaximusXXX 8 years ago

I doubt he's going anywhere after the contract. He's gonna be Carl Weathers.

Sure, top ranking officials get away with murder but not someone like Vic.

[–] mgreen9715 8 years ago

Some people never understood Vic from day one, it seems like. It would most definitely be in hell for someone like him. Especially since he gets off on the action and hates down time. Like other said he always commented that he wasn't a desk jockey and the 9-5 thing is boring and dull.

He'll never be out on the street or a real officer or agent ever again. Not after everything he did in the series.

[–] Milkdoesabodygood 8 years ago

It s been 3 years, anybody, anyone know where Vic?

Spoiler alert for them spoil sports out there! Y'all like spoiled milk, stop crying over it!

[–] mgreen9715 8 years ago

He hit Jax Teller while he was making a produce run in his semi.

[–] Klockard23 8 years ago

That was the only thing I found underwhelming about Vic's ending. Even just him going home with absolutely nothing (not even a job), or ending up in federal witness protection with a new name and shi*ty job would have been better.

Then again, I was mostly just butthurt that Vic got away. Would have preferred if his immunity backfired and sent him to prison for everything he confessed to.

[–] Klockard23 8 years ago

edit: double post.

[–] taeempy (83) 7 years ago

Being an analyst for Vic was like being in hell. He needed the rush of the streets to feel alive. He essentially gave up his family and all his friends for this.