Shawn Ryan, a regular writer for Angel and other programs, created this crime drama to challenge the mores of televised entertainment and to provide a heightened reality with increasingly complicated moral questions. Michael Chiklis stars as Vic Mackey, perhaps television's most no-nonsense detective. His violent, brutal methods bring results, but are often despised by his colleague Detective Wyms (CCH Pounder). Also included in a cast of layered characters including a homosexual cop (Michael Jace) and an officer who is also running for office (Benito Martinez). The show's popularity comes from its hardboiled delivery emphasized by unflinching portrayals of police brutality and unclean street language. Episodes have been helmed by first-rate directors including Nick Gomez (LAWS OF GRAVITY) and D.J. Caruso (THE SALTON SEA).
