Television Review: Dragonchasers (The Shield, S1X05, 2002)

Dragonchasers (S01E10)

Airdate: May 14th 2002

Written by: Scott Rosenbaum & Kurt Sutter
Directed by: Nick Gomez

Running Time: 45 minutes

The episode Dragonchasers of The Shield stands as a precarious test of the series’ ability to balance its gritty realism with the occasional foray into sensationalism. While The Shield has long been lauded as one of the most ambitious and critically acclaimed television dramas of the early 21st century, its distinction between greatness and mediocrity often hinges on a razor-thin line. This episode, in particular, teeters on that edge, relying on the strength of its performances to rescue it from being a mere example of the show’s flawed tendencies. Season 1’s Dragonchasers is a case in point, a narrative that straddles the line between the series’ signature moral complexity and the genre’s penchant for overt drama, yet ultimately succeeds through the compelling work of its cast and the nuanced storytelling that defines The Shield.

The episode opens with a scene that immediately juxtaposes the show’s occasional indulgence in sensationalism. In a strip club, Vic Mackey (Michael Chiklis) is approached by a stripper, who suggests that the club might offer “extra entertainment” beyond the usual. This seemingly innocuous suggestion is, of course, part of a sting operation orchestrated by Strike Team to ensnare a gang of violent robbers targeting men lured by strippers in back alleys. Strike Team members, particularly Shane Wandrell (Walton Goggins), are eager to mix business and pleasure, with Wandrell’s enthusiasm for the opportunity. However, the operation takes a dark turn when a robber named Carl attacks Wandrell, who was lured by a stripper named Tulips (Nichole Hiltz). The team quickly apprehends Carl, but Tulips, when brought to questioning, claims that Carl was the mastermind who manipulated her. Wandrell, in a moment of naivety, believes her and even uses the opportunity to engage in a sexual encounter in the interrogation room. The twist is that Tulips orchestrated the entire scheme, using the forensic evidence of their encounter as leverage to demand release. This revelation is a masterstroke of irony, as Wandrell’s own moral compromise is exposed, and the episode’s reliance on a “fan service” subplot (the strippers) becomes a cringe-worthy contrast to the show’s usual gritty tone.

The episode’s second storyline introduces a subplot that highlights the show’s ability to blend moral ambiguity with social critique. Danny and Julien arrest a man masturbating in public, a scene that is both absurd and deeply unsettling. The man, Sean Taylor (Michael Kelly), a car mechanic specialised for installing car stereos, is profiled by Dutch (Michael Jace) as a potential serial killer targeting prostitutes in Farmington. Taylor, however, turns the tables on Dutch, using his intelligence to profile the detective instead. This dynamic is both hilarious and chilling, as Taylor’s smugness and Dutch’s eventual triumph underscore the show’s exploration of the thin line between justice and corruption. Dutch’s emotional breakdown in his car after his triumph, however, is a poignant reminder of the personal toll of the profession.

The third storyline follows Vic’s intervention in the case of Connie Riesler (Jamie Brown), a prostitute whose mother has died of a stroke, leaving her without emotional or financial support. Connie refuses to go to rehab, fearing that the authorities will take her infant son, Brian, from her. Vic decides to bring her to the Clubhouse for a “cold turkey” approach, while Brian is temporarily placed in Vic’s home with Corinne. Initially, Connie appears to be cleaning up her life, but she immediately relapses, a moment that underscores the show’s unflinching portrayal of addiction. Her eventual decision to put Brian up for adoption, despite her lingering attachment to him, is a deeply human moment that highlights the moral complexity of the characters. Vic’s empathy here is a subtle but powerful reminder of the show’s commitment to character development.

The fourth storyline involves Frank Gilmore (Jazzmun), a transgender male prostitute, who is violently subdued by Julien (Michael Jace) when brought to the Barn. Frank’s struggle, including a bite to Danny’s arm, is a visceral moment that underscores the show’s attention to the physical and emotional toll of the profession. Danny later has to leave the station for treatment to prevent HIV, a subplot that is both medical and symbolic. Julien’s participation in a “blanket party”—a brutal beating of Frank in the police van—reveals the show’s exploration of repressed desires and the moral compromises of the police force. Julien’s actions, motivated by repressed homosexuality rather than a desire to avenge his partner, add a layer of psychological depth to the episode.

The fifth storyline centers on Tereza Varela (Sandra Purpuro), a journalist for La Unidad who arrives at the Barn to write an article. Captain Aceveda (Benito Martinez) initially sees this as an opportunity to boost his political career, but Varela’s probing questions about police brutality and her mention of Aceveda’s past rape charges force him to confront his own moral compromises. Aurora Aceveda’s eventual decision to support his husband, despite the scandal, is a moment of personal integrity that contrasts with the show’s usual focus on corruption.

The episode’s overall tone, however, is a clear departure from The Shield’s usual gritty realism, leaning instead into the sensationalism and ratings-driven content typical of mainstream police dramas. The subplot involving strippers, while initially presented as a “fan service” element, is a glaring contrast to the show’s earlier episodes, which often used such subplots to explore deeper themes of morality and power. The revelation that Captain Aceveda is not the idealistic “choir boy” he has been portrayed as in previous episodes is a “soapy” twist that undermines the show’s usual commitment to character development. Yet, the episode’s flaws are ameliorated by the performances of its cast, particularly Chiklis, Goggins, Kelly, and Brown, who bring a level of nuance and humanity to their roles that elevates the episode above its more exploitative elements.

Ultimately, Dragonchasers is a testament to the show’s ability to balance its strengths and weaknesses. While the episode’s shift towards sensationalism is a clear weakness, the strength of its acting and the complexity of its characters ensure that it remains a memorable part of The Shield’s legacy.

RATING: 6/10 (++)

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