When I knew Breaking Bad was returning this week, I was psyched. It’s actually pretty odd to say you’re “excited” about this show returning, because it can be uncomfortable to watch at times. The premise itself is somewhat disturbing, as are the situations that Walter White is in, even though one is more-or-less by his own doing.

There’s something about Breaking Bad that reminds me of the early days of The Shield. They share some similarities, other than the now-bald Walter to The Shield’s Vic Mackey. Both lead characters, Walter and Vic, have their families as a top priority in their lives. And both characters will do anything to make sure their families are provided for, even if it means breaking the law to the highest degree.

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(Week of Nov. 29, 2008)

This week saw Vic Mackey being sorry, Dexter feeling something, and Sylar hating heroes. And by the way, Elle, he is a serial killer! Check out our favorite quotes this week, and add your own in the comments.

“I hate heroes.” – Sylar to Elle, after she tells the car rental guy he’s a serial killer who’s holding her hostage, Heroes

“That’s why you lost your money. God don’t like ugly” — Gus’ Dad to his Mom, Psych

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I didn’t realize — until catching the news last night — that people actually still wait in line through the wee hours of the night to get in on good “Black Friday” deals at retailers. Why go wait in line in the cold and rain when there’s the Internet? Not that it’s a fool-proof way to get to the shopping deals in time, but it’s better than camping out.

I took a look this morning at some of the deals Amazon.com has for TV shows on DVD, and there’s some pretty impressive offerings. I’ve added a list of them below. (Full disclosure: I’ve added the CliqueClack referral tracking code for these, so we definitely appreciate you using our links for your Amazon.com shopping!)

Complete Monty Python’s Flying Circus: Normally $99.95, today $53.49

HBO’s Band of Brothers on Blu-ray: Normally $99.98, today $49.99

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(Season 7, Episode 13 – “Family Meeting” – Series Finale)

I’m still shaking from the scene in the bedroom. I don’t give a shit if you think that’s spoilery and you haven’t seen the episode. If you saw it, you know what I’m talking about. If you didn’t, well what are you waiting for?

I thought I knew what Shane was up to when he was at the store, buying the flowers, the water and the toy for Jackson. I just didn’t want to believe it. I still don’t want to believe that that’s how that chapter of this story ended.

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(Season 7, Episode 12 – “Possible Kill Screen”)

It’s the final two episodes of one of my most beloved shows on television, The Shield. I thought it only fitting that I start out with a live-blog/chat tonight, where we fans can congregate, discuss and weep in our beers about the show’s conclusion.

Earlier tonight I live-blogged the episode. You can read the transcript below. Should I run another live-blog for the finale next week? Let me know in the comments.

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One of my buddies at TV Squad, Jonathan Toomey, wrote up an excellent piece about his experience getting to see the final two episodes of The Shield in a private screening a few weeks ago or so. Unfortunately, since I’m not in New York, I couldn’t make it. Thankfully Jon didn’t rub it in.

Jonathan didn’t go into any spoilers, but did leave one little tidbit that had me thinking:

“Without saying what, you’ll find out one thing about Vic in the penultimate episode … Something so basic that you’ll be amazed when you realize that you didn’t know it already.”

I’ve got a theory, but Jonathan will neither confirm nor deny it: Vic’s a recovering alcoholic or drug addict.

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FX/Prashant Gupta

“I don’t know what that means.” – Shane tries to figure out how to rob a safe on The Shield

Unlike most dramas, The Shield doesn’t really give you a whole lot of relief from the tension. Watching an episode is kind of like being punched over and over again. So after seven seasons, it was nice to see a little levity. When Mara gave Shane the combination to the safe at her real estate office so he could steal some cashier’s checks, it seemed like an easy in and out for a guy like Shane. However, it turned out to be anything but when Shane couldn’t figure out exactly how the safe worked.

This probably wouldn’t have been so funny if it had been on any other show, but within the context of the hard-boiled world of The Shield, watching the utter confusion on Shane’s face was hilarious.

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