I rarely watch any kind of TV series nowadays. The commitment levels required of me to dedicate a specific time on a specific day of the week for six months or more surpass my Y chromosome’s tolerance threshold and therefore triggers fear.

The use of my Sky + system, which enables me to record any programme and also automatically locates future episodes, has somewhat alleviated the problem of commitment. However, with two of us in the household, each with our own occasionally mutually exclusive viewing preferences, the 20 GB of space is proving to be more restrictive than one might imagine. Managing the content on the hard drive and discussing what should be deleted and what should be saved is something I could live without.

The solution to my phobias and storage space issues were to be found in the form of the humble box set.  

So after hearing many positive things about The Shield I decided to rent the first season last week. I am now so drawn in, hooked on the story and the characters that I fear my addiction maybe in violation of some law. After pacing myself though the first season I ploughed through the second season this weekend and have just today ordered the third season from Amazon for £12. This is by far the best thing I have ever seen on TV. I would sell my little sister to get my hands on the next episode, technically I don't have a little sister but if you have one then I wouldn't bat an eyelid in making the exchange. Just don't tell Vic Mackey about my actions ...

The Emmy and Golden Globe winning show depicts the activities of an experimental division of the L.A Police Department in the fictitious Farmington district. The squad manages to drastically reduce the crime rate but some of the methods used are extremely non-ethical and corrupt. The “Strike Team” is the departments own special four man anti gang unit headed up by the intimidating figure of Vic Mackey (played by Michael Chiklis).

The writing, by Shawn Ryan, is phenomenal with each episode having a few cases the different teams work through. There is also an underlining plot and the way the characters’ personal lives, goals and interdepartmental relationships unfold are sure to sink their tenterhooks into you. Apart from being on the edge of your seat throughout each episode you will also encounter some very humorous moments that do well to lighten the intensity.

I cannot praise this show enough and this is something that everyone simply has to watch. Please do yourselves a favour and pick up the first season now (Amazon £11.98) and if you are disappointed I will personally give you a refund. Stop reading and get ordering!

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: All references or statements made in regards to the bartering of younger female siblings and the refund of monies are fallacious and were used purposely for exaggerated or added effect alone. Should anyone wish to write in and complain then please address your hatred to: 34A Epristikan, Do I look, Bovered, Cyprus. You letter will be completely ignored as soon as humanly possible.