What's the Difference between Gangs and The Police? | Copaganda Episode 5.1: THE SHIELD

[@SkipIntroYT]

Hey thanks for watching! Part 2 of this video is available for patrons right now if you want to head on over to Patreon. I wrote/edited/shot this video before the kerfuffle and the Capitol last week, but there’s an important connection between this video and our current political landscape. In the last week we’ve seen a lot of people clamoring for more intense powers for the police and for an expansion of what constitutes a “terrorist.” I don’t think it’s difficult to see the parallel between “gangs” and “terrorism.” Would our police use greater surveillance powers to go after marginalized groups? When in the history of this country have they ever not? www.fastcompany.com/90592060/capitol-attack-fascism-surveillance-censorship

[@halfpintrr]

Also, remember, there were a tonne of off duty cops participating in the insurrection. Also BLM mobilized more cops than the insurrectionists. Like the call is coming from inside the house y’all.

[@RED-jg6mt]

holy h*ck you deserve more subs

[@hoodiegod6115]

Dude your dope

[@gfilmer7150]

How do you write a story about a cop without making it copaganda?

[@anitrahooper5031]

Will this ever be available off patreon? I would live to join, its just not available for me at this time. I love the work you do & how you explain the perils of copaganda on our society!

[@socialanarchy081]

Around 15 years ago, malls in Albuquerque declared that there would be a ban on gangs. Their definition was a group of 3 or more individuals who were not related to each other.

[@forthdimension686]

Police 😂

[@somedragonbastard]

Albuquerque does not believe in friendship evidently

[@Praisethesunson]

Lol the Malls in Albuquerque take no prisoners.

[@vaiyt]

And then boomers ask why young people don't go outside

[@MASTEROFEVIL]

Dumb

[@godluckNgoodspeed]

Imagine dying from a gunshot wound to the head and the last thing you hear is Kid Rock's Bawitdaba

[@SkipIntroYT]

it's true, that's the real crime here

[@bayersbluebayoubioweapon8477]

Welcome to Michigan

[@SerErryk]

That's how I want to go out.

[@chernobylcoleslaw6698]

🤣😂😂😂

[@michaelspears7116]

The threat of a lawsuit by the LAPD makes sense now. I was watching this recently and noticed in the first few episodes the cops all have authentic LAPD badges, but that quickly changed to made-up Farmington badges. They rarely even say the words 'Los Angeles' or 'LA'. For most of the series, it felt like they could have set it in an unnamed or fictitious Californian city.

[@doomsdayrabbit4398]

Kind of bullshit how a state entity - the executive branch of the government of the City of Los Angeles - can violate the first amendment rights of the writers of a show simply with the *threat* of a lawsuit, and the Supreme Combo Meal in their Marble Palace on the Potomac will be completely silent, but if the legislative branch of that same government "violates" the second amendment rights of someone by saying they can't possess a certain variety of firearm because of its massive destructive potential against human lives, the court "interprets" away the first four words of that amendment.

[@jayfrank1913]

@@doomsdayrabbit4398 The words of the Constitution are meaningless. Only the latest "interpretation" of those words by the courts matters.

[@doomsdayrabbit4398]

@@jayfrank1913 Yeah, and clearly the only branch of government that matters these days is the executive.

[@YouCallThataKnife253]

If you don't want a drug war, then legalize drugs, and treat addiction as a public health issue. If you don't want gang wars, then address the economic inequity that results in youths engaging in violent and illegal activities. If society chooses not to address the core of the problem, then society is not actually interested in remedying the issue

[@krotchlickmeugh627]

Yeah cuz that worked great in la and Seattle

[@krotchlickmeugh627]

@Jean Sanchez sorry so many comments I shouldn't have assumed it was an opposing view point. I'll delete my comment. Makes me sound irrational

[@aztektheultimatewoman]

Unfortunately, a lot of people AREN’T interested in remedying the issue. They don’t want to stop crime from happening, they want to punish the shit out of people who commit crimes. It’s fucked up, and it only allows the underlying problems to fester unexamined.

[@nervousbreakdown711]

But if you do that, the police can’t play with their murder dildos

[@vanyadolly]

You can treat addiction as a public health issue without legalizing drugs. Should they have legalized cocaine in the 90s just because a lot of people were doing it?

[@promnightdumpsterbaby9553]

The difference is you can legally protect yourself from gangs....you resist corrupt law enforcement,you go to prison for life.

[@thatguy22441]

That's why I'll always prefer dealing with armed criminals in the private sector. The only difference between cops and gangs is "legality." Basically, it means whatever the cops do is "correct" because a bunch of words on paper say so. That all being said, do not, I say again do NOT give up your right to keep and bear arms. The police can't (or won't) protect you. Look at Uvalde. I wonder how many of them were happily busting people for drugs (weed, even; Texas is an illegal state), high-fiving each other and getting plastered in the bar that night......only to wilt in the face of real danger. Kids were dying while the police were doing whatever the hell they did. Police have actually quit (or put on the back burner) burglary, vandalism and other actual crimes to bust someone or having a couple of pot plants growing in their yard or house. In other words, the victims of burglary or home invasion are prosecuted in the name of the War on Drugs while the actual perpetrators get away. As if that wasn't enough, police organizations resist every single attempt at reforms to our (utterly failed) drug policy. Think about it, those assholes can't even enforce laws against murder.....

[@Praisethesunson]

In for a penny in for a pound.

[@nakishodoglitterfox]

if your lucky.

[@SunshineTheLover]

@@thatguy22441dont forget there was a case in dc that set legal precedent that says police aren't obligated to help people in trouble. a couple of women had a break in, called the cops, they pretty much ignored the women, didnt do anything, got sued, then were told they werent obligated to do anything about the break in. multiple states and cities are setting a scary history of precedent for this so now the courts have an excuse to allow cops not to do their jobs

[@The10thDimensions]

​@@thatguy22441thank you. you have made me relize americans cant give up guns because your police dont know how to use them so its your job too

[@TheKeyser94]

Since when the LAPD didnt have a corruption scandal? They had the Zoot Suit Riots that happen in 1946 after a police officers killed a Latino and it was acquitted of the charges by trial, there was the Black Christmas incident in the 50', funny that happen a years before Dragnet began, that why HBO chose the 30' instead of the 50' to do his Perry Mason series (also a series from the 50'), they want speak about police corruption without actually showing it.

[@earlpipe9713]

James Ellroy's LA based novels show the insane levels of criminality (can it even be called corruption when they create a scale of rackets no other criminals could hope to at the time) they perpetrated from the beginning

[@TheKeyser94]

@@earlpipe9713 I wouldn't be so sure, the LA police was as corrupt them as now, even more, maybe, you never hear of the Zoot Suit Riot and the Black Christmas, where the police brutally assaulted the Latino community, in the first case two policemen come out of charge after murdering a Mexican emigrant and that cause a massive riot in the city, and the Black Christmas incident that appears in L. A. Confidential is based in a real incident of the same name, the police was more worry to protect their own officers than clean house, even new William H. Parker that was appointed to clean the police of corruption worker harder to protect the officers that their victims.

[@craigvanaman]

This video series is now the thing I most look forward to seeing pop up on KZbin. Thank you so much for making it.

[@StNick119]

You know what, same. This is my most... urgent watch for lack of a better word?

[@thatoneperson471]

Craig Vanaman same here, this series deserves more views. Great quality and great content

[@icecoldpierre]

I second that, I literally saw this and my feed and was like: "ooh! Copaganda!". And I don't usually go for KZbin channels that talk about TV and movies. But this series is so good.

[@punyam6913]

this video is 3 days old and your comment is 1 week old 😕😕😕

[@craigvanaman]

@@punyam6913 the benefits of Patreon ;)

[@DutchLabrat]

Gangs form where marginalized locals are not protected, or at least do not feel protected by the institutions of the nation state. True for the Maffia, true for US street gangs, true everywhere...

[@matthewbivens1299]

Fair point

[@jhartigan82]

@Jeroen Metselaar gangs form to prey on marginalized locals.....poor people taking advantage of other poor people....true for the maffia, true for the US street gangs, true everywhere.....the poorer you are...the closer crime is to your front door...its easier for us to blame outside forces then it is to blame ourselves but the simple truth is if you dont want to live with gangs...you have to bring in more money then they do so you can afford different neighbors. The people that get that get out....the people that dont stay and complain about it...hard to hear but its the truth

[@DutchLabrat]

@@jhartigan82 : That is one side. On the other side you can see it as people that need something and find that the local boss/lord/leader/baron/etc... is more likely to do anything than the remote and unhelpful government. This creates loyalty and the returns on that loyalty. Go watch Godfather I.... Italians in the US were discriminated and marginalized so they moved to the maffia which originated during the occupation of Sicily.... The difference is really between that of a terrorist and freedom fighter, it depends where you stand. Back to the main thread: If you want to solve or prevent gang culture in a society the solution is better functioning policing and protection from the government. Not by attacking the gangs because that only hardens the loyalty to them and underlines their need.

[@BlueKitsune72]

Except for white supremacist gangs, they form because they hate people. But they're more terrorist organization than gang.

[@BlueKitsune72]

@@jhartigan82 there are allways predatory people. You could easily say the police prey on people. Think about why a gang commits violence. Either someone stole their shit, or ripped someone off. At least in NZ. If they're fueding with another gang, well that's their issue isn't it. Over here in places like northland they've been doing boxing matches for a few years to sort stuff out between gangs. It was their idea, and the council and the local iwi didn't have an issue with it.

[@thewhitewolf58]

A criminal police is always worse than a criminal in general no debate about

[@remiscott9843]

At least they gotta do paperwork...

[@mikemckenzie4016]

Incorrect. A police who takes the occasional bribe, or smacks some suspects when he shouldn't is not worse than a cold blooded murderer. To suggest otherwise is actually putting police on a pedestal apart from the rest of society. The assertion that a cop committing crimes is always worse than a citizen committing crimes directly implies that not only are all crimes on an equal moral playing field (they're not), but also that cops are naturally on a higher moral ground than the rest of us, which is simply BS. The idea that it's worse for them to do something because they "ought to know better" gives credence to the notion that they are more important than you or I, and worthy of a higher status, which many cops have an over-inflated enough ego to buy into. Cops have considerable power, and it can be used to abuse, but so do every day people.

[@solgato5186]

@@mikemckenzie4016 The power invested in cops is not a pedestal, it does make their wrongs while performing their profession that crime + abuse of power.

[@brandonallison7782]

@@mikemckenzie4016 Here's the thing. A lot of cops are fucking murderers, rapists, thieves, and the like. The reason why it's worse is their power to outright ignore consequences, and then shunt those consequences on some random black man they found. They are the coldblooded murderers. They just never have to answer for it.

[@mikemckenzie4016]

@@brandonallison7782 That's just it though, the cop who commits any crime is no worse than the citizen that does the same thing. The fact that the cop is more likely to get away with it is the fault of a society that puts too much faith in the badge and refuses to insist on a truly uncompromising accountability apparatus to hold it to. The cop himself is not morally any worse than a regular person who did the same thing, they are just as bad because people are people and do terrible things they think they can get away with. To say otherwise would suggest that cops have a right to be smug like they are worthy of a superior status to the average person (up until the point at which they break the law, then they have fallen further than someone that was already a lower status to begin with), to which I disagree.

[@mickeyk96]

the podcast You're Wrong About has a great episode dissecting gangs and whether they even exist they way we think they do or not. Highly recommend!

[@acehealer4212]

I’ll check it out. Thanks!

[@zucchinigreen]

Love that podcast. Working my way through. Will check it out.

[@SkipIntroYT]

it was a great resource for this video!

[@marquisdelafayette1929]

The police are the largest and most dangerous gang there is.

[@miskatonic_alumni]

@@marquisdelafayette1929 Absolutely. That's why crime goes down whenever they strike.

[@Treblaine]

The problem with "anti-gang" units is unless you're using something like a RICO law where you just have to prove someone is a gang member to lock them up then going after gangs isn't going after actual evidence of actual crimes. It's just saying "you're a member of a criminal gang so you must have done SOMETHING" it invites police to ignore any sort of judicial process of detecting crime, collecting evidence of crime then bringing suspect and evidence together in court to convict. It's a vicarious punishment instead of a direct punishment of the perpetrator, it's lazy police work to say someone committed a crime who is "in a gang" and respond by just getting some other member of the same gang who committed the crime.

[@unclegumbald989]

It is absolutely CRIMINAL (ha!) that these aren’t performing well. They are PHENOMENAL.

[@SkipIntroYT]

thank you! :)

[@jubeidamasta]

The shield seemed like the most honest police show, as far as how it depicts the police.

[@DrGaslight187]

It was

[@ShirDeutch]

The interrogation section reminds me of an episode of Homicide: Life on the Streets in its second season (probably the shortest season of network television in history) - Frank Pembleton goes into the room fully knowing that the guy isn't guilty, but he got instructions from his commanding officer to get a confession because the alternative is that some cops did the murder (which is what actually happened). The suspect is a cocky and tough-looking gang member, but Pembleton manages to completely tear him down until the guy is actually weeping and agrees to take the blame for his friend's death. On one hand it's a chilling scene because you see exactly how manipulative Pembleton can except this time his actions are completely unjustified because he knows and the audience knows that he's basically framing an innocent person, but on other hand it humanizes the gang member, giving more depth to the stereotypic tough criminal.

[@lifeofbob2896]

I thought of exactly the same thing. Homicide always had the best interrogation scenes, especially when Pembleton was the one interrogating, but that one in particular . . . man. And Pembleton not only gets the confession, but does it in a way that makes his boss feel so guilty that he rejects it rather than charge the guy (if I recall correctly). Lots of layers to that one.

[@ShirDeutch]

@@lifeofbob2896 yeah that's how it went down. After getting the confession, Pembelton gets out of the box and tells Gee "I'm so proud of myself. Look at him - he didn't do it, but he's happy to have signed. I did this for you, Gee"! (Somehow paraphrasing of course). Then we see Gee sitting in his office being tormented until he storms off to the holding cell and demands the guy tell the truth. But the guy doesn't want to tell on the cops because he's afraid of retaliation, which is partially why he agreed to take the fall to begin with. There's also the season 1 episode that's shot almost entirely in the box, showing a 12-hour long interrogation. Amazing back and forth with the suspect, and detective Bayliss, who entered the room 100% certain that this is the guy, ends the interrogation with this confidence shattered.

[@kevinherd3437]

I loved that show, everyone always acknowledges the WIRE and deservedly so but Homicide was terrific.

[@madderthanever]

In the ongoing conservation about series finales... _The Shield_ had one of *the most gut-punching, depressing, but, weirdly enough, viscerally exhilarating ending of any shows I can remember.* Vic, picking up his gun and going back to the streets, even after being forced into an ineffective desk job, was exciting, threatening... and the only sendoff that would make any sense.

[@Sugarnaut]

Yeah, that ending killed me, but it was real. I love those brothers.

[@ryanobeso4272]

I felt so bad for Ronnie though.

[@madderthanever]

@@ryanobeso4272 Yep, he got screwed worst than anyone else. But less we forget: *the Strike Team were the bad guys of this story.*

[@mcglubski]

"What if your moral compass is broken? How do you fix it?" "You can't" lol what a piece of shit thing to think

[@siphillis]

Yet probably the prevailing wisdom when it comes to treating criminals and allowing them to rehabilitate.

[@jakecorenthose2901]

Absolutely. I personally don't feel that the show is endorsing that perspective though. The guy who says "You can't" is not portrayed as a hero in the show. There's even a scene in the where he strangles a cat and seems to enjoy it. The next scene is him compromising his moral compass on the job. These scenes seem to suggest that his pursuit of exposing other odious figures, as well as his belief that it is impossible to improve your moral compass, is a product of him projecting his own dark impulses onto others and then punishing them for it. Dutch and Claudette may be partners, but they are very different. Claudette has a far more nuanced understanding of the world than Dutch does. Doesn't make her perfect, but it does make her perhaps the only good cop in the show.

[@davemeads859]

You can I fixed mine if I can do it anyone can

[@harbingertheheretic3541]

In case you haven't watch & listened to politicians/lawyers, please do. Then try to tell me that the statement lacks validity. There really are some people whose moral compass is so broken that it can't be fixed. Some folks can be rehabilitated or taught to be/do better. Some people are too mentally ill/incompetent, or are psychopaths, sociopaths, communists, socialists, or fascists (sorry for the redundancy).

[@mcglubski]

@@harbingertheheretic3541 it was clear to me at least from the context of this video that the character involved truly wanted to change. We shouldn't treat people as such because then it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy ya know? So I get your point but I don't necessarily agree with everything about it Also I'd certainly not group communism and socialism with psychopaths either. Authoritarianism is the root of the problem, which fascism is part of yes. Communism has never actually been implemented and is literally impossible to achieve. Socialism maybe depending on what country I guess? But again, authoritarian socialism is the problem not simply the socialist side, which is purely economic.

[@jakecorenthose2901]

Been eagerly waiting for you to tackle this. A great show that is and - as much as I'd hate to say it - always will be relevant. A better finale than Breaking Bad and Chiklis' best performance. It was also my introduction to Walton Goggins, who has gone on to be one of my favorite character actors.

[@SkipIntroYT]

i'm hitting the finale in part 2 don't you worry!

[@noahsains6227]

A better finale than brwaking bad? Its cliche as shit

[@Nana-qt3jm]

Honestly... for as many times as I've watched and recommended your Copaganda series, I KNOW I gotta support your Patreon now. Love your takes and perspectives on all of this. Especially your Wire and B99 parts

[@averylcobb6110]

A criminals minds copaganda episode would be really interesting. Love this series

[@antivalidisme5669]

Hobbes: "The state of nature was solitary, brutish, poor, nasty an short" Rousseau: "Hold my beer"

[@smith2354]

Where my noble savages at

[@sperry8399]

Both these dudes were sexist as hell and so couldn't make any good observations about "nature"

[@miskatonic_alumni]

@@smith2354 Probably getting shot 97 times by cops that will then plant a drop gun in their dead hands.

[@robliptak93]

Youngstown, Ohio had it’s third shift arrested (10+ officers) in the early/mid 1970’s because they were running a fencing operation. Many criminals were dealing with them because they gave better rates than the local mob related fences. It was reported that the local mob reported them to the FBI.

[@heisensaul5538]

Right now, I think The Shield is more relevant now than it was in 2002 when it was first on tv. To me this is one of the most important shows ever made in regards to the relationship between the police and the people they are supposed to protect. When I recently rewatched this series, the one question that I kept asking was who will police the police? When I got to the end of the series, it was just as powerful as watching it for the first time. I still think about the ending of the series often.

[@domotoroOfficial]

0:25 Fraternities are DEFINITELY gangs

[@DeathToMayo]

Comments are good for the algorithm.

[@bookbook9495]

Comments are *very* good for the algorithm. As is liking comments.

[@StNick119]

"GET IN MAH BELLY" - T. Al Gore Rhythm, re. comments

[@matthewkuchinski1769]

Great review. This is why I really like the British series "New Tricks," which, though centered around retired police officers serving in a Cold Case squad called UCOS, had them go up against police corruption on multiple episodes and had them actually try to fight against it, with varying results. In one particular arc, the eccentric but brilliant Detective Sergeant Brian Lane (Alun Armstrong), had believed that a conspiracy had been made to frame him for the accidental death of a suspect in police custody. At first his friend and coworker Jack Halford (James Bolam) convinces him that it is all in his head, but when the story is brought back in the final episode of season 9 and ends after the third episode of season 10, it is revealed that Brian's other coworkers used him as a scapegoat because he saw criminals as human beings and was a police officer who truly upheld the law. In reprisal, Brian records his conversation with Police Commander Adam Sinclair, the mastermind of the colleague, and brings the tape to the victim's mother, knowing full well that he will lose his job. He does it because the mother needed closure and Brian knew that she would not be able to get justice within the system.

[@charlieni645]

I know it's a bit tangential to the subject of copaganda, but are you interested in looking at Person of Interest? The early seasons portrayed NYPD as a largely incompetent and thoroughly corrupt establishment but put focus on one honest detective's effort to eradicate those elements and eventually succeeding.

[@thoughtsonfitness3249]

Brilliant.... I have watched the Shield 3 times..... it’s original run and binge watched twice .... This and Babylon 5 spawned so many other shows… thank you your time on this!

[@JLoc]

People still making videos and acknowledging The Shield? This the type of content I like to see. Got them flashbacks.

[@slbfiel8203]

Facts this show is amazing!

[@StNick119]

14:22 Lol I just gotta express appreciation for the cute little Chicago graphic, and indeed your graphical style in general, the "film static over paper" is very appealing.

[@tbrown5657]

I'm surprised your series isn't getting more views. This is the best episode yet, and I'm looking forward to more!

[@uriponte2625]

There should be more analysis videos on the shield

[@pyromaniac2104]

a question from someone who hasn't seen the show (me)... is it actually good/fun/something to enjoy watching? Basically would you or most people who've watched it recommend it

[@EddyTheMartian]

@@pyromaniac2104 hell yes, it’s one of the best shows of all time in my opinion. The storyline was very intricately set up in a way that most of the events have consequences or set up later episodes, seasons, etc. The characters are some of the best I’ve seen on TV, and the dynamics between them are insanely good. I love how the show isn’t afraid to change the entire dynamic of the show.

[@ehimenjuniorakhimien6132]

@@pyromaniac2104 As a Black Mexican or Latino you find the shield disturbing due to what's happening now.

[@LectionARICCLARK]

This series deserves so many more views.

[@AdeptSlayer]

Love this series. Hope it gets more visibility.

[@bigdaddychacha]

Glad to see this video, looking forward to part 2. “The Shield” was definitely a problematic show in some ways that had its ups and downs, but it was also dynamite storytelling, amazing acting, and ultimately poignant writing that lead to a logical conclusion. It’s under “The Wire” for me by quite a bit, but it’s still my 2nd favorite cop show. Keep up the good work here!

[@FidoeFTW]

"problematic show in some ways that has its ups and downs" Can you elaborate on that a little more? I'm curious to hear your thoughts.

[@EddyTheMartian]

It’s consistent increasing ups and like a few downs you mean

[@johntaylorson7769]

The Wire was a better show for sure, but dammit if The Shield didn't have the best final act - and finale- of any show I've ever seen.

[@serenityinside1]

Shield was waay better than the Wire .. way better. Seasons 2+ 5 of The Wire 👎.. really ?

[@plugshirt1762]

@@serenityinside1ol what season 2 of the wire was amazing it was the best season besides 4. Even that being said seasons 1-2 of the shield are super mid and season 6 has an identity crises. I honestly didn’t even like the wire that much and like the shield a lot more but it’s undeniable the wire has far better writing

[@masterofthedeathwing2839]

the day the cops beat the shit out of me, because a bouncer didn't like the way i looked, and got away with it (investigated themselves and found themselves not guilty of anything) was enough for me to realise that they are a gang

[@StNick119]

Hey Skip, are you a part of Nebula (that collective of leftwing KZbinrs who are all oriented around education and media analysis and so on)? You seem pretty comfortably on their caliber (when I say you seem like one of the best media analysts on KZbin, I say it as someone who has watched loads of other insanely good ones like Folding Ideas and Patrick H Willem and Lindsay Ellis and etc). I don't know how the specifics work, but maybe an association would help you get more views on these vids?

[@SkipIntroYT]

Never heard of it but thanks for the tip!

[@uriponte2625]

One of the best series finales ever

[@argylewarrior1]

i really think The Shield is a fantastic illustration of "there is no such thing as a 'good cop.'" every single character is flawed, and being able to wield state-sanctioned violence without repercussion allows them to abuse others in their own ways.

[@darrengordon-hill]

Psycho is a fantastic illustration of "there is no such thing as a 'good mother'"...

[@winstonmarlowe5254]

Idk, Dutch was pretty good besides being a bit of a creep.

[@sarah2172]

TLDR; not much, mainly that one is govt sanctioned

[@remiscott9843]

Paperwork

[@danielmoody4925]

Went from playing these in the background whilst looking for something else to watch to back to backing all episodes in a matter of 1 episode. Amazing series which I can't wait to rinse through!

[@GoldDeagle777]

This is kinda late but around 22:25 you talk about how the "other guys" sometimes turn to Vic Mackey when their solutions don't yield any results. I noticed that the same thing happens in the Wire where Bunk Moreland wants to work his case the "real" way as opposed to Jimmy fabricating a serial killer to give Lester Freamon the room he needs to arrest Marlo Stanfield Ultimately, Bunk yields to Jimmy when he asks him to merge his evidence into the homeless serial killers to give his case the priority it needed. Thought that was a neat detail, even though the "good cops" are trying their hardest and sticking to their morals. They might end up bending to the knee to get their police work done.

[@natejones873]

Fantastic series. This should have way more views. Keep up the great work!

[@tate9545]

One of my favourite shows of all time. It also had best ending the final season, very well written. 10/10 for me.

[@kathham9342]

This series is so good I look forward to every episode! I hope it gets the visibility it deserves

[@darkservantofheaven]

" I had a correctional officer tell me, "We the biggest gang in New York state." - Tupac Shakur

[@christiconcus517]

Late to the series here, but I'm loving it! Halfway thru this episode, I wanted to note that the actor Michael Chiklis also played a cop (police commissioner) in the early-90's series The Commish. Really interesting to see the same face depicting two incredibly different takes on the police.

[@SerErryk]

And somehow he looks older in The Commish.

[@cougargray4031]

Always love your videos @skipintro - it’s apparent how much time and research you put into your topics. Cant wait for part 2.

[@barbrasosi]

Wow, I just started replaying GTA:SA and this video gives a whole new context to the story. The characters mention C.R.A.S.H a lot but I just didn't get it until this!

[@ucantSQ]

I had a dream once I heard a POUND POUND POUND on the door. My heart rate spiked, thinking it was the cops. I reluctantly open the door. Aw damn, it's just the local gang. Thank god. Come on in guys.

[@ericdecker2914]

This series is sooo goddam savage! The editing, the research, the analysis, the clear progression and delivery. Amazin!

[@user-kf3nv9gq5n]

Absolutely loving this series so far!!! I'm sure you've already got your other series picked out, but I'd love to see you pick apart True Detective season 1. It'd be significantly less screen time than The Shield or The Wire, and there's A LOT to unpack. I still can't figure out whether I really like it or really hate it. Thank you for your work!

[@indalcecio]

I definitely didn't think True Detective was copaganda at ALL. I'd say the police are portrayed pretty negatively. I mean Rust is likeable on some level but he shouldn't be an officer, he's mentally ill, has addiction issues, he literally hallucinates. Marty is clearly a piece of garbage, pretty much the stereotypical cop who abuses his wife. The chain of command is portrayed as corrupt and most of the other cops don't care about doing the right thing. All in all I'd say it's a fairly realistic representation of police.

[@Kewrock]

Still one of my favorite shows of all time. The ending was epic.

[@zahubshahid7944]

FINALLY!!!! If I'm not mistaken, this is only the second "analysis" video (not a series review video) on all of KZbin that discusses The Shield.

[@EddyTheMartian]

Really sad to be honest, this show is a masterpiece imo, one of the best of all time and deserves to be talked about way more

[@marlock6573]

I just rewatched The Shield for the first time since the show ended, and the Glenn Close season with all of the civil asset forfeiture stuff made me viscerally angry. Now that I actually understand how that policy is implemented in real life, the way that it was presented in the show was comical.

[@warlordofbritannia]

You’d be surprised. Back in the mid-90s the Texas legislature used that policy about as heavy-handedly as you can imagine. The purpose was to build a ballpark for the Texas Rangers baseball team, despite the fact that a special sales tax had already been levied for that purpose. But I’m sure the fact that the governor of Texas was also a part-owner of the Rangers had absolutely nothing to do with that…

[@bobuscesar2534]

How was it comical?! It was pretty clear in the show that the PD blackmailed the people and stole their property knowing that they couldn't afford the needed lawyers. It showed pretty well how the PD abused it when given judicature power. The Characters themselves try to justify their behaviour but the show doesn't.

[@AtomicBananaPress]

Commenting for the aLgOrItHm. Love the series!

[@dmoneytron]

What's the Difference between Gangs and The Police? The Shield

[@remiscott9843]

Paperwork

[@higpop9619]

Saw a reference to this series in Princesse Weeks's latest video, and I love it! I'm vera into critiques of copaganda (as a fan if crime solving shows and an anarchist 😬), and yours are really good. The range of the shows your critique, the ideas you bring into your analysis, it's really thrilling.

[@raedusoleil6375]

I am unreasonably hyped for you to do a criminal minds episode, especially given the super illegal activities that all the main characters have done at least once 😂

[@ecclestonpaul1]

Would be interested to see you talk about Line of Duty. It’s a huge show in the UK about a unit in the police force which is dedicated to catching corrupt police officers. Always wins loads of awards here

[@hamzabessali5711]

I watched the entire series for this. Great show

[@charleselmore4707]

These copaganda videos have just gotten so slick. Lile little documentaries.

[@ViraL_FootprinT.ex.e]

Idk what's going on with the gods of algorithm as of late, but I've been getting some bomb ass recommendations lately. Instant sub.

[@reneeagatsuma1579]

Ugh. I remember liking this show and thinking the team was a necessary evil. But seeing it in this context and after all I've seen and learned about the history of cops has put this in context (and realizing who they call the "enemy" - normal everyday folx often- seen though Balko's "Rise of the Warrior Cop" has really helped me). Thank you for this critique. It goes to show to me how well copganga works.

[@medea8395]

shows like these tire me out, so I'm grateful you're making a really good analysis as to why it does. It's because it mirrors reality closely but only to the point that it makes cops still look good. Looking forward to that part 2

[@EddyTheMartian]

You’re saying this as if you’ve watched the show, the show doesn’t portray the cops in a good light, the entire show is literally about the consequences of their actions and the sins of literally the first episode come all the way back to the end of the show, and make the season 5 plot. It could’ve done some things better like the depiction of gangs, but it’s definitely not glorifying these cops.

[@uriponte2625]

Was waiting for this, shield is one of my favorite cop shows

[@ricksmith4856]

ooh criminal minds episode! Have you seen Though Slime's Watchmen episode? it's great KZbin like yours. Keep up the great work!

[@EmmaDelamare]

This channel deserves more views Mr algorithm.

[@honeybee6953]

your channel is amazing! it deserves so much more attention!

[@redmilo92]

I would be more critical of Claudette than you are here. Though it's been a while since I watched the whole series my memory of her initially is that she is quite comfortable with letting the Strike Team do its thing, and she only becomes more oppositional when they step on her toes rather than out of moral objection to their methods. She may not actively take the leash off as much as Aceveda but she's still content to not interfere with them in order to protect the reputation of the precinct as a whole.

[@gildardorodriguez4356]

Great essay. Loved the show when I saw it several years ago, but is very disturbing.

[@Huntracony]

Of course confessions aren't always false, but confessions, if not given pretty much immediately, are always useless. Like, 27% (which, I don't know how that number was obtained, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's higher) is certainly enough that anyone should have reasonable doubt. I've always been very weary about confessions because I've given a false confession before. Luckily they were much lower stakes, I was falsely accused as a kid of stealing a candy bar in summer camp, but all the same tactics were used, including lying about evidence. Seriously, they told me they had pictures of me stealing the candy bar and just moved on when I called their bluff. Like, actually fucking insane. As an adult, I'm mad we didn't report it or anything like that.

[@mikeymoose1986]

I know this might be too late and you might already have concrete plans for the rest of the Copaganda series, and also that you're not here to take requests necessarily, but I just started watching "The Boys" and especially in the beginning the parallels between Supes and cops is very pronounced. A character even directly says that Supes sometimes cover their crimes just like cops do. Might be interesting to take a look at that parallel!

[@akshayde]

so much copaganda material out there and im just disappointed that no one talks about SOUTH LAND. its like no one has watched it

[@304Kid]

There is a wonderful interview with Michael K. Williams that he did with Vice and he was talking about an interview did with a Chicago gang member he said the biggest issue according to the gang member is pride. Nobody wants to look weak so no one backs down and it goes back and forth.

[@professorxaviour3649]

That series and episode was just sensationalism. If you really wanna know about the gang culture in Chicago and it’s murder rate. You’re going to have to do your research. You also need an political science, sociology and history degree. Because it’s that complex. Trying to minimize Chicago violence to just pride standoffs and ego contest. It’s insulting. It’s Like saying the Chicago bulls won 6 championships just because Michael Jordan can jump high! Plus you can’t talk about Chicago gang culture without researching al Capone, bugs Moran, and the politicians that kicked it all off. And how and why the murder rate in 1927 Is the same as the murder rate in 2014.

[@wyatth2992]

@@professorxaviour3649 I mostly agree with you. A lot of research is necessary to understand most issues. I don't think you need a degree to understand issues. In fact, I would argue that it could hurt your understanding of many things. Teachers routinely force students to adopt their internal prejudices and opinions in order to pass their classes. There is a large difference between being educated and being intelligent or wise.

[@seltic13]

This is whole series is truly enjoyable. You give solid voice over. Say smart shit. Analyze things to the right level. Don’t go into some crazy deep plot point irrelevant to the show but you do just to prove your point. You let your points be bore out.

[@RED-jg6mt]

I was just binging this series. Awesome job man

[@makeshiftkitchen]

Incredibly glad one of these videos popped up in my recommended. I’ve binged the whole series and you’ve become one of my favorite KZbinrs! Keep it up man

[@Mallory-Malkovich]

Society didn't make a Faustian bargain. It was made on our behalf and without our consent. Never forget that.

[@benjaminduval6054]

If it resonates with people, I think that’s something that needs to be understood. Great breakdown 👍

[@NIGEL341Hilasd]

I’m looking forward to Part 2. This is a great series, especially for a Cop Sho aficionado like me

[@AaronAlso]

Sadly, "The Shield" is probably also the most realistic show you have talked about. At least from the perspective of task force, undercover, types... they are almost always given free reign, the most minimal oversight, and commonly become the bad apples that ruins the entire bunch. That is what I got out of it, but then I haven't watched in nearly 20 years.

[@lfr8666]

Interesting that this show actually points out a harmful consequence of police interrogations on innocent suspects. One of the things I hate in cop shows is watching 'our heroes' verbally abuse and traumatize suspects (the episode red herrings, natch) without so much as a comment on it later, let alone consequences.

[@micintropskibar]

never subbed quicker in my life, fantastic show and thanks for covering it

[@theme7363]

they have a word for cops who commit crime: acquitted

[@Faceplay2]

I love it all the people you bring up in the video you don’t mention that they were all criminals, not innocent victims

[@acehealer4212]

This video made me realize that I don’t really know a lot about gangs either. I want to do more research on them. Also, is the casual homophobia at 20:09 and 21:10 typical of this show? I know it was the early two thousands, but jeez.

[@SkipIntroYT]

homophobia is a pretty major theme of the show's first 2 seasons. Julian is closeted, and his sexuality is something the show explores. I can't say that they do a great job with it, especially since it's not my area of expertise, but it is something the show tries to address

[@darrengordon-hill]

Cop gets shot by cop... but your issue is "homophobic slurs"?? And you wonder why "cop gangs" exist...

[@acehealer4212]

@@darrengordon-hill It’s just something I noticed. It’s not like that’s the only issue I think this show raises. “And you wonder why cop gangs exist...” If you don’t mind my asking, what did you mean by that?

[@galactic85]

@@darrengordon-hill This is a tv show. He's asking a reasonable question about how an aspect of society is represented in a work of fiction and why writers made a choice. What you just pulled is some grade A "whataboutism" right there. Look I can do it to. "You're worried about a cop getting shot on a tv show but not drone strikes that killed children in the middle east? And you wonder why war exists." Or how about this "You're worried about someone getting shot on TV and not the real murder happening right now? And you wonder why crime exists." Grow up.

[@devonmunn5728]

@@SkipIntroYT As a queer person (and i can only speak for myself) who watched the show i can say it was fucking awful. I heard there was rumor that Michael Jace didn't like that storyline and requested it be removed and it would make a whole lot of sense if it was true

[@Akane1051]

Oh no, now I need to subscribe to be sure to see the second part of the episode- what great sacrifice on my part. ♥

[@nakishodoglitterfox]

Also For the record. And i'll say this loud NEVER TALK TO COPS WITHOUT A LAWYER PRESENT.

[@nakishodoglitterfox]

and no matter how long they keep ya. Make sure you say NOTHING. Just sit calmly and quietly. Invoke your right to remain silent. And Ask for a Lawyer.

[@PhilipWhitehouse]

Great analysis of maybe my second-favourite TV series ever - looking forward to the second part!

[@Serching4JerryGarcia]

You should do one on Southland. Would love for you to break that one down.

[@BeautifulEarthJa]

So glad this series is still ongoing.

[@cf87]

What's the difference? One's authorized by the state and one isn't. Outside of that, no difference.

[@TheBestcommentor]

I would love to see you cover Justified!

[@RhettThompsonFilm]

I'm a simple man, someone makes a Shield video, I subscribe. In all honesty this is one of my favorite shows, for better or for worse. This show has TONS of flaws in its themes and how it portrays things not always in the most realistic of lights but it presents some interesting moral choices, tons of philosophical debates and of course the show from a pure dramatic writing and acting standpoint is really close to being just as good as The Wire to me. Cant wait for part to and to continue this discussion. I would love to hear why people think that most people LOVE Vic so much. They worked for nearly the last at least 3 seasons as hard as possible to make Vic out to be the bad guy he really is deep down, and still I would say most people loved him up to the very end. How interesting.

[@TheRepty818]

I'm so sorry it took me so long to find this series. This is fantastic. Each video is better than the last.

[@lordkingston]

The Shield was one of the best television series of all time.... exciting, thought-provoking, and one helluva ride all the way an incredible series finale... beating most other shows that started well and ended terribly (like Game of Thrones, The Sopranos, Dexter, etc)... This show paved the way for Breaking Bad.

[@kevinjones3542]

This series deserves more views. I don't agree with all of your takes but you definitely make me think. Keep up the great work!

[@raulcantu9142]

I’m not a huge fan of cops shows the only ones I’ve really seen are the shield and Brooklyn 99 so I was really glad you did a video on this

[@Redom.99]

You should definitely check out the wire man. It’s just as much of a cop show as it is just a raw outlook of how an inner city functions.

[@raulcantu9142]

@@Redom.99 thanks I’ll check it out I’ve heard good thinks just never got around to it

[@StormCrownSr]

Your intro really got me into the show (in my head). A show that doesn't just show "bad apples" but just shows how cops can be cruel. Only to reveal that while all the shit happens, the cops "get things done".