Ep 11. Inferno

The Shield season 2 episode 11, titled Inferno, follows the aftermath of the Strike Team's successful drug bust, which resulted in the death of a young girl. Detective Vic Mackey and his team must deal with the fallout of their actions, as they are both praised and condemned by their colleagues and the community.

The episode starts with Mackey, Shane, and Ronnie receiving commendations for their successful drug bust. However, Mackey's guilt over the death of the young girl weighs heavily on him, causing him to lash out at his team and even contemplate turning himself in.

Meanwhile, Captain Aceveda continues his investigation into Mackey's corrupt activities, enlisting the help of Detective Wyms to gather evidence against him. As tensions rise between Mackey and Aceveda, the Strike Team must navigate the increasingly dangerous landscape of their corrupt actions.

The episode also delves into the personal lives of the characters, with Dutch and Claudette investigating a case involving a serial arsonist, and Julien struggling with his sexuality and his partner's homophobic remarks.

Throughout Inferno, the themes of guilt, corruption, and morality weigh heavily on the characters, as they struggle to justify their actions and live with the consequences of their choices. The episode features powerful performances from the entire ensemble cast, particularly Michael Chiklis as Mackey, who delivers a nuanced and emotional portrayal of a man grappling with his own demons.

Overall, Inferno is a tense and thought-provoking episode, challenging viewers to reflect on the complex ethical dilemmas faced by law enforcement officials and the impact of their actions on the communities they serve.