News On The Future Of The Shield

In an interview with TV Guide’s Michael Ausiello, Shawn Ryan – creator of The Shield and The Unit – shed some light on the future of FX’s cop drama.

The Shield goes back into production on April 10.

We could see more episodes in 2006, but most likely the new episodes won’t come until January 2007.

Forest Whitaker will be back for at least two episodes next season, maybe more.

Anthony Anderson might return if they can find a story for him.

They are interested in bringing Glen Close back in some form. With her daughter finishing high school this year, Ryan hopes she can free up a week or two to return.

Last weeks episode wasn’t only Lem’s last episode but his lawyer’s last as well. Becca, who represented the Strike Team will most likely not return next season.

As for next season being The Shield’s last, Ryan is undecided. He said that the decision will be made when they finalize the scripts for the next season.

Ryan also suggested that if The Unit gets picked up and comes back that we might see some familar actors show up. I think the least he could do is give Kenny Johnson (Lem) a job on The Unit. Johnson is a great actor and I will miss him on The Shield.