I started watching it when it 1st came out. Got up to Season 4 and then didnt watch the rest of the entire series until last year when I watched 5 to the Final Act in about a week.
For me, it tops both the The Wire & The Soprano's - As genius as both of them are. Its a personal preference but I think its more a gripping watch than The Wire (which works primarily BECAUSE its a slow burner) and more realistic than Tony and chums, although not as funny (what is/was though?).
Season 4 with Glenn Close is quite literally the greatest single season in TV history. For those who have not yet got that far, and I won't spoil it, it is like watching a 13 hour version of Training Day. It is fucking awesome. A friend who is lucky to live in LA (a footy coach over there) tells me its literally bang on the button for its depiction of the sprawling urban enviro over there.
The quality does not dip one iota through to the last season but Season 4 is just stand out. Anthony Andersons performance is just top drawer but then again so is that of the entire cast
The highlights are too many to mention and I envy anybody watching it for the first time.
As a Shield nut, here goes:
Fave Characters - Lem, Ronnie & Tina (For very obvious reasons)
Best Season - Season 4
Best Villain - Marcos or Antwon
Best use of music - Coldplays 'Til Kingdom Comes' or Kid Rocks 'Bawitdaba'
Best Acting - Walton Goggins in every episode he's in
Enjoy folks you will not be disappointed