Quick TIFF timeout to point out the latest winner of Salon’s “Buffy” award, given annually to the show they feel is most under-appreciated. Past winners:

• The Wire
• Veronica Mars
• Battlestar Galactica
• Friday Night Lights

This year’s winner is The Shield. Just as I’ve applauded their other choices, for trying to save endangered shows which we loved dearly, I applaud this one. I’ve been telling people for years it’s one of the best shows on TV, stepping over the bloated carcass of cop/detective shows. Michael Chiklis’ Vic Mackey is one of the most interesting characters on TV. If you haven’t watched it yet, go get the DVDs. Canadian viewers: the new season starts on Showcase this week. American viewers are a week ahead of us.

[tags]salon, buffy award, the shield[/tags]