At first I thought this show was going to be a cheap rip off of The Shield, but I was pleasantly surprised. I normally would not be into a show like this (see my NCIS rantings) but Wanted had the unique idea of capturing one of LA's 100 most wanted criminals in each episode as the backdrop for all their stories. Unlike a lot of other crime shows in which the focus is usually "how can we find new ways/reasons for someone to be murdered?" I was on board from the first episode. At times it did try to channel some of the shock value violence that was hallmarked by The Shield, and The Wire to a lesser extent, but it played fairly well on Wanted. I was also surprised how well the role of the team leader was portrayed by Gary Cole, who I would not have expected in a role like that. Some of the other characters weren't quite as likable right out of the gate, but could have been if they'd had the time to develop. I can hope maybe Wanted will be given another chance in the future, but if not, I still look forward to owning the DVDs.
