Shawn Ryan talks 'The Shield' finale

TCA -- "The Shield" showrunner Shawn Ryan says he has paid close attention to how other shows have concluded and was determined to give his FX hit "The Shield" the ending that fans deserved.

"I've been more concerned about being able to end it properly," Ryan says. "I've paid a lot of attention the past couple years of the finales of shows I've really admired ... the one thing I learned is the shows that stayed true to themselves, those were the finales that succeeded more ... if and when you watch the finale it will feel like 'The Shield' universe and it will feel completely appropriate."

Actor CCH Pounder said: "I think it's the greatest finale ever. It blew my socks off. This finale is what Vic Mackey deserves."

Ryan is looking at Pounder very intently as she says that last line, presumably because it seems to suggest that Michael Chiklis' character is doomed.

Actor David Marciano jumps in: "I wouldn't agree with that," he says, then adds: "With 'The Sopranos,' it's been mixed reviews. There will be no mixed reviews. You will get your money's worth."

Said Chiklis: "This is tricky. You haven't seen it yet. I don't want to blow it for people. ... I will concur with David that Shawn did a tremendous job in writing this finale."

Ryan says he rewatched the entire series before writing the final season to look for opportunities to wrap up as many story threads as possible. The 13-epsiode final season starts Sept. 2.