The seventh and final season of FX’s cop drama “The Shield” came to an end last night. And yes, this is a little crime of its own, but Vic Mackey (Michael Chiklis) couldn’t go on forever with his illegalities. If you haven’t seen the episode on Tuesday night, make sure you watch it before continuing to read this article, as it contains spoilers.

Although viewers did not approve of the anti-hero’s deeds, they couldn’t just hate him. It would have been far too simple. Instead, we became addicted to his innovative way of leading the police strike team in East Los Angeles and in spite of the fact that a part of us wished for him to be punished for his actions, a more sympathetic part wanted him to get away with it. We expected him to be murdered or at least put behind bars. But he obtained a sentence that is worse than death or jail, at least to him.

The incredible and invincible Vic Mackey was turned into a cubicle slave, locked between four grey walls and buried in papers, while all the shootings and crimes took place outside. His agreement with federal officials forced him to accept a $62,000-a-year job that requires him to issue reports on aggression. This is the kind of life he has always despised and now he has to stick to it and hide behind a dusty desk. Mackey has managed to escape legal prosecution but he is far from being satisfied.

The series nevertheless concludes with a mind-boggling image. Vic takes a gun out of his drawer, smiles sarcastically and rushes out of the office, leaving us thinking about his plans.

Whatever you may be dreaming is the perfect conclusion. “The Shield” finally gave in to life-long punishment.