Glenn Close may be lost to us Shield fans, but the people in charge of one of the best series on TV aren’t letting that slow them down. It’s just been announced that Forest Whitaker’s signed on for season 5. Whitaker’s a great actor, and I’m looking forward to seeing him mix it up with Mackie and crew, especially since the one thing the show’s never had is a truly dangerous opponent in the police force for the Strike Team.

Whitaker will play Detective Jon Kavanaugh, an ambitious newcomer to the Los Angeles Police Department’s Internal Affairs division who is tasked with investigating rogue cop Mackey, played by series star Michael Chiklis, and the strike force he leads.

Whitaker was pursued for “Shield” duty by series creator and executive producer Shawn Ryan.

“He’s going to be a great foil for the guys on our show,” Ryan said. “Forest has always impressed me with his range. He’s got an incredible sweetness and soulfulness but also strength. It’s a rare combination for an actor and that appealed to me with this character.”

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