The 4th Season 1 episode "Dawg Days" was actually the third to be filmed, and guest director Stephen Gyllenhaal had real trouble establishing the proper look and characterization, only having the pilot episode to go on as a reference point. Gyllenhaal and Michael Chiklis in particular disagreed over how unsympathetically Vic Mackie should be played, with Chiklis' view winning out. The decision was made after this that the writer of the episode would always be on set to assist the director and actors.
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