The Wire as Institution
July 29, 2007 8:11 PM Subscribe
One day someone will write a post worthy of The Wire. In the mean time, here's an article about and an interview with Felicia Pearson. Apparently there are a similarities between her and "Snoop", her character on the show.
Interesting - but I hate it when people thank that God guy.
And can I start an argument about which season is the best so far? My vote goes with 2.
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 8:22 PM on July 29, 2007
And can I start an argument about which season is the best so far? My vote goes with 2.
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 8:22 PM on July 29, 2007
I also forgot to mention that the Deacon on the show is also supposedly a former drug dealer in Baltimore, who was busted by series co-writer Edward Burns when he was a cop. I can't seem to find a decent article about it though.
posted by Alex404 at 8:22 PM on July 29, 2007
posted by Alex404 at 8:22 PM on July 29, 2007
I also forgot to mention that the Deacon on the show is also supposedly a former drug dealer in Baltimore, who was busted by series co-writer Edward Burns when he was a cop.
That's Melvin Williams, who was a major drug dealer in Baltimore during the 1980s. David Simon talks a little bit about him here.
posted by Rangeboy at 8:33 PM on July 29, 2007 [1 favorite]
That's Melvin Williams, who was a major drug dealer in Baltimore during the 1980s. David Simon talks a little bit about him here.
posted by Rangeboy at 8:33 PM on July 29, 2007 [1 favorite]
How insanely topical. I just watched the first 7 episodes of this based on a variety of recommendations. Like, literally, today.
I was sold right around the scene from season one where the long-time partners carry an entire scene re-investigating a murder with dialog consisting entirely of variations on "fuck!... fucking fuckity fuck." That and the fact this is the increasingly rare storyline based on that pesky evidence stuff - there's pretty much no deus to ex machina here. Nothing is free, everything is gray, and real people exist in a detente between knowing nothing and scraping the surface of what's really going on. And apparently, it gets better from here so that's pretty awesome.
I just want to keep watching even though it's bedtime and all.
Fuck.
posted by abulafa at 8:40 PM on July 29, 2007
I was sold right around the scene from season one where the long-time partners carry an entire scene re-investigating a murder with dialog consisting entirely of variations on "fuck!... fucking fuckity fuck." That and the fact this is the increasingly rare storyline based on that pesky evidence stuff - there's pretty much no deus to ex machina here. Nothing is free, everything is gray, and real people exist in a detente between knowing nothing and scraping the surface of what's really going on. And apparently, it gets better from here so that's pretty awesome.
I just want to keep watching even though it's bedtime and all.
Fuck.
posted by abulafa at 8:40 PM on July 29, 2007
One of us, one of us, one of us.
Seriously though, why does no one watch The Wire? It's maddening that so few people I know in real life watch it.
For those interested in the wire I also recommend The Corner and Homicide (the book). The Corner involved Ed Burns as well I believe, and Homicide was just Simon.
The Corner is painfully hard to watch, it's like an extra season of The Wire (indeed, with much of the same cast) that focuses on the lives of a family of addicts and their dealer son. Bleak only begins to describe The Corner.
The book Homicide by Simon is excellent, and you can see so much of the groundwork for The Wire in this early work of Simon's. It's about the year he spent with the Baltimore Homicide unit in the early 90s. It of course spawned the TV show of the same name.
posted by sp160n at 9:10 PM on July 29, 2007
Seriously though, why does no one watch The Wire? It's maddening that so few people I know in real life watch it.
For those interested in the wire I also recommend The Corner and Homicide (the book). The Corner involved Ed Burns as well I believe, and Homicide was just Simon.
The Corner is painfully hard to watch, it's like an extra season of The Wire (indeed, with much of the same cast) that focuses on the lives of a family of addicts and their dealer son. Bleak only begins to describe The Corner.
The book Homicide by Simon is excellent, and you can see so much of the groundwork for The Wire in this early work of Simon's. It's about the year he spent with the Baltimore Homicide unit in the early 90s. It of course spawned the TV show of the same name.
posted by sp160n at 9:10 PM on July 29, 2007
Seriously though, why does no one watch The Wire? It's maddening that so few people I know in real life watch it.
I think that many more people started watching Season 4 for some reason (maybe because that's when it started to get a lot of press). I don't know where you live, but almost everyone I know in Baltimore watches it.
BlackLeotardFront: Season 1 or 4. Two is my least favorite.
Also, Dominic West has a way better Baltimore accent than John Travolta does in Hairspray.
posted by Airhen at 9:34 PM on July 29, 2007
I really don't think I could pick a favourite season. I love them all.
One of my favourite scenes though was in season four. It's near the end of the season after a certain character was shot in the knee. The person in the bed next to him is watching Deadwood. It shows Al Swearengen talking, and the guy on the bed laughs hysterically and says, "Haha. He said cocksucker."
Nothing like taking a friendly jab at a show on the same network.
posted by Alex404 at 9:37 PM on July 29, 2007
One of my favourite scenes though was in season four. It's near the end of the season after a certain character was shot in the knee. The person in the bed next to him is watching Deadwood. It shows Al Swearengen talking, and the guy on the bed laughs hysterically and says, "Haha. He said cocksucker."
Nothing like taking a friendly jab at a show on the same network.
posted by Alex404 at 9:37 PM on July 29, 2007
Somebody else said it first but watching this show as a requirement to vote is not the worst idea I've ever heard. I wish I could force my parents to watch The Wire.
posted by well_balanced at 9:38 PM on July 29, 2007
posted by well_balanced at 9:38 PM on July 29, 2007
About a year ago, I found Felicia Pearson's prison record in an online database of former Maryland felons, but it appears as if the site (or her record) has been discontinued. Drat, that was cool.
See also: Where Marlo Stanfield hangs out
posted by dhammond at 9:44 PM on July 29, 2007 [1 favorite]
See also: Where Marlo Stanfield hangs out
posted by dhammond at 9:44 PM on July 29, 2007 [1 favorite]
I loved the "fuck" scene, too.
For me the best season was three, and the best scene was Bubble's night-time visit to the free dealing zone. It was like a nightmarish journey into the heart of darkness. I think the producers must have watched the Do-Long Bridge scene in Apocalypse Now for inspiration -- the flickering flames, the random violence, the music, the trippy camera work. And finally Bubbles discovers his buddy, the white kid, who is off his face and declares himself to be "a viking. Are you a viking too?"
I don't know if it's possible to write an FPP worthy of the Wire. And I'd like to complain that it was completely ignored for this year's Emmy nominations, which is pathetic.
posted by Kraftmatic Adjustable Cheese at 9:50 PM on July 29, 2007 [1 favorite]
For me the best season was three, and the best scene was Bubble's night-time visit to the free dealing zone. It was like a nightmarish journey into the heart of darkness. I think the producers must have watched the Do-Long Bridge scene in Apocalypse Now for inspiration -- the flickering flames, the random violence, the music, the trippy camera work. And finally Bubbles discovers his buddy, the white kid, who is off his face and declares himself to be "a viking. Are you a viking too?"
I don't know if it's possible to write an FPP worthy of the Wire. And I'd like to complain that it was completely ignored for this year's Emmy nominations, which is pathetic.
posted by Kraftmatic Adjustable Cheese at 9:50 PM on July 29, 2007 [1 favorite]
I don't know where you live, but almost everyone I know in Baltimore watches it.
Well that's only natural. What's the local reaction to the portrayal of the city there? I have to say, the Wire has colored my perception of Baltimore. I used to think of it as the home to Diner and Tin Men, now it seems like some circle of Hell on earth.
posted by Kraftmatic Adjustable Cheese at 9:53 PM on July 29, 2007
Well that's only natural. What's the local reaction to the portrayal of the city there? I have to say, the Wire has colored my perception of Baltimore. I used to think of it as the home to Diner and Tin Men, now it seems like some circle of Hell on earth.
posted by Kraftmatic Adjustable Cheese at 9:53 PM on July 29, 2007
And I'd like to complain that it was completely ignored for this year's Emmy nominations, which is pathetic.
Well then. Fuck the Emmy's.
posted by Alex404 at 9:56 PM on July 29, 2007
Well then. Fuck the Emmy's.
posted by Alex404 at 9:56 PM on July 29, 2007
Season three for me. Everything about that season, from Stringer Bell trying to take the business legit, to Hamsterdam, to the politics. Greatest TV I ever watched, easily.
posted by switchsonic at 10:00 PM on July 29, 2007
posted by switchsonic at 10:00 PM on July 29, 2007
season three and the whole 'hamsterdam' thing was the tops. that and whenever omar shows up in the series - who also is in the single best scene in the wire, imho.
posted by oliver_crunk at 10:02 PM on July 29, 2007
posted by oliver_crunk at 10:02 PM on July 29, 2007
I have yet to see or hear a single person, from casual tv watchers, and avowed cop-show haters to Published TV critic, say one bad thing about The Wire. I'f there are any, even remotely negative opinions about it, I would really be interested in seeing them. The term "best.ever." gets tossed around a lot, but The Wire might actually be worthy of that title.
posted by billyfleetwood at 10:04 PM on July 29, 2007
posted by billyfleetwood at 10:04 PM on July 29, 2007
Season two was great - tying together the docks, unions, corruption, terrorism, drugs, etc - but season four may be the best arc of a TV series I've ever seen - from the opening in the hardware store to the pan of a quiet neighborhood street at the end. Just brilliant. I like The Shield well enough - when it's not being too stupid, plot-wise, it's gripping tv - but whenever I meet someone who likes that show, I immediately tell them they're in for a much better treat once they start watching The Wire.
posted by mediareport at 10:14 PM on July 29, 2007
posted by mediareport at 10:14 PM on July 29, 2007
One day someone will write a post worthy of The Wire. In the mean time, we'll just masturbate to it in this thread.
posted by chundo at 10:27 PM on July 29, 2007
posted by chundo at 10:27 PM on July 29, 2007
Salon's take on The Wire (review from '03, but nevermind). Bonus: UK viewers can view episode #1 here.
posted by rob511 at 10:33 PM on July 29, 2007
posted by rob511 at 10:33 PM on July 29, 2007
Well, you could also read that WaPo article, chundo. It's really good:
It's been nearly 12 years since Kia was killed, but the wound is still fresh. Hearing about Snoop on "The Wire" ripped off the scab. One of Williams's daughters saw the show and called Williams, crying.
"She said, 'That girl that killed Kia is on "The Wire." She's still acting violent.' "
Williams can't bear to watch the show. How did this girl get to be on TV? Why are they letting her grandbaby's killer play a killer? As Williams sees it, Pearson didn't do enough time -- "she came out of prison, bragging" -- and now she's on TV?
The part about Snoop meeting the mother of the girl who died in prison is heartbreaking:
There, in a weird bit of serendipity, was Carlene Smith, Kia's mother, serving 90 days on a parole violation. Corrections officials quickly herded Snoop into protective custody to keep them apart, Smith says.
"They thought I was homicidal," Smith says, starting to cry as she recounts that time. "They thought I was a threat to her." And was she? "I know I was a threat to her."
But Smith, who struggles with drug addiction and bipolar disorder, says that Snoop approached her one day during a church service at the prison, softly touching her on the hand as she said, "I'm sorry."
Don't be sorry, Smith told her, be careful. Live by the sword . . .In that moment, Smith says, she felt some peace. Like God was trying to tell her, "This isn't your battle." Telling her it was time to forgive.
It proved to be a temporary peace. Now Snoop's television role is bringing the memories back. Here she is, recently married, wrestling with sobriety, trying to make a go of life, but she feels like she's been catapulted back to 1995.
"I was devastated," Smith says. "It's like they're glorifying it." Would she feel differently if Snoop weren't playing an assassin? "If she were playing a different role," Smith says, "I know I'd feel differently."
Fascinating story.
posted by mediareport at 10:38 PM on July 29, 2007
It's been nearly 12 years since Kia was killed, but the wound is still fresh. Hearing about Snoop on "The Wire" ripped off the scab. One of Williams's daughters saw the show and called Williams, crying.
"She said, 'That girl that killed Kia is on "The Wire." She's still acting violent.' "
Williams can't bear to watch the show. How did this girl get to be on TV? Why are they letting her grandbaby's killer play a killer? As Williams sees it, Pearson didn't do enough time -- "she came out of prison, bragging" -- and now she's on TV?
The part about Snoop meeting the mother of the girl who died in prison is heartbreaking:
There, in a weird bit of serendipity, was Carlene Smith, Kia's mother, serving 90 days on a parole violation. Corrections officials quickly herded Snoop into protective custody to keep them apart, Smith says.
"They thought I was homicidal," Smith says, starting to cry as she recounts that time. "They thought I was a threat to her." And was she? "I know I was a threat to her."
But Smith, who struggles with drug addiction and bipolar disorder, says that Snoop approached her one day during a church service at the prison, softly touching her on the hand as she said, "I'm sorry."
Don't be sorry, Smith told her, be careful. Live by the sword . . .In that moment, Smith says, she felt some peace. Like God was trying to tell her, "This isn't your battle." Telling her it was time to forgive.
It proved to be a temporary peace. Now Snoop's television role is bringing the memories back. Here she is, recently married, wrestling with sobriety, trying to make a go of life, but she feels like she's been catapulted back to 1995.
"I was devastated," Smith says. "It's like they're glorifying it." Would she feel differently if Snoop weren't playing an assassin? "If she were playing a different role," Smith says, "I know I'd feel differently."
Fascinating story.
posted by mediareport at 10:38 PM on July 29, 2007
It definitely adds another layer of grey to a complex story.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 10:49 PM on July 29, 2007
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 10:49 PM on July 29, 2007
I think season 4 is the best, but that's kind of like saying one chocolate chip cookie is better than the others in the batch. So many moments just tore me up inside, especially
sort of spoilers
Randy's & Bodie's storylines.
I've tried to get many people to watch it, but I've only succeeded in converting a couple. More than any other show on TV (or HBO), The Wire demands constant attention and real, active engagement by the viewer. Many people would rather turn off their brains when they watch the boob tube, and Simon & Co. just don't ever let you do that. And I'm also pretty sure that the fact that it is a largely black cast works against it for the average upper-middle white HBO subscriber, but that's just a gut feeling.
posted by papakwanz at 10:57 PM on July 29, 2007
sort of spoilers
Randy's & Bodie's storylines.
I've tried to get many people to watch it, but I've only succeeded in converting a couple. More than any other show on TV (or HBO), The Wire demands constant attention and real, active engagement by the viewer. Many people would rather turn off their brains when they watch the boob tube, and Simon & Co. just don't ever let you do that. And I'm also pretty sure that the fact that it is a largely black cast works against it for the average upper-middle white HBO subscriber, but that's just a gut feeling.
posted by papakwanz at 10:57 PM on July 29, 2007
Let me add my voice to the mob: this is one of the best shows I've seen in my life. It feels so realistic you can tell it comes from people who know what they are talking about.
I also remember my head exploding when I learned that Dominic West was British.
posted by pcameron at 10:59 PM on July 29, 2007
I also remember my head exploding when I learned that Dominic West was British.
posted by pcameron at 10:59 PM on July 29, 2007
I literally just googled six feet under, which led me to google the wire to see when the final season will air (2008! ack!), when I came to metafilter and saw this thread.
If there is such a thing as truly important TV, the Wire is it.
posted by rsanheim at 11:10 PM on July 29, 2007
If there is such a thing as truly important TV, the Wire is it.
posted by rsanheim at 11:10 PM on July 29, 2007
I can't add anything to the discussion except to say that this is the best show I've ever seen.
posted by flippant at 11:10 PM on July 29, 2007
posted by flippant at 11:10 PM on July 29, 2007
Dominic West was British
So's Idris Elba, aka Stringer Bell.
posted by WolfDaddy at 11:17 PM on July 29, 2007
So's Idris Elba, aka Stringer Bell.
posted by WolfDaddy at 11:17 PM on July 29, 2007
The Wire is made of magic and wonder. One of the greatest shows of all time, although I haven't seen Season 4 yet.
Reminds me that I need to check out Homicide. I recently read a chapter from it in an anthology I have of nonfiction, and I was hooked.
posted by Sticherbeast at 11:51 PM on July 29, 2007
Reminds me that I need to check out Homicide. I recently read a chapter from it in an anthology I have of nonfiction, and I was hooked.
posted by Sticherbeast at 11:51 PM on July 29, 2007
Season three for me. Everything about that season, from Stringer Bell trying to take the business legit, to Hamsterdam, to the politics. Greatest TV I ever watched, easily.
Season three here as well. Mostly because it had the most sophisticated analysis of drug policy that I've seen pretty well anywhere -- including from most drug policy wonks, who generally pick a side and bat for that team without acknowleging any of the potential drawbacks.
Favourite characters: hard to choose, but it's gotta be between Omar, and Nail Gun Girl in series 4.
I wasn't that impressed by the dramatization of The Corner though. I thought that the book was a million times better.
But yeah, without a doubt the greatest long-form television drama I ever watched, with the possible exception of Deadwood.
Hang dai, cocksuckers.
posted by PeterMcDermott at 12:41 AM on July 30, 2007
Season three here as well. Mostly because it had the most sophisticated analysis of drug policy that I've seen pretty well anywhere -- including from most drug policy wonks, who generally pick a side and bat for that team without acknowleging any of the potential drawbacks.
Favourite characters: hard to choose, but it's gotta be between Omar, and Nail Gun Girl in series 4.
I wasn't that impressed by the dramatization of The Corner though. I thought that the book was a million times better.
But yeah, without a doubt the greatest long-form television drama I ever watched, with the possible exception of Deadwood.
Hang dai, cocksuckers.
posted by PeterMcDermott at 12:41 AM on July 30, 2007
Wow, that'll teach me to read the article before I comment. Nail Gun Girl is Snoop.
Best post ever, Alex404
posted by PeterMcDermott at 12:46 AM on July 30, 2007
Best post ever, Alex404
posted by PeterMcDermott at 12:46 AM on July 30, 2007
TWOP have started to do recaps, but I haven't gotten around to reading them yet. We don't get The Wire over here, at least, not that I've seen (anyone know if it is on Irish tv?) but I bought season 1 because of word of mouth a while ago. Great show. Just got season 2, and so far, wow!
posted by Fence at 1:23 AM on July 30, 2007
posted by Fence at 1:23 AM on July 30, 2007
I dunno if you get FX on Irish cable, Fence, but here on the mainland they started showing Season 1 again last week.
Personally, I downloaded all four series from Bittorrent. They're all still available there.
Anybody notice their tendency to use some of the best crime novelists in the game to do episodes. I've spotted episodes by Richard Price, George Pelecanos and Dennis Lehane in the past, though I have to say, they're no better and no worse than any of the regular episodes by people who I've never heard of.
posted by PeterMcDermott at 1:34 AM on July 30, 2007
Personally, I downloaded all four series from Bittorrent. They're all still available there.
Anybody notice their tendency to use some of the best crime novelists in the game to do episodes. I've spotted episodes by Richard Price, George Pelecanos and Dennis Lehane in the past, though I have to say, they're no better and no worse than any of the regular episodes by people who I've never heard of.
posted by PeterMcDermott at 1:34 AM on July 30, 2007
love this show. and love love love omar. developed an intense craving for honey nut cheerios because of this character.
posted by lapolla at 2:08 AM on July 30, 2007
posted by lapolla at 2:08 AM on July 30, 2007
I agree Omar is one of the coolest characters on TV. And I agree this is the best television ever made. I also love the drunken scenes between McNulty and Bunk. The "would you be gentle with me?" one is hilarious.
posted by jontyjago at 2:18 AM on July 30, 2007
posted by jontyjago at 2:18 AM on July 30, 2007
Just FYI, 52% of twenty-something black men in Baltimore are either in jail or on parole.
Something is very, very wrong with our society, and you'd never know just from watching regular TV. Kudos to The Wire.
posted by Avenger at 2:43 AM on July 30, 2007
Something is very, very wrong with our society, and you'd never know just from watching regular TV. Kudos to The Wire.
posted by Avenger at 2:43 AM on July 30, 2007
I agree Omar is one of the coolest characters on TV.
A shout out must also be offered up to Brother Mouzon.
"Fetch me this months issue of The New Republic, the New Yorker, The Economist and today's Wall Street Journal."
posted by PeterMcDermott at 3:04 AM on July 30, 2007 [1 favorite]
A shout out must also be offered up to Brother Mouzon.
"Fetch me this months issue of The New Republic, the New Yorker, The Economist and today's Wall Street Journal."
posted by PeterMcDermott at 3:04 AM on July 30, 2007 [1 favorite]
You forgot Harper's. You always forget Harper's.
posted by well_balanced at 3:16 AM on July 30, 2007 [9 favorites]
posted by well_balanced at 3:16 AM on July 30, 2007 [9 favorites]
I didn't need to click through to YouTube to know exactly which scene oliver_crunk was talking about. He's probably right that it's the best scene.
posted by robcorr at 3:33 AM on July 30, 2007
posted by robcorr at 3:33 AM on July 30, 2007
Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeit!
posted by WolfDaddy at 5:50 AM on July 30, 2007 [1 favorite]
posted by WolfDaddy at 5:50 AM on July 30, 2007 [1 favorite]
Murder scene has nudity. NSFW tag posthumously placed.
posted by zerobyproxy at 6:22 AM on July 30, 2007
posted by zerobyproxy at 6:22 AM on July 30, 2007
I have seen some Mefi members complain about The Wire in the past, it's good to see they haven't found this thread yet.
Season 3 was when I got hooked, then I went back through, episode by episode. The writers do a terrific job of capturing the little things in each profession, from the teachers discovering locked up computers to the police who try to actively stop others investigations.
posted by drezdn at 6:43 AM on July 30, 2007
Season 3 was when I got hooked, then I went back through, episode by episode. The writers do a terrific job of capturing the little things in each profession, from the teachers discovering locked up computers to the police who try to actively stop others investigations.
posted by drezdn at 6:43 AM on July 30, 2007
Favourite characters: hard to choose, but it's gotta be between Omar, and Nail Gun Girl in series 4.
How about Bubbs? I love Omar but I can't get enough of Bubbs. Mind you I've only seen Season One. If it was possible to win The Game, I'd like Bubbs to win.
posted by Summer at 6:45 AM on July 30, 2007
How about Bubbs? I love Omar but I can't get enough of Bubbs. Mind you I've only seen Season One. If it was possible to win The Game, I'd like Bubbs to win.
posted by Summer at 6:45 AM on July 30, 2007
Omar is one of the best written, most interestingly played characters on TV. IMHO.
posted by MarshallPoe at 6:45 AM on July 30, 2007
posted by MarshallPoe at 6:45 AM on July 30, 2007
I'm so glad to see all the love for this show. It truly might be the only show worth watching on TV. Of course, it's not the only thing I watch. But you get the idea.
And yes, the best part about The Wire is how many times you hear "sheeeeeeeeeeeiiiitttttttt." Sometimes you can tell they're purposefully dragging it out to make it ridiculous.
posted by Ekim Neems at 7:20 AM on July 30, 2007
And yes, the best part about The Wire is how many times you hear "sheeeeeeeeeeeiiiitttttttt." Sometimes you can tell they're purposefully dragging it out to make it ridiculous.
posted by Ekim Neems at 7:20 AM on July 30, 2007
My fav scene from the wire was actually in the article, but they left off the best part. Once Snoop goes back to the car with the nail gun, she relays to Chris Parlow that (I'm paraphrasing) "this here is the Lexus of nail guns" and that the old dude that sold it to her mistakenly called it the "Cadillac". The whole show is filled with sublime stuff like this.
I will really miss this show when it's gone.
posted by e40 at 7:31 AM on July 30, 2007
I will really miss this show when it's gone.
posted by e40 at 7:31 AM on July 30, 2007
Seeing Stringer's appt. was one of my favorites. Philosopher king.
posted by cowbellemoo at 7:42 AM on July 30, 2007
posted by cowbellemoo at 7:42 AM on July 30, 2007
And anything Omar. Oh, indeed.
posted by cowbellemoo at 7:42 AM on July 30, 2007
posted by cowbellemoo at 7:42 AM on July 30, 2007
I was sort of hoping people might have more to say about the article, but there's nothing wrong with a big wire love-fest.
posted by Alex404 at 8:26 AM on July 30, 2007
posted by Alex404 at 8:26 AM on July 30, 2007
I wouldn't have known anything about The Wire if I hadn't seen it plugged by so many people here in the Blue about a year ago. I binged on all four seasons, watching episodes back-to-back-to-back... until my butt hurt from sitting so much.
I'll do it all again soon, I'm sure.
posted by djeo at 8:42 AM on July 30, 2007
I'll do it all again soon, I'm sure.
posted by djeo at 8:42 AM on July 30, 2007
Honestly, I am afraid to read the article. I had to skip every third comment in this thread so as not to spoil my season-1 eyes.
In other news - several Baltimore ex-pats I know are really antithetical to the show. Then again, they have rose-colored glasses regarding their fair city in other respects.
posted by abulafa at 8:51 AM on July 30, 2007
In other news - several Baltimore ex-pats I know are really antithetical to the show. Then again, they have rose-colored glasses regarding their fair city in other respects.
posted by abulafa at 8:51 AM on July 30, 2007
My wife's from just outside Baltimore and she loves the show.
I know there are parts I don't ever want to be in but I have a great time every time we go out there.
posted by Mick at 9:15 AM on July 30, 2007
I know there are parts I don't ever want to be in but I have a great time every time we go out there.
posted by Mick at 9:15 AM on July 30, 2007
guardian article
And I have linked this about ten times now in every Wire thread - blake leyh (onetime mefite) who is the show's musical director music blog.
posted by vronsky at 9:16 AM on July 30, 2007 [1 favorite]
And I have linked this about ten times now in every Wire thread - blake leyh (onetime mefite) who is the show's musical director music blog.
posted by vronsky at 9:16 AM on July 30, 2007 [1 favorite]
(blake wrote the end credit music too)
music here
fpp here
posted by vronsky at 9:21 AM on July 30, 2007
music here
fpp here
posted by vronsky at 9:21 AM on July 30, 2007
I just recently started watching Season one. I'm very very impressed so far. Perhaps most impressing was that they are using the actual Office of the Chief Medical Examiner morgue in Baltimore. That kind of blew me away when it came on. I turned and said to my wife, 'Holy shit, I've actually done autopsies there... I can't believe they actually got it right!' TV shows always get morgues and pathologists wrong, in general. Just so refreshing to see it get done right, especially when the show is awesome too.
posted by i_am_a_Jedi at 9:21 AM on July 30, 2007
posted by i_am_a_Jedi at 9:21 AM on July 30, 2007
I'm constantly making comparisons to the show in my head when I'm in the field visiting clients. Some of what I see on the show doesn't jive so much with what I see in Philly and I think is more for dramatic explication than anything else. I don't see too many Bodie types in Philly, kids that stand tall on the corner with their troops fanned out behind them in broad daylight.
You'll probably see that at night if you're up around Hancock and Cambria or 8th and Somerset in Philly but during the day a lot of activity takes place off the street. There's really no need for conspicuous open air drug markets during the day time hours because that set up is really there to serve the out of town traffic from the burbs, NJ and Delaware; white folks in cars that want to be in and out as fast as possible. Right at dawn is another big time for outdoor trafficking like you see on TV at least for heroin because all the working folks from the burbs need their wake ups.
The locals can't afford cars and can pop into a dealer's house on foot to cop during the day anyway since everyone knows each other in these neighborhoods. This keeps things more discreet. Things don't start to get unruly out there until around 2 pm when the crackheads are coming to. This is usually a good time to be wrapping up field work and heading back to the office because the dealers start to surface to get things rolling for the day. I learned that after almost getting shot at 2:30 in the afternoon one day.
I was talking about the Wire with a couple rookie cops who were watching my back during a particularly volatile situation with a client family on an unbelievably violent block about two weeks ago. They said it was big at the police academy but neither of them stayed fans after they left. They said that in Philly the corner holders like Bodie definitely stay out of sight and farm out the leg work to little kids; that much is pretty in line with what you see in the show.
posted by The Straightener at 10:02 AM on July 30, 2007 [6 favorites]
You'll probably see that at night if you're up around Hancock and Cambria or 8th and Somerset in Philly but during the day a lot of activity takes place off the street. There's really no need for conspicuous open air drug markets during the day time hours because that set up is really there to serve the out of town traffic from the burbs, NJ and Delaware; white folks in cars that want to be in and out as fast as possible. Right at dawn is another big time for outdoor trafficking like you see on TV at least for heroin because all the working folks from the burbs need their wake ups.
The locals can't afford cars and can pop into a dealer's house on foot to cop during the day anyway since everyone knows each other in these neighborhoods. This keeps things more discreet. Things don't start to get unruly out there until around 2 pm when the crackheads are coming to. This is usually a good time to be wrapping up field work and heading back to the office because the dealers start to surface to get things rolling for the day. I learned that after almost getting shot at 2:30 in the afternoon one day.
I was talking about the Wire with a couple rookie cops who were watching my back during a particularly volatile situation with a client family on an unbelievably violent block about two weeks ago. They said it was big at the police academy but neither of them stayed fans after they left. They said that in Philly the corner holders like Bodie definitely stay out of sight and farm out the leg work to little kids; that much is pretty in line with what you see in the show.
posted by The Straightener at 10:02 AM on July 30, 2007 [6 favorites]
Honestly, I am afraid to read the article.
I know exactly what you mean. Even though I've seen all the episodes, I read the comments before the article, because I wanted to savour it. Like saving the really, really good stuff till last.
How about Bubbs?
Interesting character. Bubbs represents one of the little unsung heroes, who go through ordinary mundane lives, helping and rescuing other people all the time through small acts of kindness. However, I can't invest too much in Bubbs emotionally, because you know that eventually he's going to meet a terrible and unjust end.
The meek get fucked.
Omar, in contrast, is a genuine anti-hero. Lives by his own rules and his own moral code. Does the deed and takes the consequences without complaint. He's not looking to mete out violence, but he's not afraid to use it when necessary.
Much as I loved Deadwood, on reflection, The Wire is definitely the best TV series ever made.
Can't wait for season 5.
posted by PeterMcDermott at 10:15 AM on July 30, 2007
I know exactly what you mean. Even though I've seen all the episodes, I read the comments before the article, because I wanted to savour it. Like saving the really, really good stuff till last.
How about Bubbs?
Interesting character. Bubbs represents one of the little unsung heroes, who go through ordinary mundane lives, helping and rescuing other people all the time through small acts of kindness. However, I can't invest too much in Bubbs emotionally, because you know that eventually he's going to meet a terrible and unjust end.
The meek get fucked.
Omar, in contrast, is a genuine anti-hero. Lives by his own rules and his own moral code. Does the deed and takes the consequences without complaint. He's not looking to mete out violence, but he's not afraid to use it when necessary.
Much as I loved Deadwood, on reflection, The Wire is definitely the best TV series ever made.
Can't wait for season 5.
posted by PeterMcDermott at 10:15 AM on July 30, 2007
There's really no need for conspicuous open air drug markets during the day time hours because that set up is really there to serve the out of town traffic from the burbs, NJ and Delaware;
I think this is really interesting. Liverpool is pretty much the centre of the UK drug trade -- an estimated 50% of all product comes through this city. Yet we haven't really had these large open air drug markets here, or AFAIK, in the rest of the UK for several years now. Really, since the cell phone became a cheap commodity item.
Politically, the biggest problems associated with drug dealing are about the disruptions to neighbourhoods associated with this kind of scene. Nobody likes having their kids run the gauntlet of crack dealers on their way to and from school.
Consequently, almost all dealing in heroin/cocaine happens via cellphone deliveries. You call the man, he calls his runner, who delivers within 30 mins or so.
No big public nuisance, no angry neighbours, no open air shoot-outs, etc. etc. etc. Everyone wins -- except the out of town customers, who have to make a connection with a local.
posted by PeterMcDermott at 10:23 AM on July 30, 2007
I think this is really interesting. Liverpool is pretty much the centre of the UK drug trade -- an estimated 50% of all product comes through this city. Yet we haven't really had these large open air drug markets here, or AFAIK, in the rest of the UK for several years now. Really, since the cell phone became a cheap commodity item.
Politically, the biggest problems associated with drug dealing are about the disruptions to neighbourhoods associated with this kind of scene. Nobody likes having their kids run the gauntlet of crack dealers on their way to and from school.
Consequently, almost all dealing in heroin/cocaine happens via cellphone deliveries. You call the man, he calls his runner, who delivers within 30 mins or so.
No big public nuisance, no angry neighbours, no open air shoot-outs, etc. etc. etc. Everyone wins -- except the out of town customers, who have to make a connection with a local.
posted by PeterMcDermott at 10:23 AM on July 30, 2007
Yeah, in Philadelphia there is a similar trend towards delivery and a spreading out of drug territory as intiatives like Operations Safe Streets and its many sequels have flooded drug areas with authority. I was addicted to heroin in the early 90s before Operation Safe Streets started up and it was total insanity in North Philly. You would see dudes dealing out of corner stores with armed guards weilding automatic weapons loaded with banana clips standing watch. The cops had completely ceded territory to the dealers and seriously didn't give much of a fuck what happened in those neighborhoods.
In Chicago, before they tore down the Robert Taylor Homes you would see addicts lined up down the street waiting to cop at a hole punched through the rear wall of the building. You put your money in one hole, stepped down, and got your bags from the next hole. It was totally wild west shit.
Anyway, the rise of technology and the more fluid nature of drug distribution points has not curbed violence or trafficking in Philly. There are indications that it has actually spread the areas where violence occurs over a much broader range as dealers try to keep their operations less concentrated and exposed to big busts. A Philly Weekly writer discussed this in the Top Ten Drug Corners article I posted once before; I'll disclose again that I contributed a lot to the article and am sourced in it.
posted by The Straightener at 10:40 AM on July 30, 2007 [2 favorites]
In Chicago, before they tore down the Robert Taylor Homes you would see addicts lined up down the street waiting to cop at a hole punched through the rear wall of the building. You put your money in one hole, stepped down, and got your bags from the next hole. It was totally wild west shit.
Anyway, the rise of technology and the more fluid nature of drug distribution points has not curbed violence or trafficking in Philly. There are indications that it has actually spread the areas where violence occurs over a much broader range as dealers try to keep their operations less concentrated and exposed to big busts. A Philly Weekly writer discussed this in the Top Ten Drug Corners article I posted once before; I'll disclose again that I contributed a lot to the article and am sourced in it.
posted by The Straightener at 10:40 AM on July 30, 2007 [2 favorites]
I love Omar and Bubbs, too, but no love for Bodie? His arc over 4 seasons, the way he developed, stayed loyal to the Game (not the one you just lost), and.. well, one of my favorite characters, and the most admirable of the dealers, in a twisted way. I've also loved watching the development of Prez & Carver (and the concurrent failure of Herc to mature). Stringer Bell was totally magnetic. Just watching the way characters react positively or negatively to the institutional pressures put on them, all the bullshit they have to deal with... it's enthralling, magical, and often heartbreaking.
posted by papakwanz at 12:08 PM on July 30, 2007
posted by papakwanz at 12:08 PM on July 30, 2007
Oh, and one of the funniest and yet saddest (and most telling) scenes was in season 3 (I think?) when Bunk was investigating some deaths that occurred in connection with one of Omar's raids on a Barksdale warehouse. He watches some kids playing in the street, and they are arguing over which one gets to be Omar. It was amusing, because shit, Omar is a badass, but also so tragic, because it was yet another indicator of the kind of lives these kids lead, the way they are surrounded by poverty and violence and most of them will never escape that lifestyle.
posted by papakwanz at 12:12 PM on July 30, 2007
posted by papakwanz at 12:12 PM on July 30, 2007
Omar, Omar, Omar !
And I love D too.
They WERE eligible for the Emmies, right??
I mean- maybe they werent eligible and that is the only reason i could understand that they received no nominations.
posted by beccaj at 12:21 PM on July 30, 2007
And I love D too.
They WERE eligible for the Emmies, right??
I mean- maybe they werent eligible and that is the only reason i could understand that they received no nominations.
posted by beccaj at 12:21 PM on July 30, 2007
Beccaj, it's my understanding that they were eligible but that the way voting works with the Emmys, The Wire didn't have much of a chance. Apparently, if you're a voter, and haven't seen a show before, you are given one episode to watch.
posted by drezdn at 12:35 PM on July 30, 2007
posted by drezdn at 12:35 PM on July 30, 2007
beccaj: I can't imagine they wouldn't be. Deadwood, Rome, The Sopranos, Entourage, and Extras were all nominated in various categories.
In fact, from what I can see, it was only once nominated for an Emmy, in 2005 for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series, and it didn't get it.
The more I think about it, the fact that the Emmys completely ignored the Wire makes me want to smash things. It's completely insulting and ludicrous. Drama nominations went (in various categories) to Battlestar Galactica, Boston Legal, Friday Night Lights, Heroes, Lost, Studio 60, The Sopranos, Grey's Anatomy, House, 24, Rescue Me, Brothers & Sisters, Medium, Law & Order, The Closer, and The Riches. I'm sorry, but The Wire blows every single one of those shows out of the water in every stinking way.
posted by papakwanz at 12:36 PM on July 30, 2007
In fact, from what I can see, it was only once nominated for an Emmy, in 2005 for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series, and it didn't get it.
The more I think about it, the fact that the Emmys completely ignored the Wire makes me want to smash things. It's completely insulting and ludicrous. Drama nominations went (in various categories) to Battlestar Galactica, Boston Legal, Friday Night Lights, Heroes, Lost, Studio 60, The Sopranos, Grey's Anatomy, House, 24, Rescue Me, Brothers & Sisters, Medium, Law & Order, The Closer, and The Riches. I'm sorry, but The Wire blows every single one of those shows out of the water in every stinking way.
posted by papakwanz at 12:36 PM on July 30, 2007
The Wire did submit episodes for the Emmys, so they were eligible. But, nada. The game is rigged.
posted by transient at 1:25 PM on July 30, 2007
posted by transient at 1:25 PM on July 30, 2007
This is the thing done movies or television wise in the last decade. Unbelievably good.
posted by xammerboy at 1:35 PM on July 30, 2007
posted by xammerboy at 1:35 PM on July 30, 2007
All right, I'm convinced. I'm going to get the dvds on my way home.
posted by infidelpants at 3:10 PM on July 30, 2007
posted by infidelpants at 3:10 PM on July 30, 2007
In a nod to a funny repeated element in The Wire, I give you:
MetaFilter: what the fuck did I do?
posted by bwg at 4:19 PM on July 30, 2007
MetaFilter: what the fuck did I do?
posted by bwg at 4:19 PM on July 30, 2007
Well, color me hooked.
I’ve heard nothing but good things about The Wire. I’ll have to check out the series on DVD.
posted by Colloquial Collision at 12:22 AM on July 31, 2007
I’ve heard nothing but good things about The Wire. I’ll have to check out the series on DVD.
posted by Colloquial Collision at 12:22 AM on July 31, 2007
Sometimes just adding to the chorus is enough for me. Best. Show. Ever.
posted by haveanicesummer at 9:55 AM on July 31, 2007
posted by haveanicesummer at 9:55 AM on July 31, 2007
And just to play devil's advocate, I think it's the Best Show Ever.
posted by svenx at 2:38 PM on July 31, 2007
posted by svenx at 2:38 PM on July 31, 2007
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You know THIS show won't go out with onion rings, that's for sure.
posted by WolfDaddy at 8:20 PM on July 29, 2007 [3 favorites]