The Wire is an American television drama set and produced in Baltimore, Maryland. Created, produced, and primarily written by author and former police reporter David Simon, the series is broadcast by the premium cable network HBO in the United States. The Wire premiered on June 2, 2002, with 50 episodes airing over the course of its first four seasons. The fifth and final season, which encompasses 10 episodes, premiered on January 6, 2008.
The plot of the first season centers on the ongoing struggles between police units and drug-dealing gangs on the west side of the city, and is told from both points of view. Subsequent seasons have focused on other facets of the city. The large cast consists mainly of character actors who are little known for their other roles. Simon has said that despite its presentation as a crime drama, the show is “really about the American city, and about how we live together. It’s about how institutions have an effect on individuals, and how…whether you’re a cop, a longshoreman, a drug dealer, a politician, a judge [or] lawyer, you are ultimately compromised and must contend with whatever institution you’ve committed to.
From the Wikipedia entry on The Wire.
The Wire is a show that is strangely addictive. I really enjoyed how the Barksdale investigation encompassed the first few seasons. This is something that never really happens in TV. The same investigation spanning three seasons? Anyway, the fifth season still uses elements from the first season. I think it’s a great show. I also enjoy how in the fifth season, Simon plans on featuring the media and how it impacts the city.
I was a bit miffed at my wife last week when she revealed to me the spoiler of the end of this episode. I can tell you that it’s a whopper. It only makes sense once you think about it. The story has been building up to this for a while. The whole plot with McNulty and Lester trying to fake a serial killer is just so bizarre. They want to do this so that they can continue investigating the Barksdale case. Lester thinks that at most they will need a few weeks to get everything together. The mayor doesn’t have the money for this.
Warning: Spoilers ahead.
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Michael’s crew is baiting the cops. The cops fall right into it and a mini riot ensues. Carver has to intervene.
Lester thinks that Freeman has found something to break their case. Burell is being told by Daniels that he isn’t to blame for what’s happening to him. Burell takes up a putter and plays threateningly with it.
McNulty is busy putting his plan in motion. He’s checking out where the most people are dying.
Prop Joe is checking out some flowers for Butchie’s funeral. His enforcer Slim Charles is worried about Marlo and Omar. Cheese is the one responsible for the death of Butchie. Prop Joe leaves Cheese in charge of the day to day operation. He tells Slim Charles to watch Cheese. Prop Joe is worried that Omar will come after him.
Marlo is meeting with the Greek once more. The Greek tells Marlo that his money is still no good. Marlo wants an insurance policy on the product. The elder intervenes and tells him that things will work out. An insurance policy is a prudent step. The old one says that if they say no to Marlo, he will still come back. They say that he is not Joe.
Rhonda and Lester present the evidence to Bond about the Davis case. The evidence is strong enough to go federal, but Bond wants to keep it local. He decides to investigate other charges.
Carcetti is having a staff meeting. He needs to get Daniels in as police commissioner.
Scott is having an interview at the Washington Post. There are a lot of cutbacks and Scott is weighing his options. He doesn’t get the job. He’s tossed just like they tell him to toss his nametag.
Naresse briefs Burell on what is going to happen to Daniels. Burell is threatening to get Daniels. Naresse says that he is out. There is no way back, he lied to Carcetti. She’s offering him 6 figures a year guaranteed. If he tries to fight, he’ll end up with nothing and Baltimore will have Rawls as police commissioner. She takes the evidence on Daniels.
Michael is getting some attitude by his mother. He just leaves her drug addicted as by herself.
Lester and McNulty continue checking out their project. They go to the targeted district to meet with an old partner Oscar. Oscar has got no love for Rawls. He got drummed out of his unit a few years back.
Omar is back in Baltimore. He gets the message from Butchie’s mate. Omar is out for blood. He wants Marlo dead.
Bunk is frustrated by his district’s LT. Kima comes by to see McNulty.
Carver tells Tony that he needs to be careful and write it up properly. Tony doesn’t give a shit. Carver says that he will charge him. The guy that Tony beat up was a teacher going to an after school project. IAD is smelling around. Tony not caring about it just pushed Carver beyond his limit.
Naresse tells Carcetti that he needs to send Burell away quietly.
Davis is getting questioned by Rhonda. He invoked the 5th amendment. He is confronted by the press when he leaves the grand jury.
Marlo is getting more schooling on how to manage his money by Prop Joe. There is trouble because Cheese moved into Hungry Man’s earmarked territory. Prop Joe apologizes for his nephew and puts him back in his place.
Burell has some bitter parting words for Rawls. Burell warns Daniels about the dirt he has on him.
Gus is getting warned for his profanity. Gus says that the people who could work this have been bought out. Gus wants his guys on the Clay Davis grand jury.
Kima wants to see Elijah.
McNulty and Lester are investigating their fake crime.
Omar comes after Slim Charles. He is told that Prop Joe wasn’t responsible. Omar leaves him alive. Slim Charles was expecting to die.
Cheese is shown Hungry Man all tied up by Snoop and Chris. Chris says that it’s a gift from Marlo.
Prop Joe brings Marlo to see Levy. Herc talks with Prop Joe. Marlo asks Herc if he ever found that camera. Herc says that it cost him the job.
Daniels moves into his new office. He’s pretty happy.
Herc is talking to Carver about Tony. Carv says that it matters and that he has to do it.
McNulty comes home to see Beadie. She wants to talk with him, but he gets a call about another body.
Omar is getting the lowdown on the Marlo crew.
Marlo drops by to see Prop Joe off. Marlo is taking over. He’s using Cheese. By getting rid of Prop Joe, Marlo is in charge of his operation. Chris shoots Prop Joe in the back of the head.
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