OT - Who's watching The Wire?

[Sgran]

Come on, she's got her rep to protect. Gotta keep it real.

[CAsterling]

I was expecting to hear that Snoop had shot it out with the Baltimore Po Po using a nail gun......her buying the nail gun is one of my favourite parts of The Wire.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

Statement from Simon on the arrest.

First of all, Felicia's entitled to the presumption of innocence. And I would note that a previous, but recent drug arrest that targeted her was later found to be unwarranted and the charges were dropped. Nonetheless, I'm certainly sad at the news today. This young lady has, from her earliest moments, had one of the hardest lives imaginable. And whatever good fortune came from her role in 'The Wire' seems, in retrospect, limited to that project. She worked hard as an actor and was entirely professional, but the entertainment industry as a whole does not offer a great many roles for those who can portray people from the other America. There are, in fact, relatively few stories told about the other America.

Beyond that, I am waiting to see whether the charges against Felicia relate to heroin or marijuana. Obviously, the former would be, to my mind, a far more serious matter. And further, I am waiting to see if the charges or statement of facts offered by the government reflect any involvement with acts of violence, which would of course be of much greater concern.

In an essay published two years ago in Time Magazine, the writers of 'The Wire' made the argument that we believe the war on drugs has devolved into a war on the underclass, that in places like West and East Baltimore, where the drug economy is now the only factory still hiring and where the educational system is so crippled that the vast majority of children are trained only for the corners, a legal campaign to imprison our most vulnerable and damaged citizens is little more than amoral. And we said then that if asked to serve on any jury considering a non-violent drug offense, we would move to nullify that jury's verdict and vote to acquit. Regardless of the defendant, I still believe such a course of action would be just in any case in which drug offenses -- absent proof of violent acts -- are alleged.

Both our Constitution and our common law guaranty that we will be judged by our peers. But in truth, there are now two Americas, politically and economically distinct. I, for one, do not qualify as a peer to Felicia Pearson. The opportunities and experiences of her life do not correspond in any way with my own, and her America is different from my own. I am therefore ill-equipped to be her judge in this matter.

[JonInMiddleGA]

In an essay published two years ago in Time Magazine, the writers of 'The Wire' made the argument ... blah blah blah

And in a brief post published on the FOFC, JIMGA made the argument that the writers of 'The Wire' were addle brained apologists beneath contempt for their disregard for the rule of law in a civilized society & that short of a miraculous shift in their mindset, he wished nothing for them so much as complete & utter ruin, devastation, and general misery befitting the sorry ass pieces of shit excuses for people that they prove themselves to be by their own idiotic ramblings.

There, that makes us roughly even.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

Jon, it's safe to say this show isn't for you.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by Ronnie Dobbs2

Jon, it's safe to say this show isn't for you.

Nor are the scum who write it, based on their "essay" (which was the target of my comment).

[Sgran]

I love the scene in season 3 where Cutty is working on a ground's crew for some rich family, and a white woman comes up to him and 2 Mexicans, speaks some bad Spanish, and walks away.

[BishopMVP]

It's going to Google's web cache right now because the site is being overloaded, but definitely worth reading, if only for the drawings alone. “When It’s Not Your Turn”: The Quintessentially Victorian Vision of Ogden’s “The Wire” « The Hooded Utilitarian

1642.jpg

[DeToxRox]

From Cinema Blend:

A little more than a week ago, several cast members of HBO's dearly departed, brilliant drama The Wire assembled to offer clips and give speeches about the drug epidemic thriving within the United States' urban environments. During the assembly, Attorney General Eric Holder not only praised the show for its honesty, integrity and aggression but also implored series creators Ed Burns and David Simon to continue with the product. Movie, season, mini-series, he didn't care, as long as there was more Wire somewhere in the near future.

Ten days later, David Simon's response has come, but something tells me Eric Holder won't like it. According to The Atlantic Wire, the counteroffer came by way of a statement, and in it, David Simon agreed to do another season, provided the US Government altered its drug enforcement policy. Take a look at the full text below:

“The Attorney-General's kind remarks are noted and appreciated. I've spoken to Ed Burns and we are prepared to go to work on season six of The Wire if the Department of Justice is equally ready to reconsider and address its continuing prosecution of our misguided, destructive and dehumanising drug prohibition.”


So, there that is. It'll be a cold day in hell before we see any more episodes of The Wire, but in the long run, that's probably better. Best to let something brilliant end in dramatic fashion rather than continue for one more go around past its prime. Not that I wouldn't trade mediocrity for an alteration in drug policy, but that's a two thousand word op-ed to save for another day.

[Raiders Army]

Boxed set on Amazon right now for $71.

Amazon.com: The Wire: The Complete Series: Michael Williams, Wendell Pierce, Lance Reddick, John Doman, Dominic West, Sonja Sohn: Movies & TV

[spleen1015]

Thanks for the heads up. I've been waiting for another deal on this.

[RainMaker]

Is that Bodie in that FedEx commercial where the guy eats the paper?

[Barkeep49]

Yes.

It's been a disappointing season on the Good Wife, as I don't believe we've had any Wire guest spots after a ton in seasons 1 and 2.

[panerd]

.

[Radii]

That's freaking awesome.

[panerd]

Originally Posted by Radii

That's freaking awesome.

Yeah it seems like they ran out of ideas with all the stoop squares but most of the places are solid. I would have maybe added a whole government part (Sen Clay's office, Carcetti) and maybe more police squares.

[3ric]

I finally have gotten the wife hooked on this show. Third attempt at it, and once she started asking me questions, around the third episode of the first season, I knew I wouldn't have to convince her to sit and watch with me any longer.

[spleen1015]

Originally Posted by 3ric

I finally have gotten the wife hooked on this show. Third attempt at it, and once she started asking me questions, around the third episode of the first season, I knew I wouldn't have to convince her to sit and watch with me any longer.

I've been trying to get my wife to watch for a long time. No dice.

[Barkeep49]

All of the quotes from the beginning of episodes compiled:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqNNpGlUKHw

[Radii]

Dangerous Minds | Characters from ‘The Wire’ made into little wind-up toys

[cartman]

Omar's comin'!

[spleen1015]

Grantland is having a little The Wire Smacketology.

Smacketology: Day Two - On Mouzone, Mofos, and Matchups - Hollywood Prospectus Blog - Grantland

[Izulde]

I personally don't see Mouzone as a misfire, so I think he's on crack for that.

[spleen1015]

Some of the seeding is totally crazy. Bubbles as a 7 seed is completely nuts.

[Barkeep49]

I think it should have been a full 64 seeded tournament.

[cartman]

Originally Posted by spleen1015

Some of the seeding is totally crazy. Bubbles as a 7 seed is completely nuts.

Yeah, and McNulty as a #3 seed but Clay Davis as a #2? Sheeeeeeiiit.

[Izulde]

Originally Posted by spleen1015

Some of the seeding is totally crazy. Bubbles as a 7 seed is completely nuts.

Ziggy Sobotka even being in a 32 tournament is insane.

[Izulde]

Originally Posted by cartman

Yeah, and McNulty as a #3 seed but Clay Davis as a #2? Sheeeeeeiiit.

Agreed. No way McNulty should be any lower than a #2 seed and you can make the strong argument he deserves that 1 seed over Bunk or one of the Avon/Stringer crew. I feel like Stringer, McNulty, Omar should be 1 seeds, with the fourth either Avon, Marlo, Bunk, or Bubbles.

Depending on how you want to set up the seeding schematic.

[spleen1015]

Maybe the did it this way purposely. It would be boring as hell if it followed the chalk.

McNulty, Omar, Bubbles, & Stringer would be my #1s.

[DataKing]

Omar vs. Cutty is a 2nd round matchup I'd pay to see.

[Logan]

What a shit site Grantland is. That link is for Day 2. They don't link to Day 1 in that article. No problem, I'll click the "Smacketology tag" which brings me to...only that post.

[QuikSand]

In a seed-weighted contest, I might be intrigued by Rawls as a #6.

Neat idea. Really miss the show.

[stevew]

Is there any way to even vote on this?

[spleen1015]

Originally Posted by stevew

Is there any way to even vote on this?

Polls on Facebook. Search for Grantland.

[panerd]

Seeded way too high: Prop Joe, Michael, Bunk, Wallace
Seeded way too low: Jimmy (has to be a #1 seed right?), Bodie, Kima, Bubbles
Why are they on there?: Ziggy, Cheese, Serge
In their place: Mayor Royce (as high as a #5 or #6 seed), Burrell, Carver

My final four (based on this bracket): Omar, Avon, Stringer, Jimmy. Aren't these the stars of the show?

[cartman]

Also, how in the world was Bunny Colvin not seeded in the Hamsterdam region?

[Barkeep49]

Mike Schur has my back with a much better 64 seed tourney:

1. McNulty
2. Avon Barksdale
3. Daniels
4. Kima Greggs
5. Chris Partlow
6. Prezbo
7. Herc
8. Rawls
9. Mayor Royce
10. Rhonda Pearlman
11. Valchek
12. Orlando
13. Norman
14. Walon
15. Scott Templeton
16. Fitzhugh

1. Stringer
2. Michael
3. Marlo
4. Bunny Colvin
5. Bodie
6. The Greek
7. Burrell
8. Beadie
9. Frank Sobotka
10. Gus
11. Stinkum
12. Brianna Barksdale
13. Namond Brice
14. Shardene
15. Kenard
16. Nerese Campbell

1. Omar
2. Bubbs
3. Snoop
4. Cutty
5. Wallace
6. Carver
7. Carcetti
8. Levy
9. Slim Charles
10. Sydnor
11. Dukie
12. Poot
13. Butchie
14. Donette
15. Landsman
16. Donut the car thief

1. Bunk
2. Prop Joe
3. D’Angelo Barksdale
4. Lester Freamon
5. Clay Davis
6. Wee-Bey
7. Brother Mouzone
8. Randy
9. Cheese
10. Vondas
11. Odell Watkins
12. The Deacon
13. Serge
14. Detective Crutchfield
15. Ziggy
16. Terry D’Agostino

[stevew]

Bubbles was crushing Clay Davis when I voted.

[Radii]

Originally Posted by cartman

Also, how in the world was Bunny Colvin not seeded in the Hamsterdam region?

can't play on your home court in the tournament, its just not fair.

[AgustusM]

Bubbs was my #2 favorite overall, so I thought the 7 seed was awful

[DeToxRox]

Really fascinating read by David Simon

David Simon | I meant this, not that. But yeah, I meant it.

[cthomer5000]

Massive show spoilers contained... but if you've finished the series, this quite funny


The Wire: The Musical

The Wire: The Musical with Michael Kenneth Williams from Michael Kenneth Williams, Sonja Sohn, Andre Royo, Larry Gilliard Jr, Felicia Pearson, Faizon Love, PatB, Matt and Oz, Isaac Laskin, Betsy Koch, Michael Kimbrew, FreeDome, Funny Or Die, Joe Hartzler, Dave Theune, Ben Parks, Kathryn Burns, Ellie del Campo, Kat Bardot, and BoTown Sound

[Critch]

A few years late to the show, but I've been blasting through it over the last couple of weeks. Three seasons in two weeks, just finished season three tonight.

Enjoyed it so far (except Ziggy Sobotka, what a dick) but I'll miss the Barksdale crew for season 4. So far I've found Marlo a bit of a crap character compared to Avon/Stringer/D'Angelo and the rest, and I believe season 4 is more Marlo.

After three seasons my four 1 seeds are Avon, Stringer, Omar and Bunk.

(p.s. Got The Wire box sets at an estate auction a few weeks ago. Five season of The Wire, six of Oz, six of Always Sunny in Philadelphia, 5 seasons of Weeds, 3 seasons on Knotts Landing, and 6 seasons of some crap with David Spade that I'll never watch, all for $40. Top picking, even if I do say so myself.)

[DataKing]

I Lol'd

No One Wins in The Wire RPG

[hoopsguy]

Obviously late to the party, but just finished Season 4 earlier this week and was blown away with how good it was. I held the series in very high regard based on the first three seasons, but it felt like the show raised the bar even higher in this season. Picked up Season 5 tonight and will likely end up finishing it by the end of the weekend.

[cthomer5000]

As the years have rolled on, it's hard not to compare everything I watch to this show. Every cheap, telegraphed writing move i see in shows i watch just makes me remember how good this show was by comparison. On a relative scale, it asks a hell of a lot of its viewers.

It's the TV equivalent of The Beatles, and IMHO one of the great works of art i've experienced in human history.

[stevew]

Robert F. Chew, who played Proposition Joe on 'The Wire,' dead at 52 - baltimoresun.com

[Bad-example]

RIP Gus Triandos | HardballTalk

I bet Herc is torn up.

[Subby]

Had to stop reading this thread at post #329.

Just stayed up until 4 am finishing season 4. Thank you HBO GO. Thank you.

Nothing to really add other than this is the kind of show that I will finish watching in the next two weeks and then probably rewatch/revisit/analyze for the rest of my life. It's a gift, an absolute work of art.

[path12]

Originally Posted by Subby

Had to stop reading this thread at post #329.

Just stayed up until 4 am finishing season 4. Thank you HBO GO. Thank you.

Nothing to really add other than this is the kind of show that I will finish watching in the next two weeks and then probably rewatch/revisit/analyze for the rest of my life. It's a gift, an absolute work of art.

God, season 4 just killed me.