Thanks For Killing Any Chance Of Decent Sleep, FOFC! (thread about HBO's The Wire)

[Doug5984]

I'm reading Sudhir Venkatesh's "Gang Leader for a Day" it reminds me a lot of the wire, this is the guy that the freakonomcis guys got their info from on gangs in Chicago. A great read so far (about 1/2 way through) and reminds me a lot of the wire- might want to check it out.

[Logan]

Best Buy has the set for $90 as well if anyone wants to do an in-store pickup and not have to wait on shipping.

[Senator]

Originally Posted by QuikSand

It's pretty much to the point that for me, The Wire is one of those "two kinds of people" things. If you haven't watched it ... and by that, I basically mean if you aren't a diehard fan and dejected every day that it is no longer in production ... then I really don't know what you and I have to talk about, you're almost certainly not my kind of person. With time and the availability of reruns and DVDs and Netflix, it's pretty much to the point that there's no longer any excuse for missing the show.

I know that sounds like the usual "my TV show is great and you suck" puffery. I can live with that. My TV show is great, and if you don't love it too, you probably do suck.

This intrigues me. I got an early Christmas present... this series, and I just finished 1X6 The Pager. Now, so far I like the show. Not just out of my mind about it, maybe it is too early.

But, I am wondering about this comment from Quik. I am curious is part of his love of this show because he is from Maryland. Not to say that is the only reason, or any reason at all, as for instance, I have no real love of the TV show Dallas. But, I have never known Quik to be so adamant about something.

Just an intriguing post from an intriguing guy. So far, I want more Omar kissing guys, that is my desire as a consumer.

[Peregrine]

Good to see Time give The Wire the respect it deserves:

The Wire - Best Movies, TV, Books and Theater of the Decade - TIME

[QuikSand]

Originally Posted by Senator

But, I am wondering about this comment from Quik. I am curious is part of his love of this show because he is from Maryland. Not to say that is the only reason, or any reason at all, as for instance, I have no real love of the TV show Dallas. But, I have never known Quik to be so adamant about something.

Missed this earlier... part of the reason I started watching was definitely the Baltimore/Maryland references. And as a political insider here, I can tell you that they go a lot deeper than just seeing familiar places and names... there are just *tons* of things in the show that are clearly drawn from or upon real people and events. However, I wouldn't say that's central to my enjoyment of the show. Maybe it's the delta between rating the show A++ versus A+, but I think it's probably on that magnitude.

As far as "when did you get hooked," I think my spot was somewhere in mid-season one when it started crystallizing for me, so roughly where you are. I know a number of people who watched one or two episodes, and basically gave up, usually amidst comments that were carefully stated to avoid sounding racist. For those among them I give a damn about, I generally encouraged them to give it at least 4 episodes before giving up. But your call here, needless to say. I hope you do like it.

[Izulde]

Originally Posted by Peregrine

Good to see Time give The Wire the respect it deserves:

The Wire - Best Movies, TV, Books and Theater of the Decade - TIME

Awesome!

[Peregrine]

I was listening to the radio last night and they were interviewing Sonja Sohn - I hadn't known this, but based on her experience with the show, she took some time off acting and started a charity to work with inner-city youth in Baltimore, and try to use the show to teach people lessons and get them off the street. Pretty cool!

ReWired for Change

[Senator]

Season 1 completed. Thanks to a pretty vicious stomach virus, for the first time in decades, I had 2 days lying sick in bed and so I was able to remain undisturbed, (except for the trips to the vomitorium).

Watched #6 - #13 all in a row. Unbothered! (Hey, married guys with toddlers understand).

Enjoyed it very much. Omar is the boogeyman.

[SunDevil]

Finished the first season. It was good. Looking forward to watching the other seasons now.

[BishopMVP]

I know David Simon (a.k.a. each succeeding 'season' is better because it's all one story and each segment builds on the prior plot) would hate me for trying to condense it, but imo S1=B+, S2=B-, S3-4=A, S5=A-, and that's probably the consensus viewpoint. I don't want to simply add to an echo chamber of people saying how awesome The Wire is, but I too was dismissive/skeptical when seeing singular scenes/episodes early on. You both have seen S1 and enjoyed it, so trust us - despite S2's early change of direction the whole series only gets better with time and builds to an epic climax while simultaneously doing more to educate people how others live than a lifetime of PBS documentaries. Throw in the 'insider' political references, the multiple meta connections to real life, and the Dickensian aspect of the plot it's worth finishing.

[Doug5984]

Season 2 was my least favorite- but still very good. Seasons 3, 4, & 5 were the best.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

I loved Season 2! Just wanted to get that out there. Second favorite to 4.

[spleen1015]

The thing the drew me in at first was McNaulty. That character was the hook for me from the very first episode.

[Tigercat]

I can't wait for Treme, Simon's next HBO show. This one is New Orleans told primarily through the musicians of the Treme neighborhood. Lots of the musicians I work with have already filmed small parts in it. (Mostly playing themselves, which is really cool.)

[Scoobz0202]

Starting episode eight of season one right now. So far it has been pretty damn good. I'm not ready to crown it anything as I haven't even finished a season. I'm definitely willing and ready to continue, though, and look forward to the rest of this season and beyond.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Thanks to a number of situations, I still haven't completed season 5. I must do this soon. Based on seasons 1-4, I totally agree with those who claim "The Wire" was the best TV show of the '00's, if not of all time. Whenever I would go on a "The Wire" binge and watch multiple episodes, other TV shows would just pale in comparison.

Apparently, "The Wire" has become such phenomenon that colleges like Duke, Berkeley, and Harvard are offering entire courses on the series.

Blackboard - Curriculum - Deconstructing ‘The Wire’ - NYTimes.com

[AgustusM]

I thought this was great from the Vice Article, especially because it was the one scene in the show I wasn't buying.



So out of all these people, did you pick and choose traits and stories from their realities for Omar? For instance, Omar carries a shotgun. He’s gay. He’s got all these really great characterizations.

Listen, when he jumps out the window during that shootout, that was something Donnie Andrews actually did. He jumped out of the sixth floor of the Murphy Homes when he was caught in an ambush and out of ammunition. Did he think about it? No, but he did it and he survived and he was able to limp away. It happened. He also jumped off the Poplar Grove rail bridge another time. It’s legend. There are people who will tell you about it in West Baltimore other than Donnie. It’s not just something he’s making up. If you make that jump, you’re dead. If I make that jump, I’m a puddle on the ground.

But he did it.
He needed to make the jump and he wasn’t gonna die that time.

I love that Omar’s jump was based on a real story, because that was one of the things in the series where people were like, “Ah, that would never happen. He’d be dead.”
And we actually only had Omar jump from the fourth floor.

[QuikSand]

Originally Posted by BishopMVP

and the Dickensian aspect

*snorts laughing*

[SunDevil]

Mother fucking son of a bitch. Season 5 is my least favorite by far. And to have a fucking 8 year old pull the trigger on my favorite character is fucked up.

Mother fucking son of a bitch.


Great series, but again I did not really like season 5 that much. I really liked all the other seasons. I should of watched this years ago.

Oh thanks FOFC I have not slept that much for the last 5 days.

[Peregrine]

I have to agree that I found Season 5 to be my least favorite by far. Still, it's better than anything else.

[Carman Bulldog]

I concur. Season 5 was my least favourite. It just seems that it requires a bit more of a leap of faith than other seasons and I found the manufactured serial killer plotline a little convoluted.

[Pyser]

it was always gonna be an 8 year old. go back to the shootout on the street with omar in what, s2?

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

The Serial Killer plotline was not their best work, but I can understand what Simon was getting at with it. That aside, Season 5 had some fantastic moments.

Spoiler

The way Omar got killed was poetic.
The conversation between Michael and Snoop in the car.
Michael letting Bug out of the car.
The very end with McNulty bringing the homeless guy back.
The whole, sad sense that what we've just witnessed it but one iteration of a neverending cycle.

[Scoobz0202]

Even though it's on DVD I have been watching this really slow.

Just got done with episode 10 of season one ("The Cost"). It's hard to explain. Going into this episode I would have say the show is damn good. Damn good. I having a hard time explaining this so pardon me if it's not eloquent.

Going into this episode would I say it is my favorite show of all-time? Too early to tell. But it definitely hasn't surpassed the Sopranos at the top, thats for sure. Mad Men, probably not. Deadwood? Close.

After the episode? I dont know. I don't believe there was any scene in the Sopranos that had me feeling like I am right now after just watching the end of "The Cost." I'm just... Wow.

[cartman]

Originally Posted by Scoobz0202

After the episode? I dont know. I don't believe there was any scene in the Sopranos that had me feeling like I am right now after just watching the end of "The Cost." I'm just... Wow.

Don't know what else to say, but you ain't seen nuthin' yet.

[Scoobz0202]

That's a given, I'd assumed. Hell, it may have just been the shock. With the slow pacing in this show I was never expecting things to turn like that. The way it was shot was great, as well. It felt so.. gritty. Real.

[hoopsguy]

This is next on my "to see" list after blasting through Seasons 1-3 of Mad Men over the last month. I'm very much looking forward to it, although I'm not sure my wife is too thrilled about the prospect of me staying up late every night for two months to watch these episodes

[Scoobz0202]

Already halfway through season two... Love it.

Sobotka is fucking awesome. The scene where they are getting served to go to the Grand Jury and he stands up and "tells" Bunk that the Union's been through worse was fucking awesome.

Unsure how this one is going to end.. is it possible for the good guys and Sobotka to come out smelling like roses?

Ziggy, though. The boys gotta get his shit together or I see his role coming to an end...

[DataKing]

Alot of people kind of pooh-poohed on Season 2, but it was one of my personal favorites, largely because of Sobotka.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

I've always felt the same way. My second favorite season after 4. The dock stuff was great, D'Angelos arc was great. Trying to avoid being spoilery.

[Scoobz0202]

It might just be my high from season one still but season two has pretty much had me from the get go. It may just be the little moments though. I have already fist pumped or let out a woot when McNulty pulling his little games with Homicide, when the Major requested Daniels, and when Daniel's made his request that he gets to form his own squad.

I've enjoyed the storyline with the docks. Like i said, Sobotka is the man.

I didn't mention Dee, though. He is actually one of my favorite characters. I actually enjoy him more then Omar. Loved the scene towards the end of season one when he was being interrogated and he originally gave up the whole crew basically. He finished and he looked tired and just said, " You guys don't understand.. " and then went on to tell how he was born to be involved in the family business. He had no choice.

[Izulde]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

Season's 5-7 of the Shield were like that for me as well. I really can't decide which show is better of the two. Depends what day you asked me I suppose.

Although I haven't finished 7 because the lack of subtitles is bugging me, I definitely see what you mean about Seasons 5 and 6.

That said, while I've enjoyed The Shield, it's nowhere close to The Wire for me overall. At its best points, The Shield can challenge The Wire, but The Wire is a much more polished, much more brilliant piece of work.

I'm not saying The Shield isn't good. It is, and I particularly enjoy the acting. But comparing The Shield to The Wire is like comparing an All-Star to One Of, If Not The Greatest To Ever Play The Game.

[Izulde]

Originally Posted by Scoobz0202

It might just be my high from season one still but season two has pretty much had me from the get go. It may just be the little moments though. I have already fist pumped or let out a woot when McNulty pulling his little games with Homicide, when the Major requested Daniels, and when Daniel's made his request that he gets to form his own squad.

I've enjoyed the storyline with the docks. Like i said, Sobotka is the man.

I didn't mention Dee, though. He is actually one of my favorite characters. I actually enjoy him more then Omar. Loved the scene towards the end of season one when he was being interrogated and he originally gave up the whole crew basically. He finished and he looked tired and just said, " You guys don't understand.. " and then went on to tell how he was born to be involved in the family business. He had no choice.

1, 5 and 2 are all very, very close to me. I originally had it 4 > 1 > 5 > 2 >3 I think, but I could just as easily go 4 > 2 > 1 > 5 > 3, for example.

I've got the urge to start re-watching it now.

[Scoobz0202]

Originally Posted by Scoobz0202

I didn't mention Dee, though. He is actually one of my favorite characters. I actually enjoy him more then Omar. Loved the scene towards the end of season one when he was being interrogated and he originally gave up the whole crew basically. He finished and he looked tired and just said, " You guys don't understand.. " and then went on to tell how he was born to be involved in the family business. He had no choice.

Spoiler

Very next episode after I said this..

[panerd]

Originally Posted by Scoobz0202

Spoiler

Very next episode after I said this..

Spoiler

I think Wallace and D'Angelo were the roughest to take. There are quite a few more big shockers in seasons 3-5 obviously but Wallace getting "got" was just ice cold. And the actors who played Bodie and Poot showed realistic emotion that really made that scene gutwrenching.

[cartman]

hey panerd, SPOILER!!!

[Pyser]

Originally Posted by panerd

stuff about Wallace and D'Angelo...

speaking of which, both are in season 4 of Friday Night Lights....which between seasons 3 and 4 obviously became a HUGE fan of the wire

i cant stress enough how good fnl is this season, and you should all check it out when nbc starts running the season soon (the whole show, really, but wire fans will definitely appreciate season 4 especially)

[LloydLungs]

Originally Posted by Pyser

i cant stress enough how good fnl is this season, and you should all check it out when nbc starts running the season soon (the whole show, really, but wire fans will definitely appreciate season 4 especially)

Wow, that's great to hear. I liked FNL seasons 1 and 3, but while many parts of it were superbly done, the writing could also be quite amateurish at times. Although I find that The Wire makes just about all other dramas seem a little bit amateurish sometimes, even the really good ones.

Really anticipating season 4 now...

[Scoobz0202]

I was watching the first few episodes of season one with a buddy of mine. I pretty much forced him to start watching it and it was pretty awesome how there were subtle things that I didn't even really pay attention to but happen later on.

Spoiler

McNulty and Landsman were talking about where they would least like to be stationed at and what do ya know...

[Scoobz0202]

Finished season two last night. Simon and Co. really know how to close seasons out don't they. They have it mastered.

Really enjoyed it. I see now where people rank the seasons and they say there is not much difference from their top and their bottom. Because I'm unsure if season two or season one was better but if I had to choose I would so far have it as:

1 > 2

The first two-thirds of each season were pretty equal. I may give season two a slight advantage to one as I felt like I was instantly drawn to season two more then one. That very well could have been left over emotion from the end of season one, which is why I give season one the edge over two. I felt the last few episodes of season one just nailed me right in the nose with emotion. Had I waited a year in between seasons I may not have been into season two's start.

Spoiler

Frank Sobotka. What can I say. Awesome fucking character. His demise pissed me off. The second I saw the FBI faxing in the documents stating that Frank was coming in the next morning I knew it was coming. I was hoping not, but you had to see it coming. Great scene, btw.

Frank's nephew, Nick, really grew on me as the season progressed. His development as the season went on was great.

Ziggy going into the electronics place and shooting Double G and his employee was powerful stuff. When Ziggy got rolled on the money I thought back to him looking at the guns in the pawn shop and was wondering if he was going to pull out a gun and try and intimidate him. Never did I expect him to do what he did. I also felt the scene where Frank went to visit Ziggy was very powerful.

One character that I found myself hating more then The Greek and Co. when they killed Frank was Major Valchek. What a fucking piece of shit. From a character standpoint, he is brilliant. Just a damn good character. But as a viewer I was hoping, pleading to the tv, that he would ultimately lose his battle to Frank. I started to get agitated watching him with his smug ass attitude arrest Frank.

The Omar-Brother Mouzzon(sp?) storyline was great. I felt the Brother was kind of a one-dimensional character and really would like to see him more fleshed out, because I feel he could be fun to watch. I'm looking forward to seeing if Omar gets his revenge on Stringer fucking with him.

Avon's bound to find out about Dee, right? RIGHT?!

Who played Nick's father? He wasn't shown much but I did really enjoy the scenes with him.

Now I am just waiting on season three, which will hopefully be tomorrow. I have been ordering these through the library's online catalogue. It's been In Transit for a day or two so I am hopefully going to get a phone call tomorrow. If not tomorrow, for sure on Monday.

[Radii]

I want to reply scoobz but I cannot remember exactly where the story left off after season 2 vs what happens in 3 so I will not!

But, keep posting, The Wire is so great that I always enjoy seeing other people's impressions and seeing any chatter about the show. Bill Simmons was talking to... someone, a TV Critic type on his podcast recently and they brought up The Wire, and they just treated the show differently than any other show they discussed. They didn't want to reveal spoilers even though the series ended years ago. One of them made a comment something like "any time someone I know starts to watch The Wire I'm genuinely happy for them, and also a little jealous, because I've already seen it so there's no way to have that incredible experience of going through the series for first time again."

That's pretty much how I feel about it at this point, I never get tired of seeing others post their impressions as they watch the show for the first time.

[Izulde]

Originally Posted by Radii

That's pretty much how I feel about it at this point, I never get tired of seeing others post their impressions as they watch the show for the first time.

Same here and I don't feel that way about any other TV show.

[Scoobz0202]

Originally Posted by Radii

I want to reply scoobz but I cannot remember exactly where the story left off after season 2 vs what happens in 3 so I will not!

But, keep posting, The Wire is so great that I always enjoy seeing other people's impressions and seeing any chatter about the show. Bill Simmons was talking to... someone, a TV Critic type on his podcast recently and they brought up The Wire, and they just treated the show differently than any other show they discussed. They didn't want to reveal spoilers even though the series ended years ago. One of them made a comment something like "any time someone I know starts to watch The Wire I'm genuinely happy for them, and also a little jealous, because I've already seen it so there's no way to have that incredible experience of going through the series for first time again."

That's pretty much how I feel about it at this point, I never get tired of seeing others post their impressions as they watch the show for the first time.

Spoiler

Franks Dead. Ziggys in Prison. Nick turned himself into the police with the hope of giving all the dirt on The Greek and Co. The Greek and Co. have gone "into the wind." They were last shown at the airport. They left their last package (millions in heroin) at the docks due to too much pressure on them.

Omar figured out on his own that String was setting him up to kill Brother Mouzone. He vows to get revenge although I have seen nothing other then his pledge.

Prop Joe and Stringer have joined together. Stringer did it at first behind Avon's back but he has finally persuaded Avon that it is in their best interests. Prop Joe supplies the dope, Stringer gives Prop some of the terrace. Prop Joe gets the supply from the Greek and Co. There is a slight delay Prop Joe has said. That is obviously because of the Greek fleeing. Supposedly within a week or so a new crew will be getting ahold of Prop Joe from the Greeks crew. Last I have seen is that McNulty and Kima got a picture of Prop Joe and Stringer meeting up in an alley. They are obviously interested in investigating this new alliance. So far Stringer is the only one that I am aware that knows what really happened to Dee. The only person to know in the Barksdale crew, of course. The family and the crew all still think it was suicide.

That kind of give you an idea?

[Scoobz0202]

Originally Posted by Radii

One of them made a comment something like "any time someone I know starts to watch The Wire I'm genuinely happy for them, and also a little jealous, because I've already seen it so there's no way to have that incredible experience of going through the series for first time again."

Even though I just finished season two and still have a ways to go that thought crossed my mind. That there is only five seasons, and that sometime in the near future this will come to an end. I just don't want it to end...

[Logan]

The TV critic you're talking about is Tim Goodman, I think from the San Francisco Chronicle. Might be worth checking out some of his old columns for the "deconstructs" of each episode.

[Izulde]

I had someone tell me the other day that I looked like a white version of Omar.

[Senator]

LMFAO

[cartman]

IZULDE COMIN'

[Izulde]

*whistles and carries his shotgun*

[21C]

I don't know if this has been posted before or not but this site has three scripts from the show including the one for the finale and the original series bible that David Simon used to pitch the show to HBO:
The Wire Bible