The Jaded Bitterman Blog

So What Now?

2008-04-07T10:31:00.003-04:00

If you noticed the new header on the page you made note that the title of this blog has changed. Let's face it, The Wire is over so there is no need to talk about it anymore. Let us let it die in peace. I will keep links to the old posts in the right nav. So those of you that might be catching up on the seasons can still follow it in your own way if you like.

Jaded Bitterman is going to be teaming up with Jr. Worthy to bring you a new podcast show, It's the Jaded and Junior Show. Live from Mt. Pleasant, DC we will bring you a wide range of topics and guests. So be on the lookout for those very soon. You know we're gonna rock it like no other podcast you have ever heard. Some topics on the show will be "Two Guys and a Bottle of Jameson", "A Conversation with Montgomery Foxx", "Baller vs. Musician", and our favorite topic, DC.

So in the words of the great wise rapper/philosopher/radical, Be on the Lookout Kids.

Season 5 Predictions: The Follow Up

2008-03-16T22:31:00.003-04:00

Figure it would be fun to follow up on my Season 5 Predictions post:

Prediction #1: Snoop and Chris are Going Down!
When we left Season 4, Lestor Freamon had finally discovered the bodies in the vacants and got hair and blood samples from Snoop and Chris. He is on to them and if there is one thing we have learned about Smooth Lestor it's that he does not leave any business unfinished. There are too many things that could have gone wrong with the way Chris and Snoop disposed of the bodies. Mainly, I find it hard to believe there is not at least one hair or bit of DNA in any of those vacants that might point to them. Second, Lestor is simply too thorough of an investigator to not leave all stones turned. Unfortunately, I don't think either ends up dead, but both will end up in jail. If there are two characters on this show that deserve to get got, its Chris and Snoop. Though I will miss the humor that Snoop supplies to the show.

Follow Up: True
Technically, they both did go down, but Snoop went about six feet deeper. And the bodies in the vacants didn't end up playing as big a role as the clocks/wire and eventual discovery of Chris's DNA on Bugs Father (who I don't think was left in the vacants). Snoop got got cause, well, Michael Lee had to make his move.

Prediction #2: Marlo Goes Down...At the Hands of Herc!
Yep. You heard it right. Herc is going to be the one who finally gets to Marlo. Why? "Why ain't in your repertoire no more." No, seriously. I look back on Seasons 3 and 4 and the writers have made a point to show more than one confrontation between Herc and Marlo. The stare down in the lot during Season 3; Marlo snatching Herc's camera and sub sequentially getting pulled over and handed Herc card (which leads to that absolutely hilarious phone call Prop Joe makes to track Herc down); and finally, in a show that is about as unpredictable as it gets, wouldn't it just make sense to have the biggest fuck up cop of all be the one to take down the kingpin? Something just tells me that Herc is "accidentally" going to be the one that finally gets to Marlo. He holds a personal grudge against him and for Herc it ain't about the police work, it's about that grudge.

Follw Up: Sorta True
I guess it actually could be totally true since Herc's capturing of Marlo's cell starts the whole thing in order. And damm me if he didn't make a couple of references this season to his camera. Jaded called it. Didn't he? It'd like Jeter calling a blop single in the bottom the ninth.

Prediction #3: Michael Lee & Dukie Are the New Avon & Stringer
It is set up perfectly. At the end of Season 4 Marlo hands Michael Lee his own corner to run and crew to create. We see Prezbo watching Dukie take the money on the corner and realize there is no escape from the easy money. Michael Lee always acted as Dukies protector and now has him running in the game right along with him. They live together, work together, and now will rule together. Michael Lee being the ruthless corner boy that Avon was, with a heart of steel and a coldness unlike any other and Dukie with the smarts and business sense of Stringer Bell. Together they will be standing tall at the end while Marlo and his crew fall. Nothing lasts forever except the game itself and Michael Lee and Dukie are perfectly set up to take it all over.

Follow Up: False
Michael Lee turned out to be the next Omar and Dukie, well, sigh, just ended up as Bubbles. Though I think we all do agree that Michael Lee could run a crew or even be a Marlo or a Chris. He chooses independence. Gotta love the 5-tool player. And I've read a few people writing that the boy rolling with Michael Lee on his stick up of Vinson ("But you just a boy" BANG! "And that's just a kneee") was insinuating that Michael Lee was not only Omar in style but in sexuality. I don't see it.

Prediction #4: We're Going To See How Fucked Up the Press Really Is
This one isn't too much of a stretch considering we know the press is going to be a major theme this season. But I feel that viewers are going to be exposed to sites and sounds and words they have never been before. Just like politicians, the press plays upon the publics' perceptions. We know David Simon was a writer for The Sun so we know we are going to get that unique and genuine insight that we otherwise wouldn't get. What gets reported, why it gets reported, how it gets reported is really going to open some eyes into how we read newspaper articles. My ultimate prediction in how this will play out within the plot line is that there is going to be some reporter that gets wind of the bodies, finds out too much, threatens to go public, and is forced to hold back information by the police department and/or their reporting will give wind to Marlo that they are on to him and help Marlo avoid prosecution.

Follw Up: True. But We're Not Going To Enjoy It That Much
It's more that were going to see how fucked up one particular reporter is while his two senior editors pave his path to the pulitzer. But we never really grew into any of the press's characters. Sure I loved Gus, but why couldn't we have gotten Gus in, say, Season Two? That way by this season we have grown to really know him. I really enjoyed the Fletcher character and Alma. They showed the good side of the press. Overall I don't think many people enjoyed the newsroom storyline all that much but I found parts of it interesting and the way it tied into the homeless case was classic McNulty (including his dressing down--finally--of Templeton when he realized the scheme).

Prediction #5: Daniels Becomes Police Chief and Carcetti Becomes Governor
Again, neither is really going out on a limb here but we know that the storyline of Carcetti mimics that of O'Malley (current Gov. of Murdaland) and that Daniels was being groomed for Chief. The only thing I think might hold Daniels back is Burrell having some "dirt" on him. But I think Daniels will be untouchable at this point and with Carcetti in his corner he is heading to the top. Will this change a thing? Who knows. I am sure it won't. But it seems like Daniels will be all up in the new investigation into the vacant bodies and it's going to be a major news story and theme within the Governors race that Carcetti will be running. All the pieces matter.

Follow Up: True
Neither of these were a stretch going into the season and Daniels stay was brief and Carcetti wasn't Gov till the season ending montage (where many things happen in a short time). Daniels chose to not dirty the stats and go defense lawyer and from what we can tell our little Tommy might be making a future run for the White House? Could you imagine? hahha. That could be the ultimate series: From the creators of The West Wing and the writers of The Wire comes The West Wing with Tommy Carcetti as the president. That would be awesome.

So there you have it. The follow up to the pre season predictions.

Season 5 Episode 60: -30-

2008-03-16T20:51:00.004-04:00

Fear not hoppers. I have not forgotten about you. Jaded Bitterman has a special surprise for this final blog post regarding The Wire. Special Guest Jr. Worthy joined Jaded for a live, off-the-cuff, one-time-only podcast. You can listen to it using the link below. Because so much is spoken of during this unedited exchange, I will leave it to be the final posting of The Game's The Same.

This blog will continue. Like Michael Lee taking out Vinson's kneee, you can count on me coming back.

The Wire Podcast: Jaded Bitterman and Jr. Worthy

Season 5 Episode 59: Late Editions

2008-03-04T09:04:00.004-05:00

Stephen King had this to say about Snoop Pearson:

"...perhaps the most terrifying female villain to ever appear in a television series."

Yet in her moments before meeting her tormentor she stays true to who she is and even shows a side of, might I say, femininity? "How's my hair look?" "It look good, girl." We knew it was coming. If you saw the previews for this episode you saw Michael shooting someone and saying "y'all told me to get there early". We knew it was either Chris or Snoop. The latter making the most sense.

Before I continue I must give a shot out to writer of this penultimate episode, Silver Spring boy George Pelecanos. If you look back at the episodes he has written you will always find him creating absolutely amazing dialogue (there is always some great exchanges between characters before they are killed), tension, and heartbreak. Season 3 he wrote the Stringer getting killed episode that started with the classic Omar/Brother Mouzone confrontation and ended with Omar/Mouzone/Stringer. Last season I am pretty sure he wrote the Randy yelling to Carver "you got my back, huh? you lookin out for me?" episode. And this year, well, he delivered once again with the gut-wrenching turns in Bubbles and Dukie. If you ever get a chance, check out Pelecanos's books The Night Gardener and Drama City. They read like a couple of good storylines from The Wire, but placed in DC.

The theme of this episode seemed to be betrayal. We had the following moves being made:

1. Kima "betraying" McNulty and Lestor by speaking up on their bogus investigation. Bunk knew and didnt do it, but she felt the need to. I still can't believe she is doing this. I mean, I understand her apprehension but come on girl!

2. Carcetti betraying the police by forcing the stats game on them as well as his betrayel of Colvin being shown in a new light. Of course you had to love seeing Namond just kicking it up there with his AIDS stats, using his verbal technique for some good. Carcetti getting dissed by Colvin was a nice touch as well. "Damn Mr. C, you know the Mayor too?!?!"

3. Gus finally betraying Templeton and doing some investigation of his own. Another shot out to Pelecanos for his usage of Walter Reed and mention of Georgia Ave. (read his books, they mostly all take place in that area) and another shot out to Gus for being the only real redeeming character in the newsroom storyline (though I do like Alama and Fletcher).

4. Marlo and Crew betraying Michael Lee...unjustified. Sure Michael was different and moaned a lot, but even after all their shit he still did his thing for them. Even after the jailhouse scene, both Chris and Marlo say they don't think Michael snithced. But neither were willing to "bet their future's" on it. Bad move Marlo. You and your fucking ego--just like Avon--will be your ultimate downfall. Though we won't ever see it.

And since we are nearing the end of the series I want to give yet another shot out to the makers of the show. Something we rarely give credit for is the little shots within scenes that can enhance the message. To me, from music to movies, it's the attention to minor detail that separates the good from the great. Tonight's episode had a few of those moments. Here is another list for you, I'm in a listy kinda mood today:

1. Ever notice that when characters are talking on the phone the voice of the actual character can be heard on the other end? Whether it's McNulty talking to Kima about furniture or Daniels calling Pearlman, if you listen closely, it's the actual characters.

2. When Snoop and O-Dogg are in Levy's office with Herc, when they are leaving, Snoop gives a "chin wave" to both Levy and Herc. Herc replies with a little wave of the hand. Is he boys with them now? WTF?

3. During the big bust scene, Lestor rolls up to Marlo's pit. Without saying one word, he walks past Marlo's crew right to Marlo himself, kneels down, pics up his cell phone, stares him down. No big deal. But then he walks over to the clock on the wall. The next shot is beautifully framed with the crew lined up and Smooth Lestor walking into sight, holding the clock in his hand, and just glancing over at Marlo as they exchange a tense look. Lestor mind-fucking Marlo, what great police work.

4. Reputations are built on the street and when you really think about it, who is in better line right now to gain on their rep than Kenard? Yet, we see the corner boys talking about Omar's death. And while Michael knows it was Kendard, Spider says it's some Pimlico Boys with uzi's. My point is this, that little comment by Spider shows you how easily the truth gets manipulated. Whether its Templeton, McNulty, or who is Omar's real killer, the truth is questionable at best.

5. When Colvin is approached by Carcetti and offered his hand, Colvin gives a quick look over to the cameras--which are not paying any attention to their interaction. I felt this was Colvins attempt to see how genuine Carcetti was being. Was he putting on a show for the cameras or making a real attempt to be genuine. That is why I was surprised Colvin didn't shake his hand. He seemed like a more forgiving guy by nature.

Continuing this long post (damn peeps, this was a very deep and rich episode) brings us to the you-know-what-scenes. The breakup of Michael Lee and Bug was one of the saddest scenes to ever hit the show. And that is saying something. But then it gets followed up with an even more gut-wrenching goodbye between Michael Lee and Dukie. "Who you talking to Duke. I know what they do in there." What a disturbing line. Dukie has tried so hard to find his place for so long. From Prezo and school to working the corner to Cutty's Gym of Reform to caring for Bug to "Arabbin' it." Nothing has worked for this caring and intelligent street kid. David Simon is not going to leave you with a smile on your face when it comes to the breakdown of the family unit followed by the breakdown of society and culture. Dukie is the victim of all these things and we are shaken to our core to see him start his life of Bubbles. We know his people are addicts already so it's in his blood. Will Simon ultimately show us Dukie's descent just as he shows us Bubbles rise? Could he really do that to us? Will Dukie end up Junkie or Junkman?

Classic line of the night:

"Shardene better be awake cause I do believe Lestor Freemon is in the mood for love..."

The No-Shows are getting less and less and with the preview's showing Prezbo I do believe that will finalize it. We have now seen all the boys (with Namond finally making an appearance) and Colvin. Shit, we even got The Deacon tonight. My season-ending montage of showing every character is still my prediction for the season finale.

And speaking of the season finale, I want to give a shot out to all you On Demand mofo's who are now being forced to wait for the season finale for two weeks since you watched Ep 59 LAST week. How does it feel? Think of it this way, this is the last time in your entire life you will have to wait for this show to air because it's over. Sadly, it's over.

On to my series finale predictions (finally). Once again I am basing a lot of this off the previews but we know that Marlo gets out of jail. I don't think he is going to fall. I do think Levy is going to spring him based on the false wire tap. I think the entire investigation is going to go to shit and McNulty is going to fall hard, as is Carcetti once he realizes he too has been "Hamsterdamned" so to speak. With Chris in jail with no bond, I think it's safe to say he is done. Snoop is gone. That leaves us with what happens to Michael Lee? Does Marlo continue to go after him? Does Marlo hit the streets and just start offing The Co-Op? Is McNulty going to jail, getting kicked off the force, or getting away with it? All I know is we have one more kids. Only one more.

Season 5 Episode 58: Clarifications

2008-02-25T09:41:00.006-05:00

"F%&K!"

"That little bitch. I hate him."

Just a sample of some text messages I received last night around 9:22 pm est. Yes fellow hoppers, the biggest murder since Stringer Bell has happened and we are all still in shock--but not surprised. Perhaps some of you are upset it was Kendard---and not, say, Michael Lee or Chris or Snoop--that took out the street legend Omar Little. Perhaps some of you are upset that Omar was got at all (you only have two more episodes to really miss him). Perhaps you are upset because you foolishly thought a player like Omar lives forever in the streets. The brilliance of this murder was that it wasn't some big time shoot out or set up. It was quick, clean, and uneventful. Fuckin Kendard. The cat-torturing, foul mouthed little fucker that we already hated--and now will hate even more. He killed our beloved savior, our moral center of the game, our super hero, robin hood Omar. But you sorta felt it coming didn't you? Omar's depsperation looking for Marlo. Running the streets alone, gimpy, in broad daylight, with a worrisome look on his face. Omar orders some cigarettes, we hear the door open, he stares down who we now know was Kendard, looks away because he certainly sees no danger in a 10 year old hopper. Shot dead and robbed for souvenirs. Kenard looked every moment his age after that gun went off. His rep is secure for a long time.

Omar's death is not the first time a character we love has fallen. We have Wallace, Sabotka, D'angelo, Stringer, Bodie, and now Omar. All players with their own version of the game and each went down for it. In the streets your shelf life is shorter than that of an NFL running back. And you matter even less outside the streets. We see Gus a few scenes later dropping the mention of Omar's murder from the papers in favor of a fire story. At the end of the episode the coroners office mixes up his tags with a random white guy that the doc knew was not named Omar Little. Omar does not matter. That is what they are showing you. A legend of the streets is a John Doe to the common man.

One last thought on Omar: does Rinaldo come back for vengeance in the final episode?

Let me give all due praise to one of the most unheralded characters on the show: Sydnor. Does anyone else recall it was Sydnor is season one that was able to figure out who Avon Barksdale was in the East vs. West Side pick up game? Or the undercover work he did with Bubbles? He is "good police" and this episode was a shot out to good police work. From The Bunk legitimately getting a murder warrant on Chris (and what I think will eventually lead to The Bunk taking down that bastard) to Sydnor and Smooth Lestor finally figuring out the clock code on the phones, this episode showed the viewer what good police do with good police work. I think the case is very close and it's now a race to see who gets to Marlo first. But something tells me we might have another taste of what happened in season three with McNutty and Stringer. Just when McNutty had him, Stringer gets killed. McNutty was more depressed about that than anything: he had him, but didn't get to him in time. Will this also happen to The Bunk with Chris? I hope not because The Bunk deserves to get his man. Even though he did finally "taste" some of McNutty's money by getting him to expedite his lab work. Hey, at least it was for a legitimate warrant and not some stupid serial killer bullshit.

Speaking of that, now both Kima and Carver are in on McNutty and Lestor's BS. Will this backfire? Because Kima is NOT happy about it at all and the foursome is usually McNutty-Bunk-Lestor-Kima. And right now, two of those four are not down with what is going on. Lestor does make a mention of "someone else on this network we don't have yet" when he figures out some of the call patterns. Is that Vondas and The Greeks? Has to be. But I fear, once again, that there is absolutely no way The Greeks go down. That are far too insulated from the streets and have obvious federal protection. Like Furious says in Boyz in da Hood, "you think it's the black man bringing the drugs into L.A? We don't own no cars, no boats, no planes." There would be no Avons, no Prop Joes, no Marlos or Chris' or even Omars if there wasn't The Greeks. Think about that. Think about what falls under the umbrella of crime that they create in the city. From Carcetti to Bubbles (Reginald Cousins is his name now huh?) all the pieces matter.

Speaking of the Bubbles storyline, I think Fletcher is based upon David Simon himself. I remember reading that Bubbles was based off a C.I. that Simon was friendly with during his time at The Sun. Fletcher seems to be developing an affinity for Reginald and perhaps we see a front page feature on Bubs in the paper!

No Shows: Cutty, Prezbo, Namond.

Predictions: based off the previews for next week most of you seem to think that Michael Lee is taking out Snoop while Chris and Marlo get busted. Michael Lee is taking out someone, and since he says, "y'all taught me to get there early" and then BANG!, one would assume it's either Chris or Snoop. But something tells me that preview clip is purposefully misleading. I don't really know. We also see Marlo screaming out about "my name is my name on the streets" or whatever bullshit macho shit he thinks he is spewing. I fear Marlo is going to live and Chris is going to get busted by The Bunk and Snoop is going to get got by Michael Lee. Leaving Michael Lee and...KENARD atop the game.

Season 5 Episode 57: Took

2008-02-19T15:34:00.005-05:00

McNutty with that freakin coal miner light on his head had to be one of the funniest things I've seen in a while on the show. That entire scene had me cracking up. From Templeton's worrisome, "that was him...again" to Lestor's comment about the Bawlmor accent, just classic stuff all around. Watching the resulting police action in the harbor just added to the humor. Cops tackling innocent civilians (do they even really exist? innocent civilians?) on the pier was just amazing. All it takes is the perception that you might have been involved and the cops have every reason to kick your ass.

Omar is on the war path and for a second I thought he had broken even and took out Vinson. Unfortunately it was just some stash house soldier Manny. And we also now see that it's not even about the stash. Omar flushed it. He is all about taking down Marlo. Usually, I would be happy about this but something just doesn't seem right with the method by which he is running right now. First, he usually runs with at least one crew memeber (where is Ronaldo?), and secondly hes a gimp. He can't maneuver like the rest. Third, him killing Sevino was very unlike Omar. I was shocked when he did it. His emotions are getting the better of him. I just hope he takes down a few more before he goes down. Let's face it folks, guys like Omar do not last in the streets. And if The Wire is anything, it's unremorseful in showing you that.

What the fuck are those damn clock images about? I have absolutely no clue and no theory on it even. But I do know that if anyone is going to crack it, it's Lestor. Just give him time. What will probably happen is he will crack it and then Marlo will get killed or busted before he can take him down himself. Kinda like McNutty with Stringer: he had em, but Mazone and Omar got to him first.

You will notice that I rarely, if ever, talk about the newsroom peeps. That's because besides Gus I really could care less. I guess I see how it all ties in (obviously) but I just so despise the Templeton character and the M.E.'s that it's hard to really invest and time into them. Thanks the Lord Jesus for Gus, cause at least he makes those scene bearable. (sorry folks but spellcheck isnt working today and I know I can't spell for shit).

"What the fuck just happened?" DA Bond.

Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet happens Mr. Bond. I feel very white today.

The closing scene this week was very poignant. I thought it would actually make a good closing scene for the entire series with Kima saying goodnight to all the different players in the game. A little campy, but very effective.

Note: As much as Jaded hated to admit it...I watched the next episode on Monday. I am sorry and therefor will not offer any predictions since, well, I already know what happens. Ill say this: Best. Episode. Of. Season. Flat out.

Season 5 Episode 56: The Dickensian Aspect

2008-02-19T15:12:00.003-05:00

How in the fuck did Omar survive what seemed to be a six story fall? How in the fuck did Omar manage to hide for days in the utility room of the very building that was being hounded by both Po 9 and the Stanfield Scums? I guess it's the same as a serial killer storyline: a strecth. Something we are not used to on our show. But it is TV and I suppose the writers are allowed their creative leniency. Plus, doesn't it just add to the overall Omar mystique?

I'll admit that I loved watching Chris loose his mind looking for Omar. Chris was always so evenkeel, and that is what always bothered me about him. He seems to totally lack emotion (as do most of Marlo's peeps) unless he's beating the face in of a child molesting step dad. A couple of you think that beating might be the downfall of Chris and crew. How could he have NOT left any DNA? And we know from the end of season 4 that Lestor and crew took both Chris AND Snoop's blood. I never count out Smooth Lestor--perhaps the finest detective Bawlmor has to offer on the show.

I'll tell you who else I really love this season: Carcetti. From making his calls for money to his reaction when Norman tells him about the latest "phone call" to the press, Carcetti seems like the real deal as a politician. I am digging how they are opening up his character this year.

As for McNutty and his continually ridiculous escapades, I can only hope there is an end in sight here. Either way he is screwed. If they end up getting Marlo he wont get credit and there is no way he is going to catch a killer that doesn't exist. So now it's only Lestor and Sydnor that are in on it and The Bunk just might loose his mind during all of it.

When Marlo tells the coop about Joe, we see how Fat Face and others don't really buy it. This is later confirmed when Omar gets to him and laughs at the notion. Is the Coop going to take down Marlo? I don't think so, because unfortunately, Marlo is now the direct connect. Doesn't that just piss you off? Omar is running around the city calling out Marlo anywhere he can, but Marlo is no where to be found this episode. Personally, I think Omar is getting a little sloppy in his ways. I fear for him for the first time.

Oh Randy. How sad was it to see what the system has done to once-sweet Randy? Man, that was heartbreaking to watch as he hardened up on Bunk. I just keep thinking back to last season's incredibly emotional scene with Carver walking away as he asked him if he was going to look out for him. Turns out no one looked out for him and now we have yet another angry, young, black man. Everyone failed Randy.

No Shows: Marlo, Chris, Snoop, (last but not least) Namond, Bunny, and Prezbo.

I will be honest, I cannot offer any predictions since I am writing this post far after I have already watched the next two episodes. So I will not divulge what I already know.

Season 5 Episode 55: React Quotes

2008-02-05T08:35:00.000-05:00

I first must address something that has bothered Jaded Bitterman throughout the posting of these blogs. It's called On Demand. It's only available if you have Satan running your cable (comcast). Personally, I rock the Direct TV, therefor, no early episodes for me unless I catch them over at Twin Dragon Studio in PET NW DC. I will admit I have watched a few ones early, but I know most of you do so before even reading these posts. Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet.

Now, on to the episode. Overall I get the feeling that most people aren't going to call this the best of the seasons on The Wire. That being said, I'll take a lesser season of the show against any other show on television. We start with the first of what I like to call "fuckin with my head" scenes. Opening in the lovely (and former running area of yours truly) Patterson Park we have Vondas and Marlo making friends. As Chris and Marlo walk away, we see what I swear is a smile on Marlo's face. A fuckin smile! He talks about the crown he assumes he has just accrued and hitting AC (that's Atlantic City for all you non-Jersey hoppers). Then we see Marlo and Chris visiting Chris's people and my head was all fucked up again. Marlo smiling, Chris playing with his child. This humanizing if throwing me off. I also sense a leak in the damn that is the connection between Chris and Marlo. Chris didn't like the AC idea, didn't want it to take more than a couple of weeks, and previously had made comments to Snoop about Marlo wanting things and to Slim about Marlo's conversational techniques. So what fucks with me is, is Marlo finally happy? Hells no, that heartless bastard is going to fall. And you know who I think it is...

If you still don't think that Herc and his camera are not going to bring Marlo down then I suggest you watch another show. I believe in previous posts I have suggested as much, including the Herc-->Carver-->Lestor connection. Well, it's on.

"There's a big world out there. Or so they tell me."

"Like, how do I get from here to there?"

Dukie is the new Bubs in a lot of ways. The down-and-out character who we adore and root for but who can never seem to catch a break. But unlike Bubs, Dukie does have people around him trying to help and I am totally psyched that Michael took him to Cutty (their glance at each other needed no words, it was powerful enough). Perhaps it will be my boy Cutty that finally helps Dukie get to that place. At least Michael is mature enough to see that he can't teach Dukie how to be on the streets--and that Dukie is not made for them either. I can only hope that this leads to Dukie finding his way. He knows computers, probably better than most around him. Could they find a job for him in the non-profit sector? Carver? Prez (as his assistant or something? I don't know...SOMETHING FOR DUKIE???)

The news room, Templeton, and now McNutty tied up in it all. After watching them both manipulate their stories to their managers with false interviews, wire taps, and phone calls, I realized something about McNutty: from his going to the judge in season one to get things rolling, to him sending that nautical fax in season two to get that rolling, to this newspaper/serial killer apparition, I wondered why hadn't McNutty gone to the press seasons ago? It seems like the most obvious way to get attention for any sort of cause--good or bad. What mostly gets failed to be realized in this plot line is the motivation behind his actions. We see "serial killer" and we think the writers have gone all Law and Order on us. I don't see it that way. I think what they are showing is that desperate times call for desperate measures. McNutty and by extension, Freemon, have been "forced" to go this route because there is no other way. As for Templeton, well, fuck him. He is a self-motivated asshole and only hopes to gain something for himself. At least McNutty is actually trying to solve real life murders. Finally, how hot is his ex-wife and former Homicide detective?

When McNutty visits her--and realizes how bad of a parent he is--there is a quick reference to a great DC-related band, Dead Meadow, from his kids ("what ever happened to The Ramones"--answered with a look of confusion). The reason I bring this up is because Jaded Bitterman needs to give some shot outs in regards to this band. It was Dirty One Kanobi/Senator Terrov from Bmore that introduced Jaded Bitterman to CG1 from DC. When Jaded and CG1 first met, the first "burned" CD handed to him by CG1 was...Dead Meadow. Just a cool semi-connection.

Omar Pulls a Michael Meyers.

First, how bad was that play Omar made? Staking out Monk's place for that long did he not think the dogs would be ready for him? Donnie insinuated as much, and I guess Omar was simply ready for it. When he finally did make his move, Donnie falls and Omar is in an array of bullet fire (including, damn it, Michael Lee) which should have killed him three times over. Then he jumps out of a second or third story window and shizam!...Michael Meyers, I mean, Omar is gone like Keyser Sose. I am really not sure what to make of that scene except I was disappointed on many levels. First, like in Lebowski, I didn't like seeing Donnie go. Second, I really think Omar should have died in that scene because I don't see how he realistically could have survived unless that couch was made of teflon. And finally, that Omar didn't at least get to kill ONE of Marlo's peeps.

No shows: Prez, Randy (though I saw him in the preview for next week), Namond, Bunny, and Rawls.

Predictions: Since I know most of you already watched the sixth episode, I'll keep my predictions to a minimum based upon the previews. Bunk goes at Randy for info on Lex's murder so he can work the case while Lestor works Marlos phone. As for that weird ass sound coming from the wire once Marlo made the call to Vondas, I can only assume it is some sort of secure phone line that either scrambles the call or lets The Greeks know that Marlo is coming for a meeting. Omar is making a run at Marlo's crew, I just can't decide who he is going to get, but I will make a bold statement and say I am at the point where I think Michael Lee needs to get got.

CLAY DAVIS FOREVER!

Season 5 Episode 54: Transitions

2008-01-28T13:22:00.000-05:00

"I wasn't made to the play the son."

And with his usual calculated coldness Marlo Stanfield has moved up yet another rung in the ladder. Once The Greeks insinuated they might be able to do business with the street king, combined with the off-shore account set up and Levy introduction, Marlo finally made his much anticipated move on Prop Joe. The murder wasn't shocking, but Cheese turning in his blood was. "The boy always was a disappointment."

I feel the need to discuss Prop Joe here a little further. First, he has always had some of the best lines on the show, but this particular episode really had him shinning. While discussing the history and passing of Butchie, "he quieter than a puppy walking on cotton." While writing the note for the flowers for Butchie's funeral, "Woe to any man who calls evil good, and good evil." I am so glad that Simon used Joe's last moments to have him shine one last time. Just so very sad that such a smart (and relatively non-violent) man such as Joe would be so blind to the moves being made by Marlo. Did he really think his education of Marlo would change him for the better?

"Sweet Jesus I'm gonna do them." And with that line, finally, Omar is back. Being the smart player he is, he crew's up, starts scouting the Marlo crew, and is making his plans to hurt some of his people so the "snake pops his head above ground." The previews show a shootout between Omar, Chris, and Snoop. I really hope that if Chris or Snoop (or Omar) get got, that it isn't during a shootout. I think Chris needs to die Tarantino style, like Drexel in True Romance. Die with a gun in his face being forced to look into the eyes of his killer and know the reasons for his death. Same goes for Snoop. They just need to die.

Burrell finally went down as well, but I must say his final speech to Rawls about what it's like to run the department was great dialogue. Perhaps we saw what actually made Burrell the man in the first place: a willingness to carry the burden of the politicians. "Get elected Mayor and suddenly you know police work." It was a great scene and almost made me sympathize with Burrell.

Did anyone else catch the shore man from season 2 at the homeless pit? He was the guy with the dog drinking a bottle. He was the kid who stole the cars with Ziggy in season two and was in on the capers. As well, the flower shop guy was back too. I think in season one he was there when Bodie came in to buy flowers. I love how loyal and intricate the show is to throw back cast memebers like that.

McNulty and Lestor are up to the serial killer thing and it looks like they might start using the newspapers to help their cause. "Jamey and mouth wash, your scent." Beadie tells the scheming McNulty. She was and is too good for a fuck up like Jimmy.

I will say this again, Herc is going to be involved in the take down of Marlo. Once again, the camera is brought up and the show made a point of placing both men in the same room. No WAY that doesn't eventually eat at Herc. Does he go to Carver about Marlo and his money? Does Carver tell Bunk who tells Lestor who puts it in with his case? Does Kima find out and then get the little witness to agree to finger Chris and Snoop? I am not sure, but I am telling you that Herc is going to be involved in the play against Marlo's crew.

No shows: Bubs, Cutty, Randy, Namond, Colvin, and Prez. Starting to think the kids and Prez wont be shown till the season ending montage.

One last quick note/theme of the episode besides the obvious transitions (Burrell down, Prop Joe down). Stories of origin. Prop Joe giving us some background info on both Butchie and Burrell. Is there anyone Joe doesn't know? We learn how Butchies was blinded and we learn how dumb Burrell was in the Glee club. Good stuff.

I will go out on a not so long limb here and predict one or more of the following characters are going to die in episode 5: Cheese, Chris, Snoop, or Monk.

Season 5 Episode 53: Not for Attribution

2008-01-22T10:33:00.000-05:00

Am I loosing my mind or did I actually see an idyllic shot on The Wire of a beach paradise? At first I was confused: was that Marlo taking in the sun after checking on his off-shore account? Why was such a beautiful scene appearing on one of the most dark and drab shows on TV? It threw me for a loop but once I realized who it was, well, damn, what I have been writing in the past few posts looks to be finally coming true: Omar comin!

McNulty is still up to fixing the stats his own way: by playing in dirt. Does anyone think that McNulty's infamous line, "you play in dirty you gonna get dirty" might come back to haunt him? I know The Bunk certainly wants nothing to do with it and was utterly shocked when Smooth Lester not only didn't talk McNulty out of it, but actually started giving him advice on how to better the fix. It should be humorous to hear what sick, demented fantasy they come up with for this "serial killer."

Prop Joe trying to civilize Marlo. It has me thinking really: why is Prop Joe doing this? Is it really for the coop? Or does Joe have a plan? It was interesting seeing Cheese move around Joe to get Marlo's people the line on Butchie. I still think Cheese is going to try and make some bold move this season and get taken down. As well, I truly believe that the second Chris fired that shot into Butchies head, he essentially shot himself in the head. My prediction: Omar comes back, gets to both Chris and Snoop, but then gets taken down himself (maybe Michael Lee?). Speaking of Michael Lee, we still his continuation of questioning the game in his own manner. Whether it was asking Chris and Snoop why they had to kill someone for talking shit, or why Monk cared that he took the day off from the corner, I think we are starting to see that no matter how good Michael is at the game and no matter how far into it he is now, he will always question why its played the way it is. I wonder if this is Michael getting out, or perhaps starting to make his own rules for the game. We know he is Chris's "pup" so he probably has more immunity that others in Marlo's crew. Also, how much do you love Dukie? Does any character--besides Bubs--garner more empathy? "Nice dolphin, n***a" Monk tells him. We then see Dukie walk away, head down in shame, as if enjoying a "child-like" affair to Six Flags is something to be ashamed of. I love Dukie and would be devastated if he went down.

McNulty screwing that girl on the car, and then flashing his badge, might be the funniest scene in The Wire's history. Not necessarily a show known for its humor, when it does present itself, it's usually in this type of off-key manner.

No shows: Bubs, Colvin (starting to think we might not be seeing him at all this season), Prez, Randy, Namond, Carver, Herc, and whats up with Kima getting so little air time this season? She is one of the strongest characters on the show. Come on!

I don't really want to address the newspaper room because I simply don't think it's that strong of a story line. While we can stay invested in the plights of Marlo, Bubs, McNulty, and even Carcetti, I find it hard to really "care" much about the newspaper people. Does a story being chopped and moved below the fold measure up to a child being forced back into foster care? I really hope they find a way to get the press more involved in the investigations. And perhaps we are starting to see that with Norman planting the commissioner shake-up to Gus. Regardless, just knowing that Omar is on his way back to Bmore is enough to keep me excited all week. I just hope he finally takes Chris and Snoop down because I have never wanted to see two characters on a TV show die more than these two.

Season 5 Episode 52: Unconfirmed Reports

2008-01-14T09:03:00.000-05:00

The Downward Spiral of Reginald, better known as Bubbles, continues...We now see Bubs in recovery listening in to the stories of other Bmore addicts and being forced to face his own demons via sponsor Walon (Steve Earle--who sings the theme song for season 5). Just when we thought that perhaps Bubs was really turning his life around we see that soup kitchens and meetings are not suiting the life that he envisioned. The old way is right on the corner and it seems as if each day that goes by Bubs is more and more tempted to just give in to it.

The Downward Spiral of James McNulty (or as Bubs calls him, "McNutty") has started. We knew Jimmy liked to drink and womanize, and in a way it's what makes us love McNulty. For some reason, even when I watch the show with lady friends they find his ways adorable--yet would they be as forgiving of me if I drank Jameson and slept with every women in the bar? I don't think so. We knew McNulty was frustrated with the force, the mayors office, the higher-ups in the white suits, but this week, well damn McNulty, you just about damn near lost your crazy-ass mind.

After the plug is finally pulled on the Marlo detail, McNulty takes it upon himself and his fifth to stage a strangulation of an apparent OD victim. Bunk watches in astonishment as his faithful partner has finally gone over the edge. Wisely, the Bunk--being the straight shooter that he is--leaves the scene and we get the sense that this might be the beginning of the end of McNulty. Or at minimum, the end of Bunk/McNulty.

"What's up Boris?"

That line had me in tears since I was always a fan of Sergie professing, "Boris. Why always Boris?" But what really had me about Marlo making his move towards The Greeks was not seeing Avon intercede, but that Avon--so it seems--is actually choosing his loyalty based upon geography. Marlo went to war with Avon and in a lot of ways led to his downfall. Now he is choosing to help Marlo because he is west side? At first I thought it was a play on Marlo, but once he actually sat down with Sergie and Avon flashed the sign, I knew Avon was for real. Marlo walked about probably thinking he has Bmore by the balls now. But he's making one bad move right now, stirring the hornet's nest that is Omar. Like we saw with Michael Lee questioning the legitimacy of a kill based on simple verbal disrespect, we are learning that Marlo is very much a sociopath with a megalomaniac inside him. Avon would brush aside a perceived diss, Stringer would laugh at it. Marlo chooses to kill people who simply "talk back" in order to enable his name to ring out. And this my friends, is why he must die. "What's the point of having the crown if you scared to wear it?" he asks. The ones who wears it in private last longer.

Carcetti is up to his usual political bullshit. The newsroom story is obviously focused around Gus and his righteous ways. It's just a matter of time before Clay "Sheeeeeeeeeeeet" Davis goes down--but I am going to miss his awesome accent and half baked ghetto talk. Does Burrell go down with him as Clay insinuated?

No shows: Omar (again--but if you watched the previews you see Chris blasting a bottle/fist into Blind Butchies face, meaning once Omar gets word, Omar comin...), Cutty, Namond, Randy, Dukie, Carver, Herc, Colvin, and Prez.

So...who is goin down first, or at all? McNulty, Marlo, Bubs? Is Avon really helping Marlo? And if so, how long till Prop Joe and Cheese go down? Are the "serial killer" murders actually McNulty's set up?

Season 5 Episode 51: Do More With Less

2008-01-07T09:58:00.000-05:00

Always a fan of the Bunk, I was pleased to see season 5 start off with a nice dialogue between Bunk and #1 male. The scene really was a great mix of both humor and sadness. Funny how they played those kids and sad that these kids are so easily manipulated that they would think a copy machine is a lie detector test. That it printed out its answers was a hilarious touch. And the smoothness by which these cops manipulate makes you realize why they tell you to keep your mouth shut when arrested.

I felt overall that this episode was a set up for the rest of the season. We had the obvious introduction of the newsroom and seemed to have been introduced to most of its main players. Love seeing Clark Johnson in there, he's a nice addition to the cast with his deadpan delivery and wit. And once again we see how bureaucracy and politics can stifle anything from a murder investigation to a news report on a shady land deal.

What excites me most, still, about the show is the drug war storyline. Marlo is obviously up to something and is gearing up to make a move on Prop Joe. I predicted in a previous post that might be the case but also thought that Herc would be involved. How is this for a theory: in the preview episode "The Oddessy" they showed before season 5 started, there is a shot of both Herc and Prop Joe reading a newspaper in the same room with each other. It got me thinking, "why would Herc and Prop Joe be in the same room together in that manner?" At first I assumed Joe was arrested and Herc was interrogating him. Now we see that Herc is in fact working for Levy as an investigator. So...could it be that Chris is after Sergie to get a direct connect with The Greeks or to make a move on Prop Joe? Could Joe be visiting with Levy when Herc finally puts the pieces together and realizes he now works for the drug kingpin attorney of Bmore? You think Herc wont run across Marlo's name somehow and think "that motherfucker owes me a camera." And yea, he makes his cash now, but Herc is still a man with a hot head. David Simon did say that a character is going to "redeem" themselves this season. I think the obvious choice is Bubbles (how great is it that we found out his real name after all this time? Reginald. How about "Reginalds Depot"...just doesn't sound as good as "Bubbles Depot") but something tells me Herc is going to have a moment of clarity and help to bring down Marlo.

Michael Lee and Dukie are full out in the game reaping the benefits of nice TV's and scooters. Michael still showing his devotion to both Bug and Dukie. While Dukie didn't seem too keen on moving off the corner, I think Michael realizes that Dukie is more valuable elsewhere. I still don't think it lasts though, Dukie and Michael are still going to step up.

Carcetti has grown into a full-blown real Mayor and seems about as high strung as they get these days. Norman...wow. I'm really starting to appreciate his character. "You just a weak ass Mayor in a broke ass city." Classic. I'm curious to see where this storyline is going to go but it's obvious the money issue is going to be major.

No Shows: Omar (but he rarely shows up in season openers), Cutty, Namond, Randy, Prez, and Colvin.

So while not much really happened in this episode I still feel it was solid because it was setting us up for the rest of the season. I hope the newsroom pans out and doesn't drag out. I hope McNulty does some crazy ass shit and I need, I repeat, need to see some Chris and Snoop shit go down because at least we know McNulty is on to them all now (and they to him). I sense a war brewing in the co-op with Marlo and Joe. I loved the look Cheese gave Marlo too. Something tells me he is going to make a move on Marlo. Something also tells me he ain't coming back alive from it.

You just know this though: Omar comin!

Predictions for Season 5

2007-12-17T15:08:00.001-05:00

January 6, 2008 is slowly coming upon us and if you are like me the date is etched in your mind and you are eagerly anticipating the final 10 episodes of the greatest television show in the mediums history. Yes my fellow hoppers, it's going to end and a void will be created unlike any other in your life.

By this point my hope is that if you are reading this you have already viewed Season 4 in it's entirety (I did so this past weekend). Therefore, I am going to go ahead and make some early predictions on how I think Season 5 and ultimately the end of the show, will play out. I am basing my opinions on Season 4, what I have read thus far about Season 5, and my general conversations with numerous The Wire fans.

Prediction #1: Snoop and Chris are Going Down!
When we left Season 4, Lestor Freamon had finally discovered the bodies in the vacants and got hair and blood samples from Snoop and Chris. He is on to them and if there is one thing we have learned about Smooth Lestor it's that he does not leave any business unfinished. There are too many things that could have gone wrong with the way Chris and Snoop disposed of the bodies. Mainly, I find it hard to believe there is not at least one hair or bit of DNA in any of those vacants that might point to them. Second, Lestor is simply too thorough of an investigator to not leave all stones turned. Unfortunately, I don't think either ends up dead, but both will end up in jail. If there are two characters on this show that deserve to get got, its Chris and Snoop. Though I will miss the humor that Snoop supplies to the show.

Prediction #2: Marlo Goes Down...At the Hands of Herc!
Yep. You heard it right. Herc is going to be the one who finally gets to Marlo. Why? "Why ain't in your repertoire no more." No, seriously. I look back on Seasons 3 and 4 and the writers have made a point to show more than one confrontation between Herc and Marlo. The stare down in the lot during Season 3; Marlo snatching Herc's camera and sub sequentially getting pulled over and handed Herc card (which leads to that absolutely hilarious phone call Prop Joe makes to track Herc down); and finally, in a show that is about as unpredictable as it gets, wouldn't it just make sense to have the biggest fuck up cop of all be the one to take down the kingpin? Something just tells me that Herc is "accidentally" going to be the one that finally gets to Marlo. He holds a personal grudge against him and for Herc it ain't about the police work, it's about that grudge.

Prediction #3: Michael Lee & Dukie Are the New Avon & Stringer
It is set up perfectly. At the end of Season 4 Marlo hands Michael Lee his own corner to run and crew to create. We see Prezbo watching Dukie take the money on the corner and realize there is no escape from the easy money. Michael Lee always acted as Dukies protector and now has him running in the game right along with him. They live together, work together, and now will rule together. Michael Lee being the ruthless corner boy that Avon was, with a heart of steel and a coldness unlike any other and Dukie with the smarts and business sense of Stringer Bell. Together they will be standing tall at the end while Marlo and his crew fall. Nothing lasts forever except the game itself and Michael Lee and Dukie are perfectly set up to take it all over.

Prediction #4: We're Going To See How Fucked Up the Press Really Is
This one isn't too much of a stretch considering we know the press is going to be a major theme this season. But I feel that viewers are going to be exposed to sites and sounds and words they have never been before. Just like politicians, the press plays upon the publics' perceptions. We know David Simon was a writer for The Sun so we know we are going to get that unique and genuine insight that we otherwise wouldn't get. What gets reported, why it gets reported, how it gets reported is really going to open some eyes into how we read newspaper articles. My ultimate prediction in how this will play out within the plot line is that there is going to be some reporter that gets wind of the bodies, finds out too much, threatens to go public, and is forced to hold back information by the police department and/or their reporting will give wind to Marlo that they are on to him and help Marlo avoid prosecution.

Prediction #5: Daniels Becomes Police Chief and Carcetti Becomes Governor
Again, neither is really going out on a limb here but we know that the storyline of Carcetti mimics that of O'Malley (current Gov. of Murdaland) and that Daniels was being groomed for Chief. The only thing I think might hold Daniels back is Burrell having some "dirt" on him. But I think Daniels will be untouchable at this point and with Carcetti in his corner he is heading to the top. Will this change a thing? Who knows. I am sure it won't. But it seems like Daniels will be all up in the new investigation into the vacant bodies and it's going to be a major news story and theme within the Governors race that Carcetti will be running. All the pieces matter.

I am sure there are quite a few more predictions to be made: Namond back in the game? Randy alive and well? Will Omar really disappear? (no way he does) Is Marlo going to make a run at Prop Joe to get the direct connect from the Greeks? Does Bubbles finally get clean? Does McNulty finally get dirty? Will Cutty be around? Colvin? Bunk? Does Kima give in to domesticity? All I know is this: Season 5 is going to be awesome because we have no reason to think otherwise. Sure, it's only going to be 10 episodes but I have the utmost faith that those 10 eps will contain a life time of story lines.

Cutty: He's A Man Now

2007-12-05T13:58:00.000-05:00

We know from watching The Sopranos and various other organized crime stories that once you enter the life you can't just leave it. It is during Season 3 that we are introduced to Dennis "Cutty" Wise, a Barksdale solider getting ready to leave prison after an extended stint.

When we first meet Cutty in the prison courtyard he is one day away from going home. Weebay and Avon offer him up a phone number to call when he gets home to help him get back on his feet. Right away we can tell that Cutty is not a typical Barksdale solider. He has obviously done his stint with no complaints and gets great respect from Avon. A man of little words, we are not sure at first what to make of him: is he going to leave prison and return to The Game or will he attempt to go straight?

Reform is the main theme of Season 3 and there is no character that sums up that reform better than Cutty. Once out of prison he has some initial complications trying to get legit work that force him down the only path he has ever known: the streets. Cutty re-ups with Bodie and gets Marlo's boy Fruit to move the package for him. Once Fruit steals the stash we wonder what Cutty is going to do. He does nothing. We are left wondering if The Game has passed him by or he has simply grown out of it.

Once the war between Barksdale and Marlo starts Cutty is a main soldier on the Barksdale side. However, after a shoot out he realizes that this life is not for him anymore. In a great scene we see Cutty telling Avon that The Game "ain't in me no more. Whatever makes you flow the way you flow, it ain't in me." Amazingly, Avon allows Cutty to leave the life. Slim Charles mentions how Cutty was the man in his day, to which Avon responds, "he a man now."

After his "escape" from The Game Cutty moves towards opening a boxing gym for local troubled teens. We start to see that Cutty is truly trying to turn his life around while having difficulty adjusting to his new life on the outside. He is a man on a mission and dare I say his storyline actually gives you some hope that reform might work.

Cutty goes on to have some success with the gym and even finds himself a sudden attraction to all the kids single mothers. We root for Cutty because we see a genuine "good" guy in his nature and a man who lived a life of crime before but has matured in a man who would rather use his knowledge of the streets and boxing to help some of the young hoppers in his hood. During Season 4 he developes relationships with Michael Lee and Namond. Though very different relationships, both kids respect Cutty for what he is and what he is trying to do.

I have to admit that at first I was not a fan of the Cutty storyline at all. I found it tedious and without direction. But as his arc played out I realized that Cutty was an analogy for reform (and how it can work). The Wire goes out of its way to show you how often the system fails those it is trying to help. We see that during Season 4 with Dukie, Randy and the school systems and during Season 3 with Bunny Colvin's Hamsterdam. However, with Cutty we see a man that learned how to use the system to his advantage and we, dare I say, feel good about it. He is the one character that we can actually say has turned his life around for the better.

It makes you feel about as good as The Wire will ever allow you to.

Copper vs. Hopper

2007-12-04T16:55:00.000-05:00

It occurred to me one night after watching an episode of The Wire that for the first time in my life I had actually thought about what it would be like to be a cop. Not just a street cop, but a detective. Murder Police. You see, there is a certain stigma attached to cops and many of the stereotypes associated with them are undoubtedly played out on the show. But what I thought was that for someone to spend their life chasing around a needle in a haystack in order to persecute them takes some serious dedication and a steel spirit.

It's really Bunk that does it for me. I dig Lestor Freamon too but it's Bunk that really makes me rethink my previous opinions on police. I just love his smoothness, street sense, and raw emotion towards what he does. He cares about the murdered and has a genuine desire to clean up the streets. His confrontation with Omar during Season 3 really sums up his character in many ways. His resentment towards Omar not because he murdered someone, but because children in the streets were portraying him by name. When he unleashes his wrath on Omar he tells him how back in the day the rough boys sent him home and back in the day people settled shit with their fists. "Ain't nobody that didn't matter."

But then I think, would playing The Game be a better choice? The obvious answer is no. Death or prison are the only outcomes right? But what about the smart players like Prop Joe or Stringer? They saw that the street game is what brought the police so why not try to legitimize the circuit with a co-op? Better product, more money, less bodies, no police. If that could have played out, how many hundreds of millions could they have made atop of what they already had?

Ah the life of a drug kingpin. Ladies, money, cars, respect, and non stop drama. But it's hard to pass that up isn't it? The quick way to get rich and respected. And who knows, if you played it right, just right, you might end up living through it and reaping the benefits. The Deacon, played by Melvin Williams, is who Avon Barksdale is based on. He seems to be doing just fine and living his life of wealth in the gated communities of Baltimore (and acting on the show). At least according to American Gangster on BET. What about Prop Joe kickin it on the East Side with Method Man working on fixing broken clocks? You know he's got some huge stash somewhere cause he is the direct link with The Greeks.

I decided that, thankfully, I will not be taking up the job of police or drug kingpin. I find it much easier to just sit back and watch them on The Wire and write about it here.

You Come At the King,You Best Not Miss

2007-11-30T09:24:00.000-05:00

With the exception of maybe Tony Sopranao from The Sopranos and Al Swearengen from Deadwood, Omar Little might be the most charismatic character in all of television history. At least in HBO drama television history. A Robin Hood of The Hood. A player of The Game. A thug with a code. A sociopath. A murderer. And a homosexual one to boot.

Not only is Omar one of--if not the--first gay characters on a major television program that wasn't portrayed in stereotypical fashion, he is also one of the first characters on The Wire by which we, the audience, fall in love with. That fact that Omar is gay is irrelevant on the show except for the storyline that starts it all: when Stringer takes out his lover Brandon in season 1.

That event alone lead to the death of Wallace and one of most intriguing plotlines of the entire show: Omar vs. The Barksdale Crew. Who can forget the classic courtroom scene with Omar (dressed in a ramshackle suit and tie) ammuses the jury and courtroom with his blatant bantar with Levy. "I robs drug dealers."

Perhaps it is Omar's relentless pursuit of Barksdale that drives the character. Or his hypocritical moral code of hurting no civilians (ask Bunk what he thinks of Omar's "parasitical" ways). Or perhaps it his bluntness and willingness to hold nothing back when talking to anyone. For me, it's scenes where Omar rolls up on a crew and has proven himself so much in the past, that they simply just give in to him without a fight. Omar's name rings out in West Baltimore and everyone in the game knows who he is. The man with the shotgun.

Like Tony Soprano, with whom an audience attaches itself regardless of character decency, Omar is a character we root for. He plays the game by his own rules and we view him as a sort of Street Justice Vigilante taking out the "bad" dealers. Omar doesn't kill civilians, he doesn't deal the drugs, and his charisma and humor (not to mention whistling "Farmer in the Dell" while rolling through the hood), make every scene with him astonishing. The jury's reaction to him during Levy's questioning is very much an analogy of how we the audience view Omar. He is one of the good "bad" guys because he is only doing harm to those that are doing harm to others.

It would be quite tragic for Omar to die. Like Wallace, D'Angelo, Bodie, and Stringer, we have grown attached to Omar and to see him die would be a major blow to our faith in happy endings. But if there is one thing The Wire has shown time and time again it's that no one is safe from death when playing The Game.

Why The Wire Is Bad For Television

2007-11-28T09:14:00.000-05:00

I am addicted to a television show. Not just any television show, but a show that not many people watch, even fewer have heard of, and those that have, are simply underwhelmed by its promotional material or too apprehensive to take the show on. The show I am talking about is HBO's The Wire.

The Wire is a Baltimore-based crime drama that follows the stories of all participants in America's War on Drugs. From the top level street dealers to the mayors office down to the strung-out street junkies, the writers of the show hold nothing back in what at times seems more like a documentary than it does a piece fictional work of art. And let me state that last word again, art, because that is what this show is: a piece of artwork framed in the city landscape that is the modern urban environment.

For four seasons now, every Sunday night (and numerous re-watches during the week) at 9 or 10 p.m. I am transfixed to my television as I tune out the rest of the world. Don’t dare speak, call, burp, cough, snore, laugh, shift around, or ask questions while The Wire is on. Even with the pause and rewind options of today's service providers, I need to see it go down as it was meant to go down. The Wire isn't a group of hit singles, it's an album best listened to in it's entirety. In other words, you won't get the show if you only catch one episode. You might get a glimpse of its appeal, but you can’t truly appreciate the arcs of the story line or development of its characters unless you view entire seasons in a short time span.

The Wire is a challenging show to watch. It does not contain any quick fixes or high paced action sequences. Things don't get worked out in 40 minutes like that other classic crime drama on TV. The cops aren't always the good guys (nothing new there) and the bad guys aren't always without morals (nothing new there either). But what The Wire does so amazingly compared to other television crime shows is its broad range of focus on all of the characters involved within the context of a story line. There are no throwaway lines or even characters. The Chief of Police gets just as much camera time as do the detectives working the case, the street junkies shooting the junk, and the dealers running the game. The Wire shows you the drug "game" from all sides of the field and never lets you feel as if its rooting for one team or the other

So why is this show bad for television? Besides the fact that near ever TV critic in the country proclaimed season four "one of the finest pieces of television ever created," the show still has, at best, a loyal cult following. I don't have numbers, but I would imagine there are quite a few more people watching this show on the East Coast and near major urban centers such as Chicago, LA, and Detroit, than there are watching in Deadwood, South Dakota (another incredibly written HBO show in itself). This is bad for television because it is shows such as The Wire that can really open the eyes of Americans that might not live near a major city or know much about the problems with crime and drugs that persist in most, if not all of them.

But the real reason The Wire is bad for television is because it makes every other show on television look bad because of its obvious superiority in writing and acting. I see shows like Lost (which I do enjoy sans the current X-File mess it has gotten itself into), Desperate Housewives, Greys Anatomy, and more recently, Heroes, getting most of the golden globe and emmy hype. And while they are probably deserving of some of these awards, how can someone like me not look at the lack of nods from these groups to The Wire as just blatant ignorance or avoidance? Is The Wire "too real" for them? Is it too "gritty"? I really hope it's not because 80% of the cast is African-American or that "white America" does not have the time to figure out slang terms such as "re up" and "hopper."

The American Television Watching Public is obsessed with high drama, hot actors, and happy endings. And while some of the ladies adore McNulty and Stringer, the show has very little sex or sex appeal to it. There are no made up happy endings, just endings that are realistic to the storylines and characters themselves. There is no glorification of being a crime lord, just as there is no hero worshipping of the men in blue. There are good cops and bad ones on the show just as there are good dealers that you root for and those that you despise. The show is not scared to kill off its main characters—but unlike other network television shows—it is seldom done with excessive build ups or western style shoot outs. Characters die like they would in real life. And for this, The Wire is rewarded with having to essentially beg its way into a fourth (and amazing) season, and very little viewership.

But while The Wire is bad for television because it is leaps and bounds above its peers in almost every category, it is good for something: my faith in the American Television Watching Public. Just as I get excited knowing that such anti-pop-and-fame bands such as TOOL and Radiohead sell millions of records with no hit singles, it gives me great hope knowing that there are a few million peeps out there watching this show and feeling the same way that I do. Maybe it's best that The Wire doesn't reach mainstream popularity. Maybe that is what makes it so special, that the show feels like its "ours" and rewards its viewers with amazing and intellectually challenging storylines and characters. Not sure I'm ready to see Prop Joe on the cover of People and my mom whistling "Farmer in The Dell."

Some Favorite Scenes

2007-11-27T19:09:00.000-05:00

NOTE: If you have not watched all four seasons of The Wire and don't want any spoilers I suggest you don't read this post. JB.

There are so many excellent shots and scenes in The Wire that it's hard to really pick any sort of "list" or "top ten" because to give any preference over the other is almost a sin, no?

Unlike most shows that use dramatic orchestration or slow motion shots to build drama, The Wire might take eight episodes before a storyline reaches any sort of climax. Now that is build up.

I can correlate it to a good song in many ways. Perhaps one that has that one certain part that really grabs your attention. It happens 3/4 of the way into it so you spend the first half eagerly awaiting your part to come. You might even ignore the other parts leading up to it because you just can't wait to hear it. But once that part finally hits your ears you get that great feeling from it. You have been "enhanced" by it. Next time you hear the song you start to realize it's the entire song that grabs you, not only your favorite section. You start to appreciate the parts that lead up to the climax because they are in and of themselves what make the climax so enjoyable: the build up.

Each of my favorite scenes, if taken by themselves, might not seem like huge dramatic events. I think what makes them so great are the storylines that lead to these scenes and the emotions that come out of them. The first scene that comes to mind is from season 1: Poot and Bodie shooting Wallace. This was really the first time The Wire "hit" me with real emotion. I had grown attached to the Wallace character. His ability to watch after the kids, to use his intelligence as a sword, and his ultimate demise via his attempts to leave the game. This was the first major character that would be killed in the show and the scene just shows all the rawness of the streets and how friends become enemies with one wrong move. Watching him beg for his life as profressing their brotherhood shook me to a core. With his death we were exposed to the brutal nature of the game. How old was he? 15? 16?

Another great scene is the infamous Pelecanos penned Omar vs. Brother Mouzone showdown in the alley during season 3. Omar whistling with his latest stash down a wet, dark alley, and the sudden voice of Brother humorously telling him to, "drop your laundry" as Omar slowly turns, drops, and returns the banter. A classic western showdown in a modern urban setting. Two code-driven men standing off against each other knowing neither will back down. The exchange of gun calibers and tense stares just make the scene intense the first time through. Would this really be the end of Omar?

"I want to ask you a question....brother."

Pause.

"Omar Listenin'."

And finally, another emotionally touching scene gets a nod. Season 4, Carver and a sulking Randy in the hospital waiting room after his foster mother was burned in the fire bombing of his apartment. Carver had promised to look after Randy and tried to do his best with a kid caught up in the system. Once the street played the cops with a false alarm Randy's apartment gets torched and his foster mother ends up in critical condition. Carver's men had abandoned their post on the false alarm and Randy was betrayed by the very police he had come to realize might be his only hope. As Carver approaches Randy's look of disappointment and disgust is overwhelming. The storyline of Randy had reached its climax and with profound sadness he yells to Carver, "you looking after me. Oh, you got my back?" Carver walks down the hallway, back turned with the symbolism of a man who is being forced to walk away from a problem he couldn't fix.

There are some other great scenes of course. Bubbles breakdown at the end of season 4, The Greek and Spiros' escape from Baltimore--revealing he wasn't even Greek--during season 2, almost every scene with Omar is classic including his suit and tie courtroom shoot down of Levy and "you come at the king you best not miss", D'Angelo asking Stringer "where's Wallace? Where's the kid String?", Michael Lee being hunted/trained by Snoop and Chris with paint guns, Rawls at the gay bar, Omar and Mouzone taking down Stringer, Bodie's end (prequeled with McNulty telling him he was a solider), and almost every line that either Prop Joe or Bunk speaks is awesome.

I look forward to season 5 for many reasons. I anticpate some new characters and some old ones keeping form. I look forward to Marlo vs. Lester Freamon. Something tells me we might be seeing the cycle come to an end. A friend and I have a theory put together about the sumnation of one of the show's main storylines:

The Old: Avon and Stringer.

The New: Michael Lee and Dukie.

The game's the same.

Bubbles Depot

2007-11-27T16:28:00.000-05:00

Why do I love Bubbles so much?

In the real world, he would probably be someone most of us would walk on the other side of the street to avoid. Someone we would see and use as a warning showing the harm of drugs to our kids. He's a dirty, addicted, petty thief, snitch who leads a dispicable life...and I can't get enough of him

In most every single movie, television show, book, or play, a junkie is usually portrayed as a less-than-human social parasite. They are there to act stoned or give the cops trouble. They commit murder, robbery, and sloth upon themselves. But with the complexity of a Tony Soprano comes Bubbles. Our anti-hero hero. A philosophical drug abuser who the viewer comes to root for, and dare I say, love.

Perhaps this is why I love the character of Bubbles so much: a human face on an otherwise socially ignored ill. If you have read up on the actor, Andre Royo, he tells an interesting story of being on the set and during a break in shooting he was approached by a "real" street junkie who assumed Andre (dressed as Bubbles) was in fact a real user as well. The fellow junkie handed Andre a bag of heroin telling him he looked as if he needed it more than him.

What is my point here? My point is that the Bubbles character exemplifies the realism of this show. Down to the way a character looks. It also show us that The Wire does not follow any standards in writing or storyline. We love junkies (Bubbles), cops (McNulty, Kima, Lester, etc.), dealers (Wallace, D'Angelo, Bodie), and even the kingpins themselves show human sides.

It truly messes with your mind when you root for or against characters that in the past you have been programmed to root for or against. Bubbles and his tee-shirt selling, advice giving, heroin shooting, caper running self is one of the most beloved characters on the show. His constant attemps to get clean show us that not all users of drugs are just addicts looking to get a fix. It shows us that they are humans and have feelings and emotions and the street smarts to survive in a morally corrupt world. We root for Bubbles to get clean because we know he wants to get clean.

In many ways, Bubbles is the hero of our show. A character that survives the game as humaly possilbe by playing both sides and being untouchable by them both. He shows the audience the true side of the user: the daily rituals to get cash for the next fix, the inner self doubt and hatred for what he has become, and the dreams of a man who wishes to live a clean life but simply doesn't know how.

I love Bubs.

Welcome to My Blog

2007-11-27T10:47:00.000-05:00

I had decided a while back that it might be time for me to start a blog about my all-time favorite television show, The Wire. You see, the way I see it, I practically spend enough time talking about it that people think I am some sort of top secret sales executive trying to "turn people on" to the otherwise unhyped show.

Let me start by explaining why I feel the need to talk about this show so much. It's really hard to pin point the exact moment I realized this show was not just another good cops bad guys show. I explicitly remember the teaser promos that HBO started running before season one even started and thinking, "that looks pretty cool, I'll watch it since I lived in Baltimore for a couple of years and the show seems gritty." I recall watching episode one and when it was over looking to my family and saying, "it was okay. I'll keep watching cause nothing else is on at this time on Sunday's anyhow."

It took about three or four more episodes to get me hooked like a junkie. Whether it was D'Angelo correlating the drug game with chess, or explaining how the man who thought up chicken mcnuggets was just some low level worker not reaping the benefits of its success, I knew the writing on this show was going to drive it. And when in one of the most emotional scenes ever on the show, Poot and Bodie shooting Wallace, came to and end I remember thinking that not only was the writing going to be real, but the portrayel of the game and its environment was not going to alter much from real life. David Simon, the shows creator and producer, was not going to be scared to kill off main characters. Even drug runners that we as an audience came to love.

I had seen some of the main actors in minor roles in the past. Being a long time HBO drama fan, I had seen Daniels, Carver, and Bodie on OZ. I recognized Lester Freamon from another David Simon produced HBO mini-series The Corner. While McNulty might be the "leading man" on the show, when season 4 came and went without McNulty playing a major role and not even appearing in some episodes, and I realized I didn't really miss his storyline, I knew that this entire cast was responsible for how great this show is.

But what ultimately gets me going with The Wire is one basic thing: realism. In the past, successful cop shows such as NYPD Blue or Hill Street Blues had a loyal following because of what seemed to be a realistic portrayel of "life on the streets." Not until The Wire came along did we as viewers realize that we were being jipped the entire time. Those shows were good but far from realistic. The good guys aren't always good and the bad guys aren't always bad. The Wire shows us that in the real world, cases dont get wrapped up in 55 minutes.

The Wire challenges its audience. This show will not blow you away in the first 30 minutes. This show will not tie up all the loose ends at the one hour mark. This show is not written to be watched on a per episode basis. This show is a book, to be read from cover to cover. A full album to be listened to in it's entirety. Trust me, if you are a smart viewer of this show it will reward you time and time again with little bits of dialogue and humor. Who can forget during Season 3 when Brother Mouzone was looking for Omar in the gay clubs of Balitmore. If you had turned your head for one second you would have missed the quick shot of Rawls drinking away in the corner. Simon rewards those that pay attention.

I have heard all the usual complaints about The Wire: its too slow, too many characters, it's too "black" (more on that another time), I don't understand the slang. I am proud to say I didn't know what a "re up" was before I watched this show. Or that "WMD", "Bin Laden", and "Greenhouse Gas" were street terms for drugs. I simply paid attention to the talk of the crews and the talk of the cops (who use just as much jargon as that streets do). It lends itself to some humorous realizations and actually enables viewers to get a better, and more real, understanding of the war of drugs.

So in conclusion, I will say that I am looking foward to finally starting my own blog to discuss this show with all my friends and online tough guys. My plan is to post after each episode of Season 5 and start a dialogue with all of you other fans of the show.

January 6, 2008. Season 5. It's on.