Sponsor: Recently the Matrix 4 just triggered nostalgia. I watched its trilogy again, and found an interesting giveaway about this movie:bit.ly/3qorTUM . Go play the Matrix mission code game and win the trilogy DVD collection and other prizes.
6:00 If it makes you feel any better, I saw season 3 of The Wire many years before I watched GOT with Littlefinger, and I didn't like Carcetti either. Your summation of Carcetti matches my own from back then . . . .
Brother Mouzone was such a badass character. Dude gets shot in the stomach and doesn't beg for his life doesn't curse out Omar just starts quietly praying. That one exchange always makes me chuckle Omar: Let's go in from the front. Brother Mouzone: I'll bet that's the first time for you.
One of the best scenes is the 5 second of Rawls at the gay club. Totally mental and unexpected and changes his whole character in my view. Amazing TV series and never got public recognitiion it deserves, although 20 years later I think most TV aficiandos have seen it and admit its brilliance.
@@LoneWolf_Cub_Ogami_Itto Yeah, everything he says, post that scene, seems to take on extra significance. Especially when he's getting physical / abusive with the boys ;)
It’s also brilliant that it’s the only time his sexuality is addressed. If other characters knew or suspected he was in the closet it surely would’ve been mentioned. No way The Bunk would’ve let that slide without dropping a zinger.
@@VanirTraditionalist but there was as scene when Jay Landsman went into the bathroom and as he was urinating, he smiled when he looked on the wall and saw that someone had written, "Rawls is a F__."
the thing that set the wire apart is that it takes someone like bubbles and takes him and his life seriously. it doesn't pay it lipservice, you see his little victories and defeats played out in detail. that still makes it revolutionary
And in general it treats everybody, any life that lives in Baltimore, is worthy of telling their story. Every story matters every person matters. Reminds me of the corner which was basically like covering people like bubbles for a year without embedding with the police.
Ironically Baltimore just recently announced the city would no longer prosecute drug possession cases. In effect unofficially legalizing drugs but not drug dealing. We need a new season to explore the new policy.
3 is the best season and contains the best scene of the series, the one where Avon meets with Cutty and Slim and ends with him saying about Cutty "He a man today." It was fantastic in many ways, showing the history and future of the characters. It was the pivotal time when Avon decided to ignore Stringer, stay a gangster, and ride out the life in the game. When Avon asks Cutty "If you're out of the game, what else are you going to do? You don't know how to do anything else", it was the same question he had been asking himself...what would he do and who would he be if he took Stringer's advice? Avon also shows tremendous respect for Cutty wanting to be completely out - he offers him a role providing advice but not pulling the trigger but Cutty does not want that. Avon contrasts Cutty's full renouncement of the game to Stringer's half-in/half-out proposal where he and Avon give up their power but stay in the game by financing the transactions. He gains respect for Cutty's strength and loses respect for Stringer's wishy washy approach. Also, Slim Charles shows his loyalty and respect, trying to cover for Cutty and ultimately staying by Avon's side. He has learned how to be a soldier from Cutty and how to be a leader from Avon. It will serve him well when ultimately he takes over for Avon at the end of S5. Love your reviews - hope you get deep into the Wire as there are a lot of things you could cover. Would love to hear your perspective on this scene as well.
Yeah, this actually gets better the more times you rewatch it. You pick up on little moments that snowball. You don't realize the impact until you see the final results.
Best TV series of all time in my book. So many great characters but if you put a gun to my head I would have to say Bunk Morland was a personal favourite.
Prop Joe were da man. Doing his voices to get the dirt on Hulk always got me. He passed back in 2013. A real shame as I would like to have seen him in other series. He took a lot of the youngsters under his wing and showed them the acting ropes.
I wish Bunk was given a more central storyline at some point. He was always second fiddle to McNulty, and I personally hated McNulty. He was a self-absorbed, arrogant, annoying fuckhead.
Chris Partlow is my favorite. Death personified but made sure the people he killed were killed in the best conditions and intentions in mind, except Bugs step dad. You could tell that child molesters had a special place in hell for him and it made me at least like him a little more
I didn’t start watching the wire until season 4. Was flipping through channels and landed on Snoop buying a nail gun with a wad of cash. I just found it interesting, and watched and the rest of the season, and then went back to the first 3 seasons. Definitely one of the best shows ever, along with Sopranos and Justified.
Dominic, we are hewn from the same block….three of my favourite shows of all time….so as we have that in common, can I make a recommendation to you, it’s called Mr Inbetween, it’s on Disney (of all channels! But only because they bought Fox studios). This show is SUBLIMELY good. Each episode is only 25 minutes long, but it’s packed with so much story. It’s clever-funny, dark, and poignant. Of worthy note, it’s written by the central character Ray, whose never acted before….this guy puts in a performance to rival that of Gandolfini as Tony, and that’s not hyperbole.
@@thedudeabides3138what would be your top ten tv shows lad? Mine would be 1. The wire 2. Game of thrones 3. Mr robot 4. Dark 5. The boys 6. Breaking bad 7. Succession 8. Stranger things 9. Sopranos 10. Mad men/better call Saul
I actually liked season 2, it kept it slow on the west side while everyone was in prison, and season 2 gave us a whole other side of crime, with the docks, and it introduced us to the Greek/the connect, and east side, with cheese and prop joe. I used to hate it at first cause for the same reason, it left season 1 unexplained, but after season 3, it all came together
Carcetti craved power, but wanted to do the right thing. If he ever had to decide between the two, he would always choose the power first. That's just who he is
I appreciate season 2 because it shows every contributing factor to criminality in Baltimore. It's not just gangs/drug dealers. There is corruption at all levels. We almost always only see the street hustler and it ends there.
Frank Sobotka made me love that season. Such an underrated performance from start to finish that made me love season 2. The tragedy of ziggy’s struggle for respect eventually which eventually lead to his demise. Brilliance.
So glad you have got on to the wire its my favourite tv show ever. I often hear the comparison between the sopranos and the wire and for me the overall quality and complexity of the wire puts it just above. I'm glad you spotted the fact that if people are not prepared to give the show a chance to grow then its not the show for you, the creators are interested in telling a story not pander to people who want an explosive pilot or as you said weekly cliff hangers or other tricks mediocre shows try. The real character of the show is the city of Baltimore and the creators clearly know the place very well not to mention many of the characters are based on real people that they met and even a few who were criminals and went on to act in the show. Oh my best scene is when D shows the hoppers how to play chess just awesome writing and acting.
It's crazy how Avon and String being like brothers "us" they end up giving each other up. Avon gave Stringer up to brother Mouzzone and Stringer gave Avon up to the police. The last scene together, Avon asks String "where you gonna be at tomorrow?" To give up his location for that ambush.
you mentioned the camera/shots being a little different in S3 I wonder if that was a result of the reframing they did since it was originally a different aspect ratio
the thing about the camera is that the show was never meant to be widescreen. it never aired widescreen. it was always meant to be in the old square shape
In regards to the 'new camera': the original show was not produced for widescreen format, but for 4:3 aspect ratio TVs standard at the time. up until a few years ago, this was the only option available, until they did recompile and edit the show for high definition. As you can imagine, the transfer process was slow and laborious, and there were problems that had to be fixed, such as crew and equipment being visible on either side of the frames. These shots were digitally altered many times, compositing different elements into the frame to make up the difference, so to speak--inserting a tall plant, perhaps, or extending a black doorway that covers half the frame. This is likely where some of the slightly jarring image quality is jumping out at you, at least some of the time. Not every shot had to be re-edited this way, many shots in fact were greatly enhanced by the switch to high definition. Think like the wide angle crane shots in Season 2, and elsewhere, that were shot more cinenamatically. Anyway, I know this because I watched the show in 4:3 the first time, and when they made the transfer it was a perfect opportunity to rewatch it the first time.
I personally don't see any comparison with The Sopranos. The Soprano's was a great show but comes nowhere close to the Wire in anyway. The Soprano's was so popular because so many peoples love affair with the mafia. I include myself in that love affair but i was disappointed with the last two seasons that it maybe dropped in my mind. Of course i am just voicing ny personal opinion. I think it's the writing that sets them apart. Both were great shows and they rolled in this golden era of television and i am thankful for both
I've seen the series a few times now and know all the pieces (which matter) by now, my first watch I had a really hard time getting started because it never hooked me at the start. One day on like my 3rd attempt to watch the show, it clicked somehow. I was in the mood for really paying a lot of attention. Once I got that far it grabbed me. But the first watch I for sure felt like a detective myself, chain smoking and paying absolute attention cause I eventually noticed if I didn't I could easily miss crucial stuff. The way you watch the show for the first time forces you into an investigative mindset and that's pretty cool.
I grew up in Kensington neighborhood in Philadelphia, and I seen how the surrounding neighborhoods got nicer as Kensington became what it is today, I used to say that the police purposely leave the dealers and addicts alone there, vs fishtown where they would lock them up, which brought in more drug abusers because they knew they’ll be left alone in Kensington. Then I smwatched this season of the wire and thought to myself that I was right about the neighborhood I grew up in.
Each season highlights how the game endlessly plays out in every strata of American society. It’s the American dream in its rawest form. ‘Games out there, it’s play or get played… ya feel me?’
What some people see as a weakness of the show is what I would say is part of what made it great. The series was written using authors of true crime novels. So in essence we are watching a book in visual format. I like this because like a book, it does not hold your hand and you have to pay attention to the details to get the payoffs that be book holds. The payoffs/callbacks can be seen in the same episode, episodes later and even seasons later For instance in season 1 when Bubbles was going to the soccer game with McNulty, he said "it's a thin line between heaven and here". Flash forward to season 4 and there is a scene where Randy is walking across the street to church and he looks down the street and sees Bodie and others selling drugs.
This review is just as good as your review of Season 2! Before your review, if I had to ranks all seasons from most favorite, to least favorite, this season one would be last on that list. Here's why: I was too depressed to see that Colvin's experiment was not handled with more positivity. In one of the episodes when the Mayor's office hears about it, it's suggested that they keep it going but with needle exchanges, and on site drug counseling/treatment. I mean after the war in iraq and the lies that were told to get into iraq, the war on drugs is my biggest and longest running gripe about my country and to see what I saw as an opportunity to expand on the obvious benefits of decriminalization to be ... not quite _wasted_ but not entirely capitalized upon, I saw as wasteful and thus a little depressing. But you've turned me around, and I appreciate it a lot more! Thank you!
Season 1 and 2 had their moments, but season 3 has officially made me a fan of this show, one of the best seasons of television I've ever watched, and the payoff is well worth the wait. Can't wait for s4 and 5
Ppl still haven’t realized what caused the violence in the drug trade . It was getting products on credit… and having to pay it back by a certain date ! This pressure created tremendous amounts of stress on street dealers . Thus any hustler that slows his flow ? Is jeopardizing his ability to stay in business or survive sometimes… otherwise, there was enough out there for many dealers… it was the pressure of sales within a timeframe. Like credit cards … no pay by the first ? Late fees, interest, credit rate, eventually no credit. No credit today ? Affects job , renting, insurance rates … it’s insane . And all over what ? For what? Junk rags not worth 1/10 of what is owed on it … but like the shitty toxic worthless drugs ? Manufacturers gotta get rid of the merchandise to customers to make money … now ppl with money ? Aren’t likely to buy junk . They have important things to spend it on . But offer credit ? Hey … what the hell I’ll just get these boots 🥾 and pay it all back . Like … yo you wanna buy some coke ? - naw man . I gotta pay my rent. Ok, how about a line on me ? - oh ok ! Shit felt so good now he’s ready to buy a bag of sniff . The dealers and users might be local . But just like the manufacturer of them boots is unknown? So are those that planned designed, manufactured, transported, the drugs are too. And in some cases they’re the same ppl too.
Season 1 is my favorite. Season 3 gets a little flashy and pop-culturey; Season 2 is good but not as good as Season 1; Season 4 is so deeply emotional it almost overrides the meticulous detailing of the previous seasons. And Season 5 is the weakest of the bunch - but it's still the best fictional entertainment ever filmed.
Really glad you mentioned that odd green screen look for some shots. I thought it was just me. It's definitely noticeable and it makes you wonder why they switched cameras or allowed such visual oddities in the final cuts.
i replied elsewhere now about this. basically a lot of this 'green screen' is digital editing they had to add in when they were transferring it for high definition and widescreen format, the original format was for square TVs and there were things like crew and equipment in the shot they had to composite out. but overall they did a bangup job with the transfer, and much of the show that was filmed more cinematically was given a huge boost. i'm sure it wasn't cheap or easy to do all that.
The show runners have said that the main statement of the show is that the drug war failed. Some are for full legalization and some are for a disbanding of PD's but they've made it clear on their view of legalization. Carcetti was based on a real person who thought he'd crime stat his way to the presidency.
Season 3 feels like that because the other seasons you see how characters are once and again finding intentions are supress how the characters are trap within the system. Season 3 is the only one that shows how one accualy tryes to change it and the reaction that he gets. Every season is genious, but season 3 is more engaging and entretaining because of that.
I wish Shorty Boyd made an actual appearance. The face that Avon made when Slim told him that he cleaned his whole ack up was incredible. Avon like when Cutty left really respected when soldiers decided to go straight.
I agree that Season 3 is the most coherent because all the pieces are already in place, but honestly, season 1 is such a compact narrative, season 2 so deep and nuanced and season 4 so depressingely realistic and human, that season 3 isn't ahead at all.
i rewatch the wire every year and I'm amazed that i can still notice new things, When Gregs and Jimmy are at the sheriffs office asking about camera footage he is intentionally racist to the sheriff in order to impress him and it back fires in a previous scene Jimmy is unintentionally racist when he says Seek and you shall have only to offend a sheikh its subtle foreshadowing
I love The Wire and The Shield, but...IMHO they are both bettered by Hill Street Blues - the grittiest and realistic cop drama ever. The dark humour and intelligent dialogue (by Deadwood's writer David Milch) were incredible. Every episode had you laughing, crying and feeling disturbed by how low humans can be. It didn't shy away from anything and was uncomfortable viewing at times as well as creating fantastic but flawed characters. It won 26 Emmy awards (98 nominated) and won FOUR consecutive wins for Outstanding Drama Series. I urge anyone who likes the The Wire to give it a go.
Great criticism of Carcetti. Season 1 proves that "realism" can be dramatic and engaging, so there's no reason a "realistic" politician can't be a better character. I really didn't care about his underdog story in the election.
You gotta realize some of your perceptions and criticisms, such as your ability to find s1 watchable right off the bat is partly because many shows followed the slow burn template of The Wire, and people got used to it, and appreciated the more in depth storytelling. In a similar vein, you criticize the Carcetti character because of Aiden Gillan's later Game of Thrones acting, which he got the job likely on the basis of Carcetti. You can't go back in time and recontextualize yourself to 2002, but good to keep in mind a lot of what you like about The Wire may be a lot of what made others somehow find it boring.
Rawls does admit to liking a bit of a kink now and then but isnt in to biting homeless guys. I always thought that line was a bit of a nod to the bar scene.
Sponsor:
Recently the Matrix 4 just triggered nostalgia. I watched its trilogy again, and found an interesting giveaway about this movie:bit.ly/3qorTUM
. Go play the Matrix mission code game and win the trilogy DVD collection and other prizes.
6:00 If it makes you feel any better, I saw season 3 of The Wire many years before I watched GOT with Littlefinger, and I didn't like Carcetti either. Your summation of Carcetti matches my own from back then . . . .
Brother Mouzone was such a badass character. Dude gets shot in the stomach and doesn't beg for his life doesn't curse out Omar just starts quietly praying. That one exchange always makes me chuckle Omar: Let's go in from the front. Brother Mouzone: I'll bet that's the first time for you.
Every sentence out of his mouth was a riot
One of the best scenes is the 5 second of Rawls at the gay club. Totally mental and unexpected and changes his whole character in my view. Amazing TV series and never got public recognitiion it deserves, although 20 years later I think most TV aficiandos have seen it and admit its brilliance.
Especially when he talks to cops talking about pounding brews and whiffing muff lol. Yeah ok Rawls. We see you
@@LoneWolf_Cub_Ogami_Itto Yeah, everything he says, post that scene, seems to take on extra significance. Especially when he's getting physical / abusive with the boys ;)
It’s also brilliant that it’s the only time his sexuality is addressed. If other characters knew or suspected he was in the closet it surely would’ve been mentioned. No way The Bunk would’ve let that slide without dropping a zinger.
@@VanirTraditionalist but there was as scene when Jay Landsman went into the bathroom and as he was urinating, he smiled when he looked on the wall and saw that someone had written, "Rawls is a F__."
@@gerarpope6581 you’re right, didn’t consider that, great catch.
the thing that set the wire apart is that it takes someone like bubbles and takes him and his life seriously. it doesn't pay it lipservice, you see his little victories and defeats played out in detail. that still makes it revolutionary
And in general it treats everybody, any life that lives in Baltimore, is worthy of telling their story. Every story matters every person matters. Reminds me of the corner which was basically like covering people like bubbles for a year without embedding with the police.
Ironically Baltimore just recently announced the city would no longer prosecute drug possession cases. In effect unofficially legalizing drugs but not drug dealing. We need a new season to explore the new policy.
Hamsterdam worked perfectly and Colvin did literally nothing wrong, sad to see politics win out there
Violence still happened it was still robbery n u can’t civilize the dope world
3 is the best season and contains the best scene of the series, the one where Avon meets with Cutty and Slim and ends with him saying about Cutty "He a man today." It was fantastic in many ways, showing the history and future of the characters. It was the pivotal time when Avon decided to ignore Stringer, stay a gangster, and ride out the life in the game. When Avon asks Cutty "If you're out of the game, what else are you going to do? You don't know how to do anything else", it was the same question he had been asking himself...what would he do and who would he be if he took Stringer's advice? Avon also shows tremendous respect for Cutty wanting to be completely out - he offers him a role providing advice but not pulling the trigger but Cutty does not want that. Avon contrasts Cutty's full renouncement of the game to Stringer's half-in/half-out proposal where he and Avon give up their power but stay in the game by financing the transactions. He gains respect for Cutty's strength and loses respect for Stringer's wishy washy approach.
Also, Slim Charles shows his loyalty and respect, trying to cover for Cutty and ultimately staying by Avon's side. He has learned how to be a soldier from Cutty and how to be a leader from Avon. It will serve him well when ultimately he takes over for Avon at the end of S5.
Love your reviews - hope you get deep into the Wire as there are a lot of things you could cover. Would love to hear your perspective on this scene as well.
If only you left out that last sentence 😭
Great comment
Very nice
"Do it or dont! But I got places to be!"
It was cool to see that.. As Ruthless as Avon can be he always seemed to be proud of people when they quit the game
That was heartfelt how he & Slim let Cutty walk away. True compassion shit.
I think he just respected people who knew and accepted who they are and who they aren’t. That’s why he was losing so much respect for Stringer
I mean what the hell else was he gonna do? Lmao
@@BigA678 coulda got him killed. He knew about murders that could’ve taken everyone down
Watching the series a second time in it’s entirety is imperative. So many minute yet crucial details I missed on the first view.
I think the 2nd viewing is the best
@@vanmantalks 2nd? I must be at 6 by now, atleast
Yeah, this actually gets better the more times you rewatch it. You pick up on little moments that snowball. You don't realize the impact until you see the final results.
Season 3 is elite
5 viewings, and I still don't know hoe good it is
Best TV series of all time in my book.
So many great characters but if you put a gun to my head I would have to say Bunk Morland was a personal favourite.
Prop Joe were da man. Doing his voices to get the dirt on Hulk always got me. He passed back in 2013. A real shame as I would like to have seen him in other series. He took a lot of the youngsters under his wing and showed them the acting ropes.
I wish Bunk was given a more central storyline at some point. He was always second fiddle to McNulty, and I personally hated McNulty. He was a self-absorbed, arrogant, annoying fuckhead.
Chris Partlow is my favorite. Death personified but made sure the people he killed were killed in the best conditions and intentions in mind, except Bugs step dad. You could tell that child molesters had a special place in hell for him and it made me at least like him a little more
@@JamesBrewerDJ RIP Robert Chew. They say that on the 20th anniversary pod how he took the kids under his wing in season 4.
My favourite season of all time.
"We ain't gotta dream no more man". That's the best scene ever for me
I didn’t start watching the wire until season 4. Was flipping through channels and landed on Snoop buying a nail gun with a wad of cash. I just found it interesting, and watched and the rest of the season, and then went back to the first 3 seasons. Definitely one of the best shows ever, along with Sopranos and Justified.
Justified is fantastic
Dominic, we are hewn from the same block….three of my favourite shows of all time….so as we have that in common, can I make a recommendation to you, it’s called Mr Inbetween, it’s on Disney (of all channels! But only because they bought Fox studios).
This show is SUBLIMELY good. Each episode is only 25 minutes long, but it’s packed with so much story. It’s clever-funny, dark, and poignant.
Of worthy note, it’s written by the central character Ray, whose never acted before….this guy puts in a performance to rival that of Gandolfini as Tony, and that’s not hyperbole.
@@thedudeabides3138what would be your top ten tv shows lad? Mine would be
1. The wire
2. Game of thrones
3. Mr robot
4. Dark
5. The boys
6. Breaking bad
7. Succession
8. Stranger things
9. Sopranos
10. Mad men/better call Saul
I actually liked season 2, it kept it slow on the west side while everyone was in prison, and season 2 gave us a whole other side of crime, with the docks, and it introduced us to the Greek/the connect, and east side, with cheese and prop joe. I used to hate it at first cause for the same reason, it left season 1 unexplained, but after season 3, it all came together
Carcetti craved power, but wanted to do the right thing. If he ever had to decide between the two, he would always choose the power first. That's just who he is
petyr baelish😂😂
Sadly it's often the only way to continue being a politician.
I appreciate season 2 because it shows every contributing factor to criminality in Baltimore. It's not just gangs/drug dealers. There is corruption at all levels. We almost always only see the street hustler and it ends there.
Originally, I struggled with season 2. But I've come to love it.
Frank Sobotka made me love that season. Such an underrated performance from start to finish that made me love season 2. The tragedy of ziggy’s struggle for respect eventually which eventually lead to his demise. Brilliance.
Season 2 paced enormously. First two/three episodes for a perfect character build and then boom
So glad you have got on to the wire its my favourite tv show ever. I often hear the comparison between the sopranos and the wire and for me the overall quality and complexity of the wire puts it just above. I'm glad you spotted the fact that if people are not prepared to give the show a chance to grow then its not the show for you, the creators are interested in telling a story not pander to people who want an explosive pilot or as you said weekly cliff hangers or other tricks mediocre shows try. The real character of the show is the city of Baltimore and the creators clearly know the place very well not to mention many of the characters are based on real people that they met and even a few who were criminals and went on to act in the show.
Oh my best scene is when D shows the hoppers how to play chess just awesome writing and acting.
The Wire is not for normies
Finally after all these years, I started binging "The Wire'" . Halfway though season 4 and it is still great.
Season 3 of the Wire was literal perfection. The series could've ended there easily but I'm glad it did not.
I promise
Your right about re-watching it gets better the more you watch, the best tv show ever made
Best show of all time, The Sopranos is second. Season 4 is the peak of TV imo, enjoy!
It's crazy how Avon and String being like brothers "us" they end up giving each other up. Avon gave Stringer up to brother Mouzzone and Stringer gave Avon up to the police.
The last scene together, Avon asks String "where you gonna be at tomorrow?" To give up his location for that ambush.
Can you do a review on seasons of The Shield?
We need more channels doing essays on The Shield. Such an amazing show!
Cheers from France! 🍻
@@DarthWinterMadness Yes sir
Season four is even BETTER
I could never agree with that notion... Season 4 doesn't have a conclusion, it's wide open for season 5.
yeah 4 then 3 even though it's sad
Seasons 3 & 4 of The Wire are among the absolute best television ever
They need a modern day wire bikers or mob or something
My man season 4 is going to blow you away! It even tops s3 for me.
you mentioned the camera/shots being a little different in S3 I wonder if that was a result of the reframing they did since it was originally a different aspect ratio
the thing about the camera is that the show was never meant to be widescreen. it never aired widescreen. it was always meant to be in the old square shape
In regards to the 'new camera': the original show was not produced for widescreen format, but for 4:3 aspect ratio TVs standard at the time. up until a few years ago, this was the only option available, until they did recompile and edit the show for high definition.
As you can imagine, the transfer process was slow and laborious, and there were problems that had to be fixed, such as crew and equipment being visible on either side of the frames. These shots were digitally altered many times, compositing different elements into the frame to make up the difference, so to speak--inserting a tall plant, perhaps, or extending a black doorway that covers half the frame. This is likely where some of the slightly jarring image quality is jumping out at you, at least some of the time.
Not every shot had to be re-edited this way, many shots in fact were greatly enhanced by the switch to high definition. Think like the wide angle crane shots in Season 2, and elsewhere, that were shot more cinenamatically. Anyway, I know this because I watched the show in 4:3 the first time, and when they made the transfer it was a perfect opportunity to rewatch it the first time.
Season 3 introduced my man Marlow. Ruthless to the very end
As far as I'm aware, the only CGI in the Wire is when the towers are knocked down in episode 301.
I personally don't see any comparison with The Sopranos. The Soprano's was a great show but comes nowhere close to the Wire in anyway. The Soprano's was so popular because so many peoples love affair with the mafia. I include myself in that love affair but i was disappointed with the last two seasons that it maybe dropped in my mind. Of course i am just voicing ny personal opinion. I think it's the writing that sets them apart. Both were great shows and they rolled in this golden era of television and i am thankful for both
Yeah the sopranos is a top ten show ever but is nowhere near close to the wire. I’m right with you mate. The wire is in a class all by itself
I've seen the series a few times now and know all the pieces (which matter) by now, my first watch I had a really hard time getting started because it never hooked me at the start. One day on like my 3rd attempt to watch the show, it clicked somehow. I was in the mood for really paying a lot of attention. Once I got that far it grabbed me. But the first watch I for sure felt like a detective myself, chain smoking and paying absolute attention cause I eventually noticed if I didn't I could easily miss crucial stuff. The way you watch the show for the first time forces you into an investigative mindset and that's pretty cool.
I grew up in Kensington neighborhood in Philadelphia, and I seen how the surrounding neighborhoods got nicer as Kensington became what it is today, I used to say that the police purposely leave the dealers and addicts alone there, vs fishtown where they would lock them up, which brought in more drug abusers because they knew they’ll be left alone in Kensington. Then I smwatched this season of the wire and thought to myself that I was right about the neighborhood I grew up in.
I love the Rawls at the gay bar. It is never brought up again but as a viewer we know this about him for the rest of the series
thank u for mentioning cutty. my favorite character for sure
Each season highlights how the game endlessly plays out in every strata of American society. It’s the American dream in its rawest form. ‘Games out there, it’s play or get played… ya feel me?’
What some people see as a weakness of the show is what I would say is part of what made it great. The series was written using authors of true crime novels. So in essence we are watching a book in visual format. I like this because like a book, it does not hold your hand and you have to pay attention to the details to get the payoffs that be book holds. The payoffs/callbacks can be seen in the same episode, episodes later and even seasons later
For instance in season 1 when Bubbles was going to the soccer game with McNulty, he said "it's a thin line between heaven and here". Flash forward to season 4 and there is a scene where Randy is walking across the street to church and he looks down the street and sees Bodie and others selling drugs.
This review is just as good as your review of Season 2! Before your review, if I had to ranks all seasons from most favorite, to least favorite, this season one would be last on that list. Here's why: I was too depressed to see that Colvin's experiment was not handled with more positivity. In one of the episodes when the Mayor's office hears about it, it's suggested that they keep it going but with needle exchanges, and on site drug counseling/treatment. I mean after the war in iraq and the lies that were told to get into iraq, the war on drugs is my biggest and longest running gripe about my country and to see what I saw as an opportunity to expand on the obvious benefits of decriminalization to be ... not quite _wasted_ but not entirely capitalized upon, I saw as wasteful and thus a little depressing. But you've turned me around, and I appreciate it a lot more! Thank you!
Seasons 3, 4 and 5 are excellent. You've got two more to enjoy.
5 was kinda mid
@@Madvillainy48 I know the serial killer thing was silly
Season 1 and 2 had their moments, but season 3 has officially made me a fan of this show, one of the best seasons of television I've ever watched, and the payoff is well worth the wait. Can't wait for s4 and 5
Ppl still haven’t realized what caused the violence in the drug trade . It was getting products on credit… and having to pay it back by a certain date ! This pressure created tremendous amounts of stress on street dealers . Thus any hustler that slows his flow ? Is jeopardizing his ability to stay in business or survive sometimes… otherwise, there was enough out there for many dealers… it was the pressure of sales within a timeframe. Like credit cards … no pay by the first ? Late fees, interest, credit rate, eventually no credit. No credit today ? Affects job , renting, insurance rates … it’s insane . And all over what ? For what? Junk rags not worth 1/10 of what is owed on it … but like the shitty toxic worthless drugs ? Manufacturers gotta get rid of the merchandise to customers to make money … now ppl with money ? Aren’t likely to buy junk . They have important things to spend it on . But offer credit ? Hey … what the hell I’ll just get these boots 🥾 and pay it all back . Like … yo you wanna buy some coke ? - naw man . I gotta pay my rent. Ok, how about a line on me ? - oh ok !
Shit felt so good now he’s ready to buy a bag of sniff .
The dealers and users might be local . But just like the manufacturer of them boots is unknown? So are those that planned designed, manufactured, transported, the drugs are too. And in some cases they’re the same ppl too.
Season 4 is my favorite and season 3 as my second.
Season 1 is my favorite. Season 3 gets a little flashy and pop-culturey; Season 2 is good but not as good as Season 1; Season 4 is so deeply emotional it almost overrides the meticulous detailing of the previous seasons. And Season 5 is the weakest of the bunch - but it's still the best fictional entertainment ever filmed.
YESSS!!! I noticed the camerawork & cinematography is different in this season!!! Omg.
5:45 Truth. Littlefinger had a few too many moments on the screen throughout the season. But, he did his part well.
Best advice Cutty ever gave me was you gotta take your jean shorts off every now and then
have you ever considerd doing a simmler revew of the HBO serise OZ its a bit older then even the Wire but i think you would realy enjoy it?
I do hope to check it out soon
It’s not as polished. But has some real quality seasons and long running plots
Really glad you mentioned that odd green screen look for some shots. I thought it was just me. It's definitely noticeable and it makes you wonder why they switched cameras or allowed such visual oddities in the final cuts.
i replied elsewhere now about this. basically a lot of this 'green screen' is digital editing they had to add in when they were transferring it for high definition and widescreen format, the original format was for square TVs and there were things like crew and equipment in the shot they had to composite out. but overall they did a bangup job with the transfer, and much of the show that was filmed more cinematically was given a huge boost. i'm sure it wasn't cheap or easy to do all that.
The show runners have said that the main statement of the show is that the drug war failed. Some are for full legalization and some are for a disbanding of PD's but they've made it clear on their view of legalization. Carcetti was based on a real person who thought he'd crime stat his way to the presidency.
The greatest season of television I’ve ever watched
Yeah, I'm glad I saw that actor in The Wire before Game of Thrones.
It's really the peak of the wire imo all the storylines connecting .
Thank you for making videos!
Season 3 feels like that because the other seasons you see how characters are once and again finding intentions are supress how the characters are trap within the system. Season 3 is the only one that shows how one accualy tryes to change it and the reaction that he gets. Every season is genious, but season 3 is more engaging and entretaining because of that.
I wish Shorty Boyd made an actual appearance. The face that Avon made when Slim told him that he cleaned his whole ack up was incredible. Avon like when Cutty left really respected when soldiers decided to go straight.
Right, apparently it "messed" everybody up. 😆
After the wire , review The Shield.
There is nothing like watching season 3 for the first time.
As an Irishman, I can detect Aidan Gillen`s natural accent even when he is acting as the American Carcetti.
So many layers to the wire
Blink and you'll
Miss something
Three is generally regarded as one of the best, it's my favorite that or one
I agree that Season 3 is the most coherent because all the pieces are already in place, but honestly, season 1 is such a compact narrative, season 2 so deep and nuanced and season 4 so depressingely realistic and human, that season 3 isn't ahead at all.
Just finished watching season 3 ❤ this is becoming one of my favorite shows ever, side by side with better call Saul and Mand man, pure gold.👌
Season 4 is the best one!
Cutty looks like the kinda guy to wear jean shorts
i rewatch the wire every year and I'm amazed that i can still notice new things, When Gregs and Jimmy are at the sheriffs office asking about camera footage he is intentionally racist to the sheriff in order to impress him and it back fires
in a previous scene Jimmy is unintentionally racist when he says Seek and you shall have only to offend a sheikh
its subtle foreshadowing
season 3 was really good but the first season was my favorite the 3rd was my favorite second favorite
I think I distrust Carcati from the get go because of little finger
I just finished watching it, and I was completely waiting for Carcetti to betray the Starks.
Marlo? Yeah, he was here. Now he ain't.
Can anybody tell me what season/episode do they cut to Rawls in the gay bar?
It's this one, when brother Mouzone is looking for Omar.
Cheers from France! 🍻
@@DarthWinterMadness Thank you , i watched it again but i missed that scene.
As good as this is, season 4 is better.
Funny it was the opposite with me, I found it odd watching Carcetti becoming Little Finger different and fun to see.
Yessss. I agree.
i thought this was peak television and then i watched season 4
I love The Wire and The Shield, but...IMHO they are both bettered by Hill Street Blues - the grittiest and realistic cop drama ever. The dark humour and intelligent dialogue (by Deadwood's writer David Milch) were incredible. Every episode had you laughing, crying and feeling disturbed by how low humans can be. It didn't shy away from anything and was uncomfortable viewing at times as well as creating fantastic but flawed characters. It won 26 Emmy awards (98 nominated) and won FOUR consecutive wins for Outstanding Drama Series. I urge anyone who likes the The Wire to give it a go.
Great criticism of Carcetti. Season 1 proves that "realism" can be dramatic and engaging, so there's no reason a "realistic" politician can't be a better character. I really didn't care about his underdog story in the election.
Fun fact: The word "soccer" was invented in England, as an abbreviation of "association football"
Carcetti is nothing like Littlefinger.
Wasn’t Carcetti in Animal House as Boone, many years ago? And sopranos?
Cutty had Dee idea of getting out the game and reaching the youngins cutty actually had redemption tho dee squeezed between the sides
Yeah this will always be my favorite season!
The white mayor was meant to parallel Martin O'Malley who was unexpectedly elected mayor of Baltimore shortly before The Wire debuted.
Glad to see you recognize 3 is the best season. Apparently, kids today think 5 is.
My favorite and most under-rated season.
MY FAVORITE WIRE SEASON 💯🤞🏿
im a new subscriber to your channel. I really like your analysis on the wire and other films. keep up the great work!
Agreed on Carcetti. Was very cringe. Him aside, the best season for me.
Season 3 is my favorite. Everyone says 4 but Avon isn’t in season 4 so how could it be the best
Season 4 is actually a prequel season.
3 was my fav👍👍👍👍👍
Defonitelly my favorite season
Season 2 is my favourite
Might have to start watching this
You gotta realize some of your perceptions and criticisms, such as your ability to find s1 watchable right off the bat is partly because many shows followed the slow burn template of The Wire, and people got used to it, and appreciated the more in depth storytelling. In a similar vein, you criticize the Carcetti character because of Aiden Gillan's later Game of Thrones acting, which he got the job likely on the basis of Carcetti. You can't go back in time and recontextualize yourself to 2002, but good to keep in mind a lot of what you like about The Wire may be a lot of what made others somehow find it boring.
I think I've watched the whole series like four times.
Game of Thrones came well after The Wire. I thought the actor that played Carcetti did a good job in both series.
Rawls does admit to liking a bit of a kink now and then but isnt in to biting homeless guys.
I always thought that line was a bit of a nod to the bar scene.
Back when I actually watched the odd box set.
Turning off my tv in 1998 was the best decision ever.
Wut?
Wire came four years later😂😂😂
Only until Lynch and Frost returned Twin Peaks to us
I noticed Rawls at the gay bar when I watched that show for like 15th time.