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Post by Valenti on Jul 2, 2007 22:50:41 GMT
Note: This thread is full of spoilers. Please note the season to which each post relates.
Anyone else started watching this show? Please, y'all, give it a try. For police procedural nuts, this show more than satisfies. Thought the surveillance in The Conversation or other procedurals was interesting or cool? Watch this show. For those into explorations of urban crime and drugs, this surpasses anything out there. For those interested in the legal system and its games, watch this show. For those who are critical of capitalism, the show's creator says that's the main overall theme of the series is that capitalism makes human beings more worthless as days go by, that human life is increasingly devalued. For those who are interested in the "game" of self-preservation in social institutions be it the police force, city hall, or intermediate school, watch this show. For those who like wise-ass humor, it's there. For those interested in the vanishing working class, it's explored in Season 2. For those interested in gangsters trying to work both the illegal and legitimate worlds like Michael Corleone in "Two" and "Three," it's there in Season 3. For those wondering where, when, and how these corner boys come from, it's there in Season 4. It cleverly is a back story to the corner boys/gangsters we see in Seasons 1-3. For those critical of the educational system, watch Season 4. For those interested in the "game" of those in the government, watch Season 3 and 4. For those interested to see novelistic density in terms of narrative in film and tv and intelligent visual storytelling, watch this show. For those who look to be respected highly as critically thinking adults by a show's writers, watch this show. There are countless memorable characters. Tony Sopranos' family's problems (both of 'em) seem trivial compared to those of Michael, Namond, Randy, and Dukie in Season 4. For those interested in the media, the current and final season is exploring it. Seriously. Not watching The Wire is like not watching The Mirror, Citizen Kane or The Godfather; not listening to The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Miles Davis, Dylan, Gershwin, or Mozart; not reading Dostoyevsky or Shakespeare. In short, it's probably the best example of greatest achievement in its medium. Why do you want to miss out? At least give it a try, if you don't like it, you don't like it. Cool. But try it in full. I'm a big fan, but due to my residence in Australia I couldn't watch the newest season.
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Post by Valenti on Jul 3, 2007 0:28:44 GMT
(In response to a deleted post):
The only season I've actually watched was the one concerning Mike, and his group of friends. The kids.
I dig the hell out of this show, it has never once bored me.
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Post by Valenti on Jul 3, 2007 1:26:36 GMT
(In response to a deleted post):
Definitely will do.
Omar is probably the best character I've seen on TV in a while.
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Omar
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Post by Omar on Jul 3, 2007 12:15:18 GMT
I really want to get into this show. I had it on Netflix for awhile, but I've redone by queue so many times....I need to bring it back up.
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jrod
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Post by jrod on Jul 4, 2007 23:27:14 GMT
My roommate watched the 4th season on demand, and I didnt want to take the journey of watching all the episodes with someone that would be spoiling things. Even statements like "this guy is really cool" when a character appears are a spoiler, now I know that character is living for at least 4 seasons.
Ill give the show a go in 8 or 9 months.
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Omar
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Post by Omar on Jul 7, 2007 14:24:58 GMT
I don't hesitate at all when I say that there is nothing in your queue that should take priority over The Wire. Even "Wages of Fear"?
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Omar
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Post by Omar on Jul 22, 2007 20:42:36 GMT
With these cops and criminals, there is no easily determined good and bad. You've got that right. I've watched the first four episodes of season 1, and I'm really impressed. The second episode, where the three cops go to the towers at 2am, was very hard to watch. This show reminds me of Law & Order, only, instead of solving the murder in one episode, it (looks as if) takes a whole season. And there is so much detail put into the show, from the code of honor of the dealers, to the stress and alcholism that comes with the job of a law enforcer. So don't worry Kino, you haven't raised my hopes too high, but merely pushed me into getting into a show that I've been interested in for quite some time.
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Omar
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Post by Omar on Jul 27, 2007 22:05:35 GMT
I am now seven episodes in, and at this point, I would strike the "Law & Order" comparison. It reminds me of Spike Lee's (best) film "Clockers", more than anything else.
But really, you can't compare it to anything else. It certainly goes it's own way, in it's introduction to characters, story development, etc.
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Omar
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Post by Omar on Aug 8, 2007 17:49:02 GMT
I finished the first season, and am now four episodes into the second season.
SEASON 2 SPOILERS
I was really impressed with the first season, despite it's really downer ending. The murder of Wallace, D'Angelo's 20 year sentence, McNulty getting transfered to the harbor unit, and Daniels getting thrown into the basement once again (though it looks like there is hope for him).
The second season, so far, seems even more ambitious, covering the detail and where they've been split up to (and now brought back together), the Barksdale crew trying to recover their operation while Avon and D'Angelo struggle inside prison, and then a completely new storyline with the equally interesting setting of the docks. I'm enjoying this so far.
I have to ask though, is McNulty's character supposed to be Irish-American, or does West's accent just sort of shift? I remember in the first season Rawls calling him Irish once or twice, but there's never been any more talk about it.
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Post by Omar on Aug 8, 2007 18:17:43 GMT
While the character of Omar gets lots of praise, I think Stringer Bell is a very underrated character. As an enforcer, he is very quiet, but also very very menacing. And he's one of the very first characters we actually see. I think he scares me more than Omar.
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Post by Omar on Aug 31, 2007 19:29:30 GMT
I am now six episodes into season 3, and things are really getting good.
SEASON 2 SPOILERS Season Two has had time to sit with me, and while I liked certain aspects of the dock and what not (and the montage at the end with Nick Sobotka leaning against the fence), I kind of view it as a mini-season between One and Three. This show is at it's best when it focuses on the urban decay that the drug "game" has caused.
SEASON 3 SPOILERS Avon is out of prison now, and it's obvious that he won't be able to get used to the legitimate ways that Stringer set while he was in prison. And unlike season two, the subplots with Maj. Colvin and the Western district along with the political plot line of Tommy Carcetti directly tie in with Daniel's unit, and everything that's going on. Cutty's storyline grows on you pretty quick too.
Season 3 is the most ambitious this show has gotten, but it is also it's best season. At least, that's what I think so far. I'm starting to like the character of Bunk Moreland a lot. He's always been around, usually as just McNulty's cigar smoking friend, but in the episode I watched today, he had a scene with Omar, and it was by far the best scene of the entire series. Wendell Pierce finally got a chance to show off his acting chops, and damn! It blew me away. His character is just great this season.
Some questions for Kino:
1) Without spoiling anything (if that's possible), do we ever find out why Lt. Daniels was under investigation by the F.B.I. prior to season one? In one of the first episodes of the show, when McNulty is visiting his F.B.I. friend, it is mentioned that Daniels was under investigation for a time, and in the episode I watched today, Daniels vaguely mentions some problems he had in the eastern district years before to Rhonda Pearlman. It just goes to show how detailed this show is, and how you must pay attention to everything.
2) Is there a release date yet for the fourth season? I already know that it takes a detour of sorts and focuses on the school system (much like season 2 detoured to the docks, I assume). I am interested in what Simon has to say about that institution, however. I've also heard that EVERYTHING has changed by season four involving the characters and what not. That excites me enough.
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Omar
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Post by Omar on Sept 5, 2007 4:53:58 GMT
Can't wait for Season 5. The Wire this time explores media on both sides (the media and media consumers). Wow, that sounds like it could be the best. SEASON 3 SPOILERSMaybe detour is the wrong word, but if Simon would continue with the story of the dockworkers in season 3, then I wouldn't have called it a detour. Don't get me wrong, I loved that storyline! Ziggy and the Greek's henchmen. Very interesting characters that I wish Simon would have kept up with (though now that I think about it, that might be impossible). Simon spent an equal amount of time on the Barksdale's in season 2, which I also liked, but I really think they could have done even more.
Again, don't get me wrong, I love the structure of this show so much that I'm willing to call it H.B.O's best, above my beloved 'Sopranos'.
One more question (sorry about all of these): Why did Simon drop the "surveillance camera perspective" after Season 1? He might have used it a little in Season 2, but I always loved that technique and the reasoning behind it. Does he pick it up again in Season 4?
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Omar
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Post by Omar on Sept 6, 2007 20:57:50 GMT
SEASON 3 SPOILERSHow are you liking Stringer Bell's story thus far? Great stuff isn't it?
Oh yeah! It's the strongest part of the show I think, so far, anyway. The last episode I watched on Monday was the one where Stringer confesses to Avon that he had D'Angelo killed. And then the episode stops! So, needless to say, I can't wait for the next episode. I've been busy all week with classes (seriously, why do I need to learn about Isotopes?), but I will probably get to watch some more tonight. I will no doubt finish the third season this weekend.....and have to wait a few months to continue with the fourth season.I love love love The Sopranos. The dark humor is unparalleled. That is so true. I was thinking about the scene in Season 6a SOPRANOS SPOILER >>>when Vito meets his demise in the motel room, with Phil emerging from the closet to say his final words. Hilarious, in a really really dark way.<<< SOPRANOS SPOILER
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Omar
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Post by Omar on Sept 12, 2007 2:55:23 GMT
SEASON 3 SPOILERS
Well, I finished Season 3. It was fitting in a way to have Stringer and Avon both sell out each other. While Stringer payed the price (nice final words), I'm not really sure Avon did. While him seeing Marlo in the courtroom at the end symbolized the new wave of drug dealers, I wasn't sure where the show left Avon. They said he only had to finish the five years, right? Could this be a Ziggy, or have we not seen the last of him? I hope not. I hate to end it with the Barksdale Organization, but, oh well....
Speaking of Marlo, he might be my favorite character introduced in this season. Very mysterious.
Prez killing that cop came as a shock, but really, it seems as if this has been the formula for his character throughout the show. You never noticed him in the beginning of Season 1 until he beat up that kid. I hated him right away, but he redeemed himself as a character. Then, at the end of season 2, when things looked like they could go anywhere, he ended up punching his father in-law. And now he's done. I like how Freamon still kept him updated on the case.
And Kima! tsk tsk tsk. I hated her for being so apathetic about the baby, but not I guess her character is the female equivalent to McNulty. But not so fast, because he seems to be finding his own way, back at the western district. And how about Rawls? Quite random to reveal his homosexuality. I doubt the show will do anything with this, but I wish they would, because he's the biggest asshole on the show, despite giving McNulty that title in Season 1.
All in all, they wrapped this season up nicely. I can't wait to continue on with these characters. Too bad I have to wait over two months for the DVDs.
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Post by Omar on Sept 13, 2007 1:31:37 GMT
SEASON 3 SPOILERS[/size]
I'm been going through withdrawls from "The Wire" since finishing it on Monday, and today I just realized that Sgt. Carver killed Johnny, Bubbles' friend. He asked Carver for money for the bus, and Carver called him out asking for drug money, but Johnny said he already bought his product.....he just wanted more. Then we see him dead, in the background later on, as if he was never a character on the show. This show is remarkable.
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Post by Omar on Oct 5, 2007 20:17:45 GMT
I think this might be the best thing I've ever seen. Ever since I finished it on Netflix, I've been unable to continue on with my queue.
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Post by Omar on Oct 9, 2007 1:23:47 GMT
SEASON 3 SPOILERSI never thought about that. In my mind, I don't think Carver did it. I just thought he OD'd or got killed by someone in the madness of Hamsterdam. True, we never actually see Carver give him the money, but it's kind of a chilling after thought, and adds even more realms to this limitless show.
I am seriously trying to find a way to get a downloaded version of the fourth season. I really can't wait for December.
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Post by Capo on Nov 12, 2007 22:03:01 GMT
(In response to a deleted post):
I'm on my way, don't worry. But I'm low on cash, and the person from whom I'm going to loan it is back home. So, Christmas time...
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Post by Jenson71 on Nov 13, 2007 3:00:53 GMT
My law and courts professor says The Wire is the greatest show that has ever been made. He called it "Dickensonian" in how it weaves so many great stories of the urban lifestyle around so perfectly. Sounds cool. And it's cheaper than The Sopranos.
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Post by Omar on Nov 13, 2007 3:15:12 GMT
You can pre-order Season 4 @ 35% off @ Amazon!! Omar, what can we do to convert The Wire infidels here at FCM? Someone gave me a bootleg copy of Season 4 on Friday, but I haven't tried it out yet to see if it works. I can't wait to see it, regardless. And the final season starts right up in January. Mick, you would love this, and Jenson, I'd say your professor was right on in all of his statements. See this show!
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