When you start with a show everyone can’t stop raving and talking about, it invariably ends poorly e.g. G.O.T – still stings a little. But that’s not the case with The Wire, which retains and even improves on what makes it such a good show to watch, and with sixty episodes it will take you a while to get through them all, not to mention all the lingering doubts, feelings and suspicions you’ll have to digest between each episode.
The Wire centres its stories around Baltimore’s war on drugs. How to have such a war, those involved, and who really profits from it? Each season being set in a different year in Baltimore, while the same characters pretty much remain throughout, and in this you see the changes within them, to the wider effect their lives have on each other. These aren’t two-dimensional characters, but those with a wealth of history, affected by and altering current situations, to personalities that are so truly rich they leap out at you.
The series, through various perspectives, examines both those committing the crimes, to those tasked to investigate them; you see the impact, the exploration of “rights” and “wrongs” and the journey that has led to them. In addition to which they expand into the affect it has on neighbourhoods, including schools, media coverage, politics and politicians (who are part of the problem), to those caught in between. Each season focusing on a new area while retaining the same network of cops and criminals; though with corruption, family responsibilities and kindness you might question who belongs where?
In terms of acting the cast not only work well as whole, but also have the uniqueness of rendering their characters as actual living people. However, there are so many actors in The Wire who are outstanding in their performance, that like an Oscar speech – please forgive me if I don’t mention them all. Although it would be unforgivable not to talk about Wood Harris who plays Avon Barksdale; a leader of a criminal gang, whose intimidation and leadership comes not only from his chillingly delivered dialogue, but the comfortable body language of someone who knows he’s in charge. Harris’s relaxed, and yet strong poses as Barksdale hint at the powers of his character’s words and the promise of punishment for those who don’t follow him. Another great actor is Andre Royo who did a wonderfully empathetic portrayal of the drug-addicted character Reginald ‘Bubbles’ Cousins, so much so that you feel the inner turmoil of his character. His need for a hit being stronger than anything else – that on a daily basis he struggles not to lose himself – all the while wanting a chance at a better life. Lastly, on what could be a forever list of brilliance, is John Doman who plays William Rawls, capturing a character who enjoys putting everyone on edge; both through his lack of self-control and through his position of power.
Detailed writing and well-thought-out scripts will keep you coming back to the show, its episodes bringing you into the story and those who live it. This is certainly helped by the writers’ experience, with one writer, Ed Burns, having previously worked as a detective, while the creator, David Simon, was a police reporter within Baltimore.
The Wire varies from other TV serials in showing what each side has to lose, and most importantly how we the audience can be blinded by preconceptions. Surprisingly, it also has unexpected humour in a series that can be harsh, brutal, and very human.
Creator: David Simon
Other notable works:
- We Own This City 2022
- The Plot Against America 2020
- The Deuce 2017-2019
- Show Me a Hero 2015
- Treme 2010-2013
- Generation Kill 2008
- The Corner 2000
- Homicide: Life on the Street 1993-1999
