collapse

* Recent Posts

Does Bucky NOT have a Basketball NIL? by PointWarrior
[Today at 12:05:24 AM]


2024-25 Outlook by WellsstreetWanderer
[April 25, 2024, 10:03:37 PM]


2024 Transfer Portal by TAMU, Knower of Ball
[April 25, 2024, 09:43:05 PM]


[New to PT] Big East Roster Tracker by Uncle Rico
[April 25, 2024, 05:51:25 PM]


Campus camp-out with cool flags? by FreewaysBurnerAccount
[April 25, 2024, 04:52:25 PM]


2024-25 Non-Conference Schedule by The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole
[April 25, 2024, 02:51:03 PM]

Please Register - It's FREE!

The absolute only thing required for this FREE registration is a valid e-mail address.  We keep all your information confidential and will NEVER give or sell it to anyone else.
Login to get rid of this box (and ads) , or register NOW!


Author Topic: The Wire  (Read 10387 times)

wadesworld

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 17544
The Wire
« on: May 26, 2018, 11:50:26 PM »
Had always heard good things about the show but never watched it.  Zach Lowe did a Podcast with Jonathan Abrams on Abrams's book about The Wire.  I never realized how culturally relevant/important the show was.  If you simply Google "The Wire" you'll get a number of articles claiming it is the greatest show/drama ever.

I decided to start watching the show after I heard Lowe's podcast on it.  Interesting storyline.  Very, very good acting.

I assume many Scoopers have seen it.  Thoughts on the show?
Rocket Trigger Warning (wild that saying this would trigger anyone, but it's the world we live in): Black Lives Matter

MU82

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 22910
Re: The Wire
« Reply #1 on: May 27, 2018, 04:54:46 AM »
Certainly one of my top TV dramas ever, right up there with Breaking Bad, Six Feet Under, Deadwood, Sopranos, Mad Men, Game of Thrones, The Americans, Transparent, Homeland and maybe a couple others.

The first season is quite complicated, with a lot of characters being introduced and a storyline that bobs and weaves. I actually think the series gets better with age. I preferred Season 2 to 1; Season 3 to 2; and I think Season 4 might be the best season of any television show in history. Unfortunately, IMHO, Season 5 isn't as sensational, but it had a very difficult act to follow and still was decent TV.

Otherwise, I won't give you any spoilers. Enjoy!

And while we're talking about catching up on HBO shows, if you haven't watched Veep from the beginning, do it. TV's best comedy since Seinfeld. Julia Louis-Dreyfus is brilliant (there's a reason she keeps winning the Emmy), the supporting cast is hilarious and the writing is exemplary.
« Last Edit: May 27, 2018, 05:10:03 AM by MU82 »
“It’s not how white men fight.” - Tucker Carlson

Bo Ryan's Massage Therapist

  • Team Captain
  • ****
  • Posts: 344
Re: The Wire
« Reply #2 on: May 27, 2018, 09:13:39 AM »
The Wire is my favorite show of all time.  Omar is IMO the greatest villain ever created... a gay black man who carries a sawed off shotgun and steals from the toughest drug dealers and even whistles the farmer in the dell to let them know he is coming.  He is the ultimate bad ass.  So many fantastic characters and storylines.   hard to believe it was based on real events, stories in Baltimore from the writer's time as a journalist for the Baltimore Sun.  You will love it!
“If a player leaves Marquette and doesn’t have some of my blood in him, then I don’t think I’ve done a good job.”  Al McGuire

Hards Alumni

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 6654
Re: The Wire
« Reply #3 on: May 27, 2018, 09:26:55 AM »
Had always heard good things about the show but never watched it.  Zach Lowe did a Podcast with Jonathan Abrams on Abrams's book about The Wire.  I never realized how culturally relevant/important the show was.  If you simply Google "The Wire" you'll get a number of articles claiming it is the greatest show/drama ever.

I decided to start watching the show after I heard Lowe's podcast on it.  Interesting storyline.  Very, very good acting.

I assume many Scoopers have seen it.  Thoughts on the show?

Its amazing, just go watch it.

LloydsLegs

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 1431
Re: The Wire
« Reply #4 on: May 27, 2018, 11:05:50 AM »
The Wire is amazing.  The "F*ck only" dialogue scene between Jimmy McNulty and Bunk is one of my all-time favorites.  So many great characters.

Agree with MU82, though I have not (yet) watched 6 Feet Under or Homeland, and I am 3 episodes into season 2 of Deadwood.

Cannot wait for the finale of The Americans.  Lots to resolve...so little time.   

I think one of the reasons I enjoy The Americans so much is "nostalgia" for the era.  I took Professor Farmer for Soviet politics and imagine him to have been an agent for one or both sides and spent the Spring of '84 semester at American U studying international relations, which mostly meant the cold war.

Jockey

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 2044
  • “We want to get rid of the ballots"
Re: The Wire
« Reply #5 on: May 27, 2018, 05:31:48 PM »
The Wire is amazing.  The "F*ck only" dialogue scene between Jimmy McNulty and Bunk is one of my all-time favorites.  So many great characters.

Agree with MU82, though I have not (yet) watched 6 Feet Under or Homeland, and I am 3 episodes into season 2 of Deadwood.

Cannot wait for the finale of The Americans.  Lots to resolve...so little time.   

I think one of the reasons I enjoy The Americans so much is "nostalgia" for the era.  I took Professor Farmer for Soviet politics and imagine him to have been an agent for one or both sides and spent the Spring of '84 semester at American U studying international relations, which mostly meant the cold war.


The Wire ranks right up there with Breaking Bad. MU82 was spot on with his analysis.

Six Feet Under was a solid, entertaining show - not even close to The Wire, though.

Absolutely watch Deadwood as it is a great show - maybe not Top 5, but pretty close to the top.

PVMagic

  • Starter
  • ***
  • Posts: 217
Re: The Wire
« Reply #6 on: May 27, 2018, 06:36:37 PM »
Funny timing.  I've watched it through at least twice, and over the last couple of weeks have been rewatching it with my girlfriend who is watching it for the first time. We are approaching the end of season 1.  I've always thought it was great but I forgot how truly good it is.  IMO >Homeland, Breaking Bad (and I love/d both).  Season 1 alone the characters are just incredible and I struggle to find a weak performance. They way they evolve (or really, are revealed) as it progresses is what puts it over the top in my book.

MU82

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 22910
Re: The Wire
« Reply #7 on: May 27, 2018, 07:08:34 PM »

The Wire ranks right up there with Breaking Bad. MU82 was spot on with his analysis.

Six Feet Under was a solid, entertaining show - not even close to The Wire, though.

Absolutely watch Deadwood as it is a great show - maybe not Top 5, but pretty close to the top.

I think Six Feet Under is underrated, but I'm probably influenced by the fact that it was the first HBO series I watched from start to finish - even before Sopranos. I loved the macabre humor, and the acting. My favorite in a talented cast was Lauren Ambrose, who was absolutely perfect as the ever-put-upon teenage daughter Claire. Without giving away too much, the series finale was as good as any since Mary Tyler Moore! But sure, as a pretty picky consumer of great TV, I can easily admit that Six Feet Under is no Wire or Breaking Bad.

Loved the first 4 seasons of Dexter, too. Got dopier and dopier the next three years, though, unfortunately dropping it from the ranks of truly great dramas.

Always a soft spot for NYPD Blue, too. They had a couple of bad seasons, but Dennis Franz was amazing as Andy Sipowicz, one of the all-time great TV characters. That and Friday Night Lights were probably the last network dramas I truly liked. Thank goodness for HBO, Showtime, FX, AMC and Netflix.
“It’s not how white men fight.” - Tucker Carlson

MU82

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 22910
Re: The Wire
« Reply #8 on: May 27, 2018, 07:12:17 PM »
Funny timing.  I've watched it through at least twice, and over the last couple of weeks have been rewatching it with my girlfriend who is watching it for the first time. We are approaching the end of season 1.  I've always thought it was great but I forgot how truly good it is.  IMO >Homeland, Breaking Bad (and I love/d both).  Season 1 alone the characters are just incredible and I struggle to find a weak performance. They way they evolve (or really, are revealed) as it progresses is what puts it over the top in my book.

The guy who plays Jimmy on The Wire is awesome in The Affair on Showtime. Not nearly as good a show; more "guilty pleasure" fare. I've had a few shows like that. Sons of Anarchy ... for whatever reason I really liked it even though the acting was mediocre and the violence was off the charts. The Shield ... that certainly was better than Sons of Anarchy, but it wasn't "great." A few like that. They can't all be The Wire and Breaking Bad!
“It’s not how white men fight.” - Tucker Carlson

Jockey

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 2044
  • “We want to get rid of the ballots"
Re: The Wire
« Reply #9 on: May 27, 2018, 07:57:45 PM »


Loved the first 4 seasons of Dexter, too. Got dopier and dopier the next three years, though, unfortunately dropping it from the ranks of truly great dramas.

Always a soft spot for NYPD Blue, too. They had a couple of bad seasons, but Dennis Franz was amazing as Andy Sipowicz, one of the all-time great TV characters. That and Friday Night Lights were probably the last network dramas I truly liked. Thank goodness for HBO, Showtime, FX, AMC and Netflix.

Agree on Dexter. The last couple years were hard to sit through after years of quality shows.

As for NYPD Blue, that is probably the only network TV show that we made sure we were available for every week. Not only was Sipowicz a truly great character, but it was Jimmy Smits' best work. David Caruso was great in his only season and the female characters were outstanding.

If you haven't watched it yet, Animal Kingdom is on Amazon Prime. Sort of a mix between the 1st few years of SOA and The Sopranos. Ellen Barkin outdoes Katy Sagal as the matriarch of the show.

Bosch (on Prime as well) is the best cop show I have seen in years although I really, really liked the Shield. Justified is my guilty pleasure.
« Last Edit: May 27, 2018, 08:00:56 PM by Jockey »

brewnewsman

  • Scholarship Player
  • **
  • Posts: 66
Re: The Wire
« Reply #10 on: May 27, 2018, 08:32:10 PM »
The Wire is a must watch. The first few episodes can be tough to figure out who everyone one is but stay with it. Amazing.

I need a show to binge. Thinking Deadwood or Westworld. Anyone have a preference?


Jockey

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 2044
  • “We want to get rid of the ballots"
Re: The Wire
« Reply #11 on: May 27, 2018, 08:47:41 PM »
The Wire is a must watch. The first few episodes can be tough to figure out who everyone one is but stay with it. Amazing.

I need a show to binge. Thinking Deadwood or Westworld. Anyone have a preference?

I was disappointed after the first few episodes of Westworld. Be interesting to see if others liked it more than I did.

MU82

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 22910
Re: The Wire
« Reply #12 on: May 27, 2018, 10:08:06 PM »
Agree on Dexter. The last couple years were hard to sit through after years of quality shows.

As for NYPD Blue, that is probably the only network TV show that we made sure we were available for every week. Not only was Sipowicz a truly great character, but it was Jimmy Smits' best work. David Caruso was great in his only season and the female characters were outstanding.

If you haven't watched it yet, Animal Kingdom is on Amazon Prime. Sort of a mix between the 1st few years of SOA and The Sopranos. Ellen Barkin outdoes Katy Sagal as the matriarch of the show.

Bosch (on Prime as well) is the best cop show I have seen in years although I really, really liked the Shield. Justified is my guilty pleasure.

Justified was a fun show to watch. Certainly not "great," but lots of enjoyable moments. Often seemed more comedy than drama. Loved Walton Goggins (Boyd Crowder); he also was excellent in The Shield.

I've seen the ads for Animal Kingdom. Maybe I'll check it out. Denis Leary was always funny in Rescue Me - another "guilty pleasure" FX show.
“It’s not how white men fight.” - Tucker Carlson

Jockey

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 2044
  • “We want to get rid of the ballots"
Re: The Wire
« Reply #13 on: May 27, 2018, 10:14:13 PM »
Justified was a fun show to watch. Certainly not "great," but lots of enjoyable moments. Often seemed more comedy than drama. Loved Walton Goggins (Boyd Crowder); he also was excellent in The Shield.

I've seen the ads for Animal Kingdom. Maybe I'll check it out. Denis Leary was always funny in Rescue Me - another "guilty pleasure" FX show.

First 2 seasons are on Prime - Leary is just joining the show for the 3rd season. Never a fan of his, but loved him in Rescue Me

MU82

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 22910
Re: The Wire
« Reply #14 on: May 27, 2018, 10:19:57 PM »
The Wire is a must watch. The first few episodes can be tough to figure out who everyone one is but stay with it. Amazing.

I need a show to binge. Thinking Deadwood or Westworld. Anyone have a preference?

I was disappointed after the first few episodes of Westworld. Be interesting to see if others liked it more than I did.

For all I heard about Westworld, I eagerly decided to catch up on Season 1 before Season 2 began. My wife hated it immediately and wouldn't watch a second episode. I stuck with it for 3 or 4 episodes. I just couldn't get into it. That happens sometimes, even with good shows though.

brewnews, not knowing what kind of stuff you like to watch, I'll throw out a few in different genres that I've recently enjoyed.

Transparent, if you get Amazon Prime, saw incredible work by Jeffrey Tambor; it's hard to imagine the show without him (he was forced out, and seemingly deservedly so, in the MeToo movement).

Bloodline, on Netflix, was some tense stuff. Sometimes difficult to watch, but usually good TV. The first two seasons, especially, an incredible performance by the actor who played troubled Danny.

Wild Wild Country, also on Netflix, pretty effen amazing documentary about an Indian guru's cult taking over a chunk of Oregon.

If you haven't done the Stranger Things binge yet ... I guarantee it will be difficult to stop. Addictive and satisfying. It does help if you like Sci Fi, but my wife doesn't really and she still loved the two seasons.

Again, not knowing what you like or have already seen ... Homeland is most definitely binge-worthy. I actually thought the season before this one was only OK but I thought it had an excellent "comeback" this year. Claire Danes was sensational.

Jeesh ... I watch too much TV!
“It’s not how white men fight.” - Tucker Carlson

MU82

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 22910
Re: The Wire
« Reply #15 on: May 27, 2018, 10:20:29 PM »
First 2 seasons are on Prime - Leary is just joining the show for the 3rd season. Never a fan of his, but loved him in Rescue Me

Oh, thanks brand. See ... I didn't even know this was the third season.
“It’s not how white men fight.” - Tucker Carlson

PVMagic

  • Starter
  • ***
  • Posts: 217
Re: The Wire
« Reply #16 on: May 27, 2018, 10:21:50 PM »
Loved Justified as well (though I am finishing up 4 years in Lexington, so a little biased). I thought the side characters they would bring in for individual episodes were excellent, and Boyd Crowder was just a fantastic character.

Loved season 1 of Westworld; while I did enjoy the first few probably more than a few on here, it really took off the second half of the season.  I'm considering a rewatch of season 1 prior to watching season 2; will leave it at that to avoid spoilers.

MU82

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 22910
Re: The Wire
« Reply #17 on: May 27, 2018, 10:32:03 PM »
Loved Justified as well (though I am finishing up 4 years in Lexington, so a little biased). I thought the side characters they would bring in for individual episodes were excellent, and Boyd Crowder was just a fantastic character.

Loved season 1 of Westworld; while I did enjoy the first few probably more than a few on here, it really took off the second half of the season.  I'm considering a rewatch of season 1 prior to watching season 2; will leave it at that to avoid spoilers.

Well then, maybe I'll give Westworld Season 1 another shot, because it sounds like I stopped watching right before it "really took off." A lot of people like it, so I maybe shouldn't give up on it.

But I'm a guy who was burned by "John From Cincinnati" way back when. I might be the only HBO viewer who watched the entire season in real time, waiting for something to happen. It's kind of my personal "Ishtar." Back then, HBO was the king of TV content and it seemed everything they did was a winner. Wrong! Effen John From Cincinnati!
“It’s not how white men fight.” - Tucker Carlson

Archies Bat

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 651
Re: The Wire
« Reply #18 on: May 28, 2018, 06:53:08 AM »
I think one of the reasons I enjoy The Americans so much is "nostalgia" for the era.  I took Professor Farmer for Soviet politics and imagine him to have been an agent for one or both sides and spent the Spring of '84 semester at American U studying international relations, which mostly meant the cold war.

Farmer was my favorite Prof at MU.  TBH, he did not have much competition, because most of my Professors were engineers.

Hards Alumni

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 6654
Re: The Wire
« Reply #19 on: May 28, 2018, 10:50:47 AM »
The Wire is a must watch. The first few episodes can be tough to figure out who everyone one is but stay with it. Amazing.

I need a show to binge. Thinking Deadwood or Westworld. Anyone have a preference?

Westworld is great, but there is only a season and a half released.

Hards Alumni

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 6654
Re: The Wire
« Reply #20 on: May 28, 2018, 10:51:33 AM »
I was disappointed after the first few episodes of Westworld. Be interesting to see if others liked it more than I did.

If you quit after the first few episodes, you should finish season 1 out before truly judging.

Jockey

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 2044
  • “We want to get rid of the ballots"
Re: The Wire
« Reply #21 on: May 28, 2018, 12:21:45 PM »
If you quit after the first few episodes, you should finish season 1 out before truly judging.

I did, Hards. I just got less interested as the season went on. I watched the 1st episode of season 2 a few weeks ago and then gave up.

To each his own, I guess.

Vander Blue Man Group

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 3872
Re: The Wire
« Reply #22 on: May 28, 2018, 12:57:40 PM »
I was disappointed after the first few episodes of Westworld. Be interesting to see if others liked it more than I did.

Westworld did start off slowly and I wondered what all the fuss was about.  I stuck with it and the 2nd half of the first season got better.

The second season has been outstanding thus far.  I'd highly recommend you revisit it.

I don't want to compare it to Breaking Bad, which is my favorite drama of all time, but I know a lot of people initially gave up on that show during season 1 and later regretted it. 

Skitch

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 515
Re: The Wire
« Reply #23 on: May 28, 2018, 01:50:40 PM »
Agree on Dexter. The last couple years were hard to sit through after years of quality shows.

As for NYPD Blue, that is probably the only network TV show that we made sure we were available for every week. Not only was Sipowicz a truly great character, but it was Jimmy Smits' best work. David Caruso was great in his only season and the female characters were outstanding.

If you haven't watched it yet, Animal Kingdom is on Amazon Prime. Sort of a mix between the 1st few years of SOA and The Sopranos. Ellen Barkin outdoes Katy Sagal as the matriarch of the show.

Bosch (on Prime as well) is the best cop show I have seen in years although I really, really liked the Shield. Justified is my guilty pleasure.

I loved SOA but admit it was over the top and ultra violent. I recently watched The Shield and thought it was amazing.

You mention Jimmy Smits. He is like a great relief pitcher. He comes in during the middle of a great shows run and makes it better. He was great on NYPD Blue and I loved him as Matt Santos on The West Wing. I think his best work was as Nero Padilla on SOA, though.

MU82

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 22910
Re: The Wire
« Reply #24 on: May 28, 2018, 02:06:24 PM »
I loved SOA but admit it was over the top and ultra violent. I recently watched The Shield and thought it was amazing.

You mention Jimmy Smits. He is like a great relief pitcher. He comes in during the middle of a great shows run and makes it better. He was great on NYPD Blue and I loved him as Matt Santos on The West Wing. I think his best work was as Nero Padilla on SOA, though.

Smits was great as Nero, that's for sure.
“It’s not how white men fight.” - Tucker Carlson

Archies Bat

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 651
Re: The Wire
« Reply #25 on: May 28, 2018, 05:05:52 PM »

Bosch (on Prime as well) is the best cop show I have seen in years although I really, really liked the Shield. Justified is my guilty pleasure.

I'll second Bosch.  My wife and I were searching Amazon for something new, and just happened to pick it. Ended up watching all 4 seasons in a week.  It's not The Wire or Breaking Bad, but a solid second tier.

Jockey

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 2044
  • “We want to get rid of the ballots"
Re: The Wire
« Reply #26 on: May 28, 2018, 05:19:32 PM »
I'll second Bosch.  My wife and I were searching Amazon for something new, and just happened to pick it. Ended up watching all 4 seasons in a week.  It's not The Wire or Breaking Bad, but a solid second tier.

Yup.. Also check out Goliath on Amazon with Billy Bob Thornton.

Vander Blue Man Group

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 3872
Re: The Wire
« Reply #27 on: May 28, 2018, 05:44:20 PM »
I thought Sneaky Pete on Amazon was pretty good.  Just starting the 2nd season. 

Jockey

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 2044
  • “We want to get rid of the ballots"
Re: The Wire
« Reply #28 on: May 28, 2018, 05:58:54 PM »
I thought Sneaky Pete on Amazon was pretty good.  Just starting the 2nd season.

Really liked that show too. Season 2 is even better than 1.

LloydsLegs

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 1431
Re: The Wire
« Reply #29 on: May 30, 2018, 10:26:06 AM »
Really liked that show too. Season 2 is even better than 1.

Agreed.

Archies Bat

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 651
Re: The Wire
« Reply #30 on: June 07, 2018, 04:48:23 PM »
Yup.. Also check out Goliath on Amazon with Billy Bob Thornton.

Good call, already looking forward to Season 2.

brewcity77

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 26462
  • Warning-This poster may trigger thin skinned users
    • Cracked Sidewalks
Re: The Wire
« Reply #31 on: June 09, 2018, 08:19:43 PM »
I think Six Feet Under is underrated, but I'm probably influenced by the fact that it was the first HBO series I watched from start to finish - even before Sopranos. I loved the macabre humor, and the acting. My favorite in a talented cast was Lauren Ambrose, who was absolutely perfect as the ever-put-upon teenage daughter Claire. Without giving away too much, the series finale was as good as any since Mary Tyler Moore! But sure, as a pretty picky consumer of great TV, I can easily admit that Six Feet Under is no Wire or Breaking Bad.

I wanted to second this. The finale of Six Feet Under was the best I've ever seen. Just brilliantly done. My only real gripe with the show was Brenda. I loved all the other characters and dynamics, but I really got sick of her and her family.

Regardless, great show and well worth the investment. Powerful cast, well written, and one of the rare shows that sticks the landing perfectly.
This space reserved for a 2024 2025 National Championship celebration banner.

🏀

  • Registered User
  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 8468
Re: The Wire
« Reply #32 on: June 11, 2018, 10:09:40 PM »
Started watching The Wire. McNulty has the best car ever made in the 90s, if you're in Dayton.

MU82

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 22910
Re: The Wire
« Reply #33 on: June 11, 2018, 11:47:47 PM »
I wanted to second this. The finale of Six Feet Under was the best I've ever seen. Just brilliantly done. My only real gripe with the show was Brenda. I loved all the other characters and dynamics, but I really got sick of her and her family.

Regardless, great show and well worth the investment. Powerful cast, well written, and one of the rare shows that sticks the landing perfectly.

Funny you say that ... cuz I also hated Brenda!
“It’s not how white men fight.” - Tucker Carlson

withoutbias

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 799
Re: The Wire
« Reply #34 on: June 12, 2018, 01:39:24 AM »
herc is one of the best tv characters ever.

🏀

  • Registered User
  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 8468
Re: The Wire
« Reply #35 on: July 21, 2018, 07:26:48 AM »
Finished The Wire. Season 4 is top notch television. Season 5 was a dud.

I'm solidly putting it behind Sopranos and Breaking Bad.

MUEng92

  • Registered User
  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 4903
Re: The Wire
« Reply #36 on: July 21, 2018, 10:44:34 AM »
Bosch (on Prime as well) is the best cop show I have seen in years although I really, really liked the Shield. Justified is my guilty pleasure.

The Bosch series of books by Micheal Connelly is the only series I've read nearly completely over the last 10+ years.  Unfortunately, I watch each season in about a week and have to wait another year to see the next season.  My definition of bitter sweet.

MU82

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 22910
Re: The Wire
« Reply #37 on: July 21, 2018, 10:10:33 PM »
Finished The Wire. Season 4 is top notch television. Season 5 was a dud.

I'm solidly putting it behind Sopranos and Breaking Bad.

I can't argue against this.

It would have been nice if The Wire had wrapped up more strongly.
“It’s not how white men fight.” - Tucker Carlson

🏀

  • Registered User
  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 8468
Re: The Wire
« Reply #38 on: July 22, 2018, 06:15:26 AM »
I can't argue against this.

It would have been nice if The Wire had wrapped up more strongly.

Honestly, it left a bad taste in my mouth about the whole thing. I was actually looking forward to posting a more in-depth recap of the series once I finished, but that last season ruined it.

My two biggest issues. How does super jacked Daniels have a wife that looks more like his mom in season 1? How is Rhonda bedding McNulty and then Daniels?

I just found out Wallace was Michael B. Jordan, wow wow wow.

MU82

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 22910
Re: The Wire
« Reply #39 on: July 22, 2018, 03:46:23 PM »
Honestly, it left a bad taste in my mouth about the whole thing. I was actually looking forward to posting a more in-depth recap of the series once I finished, but that last season ruined it.

My two biggest issues. How does super jacked Daniels have a wife that looks more like his mom in season 1? How is Rhonda bedding McNulty and then Daniels?

I just found out Wallace was Michael B. Jordan, wow wow wow.

Well, now I think you're going a little overboard. Season 5 came nowhere near living up to the rest of the series, especially Season 4, which was one of the best single seasons any television show has ever had. But compared to most other stuff on TV, Season 5 wasn't dreadful. It just wasn't good enough. All IMHO.

Jordan was one of the many kid actors who shined those last 2 seasons (especially Season 4). He was really, really good. And he's grown up to be a pretty darn good actor, too.
“It’s not how white men fight.” - Tucker Carlson

🏀

  • Registered User
  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 8468
Re: The Wire
« Reply #40 on: July 22, 2018, 05:22:22 PM »
Well, now I think you're going a little overboard. Season 5 came nowhere near living up to the rest of the series, especially Season 4, which was one of the best single seasons any television show has ever had. But compared to most other stuff on TV, Season 5 wasn't dreadful. It just wasn't good enough. All IMHO.

Jordan was one of the many kid actors who shined those last 2 seasons (especially Season 4). He was really, really good. And he's grown up to be a pretty darn good actor, too.

Maybe, but I think season 5 was a rush job to tie up all the loose ends, all the arcs and leave no questions. The questions is something that still surrounds the Sopranos and it seems like The Wire went opposite.

You going to tell me the Omar death was satisfying and worthy of the character? Yeah, no. Bodie? Same thing.

reinko

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 2696
Re: The Wire
« Reply #41 on: July 22, 2018, 06:57:31 PM »
Well, now I think you're going a little overboard. Season 5 came nowhere near living up to the rest of the series, especially Season 4, which was one of the best single seasons any television show has ever had. But compared to most other stuff on TV, Season 5 wasn't dreadful. It just wasn't good enough. All IMHO.

Jordan was one of the many kid actors who shined those last 2 seasons (especially Season 4). He was really, really good. And he's grown up to be a pretty darn good actor, too.

Jordan was only in season 1.


MU82

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 22910
Re: The Wire
« Reply #42 on: July 22, 2018, 09:57:15 PM »
Jordan was only in season 1.

Shyte. You're right. Got the character he played confused with the one played by Tristan Wilds (Michael) in Seasons 4 and 5.

Me so stoopid sometimes. Thanks for the correction.
“It’s not how white men fight.” - Tucker Carlson

MU Fan in Connecticut

  • Registered User
  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 3463
Re: The Wire
« Reply #43 on: July 23, 2018, 08:22:21 AM »
I'll second Bosch.  My wife and I were searching Amazon for something new, and just happened to pick it. Ended up watching all 4 seasons in a week.  It's not The Wire or Breaking Bad, but a solid second tier.

Actor Titus Welliver is a local guy.  Local Magazine ran a short interview with him recently if you're interested.


http://www.connecticutmag.com/arts/titus-welliver-plays-l-a-detective-bosch-but-his-heart/article_663542c6-27c7-11e8-b30e-3fb79ee5bcac.html
« Last Edit: July 26, 2018, 08:53:37 AM by MU Fan in Connecticut »

Skitch

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 515
Re: The Wire
« Reply #44 on: July 25, 2018, 01:15:15 AM »
Actor Titus Welliver is a local guy.  Local Magazine ran a short interview with him recently if your interested.


http://www.connecticutmag.com/arts/titus-welliver-plays-l-a-detective-bosch-but-his-heart/article_663542c6-27c7-11e8-b30e-3fb79ee5bcac.html

He was really good and easy to hate on Sons of Anarchy

MU82

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 22910
Re: The Wire
« Reply #45 on: July 25, 2018, 10:49:13 AM »
He was really good and easy to hate on Sons of Anarchy

Yep, real d-b on SoA.
“It’s not how white men fight.” - Tucker Carlson

Benny B

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 5969
Re: The Wire
« Reply #46 on: July 25, 2018, 03:16:38 PM »
I think this is the third Scoop thread re: The Wire over the past 8 years.  Evidently it’s good.  I still haven’t gotten around to it, but it’s good.
Wow, I'm very concerned for Benny.  Being able to mimic Myron Medcalf's writing so closely implies an oncoming case of dementia.

mu-rara

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 1258
Re: The Wire
« Reply #47 on: July 26, 2018, 03:05:56 PM »
The Wire is amazing.  The "F*ck only" dialogue scene between Jimmy McNulty and Bunk is one of my all-time favorites.  So many great characters.

Agree with MU82, though I have not (yet) watched 6 Feet Under or Homeland, and I am 3 episodes into season 2 of Deadwood.

Cannot wait for the finale of The Americans.  Lots to resolve...so little time.   

I think one of the reasons I enjoy The Americans so much is "nostalgia" for the era.  I took Professor Farmer for Soviet politics and imagine him to have been an agent for one or both sides and spent the Spring of '84 semester at American U studying international relations, which mostly meant the cold war.
I was taking Ken Farmer's class when Brezhnev died.  He spent the rest of the semester talking about him.

Archies Bat

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 651
Re: The Wire
« Reply #48 on: July 26, 2018, 03:11:13 PM »
I may have been in that class with you...

TallTitan34

  • Registered User
  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 9332
  • Gold N. Eagle (Ret.), Two Time SI Cover Model
    • Marquette Overload
Re: The Wire
« Reply #49 on: July 27, 2018, 09:00:21 AM »
The Wire is a must watch. The first few episodes can be tough to figure out who everyone one is but stay with it. Amazing.

I watched the first episode last weekend and it definitely took a bit of work to keep straight who everyone is. 

NYWarrior

  • Registered User
  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 2004
    • Cracked Sidewalks
Re: The Wire
« Reply #50 on: July 27, 2018, 12:10:48 PM »
The Wire is my favorite show of all time.  Omar is IMO the greatest villain ever created... a gay black man who carries a sawed off shotgun and steals from the toughest drug dealers and even whistles the farmer in the dell to let them know he is coming.  He is the ultimate bad ass.  So many fantastic characters and storylines.   hard to believe it was based on real events, stories in Baltimore from the writer's time as a journalist for the Baltimore Sun.  You will love it!

The Wire > oxygen


MU82

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 22910
Re: The Wire
« Reply #51 on: July 27, 2018, 02:25:21 PM »
I watched the first episode last weekend and it definitely took a bit of work to keep straight who everyone is.

I admit that I had to watch the first coupla episodes twice each.
“It’s not how white men fight.” - Tucker Carlson

Benny B

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 5969
Re: The Wire
« Reply #52 on: July 30, 2018, 09:08:32 AM »
The Wire > oxygen

Anything's better than a Lifetime imitator.
Wow, I'm very concerned for Benny.  Being able to mimic Myron Medcalf's writing so closely implies an oncoming case of dementia.

Archies Bat

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 651
Re: The Wire
« Reply #53 on: August 19, 2018, 01:16:37 PM »
I thought Sneaky Pete on Amazon was pretty good.  Just starting the 2nd season.

Good call.  Just finished season 1.

LloydsLegs

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 1431
Re: The Wire
« Reply #54 on: August 21, 2018, 04:07:00 PM »
Good call.  Just finished season 1.

Finished Season 1 last night.  Really good ending; satisfying, but cliffhanger leaves uncertainty. 

wadesworld

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 17544
Re: The Wire
« Reply #55 on: November 26, 2018, 12:38:24 PM »
Did Leonard Hamilton play the Major that came up with the idea to funnel the drug trade to a specific area in Baltimore?

Kidding, but seriously...
Rocket Trigger Warning (wild that saying this would trigger anyone, but it's the world we live in): Black Lives Matter

RushmoreAcademy

  • All American
  • *****
  • Posts: 1387
Re: The Wire
« Reply #56 on: November 26, 2018, 12:56:30 PM »
Just saw this thread existed.
The Wire is my favorite show of all time. Not necessarily specific episodes, but ep 1 thru ep 60, as a whole, is a masterwork.