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Confessions of a Wire virgin. - Page 2

post #51 of 922
5/21/08 at 3:21pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by C.Swicegood View Post
.....NO!

But they did get rid of the nudity and never returned to it. Even with the minor reduced fifth season.


It seemed unnecessary in the first place, but it dissapeared completely for the last two seasons.
Well in my view HBO never did nudity well and it doesn't really have a place for it in the grand story that's being presented.

I will say, that I thought the actors (or people potrayed because I have no clue whether some of them are actors or not) the dock workers were pretty spot on. Perhaps it's because we've seen these types before (Men working in a dying industry unable to do change with the times, etc) rather than what's depicted in Season 4 with the kids which was something that hadn't really been depicted before in such a way.
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post #52 of 922
5/21/08 at 3:31pm
I am one of those rare people who watched it since the the first episode aired on HBO. That was way before tv boxsets were all the rage and OnDemand was avaliable, but even then I remember watching the show twice every week, once on Sunday and then again later in the week when they would show the replay. I was hooked by episode 3 and I will always remember thinking after the season finale, never have I watched a television show and think the characters would keep on living their lives and I was missing out on it. Repeat viewings of the previous season before a new one started were always a must.

I think Lt. Dennis Mello, Snoop, the Deacon, and some teachers are the only characters who were played by Baltimore natives.

When Amy Ryan first showed up on the Office last week I yelled to the television "Sweet Beadie Russ!", just like McNulty did in season three in the car with Kima when he thought he saw in the patrol car. My wife looked at me like I was crazy. Damn I miss this show.
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post #53 of 922
5/21/08 at 3:47pm
I have never watched it. Not one single episode. I am downloading them to iTunes to get a taste for what I am missing since the sets are still around $70 each
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post #54 of 922
5/21/08 at 4:05pm
Has there been any word on a complete series DVD set? Whenever it's released, that will probably be my final DVD purchase.
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post #55 of 922
5/21/08 at 5:12pm
Well, I'll be damn. It really was Hamsterdam...

On another note, all the actors are solid in this including the ones whose characters are annoying, like Ziggy or Herc. The only show that had an ensemble this good is BSG.
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post #56 of 922
5/21/08 at 5:17pm
I don't think the show really has lulls. All five seasons were great, IMHO. In fact, I can only think of one episode that I didn't find fantastic: the very first one. It's just bad. How the pilot can be the worst episode of a show that great is somewhat surprising.

If you're seven episodes in and aren't loving it, something is wrong.
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post #57 of 922
5/21/08 at 5:31pm
I watched seasons one through four in the months leading up to season five. It's the best TV show of all time. The only shows that compare to it, in terms of quality and not similar content, are Freaks and Geeks and Twin Peaks. The whole series is a slow burn. It won't really hit you until the end of season three when you realize you have been watching just about the greatest thing ever. And it only gets better from there.

Anyone that wasn't into season five was not paying attention.
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post #58 of 922
5/21/08 at 5:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jonathan Banks is my hero View Post
I think S2 is maybe the best-structured season of all of them because of the way it has to continue certain stories while developing entirely new ones. The fact that it does this so brilliantly while managing to tell a fairly contained story makes me surprised every time I hear anyone call it a disappointment (which I've heard many times as well). It's a remarkable high-wire act of plotting.

Touching on what Hocken is saying, I think he's right that maybe it's the jump from one milieu of sorts to another that discombobulates viewers. But in the grand design of the series, I have trouble accepting it as anything less than the other seasons. It's probably my favorite single season.

I agree with this. Season 2 is highly underrated and I think it is as good as any other season. I enjoyed how it showed that the systematic maginalization of the working class helps the drug trade to proliferate while at the same time showing that it is a cross-cultural epidemic.
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post #59 of 922
5/21/08 at 6:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Starving Dog View Post
I have never watched it. Not one single episode. I am downloading them to iTunes to get a taste for what I am missing since the sets are still around $70 each
I guess you don't shop online then?

$50 and below on Amazon.
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post #60 of 922
5/21/08 at 9:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by stelios View Post
So after being a colossal idiot and ignoring The Wire, I started watching it last weekend. Feel free to verbally abuse me and mock my intelligence. I know I do. Because, boy am I hooked.

I'm half-way through Season 1 right now and this question popped in my mind. Does The Wire follow the usual pattern of great TV shows i.e. slowly getting better until it plateaus a couple of seasons in? Or does it stay on a consistent level. Because from where I'm standing, saying that it hit the ground running seems like an understatement.

Sorry for starting a new thread for this but the old ones seem lost in time. I couldn't even find them with Google. and I won't dare open the ones I can find for fear of spoilers. So please no spoilers on this one, right?
Funny, I'm exactly with you on this. Just started it last week and just finished the first season a couple hours ago. It's great shit, and even weirder for me was the fact that I watched it after finishing up Oz (which is a fantastic show, even if it does make a few weird decisions in that last season) and so many of the main players in The Wire are straight out of that show.

And ditto the love for the "Fuck!" policework scene. Probably my favorite of the entire season, except for a heart-wrenching moment from the second to last episode that I won't spoil. The guys really do work so well off each other, and I'm just hoping they get back into that partnership in the later seasons. (I'm sure many of you are chuckling knowingly about something that happens at that line. Fuckers!)
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post #61 of 922
5/21/08 at 9:09pm
Also right out of Homicide, in fact True-Frost (Prez) was great in this one episode where the cops are using his house as a stakeout for a serial killer and as the cops wait. A domestic drama goes on behind them with True-Frost and his wife arguing.
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post #62 of 922
5/21/08 at 9:50pm
I have all 5 seasons waiting for me just as soon as a turn in my last final paper. My boss - a cognitive social psychologists - absolutely raves about the realism of the characters and situations, as well as how all the intricate story lines are weaved together seamlessly to make for some of the most compelling TV. I have no doubt I will love the show.
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post #63 of 922
5/22/08 at 4:15am
Thread Starter 
Yesterday night was the Champion's League final so no Wire for me. I think I'm going into withdrawal. Or it might be the hangover from all the Jameson I downed. Before going to sleep I tried watching an episode and just couldn't follow it. You really need to be on your toes with this show.
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post #64 of 922
5/22/08 at 9:45am
Stelios, I too have only recently started the wire, and yes, I opted for the champions league final last night. Wierdly, I could imagine McNulty, Bunk and Landseman shouting abuse at the TV during the penalty shootout.

I'm 6 epsiodes in to season 3, and it just keeps getting better. I love the way Stringer Bell keeps getting frustated by the complexities and bureaucacy of legitimate business.

I loved season 2. The dock workers felt authentic to me. The Greeks weren't your usual flashy bling-bling villains, but who cares? They had a great subdued menace.
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post #65 of 922
5/22/08 at 11:52am
Ahh yes, this show is also responsible for my love for Jameson and fucking prostitutes in public on the top of my car.

And I'll echo the love for S2. The first time I watched it, it didn't click til the 5th episode, and you gotta love ep.6 (All Prologue). I just think in the scheme of the show it works, since when your done you have clear idea of everything from how the drugs get into Baltimore all the way down the chain to the user him/herself.
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post #66 of 922
5/22/08 at 12:56pm
Not to mention there was this great opening out of season 2 in which I think it was McNulty or Prez (I can't for the life of me remember) put all the pieces together of the Dockworker's case on the cork boards to the tune of Johnny Cash's "I walk the Line". With equally great response after it was all done.

"Fuckin' A."
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post #67 of 922
5/22/08 at 1:20pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by EdHocken View Post
Not to mention there was this great opening out of season 2 in which I think it was McNulty or Prez (I can't for the life of me remember) put all the pieces together of the Dockworker's case on the cork boards to the tune of Johnny Cash's "I walk the Line". With equally great response after it was all done.
Yea, I like the musical montages in The Wire. In S4 the one with Prez in the classroom playing Cash's "Ring of Fire," which is equally great.

Dunno if thats a spoiler but just in case
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post #68 of 922
5/22/08 at 1:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by EdHocken View Post
Not to mention there was this great opening out of season 2 in which I think it was McNulty or Prez (I can't for the life of me remember) put all the pieces together of the Dockworker's case on the cork boards to the tune of Johnny Cash's "I walk the Line". With equally great response after it was all done.

"Fuckin' A."
Yeah, it was Prez.

And the music used on the show is incredible. I don't think there is an aspect of the show that I'd consider weak.
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post #69 of 922
5/22/08 at 2:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by C.Swicegood View Post
And the music used on the show is incredible.
Damn right.
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post #70 of 922
5/22/08 at 2:41pm
Got that sucker. Hasn't left my car's player since I received it.
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post #71 of 922
5/22/08 at 2:43pm
I've never seen it either, but this thread broke me. Can't wait to grab Season 1 from the video store.
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post #72 of 922
5/22/08 at 2:50pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jake View Post
I've never seen it either, but this thread broke me. Can't wait to grab Season 1 from the video store.
One of us! One of us!
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post #73 of 922
5/22/08 at 2:56pm
You made the right decision Jake. Welcome to The Wire.
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post #74 of 922
5/22/08 at 2:56pm
While the show never got great ratings, its nice to see that its acquiring new fans over the course of time. I seriously think that in the future this show will be considered one of the great snapshots of the American system and our institutions in the late 20th century.
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post #75 of 922
5/22/08 at 2:59pm
Not to mention this show is the ultimate example of how awards overall do not mean jack fuckin shit.
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post #76 of 922
5/22/08 at 3:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by InTheShadows View Post
While the show never got great ratings, its nice to see that its acquiring new fans over the course of time. I seriously think that in the future this show will be considered one of the great snapshots of the American system and our institutions in the late 20th century.
I had no doubt that I'd be a fan of the show, but there were just too many others I was watching. I couldn't get into a new one. And once the first season ended, I didn't want to jump into Season 2 without having seen the first. But things just kept coming up and I never got around to it. The same with The Sopranos. I didn't start watching until Season 4 (of course I took a crash course in the previous seasons on DVD before that).

One thing I know I'll love about The Wire is that the creators actually were part of the institutions they are writing about. I've heard so much about how realistic the show is because of this. And that it doesn't takes sides: good people do bad things and bad people do good things. Understanding that not everything in life is black and white is a great lesson to learn - one I wish President Bush and this administration would take a cue from. The "if you are not with us, you're against us" mentality is so harmful.

I can't wait to start diving into this show full force.
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post #77 of 922
5/22/08 at 3:57pm
Quote:
I had no doubt that I'd be a fan of the show, but there were just too many others I was watching.
The first time I got the Wire from Netflix, I was catching up on Lost, Undeclared, and Deadwood all around the same time . . . it sat on my coffee table before I sent it back, unwatched. It wasn't until a few months later that I gave it another shot.

I also got into The Wire before renting The Shield, and that colored my view of The Shield, without question. Luca S' comment about feeling that The Wire was a "better-than-average procedural"? I felt that exact way about The Shield. I only watched a few eps before sending it back. I think I need to give that show another chance.
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post #78 of 922
5/22/08 at 3:59pm
Comparing The Shield to The Wire is complete nonsenese. The only thing in common between them is that they involve cops. Nothing more.
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post #79 of 922
5/22/08 at 4:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mangy View Post
I felt that exact way about The Shield. I only watched a few eps before sending it back. I think I need to give that show another chance.
The first season of The Shield is definitely more along the lines of police procedural, but it does get better through the seasons, finally achieving greatness in Season 5.

With that said, its a totally different show from The Wire. Even though I kinda wish Carver had some Mackey in him...that end of S4 is heartbreaking.
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post #80 of 922
5/22/08 at 5:22pm
EDIT: Misunderstood point, apologies.
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post #81 of 922
5/22/08 at 7:12pm
Wanted to throw in that if you love The Wire, check out Simon and Burns novel The Corner. A lot of characters names are taken from the book for The Wire, and you can see where they got a lot of their inspiration (Colvins brown paper bag speech is lifted directly from The Corner, and its obvious Gary, the main character in the book, was the main influence for Bubbles in the show. Even Dennis Wise gets a little mention). It also explores areas that the show does not, such as the welfare system.
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post #82 of 922
5/22/08 at 10:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by InTheShadows View Post
Wanted to throw in that if you love The Wire, check out Simon and Burns novel The Corner. A lot of characters names are taken from the book for The Wire, and you can see where they got a lot of their inspiration (Colvins brown paper bag speech is lifted directly from The Corner, and its obvious Gary, the main character in the book, was the main influence for Bubbles in the show. Even Dennis Wise gets a little mention). It also explores areas that the show does not, such as the welfare system.
They also made a mini series based on the book. It's in my Netflix queue, but I am almost afraid to watch it as my feelings on The Wire will no doubt influence how I view that film.
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post #83 of 922
5/22/08 at 11:14pm
Yea, I've seen it. Its good, but not as good as The Wire, and has a lot of the same actors. Its weird to see Lt. Daniels as a crack addict though...
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post #84 of 922
5/23/08 at 11:49am
It's almost like a prequel to the Wire. The real life inspirations for the characters in The Corner have shown up with bit parts in the wire.
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post #85 of 922
5/23/08 at 12:17pm
I hear the guy who played Freamon is also in it.
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post #86 of 922
5/23/08 at 12:23pm
Here's a good article on 'The Wire'. Contains one major (but predictable) spoiler in season 3.

http://www.popmatters.com/tv/feature...the-wire.shtml
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post #87 of 922
5/24/08 at 6:01am
Thread Starter 
Two episodes in season 2 now. I really liked the resolution of season 1. Not a huge triumph nor a huge defeat. A compromise, just like in real life.

Now for season 2. Finally my people as legitimate villains. I feel vindicated. Overall the first episodes are pure setup but it's always fun watching McNulty be an asshole.
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post #88 of 922
5/24/08 at 5:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Diva View Post
Understanding that not everything in life is black and white is a great lesson to learn - one I wish President Bush and this administration would take a cue from. The "if you are not with us, you're against us" mentality is so harmful.
At least once every season, there's a scene or exchange that just perfectly encapsulates what the show is all about. In the third, some of the police are talking about combatting drugs, and one of them bitterly says "Shit, you start calling this thing a war, pretty soon everyone's going around acting like warriors!" The most basic thesis of the show is that the drug war breeds a mentality that ill serves all sides.
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post #89 of 922
5/24/08 at 6:26pm
Well it's said in the first episode when Kima, Herc and Carver are in the Narcotics office. (Mind you I'm paraphrasing)

Carv: "Don't call this a war."
Herc: "Why not?"
Carv: "Cuz wars end."
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post #90 of 922
5/25/08 at 9:16pm
Just wanted to let everyone know that I picked up Season 4 for $30 at Circuit City. Fuck yes. Carry on.
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post #91 of 922
5/26/08 at 4:06pm
Well, for the Canadian fans, each seasons were 29.99$ at Futureshop last month. It happens from times to times, but I don't think I'll be able to resist buying season 5 ASAP.
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post #92 of 922
5/31/08 at 5:26am
Thread Starter 
Half-way into Season 4 now and Landsman has become one my favorite characters. Did they ever make a talking action figure of him?
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post #93 of 922
5/31/08 at 6:00am
Quote:
Originally Posted by stelios View Post
Half-way into Season 4 now and Landsman has become one my favorite characters. Did they ever make a talking action figure of him?
Tangent; Favorite Bunk line regarding Landsman:

"John Goodman off of his diet looking mother fucker"
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post #94 of 922
5/31/08 at 6:11am
Thread Starter 
Also excellent is Kima's slow transformation into McNulty. She even started using "What the fuck did I do?"
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post #95 of 922
5/31/08 at 8:02am
Don't get too attached to that.
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post #96 of 922
5/31/08 at 8:37pm
Stringer Bell plays a gay hustler on Absolutely Fabulous S3. Yay!
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post #97 of 922
5/31/08 at 10:12pm
I've started reviewing the series from season 1 and I do really wonder if McNulty ever fired his gun during the series?

Also, Bodie's first name was Preston. Go fig.
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post #98 of 922
6/1/08 at 9:49am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Andre Dellamorte View Post
Stringer Bell plays a gay hustler on Absolutely Fabulous S3. Yay!
And he plays the obligatory retarded assistant to Hilary Swank in The Reaping. Boooooooh!
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post #99 of 922
6/1/08 at 3:23pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Martin Savage View Post
And he plays the obligatory retarded assistant to Hilary Swank in The Reaping. Boooooooh!
But he also plays Stringer Bell. Fuck yeah!
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post #100 of 922
6/3/08 at 9:12am
Thread Starter 
Well, after watching 5 seasons in 20 days I'm done.

I'd really like to thank you guys. If not for the praise The Wire got on this board I would never have sought it out as "cop shows" were never my thing. And the quotes are there because The Wire is anything but a simple cop show. I've only watched it through once but it really sits above and beyond any other TV show I've ever followed. It could be hilarious and heartbreaking often within seconds and it had a better set of characters than most of modern fiction be it TV, film or literature. This thread isn't supposed to be an anthology of quotes or character moments so I'll stop here.

Anyway thanks again to everyone. I owe you one.
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