I don't seem to recall there ever being a thread for the greatest TV series ever on here.
Am I mistaken?
I just read a book on The Wire and it brought back so many memories of how good that show was.
I miss it badly!
I do not think we did, but it was HEAVILY discussed in the TV Thread.
Seasons 1-3 AMAZING
Season 4 Strong
Season 5 Stiill not sure about
I think Mike's right. I don't remember a thread but it did get talked about a lot in the TV Thread.
Anyone read Homicide: A Year On The Killing Streets?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Homicide-Killing-Streets-David-Simon/dp/1847673120/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266934543&sr=1-1
I've got it, just haven't read it yet (it's a big book!)
I am still of the opinion that The Wire was the best show ever aired on a television, and have given up watching TV ever since.
I want to read that book!
The Homicide book is in my Amazon basket as we speak!
Crispy - I don't know if you are referring to that book but the one I just read is great too. It's called 'The Wire Re-Up'. It's basically episode by episode analysis from journalists and Wire fan's on The Guardian's Wire blog. It's a great read, brought back so many great memories.
http://www.amazon.com/Wire-Re-Up-Guardian-Guide-Greatest/dp/0852652216/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266936748&sr=1-1
My all-time favourite scene from the show (contains spoilers if you haven't seen it):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHuCn34NMl8
Sorry, I buggered up the link. Here it is (SPOILERS):
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHuCn34NMl8[/media]
Great series, glad I bought the DVDs. I still think Sopranos is better though. There's a few series that I'd put up higher actually.
I think 5 is the weakest season, but its still very good. The last 3-4 episodes of that season are brilliant, and the series finale is the most satisfying Ive ever come across.
Best show evah!!!
Ironically, I just read this 5 minutes ago...Id be drunk before the first episode I watched finished, but it cracks me up anyway...
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Rules of the game:
Make sure you have plenty of bottled beer and Jameson whisky (or spirit of choice if you can't manage the whisky).
'Drink' denotes two fingers of beer (excluding rules 1a and 1b which are self explanatory), otherwise shots and downing all drinks (remainder of current beer + Jameson chaser) are specified.
Rule 1a: When Jimmy or Bunk drinks, you drink.
1b: What Jimmy or Bunk drinks, you drink.
Rule 2: Drink in the event that any of the following occur -
-Jimmy and Bunk leer at women in a bar (shot in addition to 1a&b)
-The train goes past (shot)
-Jimmy asks "What the #### did I do?" (drinks downed)
-Freamon explains a procedure to a colleague/us
-Freamon peers over his glasses
-Freamon works on one of his miniature furnishings
-Any character utters the sentence written at the beginning of the episode.
-Burrell or Rawls demand a case be brought in (shot)
-Burrell, Rawls, Jay or Daniels reprimand a subordinate
-Avon, Stringer, D'Angelo or Bodie reprimand a subordinate
-Daniels stares someone down with his goggly eyes
-Police brutality (shot)
-Jimmy, Stringer or Carcetti slip into English/Irish accents (shot)
-Jimmy angrily makes his case to somebody who has pissed him off
-Jimmy gives a #### when "it ain't his turn to give a ####"
-Herc ####s up, however minor
-Kima smiles wryly and nods or shakes her head
-Maury Levy negotiates a scandalously lenient term for a client, to the dismay of all others in the room (shot)
-Maury Levy squirms with smug satisfaction
-A young child utters the phrase "Omar's coming!"
-Omar smokes
-Omar says "indeed" (shot)
-Omar fires shots in anger (shot)
-Omar whistles
-Omar swears (all drinks downed)
-A bounty gets put on Omar's head.
-Avon squints when thinking or faced with a problem or insubordination
-Avon touches his chin
-Any gang leader orders a killing on screen (shot)
-D'Angelo furrows his brow in a troubled, conflicted manner
-D'Angelo imparts worldly advice to his peers
-D'Angelo wears a top that ISN'T a roll-neck sweater
-Bodie spits
-A gratuitous metaphor for street life is used (shot)
-A character repeats some advice he or she has been given to another character
-Poot or Wallace say something stupid or naive
-A scene in Orlando's starts with a not strictly necessary establishing shot of a naked stripper (in much the same way the Sopranos would do with the Bada-Bing). (Shot).
-Any visible drug deal
-A visible re-up - finish and re-up your beer
-Bubs gets high on screen
-Bubs' white mate demonstrates crushing stupidity or uses street slang in an embarrassing way
-Someone gets beaten up or hit (shot)
-A bottle breaks
-Someone is shot, you take a shot
-A cop fires a weapon all drinks are downed
-When Clay Davis says "Shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit" all shots must be finished before he gets to the end of the word.
-Proposition Joe comes out with a brilliant homemade street proverb. (Shot. If the proverb involves dogs drink two shots).
-Bubbles refers to McNulty as "McNutty".
-Anyone mentions "Fuzzy Dunlop".
-Any reference to "the game". Shot for Omar.
-Prezbo is called "Prezbo" by someone.
-Prop Joe is seen fixing an appliance. Shot if this is combined with peering over his glasses.
-Major Colvin is referred to as "Bunny"
-Daniels smirks during or immediately following a meeting with the Commissioner or Deputy Ops.
-Jay Landsman is eating or drinking while talking to a colleague.
-Snoop says something indecipherable.
-Snoop makes a weird barking sound (shot)
-Marlo completes a sentence without moving his lips once (shot)
-Bubs sells one of dem tees (down all drinks)
-Marlo gets his hands dirty in some way, however small (shot)
-The Stanfield crew commit an entirely uneccesary killing (shot in addition to the standard murder shot)
- Any incidence of classroom violence, or violence within the vicinity of the school
- A teacher breaks the trust of a student, or vice versa (shot)
Dude, seriously you would fucking die tryingt o drink that much.
Got season one for Christmas but haven't had time to watch more than three episodes.
Best. Show. Ever. (if we're excluding the Simpsons because i mean, cmon its the Simpsons).
Characters like Snoop are what made that show so amazing. She was an actual thug from Baltimore (she was arrested for murder at like 15 or something) who they found and put on the show and she ends up becoming the most memorable character. Brilliant show
QuoteBest. Show. Ever. (if we're excluding the Simpsons because i mean, cmon its the Simpsons).
Characters like Snoop are what made that show so amazing. She was an actual thug from Baltimore (she was arrested for murder at like 15 or something) who they found and put on the show and she ends up becoming the most memorable character. Brilliant show
I wouldnt disagree, but we could have an entensive conversation/debate about this. Her buying the nail gun is one of the best scenes of the show, period.
If we're just saying somewhat minor characters like Snoop, Id probably go with Brother Mouzone or Wee-Bey as most memorable for me
QuoteHer buying the nail gun is one of the best scenes of the show, period.
such an amazingly simple yet perfect scene.
Shhheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitttttttttttttttttt.
Always enjoyed Clay Davis' appearances.
QuoteShhheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitttttttttttttttttt.
Always enjoyed Clay Davis' appearances.
they milked clay davis' "Shheeiiiitt!!!" line like no other and it was genius. Such a hilarious line. It added a level of pompous asshole to Clay. Avon Barksdale (totally spelled that wrong) was probably my favorite character of the show. All I know after watching all 5 seasons is that I'm West Side til I fuckin die, no joke. them east coast mother fuckers some punk ass bitches if I've ever seen them. Omar was a great character, legendary even.
The Wire is now being taught as a class at multiple universities.
http://slate.com/id/2245788/
Cross posting
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxqvvz1NC-E[/media]
The Wire - Auditions (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRNm21GWEJY#)
Cool short watch on the audtion process...I could never see Carver as Stringer Bell!!
Oh man pumped for this thread!
Just finished season 3 this past week! The final 2 episodes were stunning, some of the best t.v. I've ever seen.
Excited about starting season 4 today! Heard it's the best.
Where's Wallace String, String where's Wallace, Where's Wallace, String Where's Wallace!
Can't state it enough. This is by far the best television series I have ever watched. Directv began replaying the series since sometime last year so I've been taking my time watching it for the 2nd time through. In season 3 right now.
I know I've said this before in another Wire thread, for all of you guys that don't know Baltimore but watch the show, if I told you I live right on the East/West divide, 2 blocks north of the courthouse, 5 blocks northwest of city hall, 8 blocks north of where String and Omar met in the harbor to cool the air and about a half mile east of where the towers used to be, y'all could find my place. ;D
It's always weird how sometimes just going about my everyday life, something will remind me of the show and put whatever I was doing in a completely different light. During the school year, I deliver approximately 100 pizzas every two weeks to one of 2 schools in West Baltimore that serves as the venue for the Baltimore Urban Debate League, a group of hundreds of public middle and high school students from Baltimore city. Both are in terribly depressed areas. One of the schools is located right next to Warwick and Longwood and I know you can picture only one thing when I mention those two streets. What a great show!
On a side note, I'm supposed to appear as the victim/witness in a trial two weeks from now concerning an incident many of you are familiar with where three guys tried to rob me at gunpoint. I told the cop on the scene that I would be of no help so don't call me in for a lineup or photo array and tell the state I won't be a witness. Well I've been asked to testify and I'm just not going. It's not worth the skin off my back.
The don't snitch culture is real and I don't blame people. It's funny to think that after the aforementioned incident which happened in a white neighborhood, everyone came out of their houses after they heard my yelling and screaming and happily talked to the cops about what they saw and their willingness to testify as a witness. It was exciting for them. ;D The last time something like this happened to me, it was inside an apartment building in a predominantly black neighborhood in broad daylight about 3 years ago. 3 kids fucked me up pretty good after I got jumped inside. After it was over, I scraped myself off the ground and looked up an around and 3 different apartment doors were ajar and people were looking to see what happened. Then they all just closed their doors and went back to whatever they were doing. Cops couldn't find one person to even pretend that they saw something. I don't blame 'em. The kids were young bangers and is it worth it to waste your time and well being for that? I sure wouldn't.
Forgive me if this has been addressed, but probably my favorite show since waaaay back when Hill Street Blues was on (before most of you younguns were born) is The Shield.
How do all you The Wire lovers (I've never seen it) rate The Shield? Not necessarily a direct comparison, as there may not be one to be made, but just curious if fans of The Wire were/are fans of The Shield. This might inform my decision to invest the time in giving The Wire a shot (maybe this summer, when us teachers have a bit of time off, between MMJ shows that is).
Quote from: wolof7 on Feb 05, 2011, 08:07 AM
Just finished season 3 this past week! The final 2 episodes were stunning, some of the best t.v. I've ever seen.
Excited about starting season 4 today! Heard it's the best.
Season 3 is my personal favorite, but 4 is right there behind it, and yes, the slight majority probably consider it the best season. The kids in that season are phenomenal
Quote from: johnnYYac on Feb 05, 2011, 10:36 AM
How do all you The Wire lovers (I've never seen it) rate The Shield? Not necessarily a direct comparison, as there may not be one to be made, but just curious if fans of The Wire were/are fans of The Shield. This might inform my decision to invest the time in giving The Wire a shot (maybe this summer, when us teachers have a bit of time off, between MMJ shows that is).
I watched The Shield before I had any idea about The Wire existing for the most part. The Wire is as realistic as any show you will ever watch, and thats probably an understatement. The Shield has more action, is more over the top, and is basically a "movie version" of cops and their job. Thats not to say that isnt good or exciting, I liked The Shield a lot (still need to see the last couple seasons), it just is what it is. As someone who liked both, The Wire is heads and shoulders above The Shield. The writing, the character development, the branching outside of strictly cops vs crime, etc. It is absolutely worth your time, but as discussed in whatever thread that was here in the music section, watch at least the entire 1st season before deciding if you want to continue (though I have a feeling youll be hooked after a few episodes). There is so much going on, so many characters, that its overwhelming at first and you actually need an entire season to really wrap your head around who is who. In reality, the most convincing thing I could say to get you to watch it is, just watch it. Its brilliance its hard to convey to people who have never watched the entire series.
And I said its the most realistic show ever for a reason. For one theres my post from April 5th last yr about how universities actually have courses that include the show. Also, even though the show has been done for over 2 years, just a couple weeks ago the police commisioner of Baltimore was still talking about The Wire, calling it "a smear on the city that will take decades to overcome", with a great retort from The Wire creator/writer David Simon, linked below
http://www.avclub.com/articles/baltimore-police-commissioner-slams-the-wire-david,50274/ (http://www.avclub.com/articles/baltimore-police-commissioner-slams-the-wire-david,50274/)
I'm just gonna have to be that guy... I tried to watch the first season but was so bored after a few hours that I couldnt continue.
Is this shit on Netflix streaming? I'll give it another go if I don't have to put work into aquiring it.
Quote from: e_wind on Feb 07, 2011, 12:31 PM
I'm just gonna have to be that guy... I tried to watch the first season but was so bored after a few hours that I couldnt continue.
As I said before, you gave up on it way too early. How many chronological TV shows have all kinds of action, twists, surprises in the first few episodes? They barely introduced you to the entire police crew assigned to the case 3 episodes in. With The Wire even moreso than other series, most of the big stuff doesnt happen until the 2nd half of the season
Snoop arrested in drug raid! :-\
http://www.avclub.com/articles/david-simon-weighs-in-on-arrest-of-the-wires-snoop,52997/ (http://www.avclub.com/articles/david-simon-weighs-in-on-arrest-of-the-wires-snoop,52997/)
(http://prostheticknowledge.tumblr.com/photo/1280/4262763963/1/tumblr_lizlmxNyKB1qav3us)
What a show. Every season the wife and I would watch all of the episodes leading up to the new season, so i saw every episode about four times. My favorite season was the greeks and the shipping yard, loved it. I went to school right outside of Baltimore, and alot of my friends live there now so it was cool to see stuff you saw everyday. Season one is the hardest to get into, push thru and you will be rewarded greatly.
shhhheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeit.
Quote from: Ruckus on Feb 05, 2011, 10:09 AM
I know I've said this before in another Wire thread, for all of you guys that don't know Baltimore but watch the show, if I told you I live right on the East/West divide, 2 blocks north of the courthouse, 5 blocks northwest of city hall, 8 blocks north of where String and Omar met in the harbor to cool the air and about a half mile east of where the towers used to be, y'all could find my place. ;D
i live in harford co. maryland but i spend some time in baltimore on the weekends. i'm trying to peice together where you live. haha.
i am also a huge fan of the wire. i watch an entire season in about 20 hours once. i just couldn't get enough. i try to get my friends into it but theyre like some of you all, they stop after a couple episodes in the first season. that show is amazing!
Quote from: Jane on Apr 07, 2011, 11:05 AM
Quote from: Ruckus on Feb 05, 2011, 10:09 AM
I know I've said this before in another Wire thread, for all of you guys that don't know Baltimore but watch the show, if I told you I live right on the East/West divide, 2 blocks north of the courthouse, 5 blocks northwest of city hall, 8 blocks north of where String and Omar met in the harbor to cool the air and about a half mile east of where the towers used to be, y'all could find my place. ;D
i live in harford co. maryland but i spend some time in baltimore on the weekends. i'm trying to peice together where you live. haha.
i am also a huge fan of the wire. i watch an entire season in about 20 hours once. i just couldn't get enough. i try to get my friends into it but theyre like some of you all, they stop after a couple episodes in the first season. that show is amazing!
i'm starting it this weekend!
Quote from: Penny Lane on Apr 07, 2011, 11:39 AM
i'm starting it this weekend!
did you start it this weekend?
i went to see tv on the radio last night at rams head live and every time i walk past the fountain at Power Plant i think about the Wire.
i just started watching this series last night :thumbsup: