Indeed.
Every week we’re choosing one TV show that deserves your attention because time is precious and there are some stunning shows available to watch.
This week it’s a TV epic that’s widely regarded as the greatest piece of television that has ever been made, The Wire.
1) What’s it about?
One of the most poignant lines in David Simon’s epic tale of Baltimore’s problems with drugs, crime and police is the fact that this perceived war on drugs isn’t a war at all. Why? Well, wars end but after watching the first few episodes of this show, you’ll hope that the cameras keep rolling forever.
A short synopsis won’t do The Wire justice but at the heart of this engrossing and immersive show are the qualities that makes any piece of entertainment stand-out. The writing and the plot are so incredibly authentic and visceral, helped by Simon’s own experiences on the beat as a real-life police officer, that you’ll genuinely live and breathe the characters that inhabit the rough streets of Baltimore.
Shades of grey are prevalent here because there’s no out-and-out good guys or bad guys, that’s the point. Everyone has their problems and not everyone abides by a moral code.
For every petty drug dealer that’s shot in the back for stealing a €5 veil of crack, there’s a shady politician that’s causing much more harm by embezzling millions of dollars from his constituents. In the end, the thin blue line that protects society begins to look very blurred.
The genius of the show though is that you get to see what happens when police actually follow the money that’s circulating on those corners where drug deals take place.
Just like any police that are creating a detailed, thorough and absorbing case, the creators take as much care and precision with letting the story unfold.
As for the acting, unlike other ensemble shows, each character here is given equal importance and by the end of Season 5, it’s almost impossible to choose a favourite one. As for the plot and script, the show rarely lags because eachseason focuses on a distinct theme and introduces some new characters that introduce a new energy and focus.
It might sound a tad bit pretentious here but The Wire is like a riveting book that grabs your attention from the very first page and refuses to let it go. I guarantee you that you’ll find it impossible to put this show down.
2) It’s almost like…
It’s so groundbreaking that almost every single cop show in the last decade been influenced by it. Often copied but never bettered.
3) It’s worth your time because…
The characters are incredible, it’s TV that demands to be seen and it’s bloody entertaining. People might tell you that “this is the best show that you’ll ever see” but in my opinion, this one is.
4) Did you know…?
Barack Obama has often cited it as his favourite show. He has good taste because its creator David Simon actually received the MacArthur genius grant for his work on The Wire.
5) One episode and you’re hooked…
‘The Hunt’, episode 11 from Season One. I’m not going to spoil anything here but that episode really makes you realise how invested you are with those characters.
6) If the show was a person…
The person in your life that’s the best company. Smart, funny, engaging and demands your attention. Watch it.
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