Natural police.
There’s certain TV characters that become so engrained in pop-culture that they seem to take on a life of their own.
This week we’re focusing on a man that’s ‘natural police’ on the tough streets of Baltimore, Jimmy McNulty from The Wire.
In three words, he’s: Conflicted, magnetic, drinker.
Why he’s a TV great : There’s certain men that follow orders and then there are those that actively go out of their way to break them, Jimmy McNulty is definitely the latter which is odd given that he’s one of Baltimore’s most gifted detectives alongside his best friend/partner Bunk Moreland.
The Wire is a show that revelled in the mantra that “a man must have a code” and McNulty definitely has one, he’s still prepared though to step outside the lines and break some of the laws that he protects – all for the better good.
He’s a wonderful character that’s full of contradictions – his best work on the streets is when his life is falling apart – and some of his heavy drinking and womanising sessions make for TV gold.
His best quote:
McNulty: Can I get a Jameson?
Bartender: Bushmills OK?
McNulty: That’s Protestant whiskey.
One too many drinks usually result in situations like this though.
The Wire – McNulty drunk driving by lumpsdiggers
If we could put him in another show : Luther, just because it would be fun to see him paired up with Idris Elba on the right side of the law for a change. For those that don’t know, Elba plays The Wire’s charismatic criminal Stringer Bell.
His best scene : There’s so many to choose from but this one stands out. Who needs loads of dialogue anyway?
Jimmy McNulty bunk fuck the wire from erdal tiftikci on Vimeo.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
