why I love the wire
In a GoodReads discussion board, the question was asked,
"I've been hearing a lot about this show The Wire lately. What the h*** is it about? What makes it so good?"
As you can imagine, this question made my day!! I have an excuse to rave about The Wire other than to family and friends who are tired of me praising this show!
The most compelling aspect, for me, about The Wire is that it is essentially a novel that makes an intelligent comment on the humanity of the underclass as well as the institutions that enslave us all, to some degree. The authors or writers / producers are David Simon (former journalist for the Baltimore Sun) and Ed Burns (former homicide detective turned urban school teacher). The show's obvious street cred comes from these sources. You will be astounded by the fact that this show was essentially conceived by two white men. Wow!!
The character development is poignant, heart-breaking and, yes, endearing!! The show's creators tackle the drug war, the police department, politics, the urban schools and journalism. They have made political statements about how the war on drugs is currently being waged--if you can call it a war (as the show points out)--which has captured national attention.
The show is set in Baltimore--and the creators are from this city. Their love for their town pulses through each episode. However, they have said that this show could be set in just about any urban American city and still be credible.
The actors are FAN-tastic!! You will be stunned by their performances and ability to make you believe and care. Of course, they have excellent material to showcase their talent. Notably: Wendell Pierce, Michael K. Williams, Dominick West, Idris Elba, Andre Royo, JD Williams, Lance Reddick, Tristan Wilds . . . it's unfair to stop there, but look for these people elsewhere. They are phenomenal!
I am jealous of anyone who will be watching The Wire for the first time. But, again, set aside some time. Because, after you've started, it has crossed my mind that I can relate in a visceral way to the junkies portrayed on the show because this show will take over your world. Bet it!!
Essentially, Netflix will be the preview for your inevitable purchase of the 5 box sets--the last of which, Season 5, will be coming out on August 12. (Are you wondering, at this point, if I work for the show? I do not, sadly.).
"I've been hearing a lot about this show The Wire lately. What the h*** is it about? What makes it so good?"
As you can imagine, this question made my day!! I have an excuse to rave about The Wire other than to family and friends who are tired of me praising this show!
The most compelling aspect, for me, about The Wire is that it is essentially a novel that makes an intelligent comment on the humanity of the underclass as well as the institutions that enslave us all, to some degree. The authors or writers / producers are David Simon (former journalist for the Baltimore Sun) and Ed Burns (former homicide detective turned urban school teacher). The show's obvious street cred comes from these sources. You will be astounded by the fact that this show was essentially conceived by two white men. Wow!!
The character development is poignant, heart-breaking and, yes, endearing!! The show's creators tackle the drug war, the police department, politics, the urban schools and journalism. They have made political statements about how the war on drugs is currently being waged--if you can call it a war (as the show points out)--which has captured national attention.
The show is set in Baltimore--and the creators are from this city. Their love for their town pulses through each episode. However, they have said that this show could be set in just about any urban American city and still be credible.
The actors are FAN-tastic!! You will be stunned by their performances and ability to make you believe and care. Of course, they have excellent material to showcase their talent. Notably: Wendell Pierce, Michael K. Williams, Dominick West, Idris Elba, Andre Royo, JD Williams, Lance Reddick, Tristan Wilds . . . it's unfair to stop there, but look for these people elsewhere. They are phenomenal!
I am jealous of anyone who will be watching The Wire for the first time. But, again, set aside some time. Because, after you've started, it has crossed my mind that I can relate in a visceral way to the junkies portrayed on the show because this show will take over your world. Bet it!!
Essentially, Netflix will be the preview for your inevitable purchase of the 5 box sets--the last of which, Season 5, will be coming out on August 12. (Are you wondering, at this point, if I work for the show? I do not, sadly.).