IMDB, which I have found to be the most reliable source on movie and TV ratings, gives HB0's The Wire an unprecedented 9.7 out of 10 rating based on over 20,000 votes. This makes it the highest rated show on IMDB. For comparison purposes Shawshank Redemption, the highest rated movie, gets a 9.1. The point is, I am not blowing smoke when I say this may be the single greatest serialized television show ever.
The bad news, few have seen the show. Good news, everyone can thanks to DVD.
The Wire was the creation of ex-Baltimore detective Ed Burns, and former Baltimore Sun journalist David Simon. Over the course of five seasons, with the help of a truly extraordinary ensemble of actors and over 200 speaking roles, Burns and Simon - along with a stellar group of writers - use the series to explore some of the most vexing problems in America today. Inner city crime, class warfare, drugs in the inner city, education, politics, and in the final season the decline of journalism.
What you most need to understand about this show, it is a show made by writers who explore issues in a journalistic fashion. Well researched presentations of facts, without much advocacy toward any conclusion. The viewer in the end must decide what to think of all that is presented. This is in stark contrast to most network offerings that telegraph and spoon feed perspective to the viewer. This may explain why it never really gained a wide audience. It requires the audience to think. It also explains why it won the Peabody Award for journalistic excellence.
One story per season with a clear journalistic focus over 10-13 episodes (depending on the year). This depth of story, along with over a hundred speaking roles, makes this the ideal series to view on DVD over successive nights. Viewing this way ensures you'll never be lost, while growing to appreciate the issues explored, and getting emotionally involved with some of the great characters on the show. Omar, Bunk, Bubbles, Stringer, Barksdale, Carchetti, Daniels, Lester, and of course McNulty. Each an overlooked Emmy - but there are many more.
Nothing on tonight? Do yourself a favor and go out and buy (or rent) The Wire Season One. Chances are you will be hooked and see the Greatest Show Ever!
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