Access Atlanta > Blog > Archives > 2008 > February > 04 > Entry
The Wire: Street justice and uneasy ties
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Business is business and in the streets there’s not much time to mourn.
Vondas gets over his “grief” at losing business partner, Prop Joe, and has his first meet with Marlo. Or, at least, I think it’s a partnership. They knew what to expect with Prop Joe but Marlo is a wild card who may turn on them as well.
Still, it’s business. He gives Marlo a cellphone to use and warns him that he only wants to hear from him or his second in command. Marlo later brags to Chris about how great it feels to wear the crown. I may be wrong but is Chris sending out some weird vibes in this episode? Does he want to wear the crown himself? Also does anyone know the history between Chris and Marlo?
For now, though, Chris has more pressing matters on his mind - waiting for Omar to make his move. He does but barely escapes a setup with Chris, Mike and Snoop. I’m not sure why Omar didn’t see that one coming.
Highlights: I loved the Clay Davis scene with Nerese Campbell, when he warns her that he doesn’t fall alone. But he falls back in line when she says he will be out in the cold and stands to lose a lot more than anyone else if he tries to pull anyone else down.
The city hall scenes had the night’s best lines: The first was when Clay Davis hit a record long “Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet.” The other memorable line was Norman warning Carcetti that “You don’t dance on Clay’s grave until you know the m..f..’s dead.”
The newsroom storyline picks up as the serial killer hoax grows legs and moves to A-1. Templeton prods McNulty to pump up the story to make it more appealing to the newspaper’s top brass. As Gus said: “If it bleeds it leads.”
Herc earns major props when he hands Carv a gift: Marlo’s cellphone number. Carv turns the number over to Freamon. He and McNulty decide to run an unauthorized wiretap, but they need a legitmate wiretap as a cover. They come up with a plan for the serial killer to start calling to boast about his crime. McNulty is floored when Templeton obviously fakes a call from the killer. His expression is priceless. So is Templeton’s when McNulty “admits” this the second call from the phantom killer.
It was sad to hear Alma, the cop shop reporter tell Gus about the drug-related murder of a Joe Stewart in his dining room and Gus tells her to write two paragraphs. Who caught the Prop Joe reference?
What did you think of this episode?
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By sane jane
February 4, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
I am still kicking myself over missing the first 12 minutes - why did Dukie get beat up?
Also had mixed emotions seeing Randy in the preview of next week’s ep. Like the other kids from season 4, he’s a lot bigger this year. Looks meaner & more hardened from living in the home, too.
Wonder if his “snitch” rep has turned him into a hard-nosed character?
Still think those kids are the best storyline yet concepted. I understand wanting to cover the media & newsrooms for season 5, but it’s a little bit too much creative/occupational masturbation for my taste. So many old scores being settled from Simon’s years at the Sun, I’m almost embarrassed to watch…
By justine
February 4, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this
I visit Baltimore regularly and often stayed in West Baltimore where The Wire is predominately filmed. The troubling part about the series is that most of these areas really exist. Bmore is one of the few cities which still has a major heroin problem. Of course there is a higher percentage of unemployment and other social ills. But it was not always this way. When I was younger West Baltimore was like so many well kept Black blue collar areas. Predatory lenders, speculators and the economy have taken its toll. But one day I pray the West Baltimore I knew with marble steps that were scrubbed weekly, well manitained homes and the like will return. Bmore is really a great city with great people. They have just been prayed upon by the greedy.
By Kimi
February 4, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this
Does anybody know how many episodes are left? I looked on Hbo.com & I think there are only like 3 episodes left? Sombody tell me I’m wrong please!
By rc
February 4, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
There are only 10 episodes this season.
“Predatory lenders, speculators and the economy have taken its toll.
Of course, blame everyone else but the citizens. Typical.
By preacher
February 4, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
best show as of this season!!
By CG
February 4, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
Solid episode like they all are. The last scene confused me though? I couldn’t figure out the detective’s reaction to Marlo’s cell coming thru. Was he p** b/c there was no audio or was he just surprised the # came thru at all? And Kimi, per HBO there will be 10 episodes!
By stringer b
February 4, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
yes fans,there will only be 10 episodes for the last season. The writers are trying to tie up all loose ends, alot ofyou need to go all the way back to season one and you wouldnt have so many questions, this is without a doubt the best show ever, the realism is second to none
By lwyrgrl
February 4, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
I can’t give the creators/writers of THE WIRE enough props! They are geniuses! Although it’s a shame that in light of the current Writer’s Strike, some of the best writing on television has never been nominated for an Emmy or Golden Globe Award. On another note…those pre-quels they did on Prop Joe, Omar and Bunk/McNulty were very enlightening. I would love to see one on Mario. You know…just to get some insight into what made him so cold and ruthless!
By lwyrgrl
February 4, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
I can’t give the creators/writers of THE WIRE enough props! They are geniuses! Although it’s a shame that in light of the current Writer’s Strike, some of the best writing on television has never been nominated for an Emmy or Golden Globe Award. On another note…those pre-quels they did on Prop Joe, Omar and Bunk/McNulty were very enlightening. I would love to see one on Mario. You know…just to get some insight into what made him so cold and ruthless!
By lwyrgrl
February 4, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
I can’t give the creators/writers of THE WIRE enough props! They are geniuses! Although it’s a shame that in light of the current Writer’s Strike, some of the best writing on television has never been nominated for an Emmy or Golden Globe Award. On another note…those pre-quels they did on Prop Joe, Omar and Bunk/McNulty were very enlightening. I would love to see one on Mario. You know…just to get some insight into what made him so cold and ruthless!
By pep
February 4, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
Poole I said the same thing when I watched it. I had a weird vibe that Chris was making some indirect statements to Marlo about trying to take over. Also was it just me that liked the scene of Chris with his family? A direct contrast to his hard core self. Remember if you have HBO on Demand, you can watch the new episode for next Sunday TONIGHT
By pep
February 4, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
Poole I said the same thing when I watched it. I had a weird vibe that Chris was making some indirect statements to Marlo about trying to take over. Also was it just me that liked the scene of Chris with his family? A direct contrast to his hard core self. Remember if you have HBO on Demand, you can watch the new episode for next Sunday TONIGHT
By pep
February 4, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
Poole I said the same thing when I watched it. I had a weird vibe that Chris was making some indirect statements to Marlo about trying to take over. Also was it just me that liked the scene of Chris with his family? A direct contrast to his hard core self. Remember if you have HBO on Demand, you can watch the new episode for next Sunday TONIGHT
By Celena
February 4, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
Excellent show, hate that it’s going to end.
By nikki
February 4, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
I love this show! The acting is great, so realistic. Poole, what do you think of the newsroom scenes, are they realistic? I missed it last night because of the Super Bowl, but will catch it tonight with HBO On Demand.
By z
February 4, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
One of the best shows. Sorry to see that this is the last season. Interested in seeing if Michael, stays with Marlo or leaves town. From some comments that were made. Best believe I will be tuned in until the last show.
By Educated Thugz
February 4, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
Shelia. Good observation. I did not catch that. The Wire never disappoint me. I can admit that I expected a little more from this week’s episode. I thought someone from Marlo’s crew was gonna fall victim to Omar. I’m interested to see hoe Michael is gonna get Dukie to step his game up cause gettin ur @$$ kicked like dat aint a good look.
I was a bit apprehensive about the theme being centered on the “newspaper”, but I have to say that I like Gus and cannot wait till he catches (AGAIN) Templeton. McNulty is gonna get locked up. But I like him. Cant wait for next week.
By Costen
February 4, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
I was a little surprised by several things.
Mario and Chris- We saw more “human Interest” issue from them than ever before. Chris’s family life, and Mario celebrating about being “Number One” That was new..
Omar- He has never been caught by surprise. How did he walk into that trip???
Great show, it is really opening up options for the future. Who can guess which way this will end???
By val
February 4, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
The police did not mention Prop Jo’s death. I didn’t like that Chris had Michael in the shootout with Omar. I thoughtOmar would have been smarter. The look on McNullty’s face when the reporter said that he was called was priceless. Marlo has to get his. There’s code, that even Omar and Barksdale followed. Marlo kills people just because he can. I didn’t get that Chris wants to take over, but he doesn’t agree with all of Omar’s decisions and I think that may be getting to him. Chris likes to be sure he’s killing a person for the right reason, remember Bodie, he said to Marlo don’t you want to sure he was working for the police. I love that show.
By Shelia Poole
February 4, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
Nikki,
The look is very similar and so is some of the office banter.
There are some newsroom scenes that are very realistic — doing more with less etc. The industry is going through a lot of changes right now and a lot of veteran talent is leaving.
Augustus is similar to editor here who believes nothing takes the place of solid beat work.
There would be serious consequences for any reporter who was caught making up quotes and fabricating sources. And I hope there are very few Templetons in our newsroom and others.
By CWB
February 4, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
CG-The look on Lester’s face was due to the fact that Marlo’s line showed an outgoing call and there was no audio. I’m guessing there was a text or instant message being sent-Niether of which could be picked up on the wire.
By CWB
February 4, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
CG-The look on Lester’s face was due to the fact that Marlo’s line showed an outgoing call and there was no audio. I’m guessing there was a text or instant message being sent-Niether of which could be picked up on the wire.
By shelia poole
February 4, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
Thanks CWB, I wondered about that and didn’t know where it was going.
By Shelia Poole
February 4, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
Here’s one for fans of “The Corner.” Did you spot the “real” Fran in this episode?
By clyde
February 4, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
Was that the preacher/community activist who has helped Bunny in the past in the tire shop? I know it is the same actor just not sure he is not playing a different role. How did you not love Omar’s escape. That was something straight out of the Matrix!!!!
By Shelia Poole
February 4, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
No, Fran was the nurse who tested Bubs.
By closetwiregirl
February 4, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
Like all of you, I LOVE the wire. It’s so sad to see that it will be ending this season, when there is so much crap still going over the air waves. But,I digress..I hope that Marlo gets his. He is a heartless, cruel, wanna be “man in charge”. He couldn’t stand that Prop Joe was so well respected by others, and that people saw Joe as the man. He’ll never be able to do what Prop Joe did in the way that he did it.
By WireFan
February 4, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
The “Deacon” character introduced in Season 3 is none other than Melvin Williams (aka “Little Melvin”). He was a real-life drug kingpin in Baltimore during the 1980’s. He also happens to be the person that Avon Barksdale’s character is based on. Detective Ed Burns asked him this when he was convicted
“We didn’t find much of the money, did we?” said Ed. “No,” said Melvin, smiling slightly. “You didn’t.”
It’s the little touches like this that set this show apart. It’s had cameo’s by lots of folks (Jay Landsman..the real guy..played Lt Mello in several episodes.
To bad there are only a few episodes left. It will be missed.
By Ivan
February 4, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
I can’t wait to find out how Omar escaped from that balcony and how he responds. That phone call from Marlo probably was only a text message, but it looked ot me that there was atleast a number Fremount could work with. In next week’s preview, I couldn’t help the look on Slim Charles’ face when Marlo mentioned the deaths of Prop Joe and Hungry Man. I’d be willing to bet that there’s going to be some kind of alliance between Slim and Omar. Cheese goes down next week.
By WireFan
February 4, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
Omar is very close, much closer than Marlo, Chris and Snoop think…right under their noses in fact (its the beginning scene of Ep 6). The messages are actually pictures…you will have to wait and see what they are though…don’t want to spoil too much.
By WireFan
February 4, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this
* to closetwiregirl *
Marlo is far from a “wanna be man-in-charge”. He was reluctant to even join the co-op in the first place because he sees it as a complete waste of time. Marlo could also care less what everyone in said co-op thinks about him. He has the most muscle, the best corners and most importantly he has the single “connect” with the Greeks. He IS the man in charge now. You will see how much of a waste of time he feels the co-op is in upcoming episodes. He merely joined for his own benefit…a move that ended up working out exactly as he had planned. Marlo is undeniably a monster, but he has also proven that he is far from dumb…he may be young and uncivilized, but he is now the king atop the enterprise. His ruthlessness and disregard for the “old ways” have led him there.
That being said, he still deserves to “get got” in the most painful way possible.
By Alphaman
February 5, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this
Justin,
Do you have any idea that 70% of the current homes in foreclosure have untruthful loan applications? In other words, the borrower lied on the loan application. People who don’t have enough of what they desire typically accuse successful people of being greedy. Lenders were accused of red lining before. So they relax lending standards and this is what they get, record setting foreclosure rates. Predatory lending is a made up term. Absolutely no one is forced to apply and accept a loan. The terms of the loan are explained during the closing process. By signing your name, you are saying that you understand and agree to the terms of the loan. No one wants to take responsibility for their actions. People with your outlook enables this type of behavior to continue. By the way, I know of which I speak. I grew up in the inner city and own a mortgage company.
By Shea
February 6, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
I think Lester was looking like that at the wiretape because when the call was made on Marlo’s phone it was scrabbled. Remember in the first scene of the show when Vondas gives Marlo the cell phone, he shows him something on the phone to convince him to use him to use it.