This show continues to shock and amaze me week after week. One unfortunate side-effect of becoming a wire-head is that everything else looks a bit cheesier. The Sopranos for example, is way over-stylized, the dialog is forced and the plot lines are way over the top. Don't get me wrong, the sopranos is a very good show, which is why I'm using it as an example. The Wire comes across as so very authentic that you can't help roll your eyes when tony says "forgedaboudit" with a mouthful of baked ziti. The wire not only attacks relevant issues, but it follows very human characters with complicated stories. Life is not simple and the wire doesn't pretend that it is. Nothing ever really wraps up. Not in the way Lost doesn't tie together. The stories have a beginning a middle and an end, but they don't satisfy themselves or tie themselves up with bows. The outcomes are imperfect for everyone. No one is a real hero, everyone is vulnerable. If you want a dose of reality television, ditch Top Chef start up with the wire.
6 Reviews
Great Episode
cuddlesatusc31 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
One of the things I love about The Wire is how it's not committed to spend specific time on one certain character. In this episode, Tommy is explored during the election. I like the fact that he's matured, with his recent election as mayor giving him more responsibilities to look out for. I cheered him on for avoiding temptation with Theresa, and I also enjoyed that Theresa herself saw that Tommy was growing. Prez is also explored, being given a redemption arc which I enjoy heartedly. Lots of things happen in this episode and I think that's underscored by the title of this hour, but Randy and Namond truly have it the worst. Randy, being a truthful kid, has to have a crackdown with Mrs. D over an incident he didn't know occurred . It's just a disturbing having to bare witness to an unlawful act from a good kid. And with Namond, his mother shoves him onto the streets, relying on him for financial income. Truly awful woman. But there is some hope with the election of Carcetti, aspiring to change Baltimore; however, knowing The Wire's philosophy on corrupt institutions, one can only wish for a positive outcome.
American democracy. Let's show those....
snoozejonc11 October 2022
This is a great episode with an intriguing plot and great character moments.
For me the best aspects involve Omar, as they are the most compelling. One scene especially is both suspenseful and quite uplifting. Michael K. Williams is on great form and makes the character likeable as ever.
As ever the characters Namond, Michael, Randy and Dukie have very memorable scenes. Namond both frustrates and angers you, but at the same time I have empathy due to the smart way his family life is depicted by the writers. Julito McCullum is superb, and we have another brilliant performance from Sandi McCree who absolutely embodies De'Londa.
Randy's arc is looking tragic at this point and you cannot help but sympathise with a character portrayed as buckling under ruthless pressures of the system. It's very clever that, in a similar way to Wallace, the writers make this character very likeable. Maestro Harrell's face is enough to makes you choke up in some moments.
Much of the focus is on the election with Tommy, Norman and Theresa are centre stage for much of it. These are all strong scenes with humour, drama and the arc is important for the overarching series narrative.
Other characters make great contributions, such as Prez, Clay Davis, Bodie, Brianna, Herc, Carver, Rawls, Jay, and McNulty.
I cannot say much more about the episode with spoiling, except that there are some great one liners from numerous characters, all the actors do great work as ever and the production values are top drawer.
For me the best aspects involve Omar, as they are the most compelling. One scene especially is both suspenseful and quite uplifting. Michael K. Williams is on great form and makes the character likeable as ever.
As ever the characters Namond, Michael, Randy and Dukie have very memorable scenes. Namond both frustrates and angers you, but at the same time I have empathy due to the smart way his family life is depicted by the writers. Julito McCullum is superb, and we have another brilliant performance from Sandi McCree who absolutely embodies De'Londa.
Randy's arc is looking tragic at this point and you cannot help but sympathise with a character portrayed as buckling under ruthless pressures of the system. It's very clever that, in a similar way to Wallace, the writers make this character very likeable. Maestro Harrell's face is enough to makes you choke up in some moments.
Much of the focus is on the election with Tommy, Norman and Theresa are centre stage for much of it. These are all strong scenes with humour, drama and the arc is important for the overarching series narrative.
Other characters make great contributions, such as Prez, Clay Davis, Bodie, Brianna, Herc, Carver, Rawls, Jay, and McNulty.
I cannot say much more about the episode with spoiling, except that there are some great one liners from numerous characters, all the actors do great work as ever and the production values are top drawer.
Great episode
85122226 November 2023
Greetings from Lithuania.
"Margin of Error", a sixth episode "The Wire" season 4 was superb. The pacing, writing, acting - its an exceptional show in another league. I love how the story progress in this season - always plausibly and realistically and nothing seems like its forced. With almost half of season gone i like the overall idea of this season 4 which is basically about kids - kids who are living in a world were no kids should be in a first place.
Overall, "Margin of Error" delivered goods in every possible way. If the remaining part of season 4 will be as good as it was, this will be unforgettable journey.
"Margin of Error", a sixth episode "The Wire" season 4 was superb. The pacing, writing, acting - its an exceptional show in another league. I love how the story progress in this season - always plausibly and realistically and nothing seems like its forced. With almost half of season gone i like the overall idea of this season 4 which is basically about kids - kids who are living in a world were no kids should be in a first place.
Overall, "Margin of Error" delivered goods in every possible way. If the remaining part of season 4 will be as good as it was, this will be unforgettable journey.
The Election Episode
lmack-035422 June 2023
Would you look at that the election episode was just amazing as I thought it would be. One and a half seasons of build up and it does not disappoint. With the election plotline being one of my favorite plotlines this far into the wire, I was really hoping they would tie it up well, and they sure did. My only problem with the way they ended the plotline was the election announcement itself, as it was decently anti calamitic which was a bit of a let down due to the suspense and hype it built up, but it was still decent. The content after the election results opened up great new plotlines that im sure the show will focus on from here on out. The rest of the episode was incredible to having a compelling plot and amazing character progression.
4x06
formotog26 August 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Another good episode. I think the plots are really starting to come together now, and of course the election is finally over. Just how Carcetti will now tie into the show I don't know, but I'm interested to see what they do with it. Marlo's play against Omar does seem very smart, but the fact that Omar doesn't hit civilians tells me he probably won't stay in that cell. In which case, Marlo is in big trouble. It's cool seeing Prez helping out Dukie, and I feel like this whole plot of him becoming a teacher is fuelled by his guilt from all of the bad he did as a cop, which is one of the things I like about this show: it's very humanistic. Other than that, there were just some nice moments this episode and the rest of the season is looking promising
High 7
High 7
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
