The Wire (TV Series) Took (2008) User Reviews

5x07

[formotog · 7/10 · 30 August 2020]

This whole fake serial killer thing is actually a very good idea by McNulty and I think generally it has worked well for the show. I think McNulty has pretty much 0 chance of having a job by the end of the show, probably same with Freamon. The pair of them are very scheming characters and the start of this episode definitely proved that. I'm hoping the Clay Davis subplot is over now because it was honestly so pointless, plus I just really don't like his character. Meanwhile, Omar is causing a lot of problems with barely two legs, and Marlo is gonna have to make a move very soon. At this point in the show, it's about 50/50 with plot lines I'm interested in and have no interest at all in pretty much. It's decent but it's just decent

Mid 7

What did you call me?

[snoozejonc · 10/10 · 24 January 2023]

Clay Davis has his day in court, whilst McNulty's shenanigans are consuming almost everyone and everything.

This is a great episode with ironic storytelling and some definitive character moments.

With numerous organisations in Baltimore having their time and resources dominated by the fake serial killer, it is hard not to find amusement in it. The BPD and Baltimore Sun debriefings intercut by the editors is a great sequence that works hilariously, along with the numerous instances where McNulty finds himself exasperated by everything that has come of his scheme.

Importantly the writers acknowledge the serious impact of the situation in certain scenes, particularly how it affects family members of the victims and when other police officers work the case in good faith.

A big highlight of the episode is Clay Davis on trial. I will say little about what happens, except how plausible it portrays race politics and how organisations and systems can falter when senior figures place their own ambitions above the right tactical decisions. Isiah Whitelock Jr gives one of his best performances of the show run.

My favourite part is Greggs' "Goodnight Moon" scene, which is beautifully done and puts another perspective on everything you see on The Wire.

For me it's a 9.5/10 but I round upwards.