Endorsement

I have no intention of this becoming a blog where I regularly review television shows or movies. There are plenty of other places for that in the vastness of the interweb. But there is one thing I do want to share with whoever the hell is reading this, if anyone. I suppose I feel a sort of responsibility to tell everyone I know about this particular television show.

By way of some brief background, back in the 90's there was a show on NBC called Homicide: Life On The Street. It was, at its core, a cop show. Set in Baltimore, it featured a large ensemble cast that changed quite a bit over its seven season run. It was dark, it was gritty, it was real. It was chosen by Time's tv writer was one of the best 100 shows of all time. And it became my favorite show and remains one of my favorite shows to this day.

It was based on a book by a former Baltimore newspaperman named David Simon. I loved the show so much that I committed his name to memory and assumed that pretty much anything he ever did would be genius.

A few years ago I began hearing and reading things about a show on HBO called The Wire. After hearing enough praise, I did some hunting and, lo and behold, it was created, produced and written by the very same David Simon. I immediately set about acquiring the show so that I could test my theory about the man's genius. I was not proven wrong.

The Wire is very similar to Homicide. Large, ensemble cast. Set in Baltimore. Largely revolves around the Baltimore Police Department. But it is much more than a simple cop show. It is a show about bureaucracy, politics, education, the drug war, the working class, the media and more. It is the most realistic television show I've ever seen. And I believe it is one of the most important, if not THE most important shows to ever air on television. If that is hyperbole, I think it's only slight. In the same way that I believe Schindler's List should be required viewing for anyone undertaking even a cursory study of World War II and the Holocaust, I believe that The Wire, along with the movie Traffic, should be required viewing for anyone who wishes to discuss how crime is fought and specifically the war on drugs. I don't want to get preachy, but any preconceptions I had about the hopelessness of the lower class and their ability to improve their situation were completely changed after watching this show, along with many other opinions I held about a myriad of topics.

Let me give a couple of caveats. The Wire is not an easy show to watch. You absolutely have to give it 3 or 4 episodes before you start to feel comfortable with everything going on and putting names to all the faces. The cast is so large and the show takes so little time for character introduction that it can be confusing and overwhelming. Give it time. I would recommend watching it in blocks of 2 or 3 episodes at a time. And don't try to watch it while doing other things. You have to pay attention. Stick with it. Also keep in mind that this was an HBO show and, as such, is very 'R' rated. But if you think life in inner city Baltimore ( or inner city anywhere) isn't 'R' rated, you go stick your head back in the sand.

The Sopranos is another HBO show that aired partly during the same period and got much more attention and praise. Having watched both, I believe The Wire is the superior show, by far. If you get through the first season and don't agree that it is an amazing show, then I have serious questions about your taste and judgment and we're going to have a long talk about whether or not we can continue being friends. Season 4 is an absolute masterpiece of storytelling.

So, go. Watch it. And enjoy it. Not only is it a fantastic show as far as social commentary and the lessons it teaches, but it is just an all around good show. Great writing, acting, extremely well done. A+ entertainment.