The Wire

:

Season 2
  • Network: HBO
  • Series Premiere Date: Jun 2, 2002
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 410 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 388 out of 410
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 410
  3. Negative: 14 out of 410
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  1. brjorge2002
    Aug 20, 2010
    10
    Season 2 of The Wire is my particular favorite. Seeing how the longshoreman operate their illegal business was a nice change of pace from Season 1. I've seen Seasons 1-4 & was hoping to get more of "The Greek", but he hasn't reappeared.
  2. drlowdon
    May 24, 2013
    9
    The Second, 12 episode, Season of the critically acclaimed 'The Wire' picks up proceedings not long after the events of year one with the investigative team lead by Daniels now disbanded. Rather than jumping straight back into the aftermath of the Barksdale drug empire (which becomes more of a background story this time around) the writers instead choose to introduce the viewer to anotherThe Second, 12 episode, Season of the critically acclaimed 'The Wire' picks up proceedings not long after the events of year one with the investigative team lead by Daniels now disbanded. Rather than jumping straight back into the aftermath of the Barksdale drug empire (which becomes more of a background story this time around) the writers instead choose to introduce the viewer to another social group found in the city of Baltimore, namely the dock workers that are struggling to make ends meet in modern times. When thirteen bodies are found in an unclaimed container another unpredictable and intriguing case starts to unfold.

    All credit must go to the writers and cast who are able to effortlessly craft another fascinating tale despite a completely new focus and the introduction of a whole host of extra characters. As with Season One the line between the supposed good guys and bad guys remains blurred as the show takes the time to fully explore the motivations of its entire cast and it is this that makes The Wire far more than just another cop show.    … Expand
  3. SaintPeter
    Nov 22, 2011
    10
    This season of The Wire delivers a message which is all too appropriate today. In the words of Frank Sobotka: "You know what the problem is? We used to make **** in this country, build ****. Now, we just put our hand in the next guy's pocket." An incredible, thought-provoking portrait of the betrayal of America's working class by the country they built.
  4. joeyperez
    Jul 19, 2013
    10
    simply the standard by which all other shows are judged. i have the sopranos slightly higher, but the wire holds quality quite well throughout and the quality is simply incredible. this is the story of a city told from the ground up. the first season is a dive into an immense world that just keeps getting deeper and deeper until you realise we are all part of the world beyond the wire andsimply the standard by which all other shows are judged. i have the sopranos slightly higher, but the wire holds quality quite well throughout and the quality is simply incredible. this is the story of a city told from the ground up. the first season is a dive into an immense world that just keeps getting deeper and deeper until you realise we are all part of the world beyond the wire and yet the city rolls on.

    this first season is judged on its own merits, easily a 10, and no amount of idiot middle class who love it because they were told to, despite never seeing the show, or counter counter culture descreditors are going to make me forget that.

    1 is a ten based on its own merits.
    the series is a 10 based on its own merits.
    the weaker seasons are a 10 based on the fact they are that much better than anything else on tv, at what they do, with a very few key exceptions.

    9.5 rounded up.    … Expand
  5. Pedroapares99
    Aug 19, 2013
    10
    The second season follows the edge of perfection. A brilliant story and script, as in the first season. You know watching this season why the people consider The Wire, as one of the best series ever.
  6. Justinavery7074
    Oct 6, 2011
    10
    This is the season where I fell deeply in love with The Wire. After that, we were inseparable. I could try to **** the DVD case all for the sake of this show. It's beyond brilliant. It's holy
  7. Treehearne
    Mar 3, 2012
    10
    I've watched many, many television shows, and I can confidently affirm that The Wire is by far the greatest achievement in the history of TV. I won't bother typing up a long and well thought-out review because I'm sure the previous users have done a fair enough job of describing this show, but I will say this: no other television series compares to The Wire, and it will be a long timeI've watched many, many television shows, and I can confidently affirm that The Wire is by far the greatest achievement in the history of TV. I won't bother typing up a long and well thought-out review because I'm sure the previous users have done a fair enough job of describing this show, but I will say this: no other television series compares to The Wire, and it will be a long time before another one does.… Expand
  8. austinbond
    Jun 28, 2012
    10
    Yet another brilliant season of the greatest TV drama of all time. The story of the middle class being screwed over by the city they helped to built was tragic and powerful, with some splendid new characters and the usual dramatic gut-punches one grows to expect from 'The Wire'. PS: Valchek is a d***
  9. Lokathor
    Sep 9, 2014
    10
    Season 2 of the wire moves from the inner city to the docks, but continues to show the story of institutional inertia crushing out the individual on a regular basis. It's well into the Tragedy section of the Comedy/Tragedy scale, and it's very well done.
  10. Kansler
    Jul 29, 2017
    9
    The focus on smuggling and dock workers is a major departure from the first season, but it works just as well, thanks to a wonderful cast of new characters joining the returning old ones. The occasional glimpses into the black underworld of the inner city, and life in the prison, keeps the main story going between the first and the third season, but even without the returning oldThe focus on smuggling and dock workers is a major departure from the first season, but it works just as well, thanks to a wonderful cast of new characters joining the returning old ones. The occasional glimpses into the black underworld of the inner city, and life in the prison, keeps the main story going between the first and the third season, but even without the returning old characters from the first season, the new story is very fascinating. These people are worth spending one entire season on.… Expand
  11. seancriswell
    Jul 24, 2012
    7
    Normally to call a season of a show a 7 out of 10 is incredible, but following one of the best seasons of a show I have ever seen it was a bit of a disappointment. Bottom line is that the dock worker plot just did not work for me. Their was not one of these characters that I rooted for or felt the least bit invested in. Still love all the cop work, and there was enough Stringer andNormally to call a season of a show a 7 out of 10 is incredible, but following one of the best seasons of a show I have ever seen it was a bit of a disappointment. Bottom line is that the dock worker plot just did not work for me. Their was not one of these characters that I rooted for or felt the least bit invested in. Still love all the cop work, and there was enough Stringer and Barksdale to wet my appetite for next year, I would have just liked more of it. Here is hoping next year is more season 1 and less 2.… Expand
  12. DukeCumberjack
    Apr 26, 2020
    5
    I think we all need take our medicine and be honest about this season. I'll start off by saying that this is my favorite show of all time. Best thing ever put on television. However, the dock workers story line is absolute, unadulterated trash. Even if it didn't completely clash with the tone of the rest of the show, which it does, it by itself it is still horrible writing. Every sceneI think we all need take our medicine and be honest about this season. I'll start off by saying that this is my favorite show of all time. Best thing ever put on television. However, the dock workers story line is absolute, unadulterated trash. Even if it didn't completely clash with the tone of the rest of the show, which it does, it by itself it is still horrible writing. Every scene with Ziggy made me want to call David Simon myself and ask him whether he got sexual pleasure out of seeing his audience suffer.

    It's just bad. No two ways about it. It drags the whole show down. All it really does is show us how the heroin arrives in Baltimore. That's really it. Should dock workers and unions be explored and celebrated? Yes. Just not in this show. This is Stringer's show. Do yourself a favor--if you are watching/re-watching, skip every dock worker's scene that doesn't have one of the characters from Season 1. It will save you much pain and discomfort. Alright enough ranting just wanted to say my piece. Shouts out Prop Joe. He didn't deserve to go like that.    … Expand
  13. carloswalnuts
    Mar 11, 2014
    9
    En los primeros capitulo pueden ser algo lentos, pero conforme avanza la serie se vuelve cada vez genial, personajes nuevos como Frank Sobotka, Nick Sobotka o la temible organizacion criminal de los griegos le dieron a la serie un toque diferente con respecto a la primera temporada que ya habiamos visto a los traficantes, en este caso esta temporada era el caso de treces mujeres muertas yEn los primeros capitulo pueden ser algo lentos, pero conforme avanza la serie se vuelve cada vez genial, personajes nuevos como Frank Sobotka, Nick Sobotka o la temible organizacion criminal de los griegos le dieron a la serie un toque diferente con respecto a la primera temporada que ya habiamos visto a los traficantes, en este caso esta temporada era el caso de treces mujeres muertas y que conectaba con los estibadores del puerto de Baltimore. Esos ultimos capitulos fueron brillantes.… Expand
  14. A_Northerner
    Mar 9, 2013
    9
    Equally as brilliant as the first season once the pieces fall into place, the season's focus shifts up the drug chain from dealers to suppliers through the smugglers but as with most things in David Simon's Baltimore, everything is connected and it turns out that the smugglers (and by connection the union) supply Proposition Joe who cuts a deal with Stringer. This link ensures that theEqually as brilliant as the first season once the pieces fall into place, the season's focus shifts up the drug chain from dealers to suppliers through the smugglers but as with most things in David Simon's Baltimore, everything is connected and it turns out that the smugglers (and by connection the union) supply Proposition Joe who cuts a deal with Stringer. This link ensures that the likes of Stringer, Avon, D'Angelo and Omar still feature, although less prominently than the first season, replaced with the characters of the stevedore union.

    Central to the season is Frank Sobotka, excellently played by Chris Bauer, who finds himself torn between looking out for his union and future generations of the traditionally local workforce and doing the right thing and setting the right example to his son and nephew. He is truly horrified at the discovery of thirteen dead girls inside a can on his dock but can't bring himself to break his connection to 'The Greek'.

    What really struck me about the story's beginning was the initial infighting between jurisdictions and departments, led by Homicide Major Rawls, over the ownership of the thirteen Jane Does, something I can well believe after reading David Simon's book, Homicide A Year on the Killing Streets. This kind of gritty, self serving, inhumane approach to homicides really cannot be found anywhere else but The Wire. Also, as with the first season, season two's ending is far from the fairytale ending to be expected in most films or TV shows. The penultimate episode, Bad Dreams, finishes with one of the best set of scenes I think I have ever seen on a TV screen. Played out over an fitting Greek song 'Efige Efige' (translated to 'He Left'), the montage displays the fortunes of Frank swinging 180 degrees through a series of events elsewhere at precisely the wrong time. A masterpiece.    … Expand
  15. TheVegan
    May 13, 2014
    10
    The Wire is simply the best show ever created. Once you get into the show you will not want to stop watching it. It is totally engrossing and it is almost impossible not to love this work of perfection!
  16. TNF1343
    Mar 31, 2014
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Like a good book, The Wire is hard to put down. You don't just come back because the occasional episode has a mind bending cliffhanger; you come back to see more excellent drama unfold. Judging by the first two Seasons, I can say that The Wire has been the most consistent show I've watched since Breaking Bad. Thinking of a weak link in the chain of this cop drama is near impossible.

    My main complaint for why this is a '9' instead of a '10' is one that's hard to articulate and you may or may not agree. I feel that through the middle of the Season, not a whole lot of exciting developments occur. At this point, a lot of episodes felt like typical The Wire episodes and they all just kind of blended together in my mind. On a more narrow scope, I also felt that with the task force, headed by Daniels, was annoyingly trying too hard to emulate the success of Season 1. Some awesome situations arised, but a lot of it felt too familiar. Drama over the wire-tap again? Seriously guys? It's called The Wire but it gets on my nerves a when shows repeat that same old same old. I mean, even the detail had similar members. It was occasionally thrilling to have the characters reunite but the pay-off of revisiting the first Season's successes wasn't overly grand.

    On the other hand, the opening and closing segments where absolutely amazing. It is common for dramas to do this and sink a bit in the mid-Season, and while I feel this Season did this, I also feel that the middle chunk was a hell of a lot better than most shows' best efforts. Plus, I'd be remiss not to mention the almost masterful "All Prologue" that lands dead centre in the Season's 12 episode run (the part where The Wire ever so slightly stumbles come before and after this pivotal episode).

    Okay, so first of all, if Omar Little wasn't one of your favourite characters before, that courtroom scene will change your mind. I believe I'm quoting a legitimate TV critic when I say that there is no character ever created quite like Omar. The tough-as-nails robber has enough swagger with just him and his shotgun to scare of legions of Barksdale's men into hiding, as shown in the first Season. He's also got a relatable sense of justice and a sharp wit. I mean, yeah, I'm sure most of us won't shoot up the people who killed your lover, but Omar seems to know when to go to the cops or take matters into his own hands. He's also distinctly unique for being gay; there's no one quite like him, although Issac from the seventh Season of Dexter is the closest I can think of for both character's sexual orientation, similar street smarts and general wit. Where the two differ, however, comes in Omar's relative independence and the general purpose of Issac vs. Omar (Issac was merely a half Season villain, while Omar has more longevity).

    Anyway, "All Prologue" also featured D'Angelo's emotional departure. The true test of whether or not this move was effective came later in the game. McNulty and D'Angelo are often compared to one another as two sides of the same coin. Before his death, D believed thoroughly that no matter how hard you try, you did what you did. You can say you've changed, but the past is what makes you who you are. McNulty is a cop at heart but he tries to change that by retiring and making amends with his ex-wife. After he fails, he goes back to the detail, doing the things he truly loves. You can often see the character's joy on the detail, as he is once again played impeccably by the talented Dominic West.

    I'm quite surprised to hear that a lot of folks found Frank Sobotka's (Chris Bauer) shipping empire to be uninteresting. I'm quite on the contrary; I think this plot line was just as interesting as the Barksdale dealings that occurred both this and last Season. For me, it was really hard not to feel for Frank. Since his job wildly depends on uncontrollable factors, it's hard to blame him for trying to provide for his family (a la the early Seasons of Breaking Bad).

    However, this is very much Nick Sobotka's (Pablo Schreiber) story. Superior than his cousin Ziggy (James Ransone) in a lot of ways, Nick unintentionally drives his cousin into making some very bad decisions to prove himself as a man. At the very end, his cousin is in jail and his uncle is dead. His arc seems to be far from over, and I'll look forward to seeing him down the line as he possibly tries to hunt down "those Greek bastards".

    There's a lot to talk about this Season, but only so little space. If I know The Wire, than all the various interesting character and plot threads will add up into something big. Not just Seasonal arcs. I predict The Wire will continue to use every second of screen-time preciously until the final episode, not stopping to aid the contemporary audience that just doesn't get it. Everything is moving along nicely so far, as we're given a good closure on this Season and enough loose ends to keep us wanting more.

    Chapter 2, complete....    … Expand
  17. jerkwheat
    Apr 30, 2015
    10
    This is the first and only 10 I've ever given anything on Metacritic. It deserves an 11, honestly. This right here is the greatest television show ever produced, on any network in any decade.
  18. Andremax
    Aug 22, 2018
    10
    The Wire starts to hold watcher in this season. More themes beyond crime, police and wires in telephones are mentioned, like syndicates, illegal transactions in piers, corpse hide and more.
  19. OniLinkCR
    Nov 7, 2013
    9
    Lately, as I just finished seeing Breaking Bad, there were claims that it was the best series ever. To my dismay, I realized that reaching said conclusions without seeing other series such as the Sopranos wasn't fair. But then I stumbled with The Wire. Season 1 was great, but the second season is up there.

    Deep character arcs, amazing story and a series that doesn't get a lot of love    Lately, as I just finished seeing Breaking Bad, there were claims that it was the best series ever. To my dismay, I realized that reaching said conclusions without seeing other series such as the Sopranos wasn't fair. But then I stumbled with The Wire. Season 1 was great, but the second season is up there.

    Deep character arcs, amazing story and a series that doesn't get a lot of love because it is pre-Facebook era. So obviously the hype isn't there because it isn't "hot" or "current". But to me, plot wise, character-depth and dialogue wise it puts Breaking Bad to utter shame. That's how good I believe it is.    … Expand
  20. cjm868
    Nov 3, 2015
    10
    In my opinion, it's the greatest TV Show ever made. An epic tapestry of the city of Baltimore. Novelistic in its approach to storytelling it pushed the boundaries for what TV could be. Not only was there great writing and directing but the show also dealt with greater social issues. A must watch for everyone.
  21. neitzy
    May 28, 2015
    10
    The Wire is the best series I've come across. Breaking Bad gets close, but The Wire still wins out.
    I can not believe how underrated it was back when it first came out!
  22. ForReals13
    Feb 21, 2022
    10
    Ebb Tide B-. Collateral Damage B. Hot Shots B.
    Hard Cases B. Undertow B. All Prologue A-.
    Backwash B+. Duck And Cover B+. Stray Rounds B+.
    Storm Warnings A. Bad Dreams A. Port In A Storm A.
  23. Okaythen
    Apr 16, 2016
    10
    The second season on "The Wire" is a huge step forward from season 1, The writing, acting everything seemed flawless in this season, It had a lot of great characters introduced this season, It's a very cleverly written plot and it turns tragic for the family the further this season progresses. Just an outright fantastic tale and deserves a watch if you finished season 1
  24. Onlyclassicvg1
    Jan 13, 2022
    8
    Al narrar un negocio familiar multigeneracional que trafica con drogas ilegales y los esfuerzos de la policía de Baltimore para frenar su comercio, esta serie establece paralelismos entre estas organizaciones y los hombres y mujeres a ambos lados de la batalla. Las palabras de Gary W. Potter, profesor de justicia penal y estudios policiales en el este de Kentucky
  25. tommyvi
    Nov 26, 2021
    10
    Llevo una doble vida, me acuesto en Baltimore y despierto en Bilbao.
    Llevo así una temporada, o mejor dicho, unas cinco.
    Llevo móvil, pero vuelto a usar las cabinas de teléfono del barrio. Llevo gente en mi coche, pero no se puede hablar en él. Llevo deambulando por las mismas calles, pero todas parecen acabar en un callejón sin salida. Llevo un tiempo disfrutando de the wire y en esto no    Llevo una doble vida, me acuesto en Baltimore y despierto en Bilbao.
    Llevo así una temporada, o mejor dicho, unas cinco.
    Llevo móvil, pero vuelto a usar las cabinas de teléfono del barrio.
    Llevo gente en mi coche, pero no se puede hablar en él.
    Llevo deambulando por las mismas calles, pero todas parecen acabar en un callejón sin salida.
    Llevo un tiempo disfrutando de the wire y en esto no hay peros.
    El único error que se ha cometido con esta serie es presentarla a los Emmy. No ganaron ninguno porque esta creación esta por encima de todo eso, trasciende la pequeña pantalla y compite al nivel más alto, en todas las categorías de los Nóbel.

    Nóbel de Literatura: este se lo darían seguro, no necesitan ni el guión, ni que escuchen los diálogos, basta con que lean las citas del comienzo de cada capítulo.
    Nóbel de Economía: cómo se lo podrían negar, si esta serie sobre la corrupción a todos los niveles, predijo la crisis global del sistema financiero y el único que parece poder resolverla es Stringer Bell.
    Nóbel de Química: si no es suficiente con la que desprenden los actores, no será por falta de investigación de substancias, en laboratorios clandestinos o policiales.
    Nóbel de Física: los actores están en forma, pero cuando estudian trayectorias de balas, cuerpos y dinero cumplen con todos los principios de la termodinámica.
    Nóbel de la Paz: si las consideradas mejores películas y series antibélicas pertenecen al género bélico, entonces esta serie es la más honesta, pues la guerra que filma no tiene ni principio ni fin, todos tienen sus razones y todos pierden algo, es la vida, día a día, sin tregua.
    Nóbel de Medicina: este lo tienen difícil, simplemente por que no han metido la escucha en un hospital. Pero si se puede decir que el mundo está enfermo, esta serie es la mejor radiografía para acertar su diagnóstico.
    En cuanto al guión, puesta en escena, ambientación, fotografía, actores…que se puede decir más, si hasta las ratas que aparecen en pantalla están perfectas.
    Llevo una doble vida y las dos parecen de verdad, complejas y fascinantes, conectadas por un simple cable de televisión.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best TV Season of 2003
3
#3 Most Discussed TV Season of 2003
3
#3 Most Shared TV Season of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
95

Universal acclaim - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Newark Star-Ledger
    Reviewed by: Alan Sepinwall
    Jul 18, 2013
    100
    What Simon is doing with "The Wire" - besides crafting arguably the most realistic cop show ever - is taking the narrative style of books and translating it to television. ... By itself, it raises TV's collective IQ at least a few points. [29 May 2003]
  2. Orlando Sentinel
    Reviewed by: Hal Boedeker
    Jul 18, 2013
    100
    The Wire doesn't receive the attention of other HBO dramas, but it should. It often surpasses them in the chances it takes and the stories it tells. [1 Jun 2003]
  3. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Jonathan Storm
    Jul 18, 2013
    90
    An immensely satisfying - and immensely complicated - police drama. [31 May 2003]
See all critic reviews »