The Wire

:

Season 4
  • Network: HBO
  • Series Premiere Date: Jun 2, 2002
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
9.1

Universal acclaim- based on 856 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 789 out of 856
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 856
  3. Negative: 58 out of 856
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User Reviews

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  1. FrancisC.
    Dec 28, 2007
    10
    The best television series ever made. I've watched the first four seasons three full times now; its a masterpiece. It might be decades before anything rivals The Wire.
  2. MargeA
    Dec 26, 2007
    10
    The best show on TV hands down. I mourned the loss of Homicide but The Wire surpasses even that brilliant show on a number of levels. Hopefully it will win a well-deserved and long overdue Emmy for writing.
  3. JohnJ
    Dec 25, 2007
    10
    Simply the best.
  4. BerthaA.
    Dec 23, 2007
    10
    Doug Elfman (the Sun-Times guy) is an idiot. I was gonna hold off on reviewing season 4 until I'd seen the whole thing, but I just wanted to say that and refute his little blurb (the whole review link is dead, I think). Maybe it helps that I watch them back to back via DVD, but I've thought the pacing of every season (except maybe three, in spots) has been brilliant. I Doug Elfman (the Sun-Times guy) is an idiot. I was gonna hold off on reviewing season 4 until I'd seen the whole thing, but I just wanted to say that and refute his little blurb (the whole review link is dead, I think). Maybe it helps that I watch them back to back via DVD, but I've thought the pacing of every season (except maybe three, in spots) has been brilliant. I can't imagine someone being like, "come on, The Wire, get to the point already." If you don't have the patience for something to develop over a whole(!) season, Elfman, then you shouldn't be watching The Wire (or getting paid to review stuff). The Wire is all about details. I mean, the "first batch of episodes" has to establish the level of the kids' innocence so that the erosion of whatever is left of it becomes all that more important. And I mean actually establish something, not some Law & Order crap. I, myself, only have one bone to pick with what I've seen so far. At one point, one of the kids (the one with the ponytail) says that he'll take money as long as it's given out for free. Later on, the state senator says the exact same thing. I didn't like how on-the-nose this was. Part of The Wire's appeal is its realism; I thought this prod at the viewer to see a correlation between the street and W. Baltimore politics was too direct. Anyway, I think The Wire is a televised miracle. I can't believe I get the privilege of watching such an amazing show. How this got on television, I'll never be able to guess.… Expand
  5. ColinB.
    Dec 17, 2007
    10
    I have watched every season at least twice, and this by far is the best depiction of urban environments in the US today. To say this is the best show on TV does not even do it justice.
  6. GreenA.
    Dec 3, 2007
    10
    So brilliantly acted that it boggles my mind. Where did they find such young actors who could act in such intensive, high tension scenes? Richly layered and somehow manages to develop the characters, symbolic progressions, social critique, and compelling plot all at once. This is almost unprecedented for a TV show!
  7. SeanR.
    Nov 27, 2007
    10
    Greatest show of all time. HOw this show has never won an Emmy astonishes me.
  8. SeanW.
    Nov 27, 2007
    10
    Easily the best show on television hands down... wow.
  9. LanaS.
    Nov 9, 2007
    10
    Brilliant writing, impressive directing, and spectacular acting. The greatest thing on television, period.
  10. DanielH.
    Nov 8, 2007
    10
    Probably the closest thing to perfect you can get on TV. If you find yourself getting in to this show in it's censored version on BET, get the DVD's from a rental store or a library...there's no comparison.
  11. TT
    Oct 31, 2007
    10
    My vote for the best show on TV. TV can be so painfully melodramatic which makes The Wire so refreshing. Real people, real lives.
  12. PaulD
    Oct 29, 2007
    10
    This is the finest piece of media/literature that I have seen in my lifetime. Season 4 not only met my unrealistic expectations after the first 3 seasons, it surpassed them. For those who stick with it from the 1st episode of the 1st season they will be rewarded with a masterpiece. This is our modern cities, our modern institutions etc. played out in the mold of an epic Greek tragedy.
  13. DanielP
    Oct 21, 2007
    10
    Brilliant.
  14. DavidP.
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    What Dostoyevsky did for literature, the wire has done for contemporary pop culture, and like Dostoyevsky appreciation was far more reserved until a later period. But, I like the show's status just as it is, though small, for those who watch it are constantly rewarded. A new day is not dawning in the city of Baltimore, the Barksdale's drug empire is no where to be seen, a new What Dostoyevsky did for literature, the wire has done for contemporary pop culture, and like Dostoyevsky appreciation was far more reserved until a later period. But, I like the show's status just as it is, though small, for those who watch it are constantly rewarded. A new day is not dawning in the city of Baltimore, the Barksdale's drug empire is no where to be seen, a new prince rules the streets (Marlo Stanfield), Mcnulty's back on the beat, Bunk is unable to convict a very guilty Omar for the stash house assassination, Carcetti struggles in the race for mayor, drug lieutenants Chris Partlow and Felicia "Snoop" Pearson are stacking up bodies quicker than a drop of a hat and four school kids are at risk from it all. There is always one outstanding feature with the wire that I have constantly admired, its storytelling. Unlike the more conventional "cop" dramas where cases are solved with in a fifty minute time frame, the wire takes it toll and very slowly. In season 1 the viewers were introduced to a drug syndicate known as the Barksdale's headed by the brash Avon Barksdale and the highly intelligent Stringer Bell. That particular story lasted an immense three seasons where the viewers grew with the characters laughs were disposed as were shocks and tears. Only one of the street characters from season 1 has remained, the self proclaimed and content soldier Bodie (JD Williams) who is not quite the same person without his crew he has become irritant and angry over Marlo Stanfield's unpredictable rulings and redundant leadership. There are only three members in Bodie's crew Lex, Little Kevin and Namond - the unruly and rowdy teenager whose story develops heavily over the course of the series. From Namond we met his friends Michael, Dukie and Randy who all become a primary focus for seaon 4's story. From the perspective of law enforcement this season we follow the breakdown of the major crimes unit. Lester has been reassigned to homicide as has Kima joining Bunk, Prez has bacome a school teacher, Herc remains in major crimes as does Sydnor though Mcnulty and Carver have both decided to work the streets. From the political aspect we follow Carcetti's rise to power and Royce's sheer will to stop him. from the drug perspective we see Marlo order more assassinations than you can count and in doing so he and his high ranking members (Chris and Snoop). Yet again this show proves that good does not triumph over evil infact between it all the only moral compass is the city of Baltimore no one ever wins in the long run. Bodie and his crew are killed one by one over the course of the season and it's utterly heart breaking until the final episode where Bodie has a moment of clarity realizing there is no way out and is prepared to be killed. The kids who start with their own agenda conclude to be completely opposite by the end. Happily Carcetti wins though in doing this his obsession for winning has alienated his long term friends an colleagues leaving him to be a very lonely king. The inner circle amongst the ranks of the police department becomes more and more distant. By the end Marlo Stanfield's paranoia grows so high that his methods of keeping safe are preposterous. The wire is as engrossing as it is distant as beautiful as it is ugly and as funny as it is tragic. you can't nibble at this show because you have to devour it.… Expand
  15. AlexandrosL.
    Oct 5, 2007
    10
    Simon has transferred in his play the Balzac's core conception of the plot in which the characters while they seem to act on their own through a Darwinian battle, in fact they are pawns overwhelmed by the dominant forces of the society. A true masterpiece. Art.
  16. zzt.
    Oct 1, 2007
    7
    I don't get it. To me The Wire is massively overhyped. I enjoy watching it, but it feels like a glorified "The Shield". It lacks the dynamic and dramatic style of The Sopranos. The use of music is also more effective in Sopranos. Then there are pacing issues ... at times The Wire just prods along. Yea yea, we know, its praised for bringing social issues to the forefront and its I don't get it. To me The Wire is massively overhyped. I enjoy watching it, but it feels like a glorified "The Shield". It lacks the dynamic and dramatic style of The Sopranos. The use of music is also more effective in Sopranos. Then there are pacing issues ... at times The Wire just prods along. Yea yea, we know, its praised for bringing social issues to the forefront and its "realistic" but I want to be entertained as well; sometimes its just like a documentary, a boring one at that. The Sopranos has its cerebral psychobabble moments with the flashbacks and the psychiatrist, but they are well balanced with lots of drama, sex, violence and excellent directing. Also, theres no comparison interms of individual acting achievements .. theres certainly no one as impressive as Falco, Gandolfini or Imperioli on The Wire. The Wire needs more scenes like the famous detective scene with Bunk and McNulty to balance the prodding multi-threaded drama that engulfs most of the episodes If you like slow, cerebral, cop shows, The Wire might be an interesting watch. Overall, you will get more bang for your buck from the far more well balanced Sopranos...certainly there are many more shocking and classic scenes in The Sopranos which will be etched in your memory forever. Rent seasons 1 and 2 of both the Sopranos and The Wire and do the comparison yourself.… Expand
  17. ChristopherC.
    Sep 11, 2007
    10
    What else can I say that already has not been said....See the wire..it will change the way you look at TV.
  18. TiaL.
    Sep 6, 2007
    10
    I am from the urban city and this show is so true. Whoever created this must have grown up in this same situation to have captured such likeliness.
  19. TerjeD.
    Sep 4, 2007
    10
    Best show ever... no other show even close !
  20. Dave
    Sep 1, 2007
    10
    If Dostoyevsky was still alive - he would be writing for this show.
  21. Blanqui
    Aug 28, 2007
    10
    This is more than just a television show, this is something more. Watching the wire sets a new standard that makes other shows seem ridiculous. The show is so good and so educational it should be shown in schools for teenagers. It describes it as it is, no bull, no happy ending, just reality. The wie is movie art as its best.
  22. lu
    Aug 14, 2007
    10
    Best show ever.
  23. HaniY.
    Aug 13, 2007
    10
    Season 4 of The Wire happens to be the most emotional and the finest season so far. This is the most hard-hitting police drama ever to come to TV. The Wire makes every other show inferior and hopefully it will get the Emmys the show deserved for a long time now.
  24. lu
    Aug 6, 2007
    10
    Best show ever.
  25. Julian
    Aug 1, 2007
    10
    Best not-a-cop-show ever. Period.
  26. RobertB.
    Jul 31, 2007
    10
    The only major "flaw" this show has is that it doesn't appeal to what people have been conditioned to expect. It's too intelligent, too authentic, too deep, too harsh and too sad.
  27. JustinG.
    Jul 29, 2007
    10
    this show is great bring avon barksdale back
  28. LolaS
    Jul 19, 2007
    10
    I LOVE this show! Season 4 was phenomenal! It just draws you in and the suspense is so strong. I can't wait for season 5.
  29. JeromeR
    Jul 18, 2007
    10
    Awesome!
  30. SeanL
    Jul 15, 2007
    10
    The only television program of any importance ever made.
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best TV Season of 2006
2
#2 Most Discussed TV Season of 2006
10
#10 Most Shared TV Season of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
98

Universal acclaim - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Doug Elfman
    88
    Despite high praise, there are two serious problems: (a) The first new episode is crazy confusing, and (b) over the course of the first batch of episodes, the story lines don't develop quickly enough.
    Read full review
  2. Kansas City Star
    Reviewed by: Aaron Barnhart
    100
    To me, what allows “The Wire” to surpass “The Sopranos” in the pantheon of greatest American TV shows is its ambition and its anger.
    Read full review
  3. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    100
    This is TV as great modern literature, a shattering and heartbreaking urban epic about a city (Baltimore) rotting from within.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »