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. SamD
    Sep 6, 2006
    10
    At the risk of sounding like a broken record, this show can't really be underrated. Astonishing drama. Sure, it's not easy to watch and it requires that the viewer be involved in what's going on but the rewards are more than any other show I've ever seen. Greatest show ever.
  2. rc
    Sep 7, 2006
    10
    Greatest dramatic Television series ever, truly a work of art. Season 4 appears to follow that trend, the opening scene alone is one of the Wire's best.
  3. BerylW
    Jan 1, 2007
    10
    I've watch it from the first episode, I wait not even patiently for it every year. I'm so blown away this year. I recommend it to everyone. It should be required watching for the school boards. It should be required watching, because it is so very good. Maybe it's so high above the rest it rates more than any award could ever say; but it should be recognized anyway.
  4. JamesW
    Jan 13, 2007
    10
    The finest television show in history. I find that only people who wouldn't invest in a few episodes of the show can say it's not one of if the favorite show of all itme. Season 4 allows viewers without knowledge of the prior seasons to enjoy the storyline. But believe me, if you haven't watched the previous three seasons, do yourself a favor and watch them. Not only does The finest television show in history. I find that only people who wouldn't invest in a few episodes of the show can say it's not one of if the favorite show of all itme. Season 4 allows viewers without knowledge of the prior seasons to enjoy the storyline. But believe me, if you haven't watched the previous three seasons, do yourself a favor and watch them. Not only does it enhance the enjoyment of season 4, but if you are going to watch tv, you might as well watch the best show. When season 5 concludes, I may seriously consider whether I need a television anymore.… Expand
  5. JoshC
    Jan 14, 2007
    10
    "24" is a conservative's wet dream. For my money the best show on TV is "The Wire", but nobody watches it. There is not another show on TV that addresses the realities of race, work, manhood and urban life with the sweep and rigor of "The Wire" on HBO. "24", blistering as it is, is just flashy and empty. It's all lightning, no rain."The Wire" drenched me.
  6. Rachel
    Jan 15, 2007
    10
    Best show on tv, no question.
  7. HeatherA
    Jan 15, 2007
    10
    I have watched every season of The Wire since it first started and each one is better than the last. Being from Baltimore County I can really appreciate how well the story line and casting is. It is a rediculous that this show keeps getting passed over-extremely disapointing.
  8. 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
  9. elisem
    Jan 16, 2007
    10
    As a public school teacher, I can verify that the wire is "right on target" in its depiction of what goes on in an inner city school.
  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. tanyar
    Jan 19, 2007
    10
    love this show cant wait for the season to start
  12. LaMiciaT
    Jan 2, 2007
    10
    I'm crazy hooked on The Wire ever since "Namond" came on Scream Tour 5, 2 weeks ago...Where has this show been all my life it's real !!!! HBO on demand got rid of it tho (idots). Happy New Year, now i gotta buy the DVD. lata
  13. 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!
  14. michaelr
    Jan 23, 2007
    10
    I did'nt watch the first two seasons of the wire thinking it would'nt interest me and then one night midway through season three I caught a episode and I was hooked. I am glad BET is showing the wire from the beginning so I can veiw from start to finish. Looking foward to season four.
  15. HaileD
    Jan 29, 2007
    10
    Best TV Drama show I have ever seen.
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. AmyW
    Jan 31, 2007
    10
    I just finished watching the season's run on my DVR. I didn't want the show to end! I loved how the show dealt with the children and their characters were so well developed.
  19. LindaM
    Jan 7, 2007
    10
    Real, so real to life in the urban setting. Truly fabulous; couldn't wait for each episode.
  20. F.C.Barcelona
    Jan 8, 2007
    10
    U2: Joshua Tree: An great album Marvin Gaye: What's goin' on; Gorgeous album: Jesse Jamerson on bass is exquisite Zinedine Zidane v. Brazil: Masterclass in midfield orchestration The Wire: One wants to sing and mourn in the same breath after watching this show!
  21. EdM
    Jan 9, 2007
    10
    The BEST SHOW ON TV EVER. All-Caps intentional.
  22. TomY
    Feb 12, 2007
    10
    Best show ever. Spread the word!
  23. shanelees
    Feb 18, 2007
    10
    outstanding
  24. talyab
    Mar 15, 2007
    10
    The best drama on TV, or maybe all of film, ever.
  25. JeffA
    Mar 23, 2007
    10
    Why does this 'cop drama' differ from anything we have ever seen... first off, an entire season dedicated to 1 case instead of each episode being and open and closed case within an hour. This captures the viewers interest not only in the characters, but the case as well. And another reason it is different, and most importantly, it shows you 2-4 angles. We are not just seeing Why does this 'cop drama' differ from anything we have ever seen... first off, an entire season dedicated to 1 case instead of each episode being and open and closed case within an hour. This captures the viewers interest not only in the characters, but the case as well. And another reason it is different, and most importantly, it shows you 2-4 angles. We are not just seeing everything from the police's view, or the street's view. Everyone can relate/agree with motives of so much variety of character.… Expand
  26. ChuckS
    Mar 26, 2007
    10
    "The Wire" is the most thoroughly engrossing TV show I've ever watched. To my mind, It can't even really be compared to other television series.
  27. ChrisZ
    Mar 29, 2007
    10
    One of the best filmed narratives ever produced ever. Delicately balanced. Finely observed. Intelligently executed. Sets itself apart from any other show on television.
  28. trex
    Apr 10, 2007
    10
    Not only the greatest TV show of all-time, but the greatest artistic acheivement of all-time. Just absolutely stunning. 200 years from now people will be watching this show like Shakespeare
  29. RichC
    Apr 26, 2007
    10
    This is the show that makes all others insignificant. Season 4 is the best season yet of the most engrossing TV drama ever made. By the season's finale, you'll regard Namond, Dukie, Michael and Randy as your own children. The acting, plot, and especially the dialogue have simply never been bettered on TV.
  30. romanmc
    Apr 6, 2007
    10
    Trust the 160 people here who liked this show, not the two that didn't. Most phenomenal example of entertainment this decade. Can't wait for the DVD.
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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 »