McNulty: “Got to let him play, this is America.”
Two events open this series: the pointless murder of the hapless Snot Boogie, and the trial of D'Angelo Barksdale. Both establish basic truths for the series, that violence and decay are endemic and that the system is not effective in combating it.
The Wire is the widely acclaimed series that takes as its subject the gritty streets and broken system of Baltimore in the first decade of this century. Producer David Simon, who was a crime reporter with the Baltimore Sun, draws on his experience in the city to create a series which is ostensibly about crime and bureaucracy (at least in the first season), but which is really about the setting itself. This has a long history in literature (Faulkner’s portrayal of the American South comes to mind) but was largely unprecedented in series television. The result was probably as realistic a portrayal of a setting as one could imagine, albeit one which seems most characterized by a deep melancholy and a particular perspective. That realism is further complemented not simply by the use of local actors and settings, but also a relentlessly linear structure (no flashbacks for example, with one exception in this first episode). Finally, the pace is always measured to make time seem to pass as it does in life, with night shifts, walking, and useless meetings.
This first episode establishes the arc of season one, the conflict between local law enforcement and the illegal drug trade. The former, led by Detectives Jimmy McNulty, Kima Greggs, and Lt. Cedric Daniels, are divided, at cross purposes and mostly don’t like each other. The latter, led by Avon Barksdale and his lieutenant Stringer Bell, are well-organized, close and ruthless. Each group is supported by a sufficiently large crew of supporting characters that it’s hard to even list them all much less give a thumbnail sketch of each in a short review. It also makes it tough to introduce the complexity of the circumstances without resorting to initial caricature, although the few characters who do get attention immediately suggest that this problem will resolve itself in upcoming episodes.
“The Target,” although cutting back and forth between police and drug dealers, focuses on explaining to the audience how the drug dealing side of things work. We see how you routinely carry out this illegal business and the challenges facing those working in it. There is a Darwinian quality to the dealers and their systems. The unimportant and low prestige dealers and locations, like the Low-rises (ubiquitous garden style apartments erected for the city’s poor), are poorly organized and the dealers are just plain stupid. The dealers there are easily duped and would be easy pickings for the police, but they are also unimportant to the drug dealing organization. The high density high-rise projects are another matter entirely, where up and comers work. The top echelons are smart, careful and ruthless. Avon Barksdale’s nephew D’Angelo (or “D”) takes us on this tour. In the big time, he is barely functional, constantly violating key rules and drawing attention to the whole organization. In the low rises, where dealers can’t tell real money from fake, he is a player who knows what’s what and is completely on top of the game.
Meanwhile, McNulty’s little talk with Judge Phelan, motivated by some combination of righteousness, vanity and foolishness, cause the police to begin to turn their attention to Barksdale’s organization. We see, in the reaction of every echelon of the Baltimore police, a deep resentment over the idea that someone was talking about their business with an outsider (creating a mirror of the demands for silence among the criminals) and that the police department is, in fact, a deeply bureaucratic organization whose members are motivated as much by career concerns as crime fighting (when the Major complains that McNulty has brought him a case from last year, and which thus doesn’t count on this year’s performance appraisal, it is particularly telling).
The first episode, although a little mannered in its set-up at times, sets the scene remarkably and arrays a set of fascinating characters in opposition to each other.
Bits and Pieces
Part of the reason I wanted to write about this subject is because I live in Maryland and work extensively in Baltimore, often right at the intersection between government and race. I am not claiming to be anyone of importance or to hold any street credibility but it is hard to miss some of the real world parallels I see with The Wire.
Lt. Daniels is described as having a law degree “from the University of Baltimore, but still…”, UB has struggled for decades to be out from under the shadow of the more prominent University of Maryland Law School. They would hate this line.
D'Angelo is of course wrong when he corrects Wallace that Alexander Hamilton must have been a U.S. President. Again pointing up that D'Angelo is no genius and everyone on the street knows a little something.
It’s been reported that the murder of Snot Boogie was based on an actual incident that Simon reported on while working in Baltimore.
Quotes
“…when it ain't your turn…”
(This is the epigraph that is used at the opening of this episode; each episode begins with such a quote but it would be way too easy to simply choose these to open each review. This is particularly the case because they often have a pedantic quality and exist primarily so that there is no danger that we'll miss the point of the episode. Still they are often great lines and even better in their full form which is often laced with irony.)
McNulty: “That will teach you to give a fuck when it ain't your turn to give a fuck.”
Bunk (repeating his quote back to McNulty): “That will teach you to give a fuck when it ain't your turn to give a fuck.”
(profanity is sometimes underrated as a form of expression)
D’Angelo: “Ain't no ugly ass white man get his face on no legal motherfucking tender, except he president.”
Kima: “Fighting the war on drugs... one brutality case at a time.”
Carver: “Girl, you can't even think of calling this shit a war.”
Herc: “Why not?”
Carver: “Wars end.”
McNulty: “…why'd you let him play?”
Witness: “Got to, this America, man.”
Three of four ugly ass white men (good but still a bit “drama” in some scenes)
Congratulations on posting your first Wire review, Ben! I have always wanted to have this show on the site.
ReplyDeleteExcellent review, Ben! And ditto to what Billie said.
ReplyDeleteI tried to watch The Wire many years ago and failed. More recently, I tried again and succeeded. Once I'd successfully gotten completely hooked, I realized that what turned me off the first time was the gritty reality of the show. It didn't feel like fiction; it felt like one of those brutal documentaries you know you should watch but which just make you feel bad.
That's a remarkable accomplishment: The Wire is so nuanced it feels real. I'm not sure I can think of a single other TV show that has made me feel that way.
Ben, I’m so delighted you are covering this series for the site. I was going to do it at one point, and I actually tried to get the reviews started. But I just couldn’t do it. The show is too layered and rich, and I couldn’t rein in my thoughts. Plus, I love it too much to really subject it to the full critical treatment. I don’t want to take notes on episodes and write treatises on them. I just want to experience them. (I feel the same way about Deadwood.) Of course, that doesn’t mean I don’t want to discuss the show! I still love reading what others have to say about it, and I’m thrilled to finally get the chance to discuss it with the Doux community. Yea!
ReplyDeleteI'm also originally from the Baltimore region, and I worked in the city for several years, so the gritty realism of the series strikes a particular chord with me, as well.
I think my favorite aspect of this first episode is the look on D'Angelo's face as he realizes who the murder victim is and walks away. It demonstrates a real underlying humanity to this kid who seemed like an utter slimy punk in the beginning court scenes. And the episode quickly makes clear that the ostensible cop "hero" is rather a pain in the ass. It nicely balances both sides of the cops vs. drugs playing field.
Delighted to see this being covered. Doux Reviews continues to be one of my favourite place to read about television.
ReplyDeleteI have heard so much about this compelling show, which, of course, I haven't seen. Another addition to this site, yay.
ReplyDeleteAs I've said, there are so many good shows here and there (then and now) that we should all win at the lotto, retire prematurely and fully indulge into our mutual passions...
Thanks to all for the encouragement.
ReplyDeleteJess, I hear you about the complexity of the show, I just hope that i can do it justice. And also completely agree about D'Angelo, its the internal conflict of his character along with McNulty's that drives the show's first season.
Wow, great review..I also tried to watch
ReplyDeletethis once and got lost..this time I stuck with it and was richly rewarded..I love the complexity..that there are shades of gray and conflicts on both sides that will be important throughout the series. D'Angelo is one of many great characters that we get to know. Also Idris Elba as Stringer Bell..one hell of a perfomance. One of many luckily.
Anna
What a great review, Ben. Following your reviews will be my third time through the series and you have already pointed out things I missed the first two times through.
ReplyDeleteI am interested in the fact that the show speaks strongly to those who live and/or in Baltimore. I know the city relatively well, but I certainly have never visited the parts that we are shown in this opening.
My husband (grew up in Baltimore) and I just finished watching the series for the 1st time. We didn't watch when originally aired because I think it hit too close to home..well, that and the HBO subscription...
ReplyDeleteReally, we were so impressed. It took me days to "let go" of some characters. Especially the kids. Even more heartbreaking when you know this is true to daily life.
Anyway, I forgot that you were reviewing the show and didn't come here to read the reviews while watching! I've read a couple, and they are fantastic. I may just read through them for the heck of it.
It was also funny to me to see actors that I've now seen 1st in other shows (I'm looking at you, Carcetti)...his accent is awful, by the way.
Speaking of accents, there were only 1 or 2 that got the (white) Baltimore accent right in the whole series...the guys from Dundalk could have done a better job ;-)
Thanks Ben for taking the time. I will try to read thru them.
Anonymous, thanks -- and I think Ben's and Jess's reviews are terrific, too.
ReplyDeleteFYI, right now (April 2018), I'm gearing up to post reviews of the final two seasons so that our coverage will be complete. If any show deserves to be completed, The Wire does.
Billie, I'm just starting season one on my second re-watch and coming here after each episode to read the reviews and comments is half of the enjoyment! Really hope you manage to get seasons 4 and 5 up by the time I get there! Beth x
ReplyDeleteBeth, to be honest, I've been a bit stalled working on other stuff. Plus I think The Wire is so good that it intimidates me. I do plan to start soon, though.
ReplyDeleteAw man, I asked you to review The Wire yeaaaaars ago, I’m a long time reader since the Buffy and Angel days. Haven’t been over this way for a long time so over the moon to find that you’re now reviewing it. Guess I’ll have to watch it all through again for a fifth time and read along.
ReplyDeleteMik, that would be lovely.
ReplyDeleteA superb first review, Ben!
ReplyDeleteHave been following The Wire for a good few years, and despite numerous re-runs I still find I am learning something new from every episode.
I know the show bombed when it was first broadcast back in the early 00s, and when you look at the slow-burn multilayered stories and intense characters I guess the TV public back then just couldn't deal with having to engage with such a show as this!
But am really pleased it has won a lot of people (and critics over). Just like a fine wine or whiskey - it matures over time and tastes so much better for it.