The Wire on DirecTV

[izmack]

Has anyone set their DVRs for The Wire, starting this Sunday on the 101?

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/article.jsp?assetId=P6850053

Woo Hoo!

[jurysch]

Yeah, I've never seen the series before and figured this was a good way to try it out. Interested to see how the HD looks.

[Timbeau]

Thanks for the reminder! I've been looking forward to watching it again.

[ClutchBrake]

This is a show you REALLY need to watch back-to-back. For best viewing you probably want to save them up and watch them at once. Or get the DVDs.

[scoot95]

Will these episodes be uncut? (i.e. violence, nudity, language)?

[izmack]

Will these episodes be uncut? (i.e. violence, nudity, language)?

From the press release: http://investor.directv.com/releasedetail.cfm?releaseid=458086

"Never before available in HD, all five seasons (60 episodes) of The Wire will air uncut and commercial free for the first time since its run on HBO, compliments of DIRECTV."

[Kamakzie]

I set it for both new run and repeats just to be sure.

[Anubys]

this is perfect...I always wanted to watch this (I missed the boat originally)...now I get it for free and in HD...thanks for the heads-up :up:

[izmack]

I always wanted to watch this (I missed the boat originally)... :up:

Ditto - I always wanted to know what the fuss was. After watching Simon's Treme this year, I'm eagerly anticipating the next 60 weeks. :)

[Steveknj]

Me too. Never saw it the first time around, so I will save up a bunch of recordings and watch them when I get a chance. Is this the type of show that's going to seem dated?

[izmack]

Me too. Never saw it the first time around, so I will save up a bunch of recordings and watch them when I get a chance. Is this the type of show that's going to seem dated?

If anything, Baltimore has deteriorated even more. Their last mayor - Sheila Dixon - really pulled some fast ones on the city. So, no - I don't think so.

[Waldorf]

Ditto - I always wanted to know what the fuss was. After watching Simon's Treme this year, I'm eagerly anticipating the next 60 weeks. :)

Is that how they're going to air it? One episode a week until September 2011?

[Kamakzie]

Is that how they're going to air it? One episode a week until September 2011?

Yup, thats the way they did it with Oz.

[PacMan3000]

When I think of "uncut," I think of not edited for time. Meaning, the episodes won't be trimmed down to fit in a few commercials.

But that doesn't necessarily mean it's "unedited," right? Meaning, it could be uncut in terms of the length of the episodes but edited in terms of language, violence, and nudity, right?

Does the 101 network have a track record for running programs with cursing, violence, etc?

[Waldorf]

Does the 101 network have a track record for running programs with cursing, violence, etc?

From another forum:

The 101 carries Trailer Park Boys uncut. There are about 250 F bombs per show with TPB, so I think they can handle The Wire. There is also graphic nudity on the 101 on Underbelly.

So I'm going to guess this will be uncensored.

[Turtleboy]

What do they mean by HD?

[Hcour]

I just finished watching seasons 1-4. Definitely not dated in the least. One of the best American crime shows ever, each season better than the last. I've read a lot of mixed opinions on season 5. Not sure I'm going to watch it.

[Waldorf]

What do they mean by HD?

Well, the 101 Network channel itself is in 720p. The Wire was shot on film and framed for 16:9, so I'm guessing it should be a good transfer.


EDIT: Hmm... I see what you mean. I guess they could just be airing the 4:3 version in HD with sidebars? I certainly wouldn't be marketing it as "Never before available in HD" if that were the case.

[Turtleboy]

I think they are going to up convert and stretch it so it fills the screen.

It was framed for 4:3. They're going to ruin it.

If that's the case, don't watch it.

[Supfreak26]

I'm excited about this. I've heard so much about this show but never had a chance to watch it.

I did that with Oz as well. Still need to finish that show.

BTW, the 101 runs shows uncut and unedited. Just like it was originally aired.

[goblue97]

I'm looking forward to watching this again. I originally watched it from the beginning during its final season. To all those that haven't seen it yet, you are in for quite a treat.

...a huntung we will go

as an aside, I caught some news special the other day and it featured the thuggish girl character that appeared in the Wire. I was amazed to see how much wealth she gained from what seemed like a bit part.

EDIT: it wasn't a news show. It was No Reservations when he was in Baltimore.

[Supfreak26]

I'm looking forward to watching this again. I originally watched it from the beginning during its final season. To all those that haven't seen it yet, you are in for quite a treat.

...a huntung we will go

as an aside, I caught some news special the other day and it featured the thuggish girl character that appeared in the Wire. I was amazed to see how much wealth she gained from what seemed like a bit part.

EDIT: it wasn't a news show. It was No Reservations when he was in Baltimore.

Since I started watching Oz on the 101, I see characters from that show everywhere. Quite a cast they had.

[goblue97]

Since I started watching Oz on the 101, I see characters from that show everywhere. Quite a cast they had.
The girl I referenced from the Wire though, this was her only gig and her character was based on herself (or she played herself). When Anthony Bourdain made a comment about how many cars she had and how big her house was, she just shook her head and said "The Wire treated me good."

Hopefully the above isn't considered a spoiler.

[deli99]

I think they are going to up convert and stretch it so it fills the screen.

It was framed for 4:3. They're going to ruin it.

If that's the case, don't watch it.

If they stretch it, Prop Joe is going to be HUGE!

[Anubys]

Since I started watching Oz on the 101, I see characters from that show everywhere. Quite a cast they had.

if they ever try to send me to prison, they will never...EVER...take me alive...that is what Oz has taught me...brutal show...while I enjoyed it and I think it was brilliant, I would never watch it again and I do wish I never watched it in the first place...

[cheesesteak]

The girl I referenced from the Wire though, this was her only gig and her character was based on herself (or she played herself). When Anthony Bourdain made a comment about how many cars she had and how big her house was, she just shook her head and said "The Wire treated me good."

Hopefully the above isn't considered a spoiler.
I think I remember her saying to Bourdain that she had houses in New York, Miami and LA which is amazing since she was just a bit character on The Wire. Plus she had no acting experience so it's not like they paid her a lot.

[jradosh]

For all you "The Wire" newbies, I'll say the same thing I've said in other similar threads...

Give it a few episodes before you pass judgement. It takes a while to get rolling and to introduce all the characters. But once it's established, it really is more than worth the wait. :up:

[cheesesteak]

Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeiiiitttttt!!!

[Turtleboy]

Is there any confirmation on how they will be showing it, and what they mean by in HD?

[JLucPicard]

Is there any confirmation on how they will be showing it, and what they mean by in HD?
There probably won't be until Sunday when it hits the air.

[Waldorf]

There probably won't be until Sunday when it hits the air.

The promo I saw last night on 101 was in 16:9 HD widescreen, not stretched at all. Looked great except for some "gritty" shots which seemed intentional.

Also, Dave Insley, one of the directors of photography on the series, says they shot on Panavision 35mm film and framed for 16:9, so there's hope for a new HD transfer. Reading interviews with the crew, it sounds like David Simon (creator, executive producer, writer, etc.) is the one that kept pushing for it to stay 4:3.


"When the show started 2001 / 2002 they framed it for 16 x 9 as a way of future-proofing. Then a couple of seasons ago, right before Season 4 began shooting, there was a big discussion about it and after much discussion -- David, Nina, Joe Chappelle, the Producers, the DPs -- and we discussed what should be the style of the show. David made the decision that we would stay with 4x3.


We'll all find out together Sunday night. :)

[JLucPicard]

The promo I saw last night on 101 was in 16:9 HD widescreen, not stretched at all. Looked great except for some "gritty" shots which seemed intentional.

Also, Dave Insley, one of the directors of photography on the series, says they shot on Panavision 35mm film and framed for 16:9, so there's hope for a new HD transfer. Reading interviews with the crew, it sounds like David Simon (creator, executive producer, writer, etc.) is the one that kept pushing for it to stay 4:3.
That is highly encouraging!

[Waldorf]

Hm... no comments yet? I haven't seen the full episode yet, but checked the first five minutes. Looks great on my setup.

Can anyone do a screenshot comparison of the DVD and this broadcast? Still curious about the transfer and "In HD for the first time!" marketing. :)

[Kamakzie]

Wasn't blown away by the first episode but I wasn't with the first episode of TNG and that turned out well!

[jradosh]

Wasn't blown away by the first episode but I wasn't with the first episode of TNG and that turned out well!

As I said... :)
For all you "The Wire" newbies, I'll say the same thing I've said in other similar threads...

Give it a few episodes before you pass judgement. It takes a while to get rolling and to introduce all the characters. But once it's established, it really is more than worth the wait. :up:

[Turtleboy]

Wasn't blown away by the first episode but I wasn't with the first episode of TNG and that turned out well!

What did it look like? This was a show that was never in HD and never in widescreen. My DVDs are 4:3 too.

How was the HD? How was the widescreen? Did it look stretched?

And yes, you have to let it develop. It's a novel.

[Waldorf]

Finished watching the first episode last night... It looked good. Not "holy crap, HD rules!" fantastic, but good.

I didn't notice any weird framing issues or stretching at the edges... just looked like an okay and somewhat gritty transfer. From what I've read, the grittiness is by design.

This is the first time I've seen it, so I'm still waiting for someone to put some dvd vs dtv hd screen captures side by side. This would confirm whether they're re-framing the existing 4:3 transfer or went back and grabbed the original 16:9 35mm frames that were cropped for the HBO airings.

[BK89]

I thought it looked great! Didn't seem stretched at all to my eyes. Now they just have to make sure they play them all in the correct order and the guide data is correct for all eps this time and we are good to go! :up:

[xuxa]

I am thinking they cropped the 4:3, too many heads were cut off and/or cloesups and some strange framing a couple of scenes

[billypritchard]

First time Wire viewer, just watched the first episode last night. I didn't really notice any abnormal framing or stretching. Thought the picture looked good, intentionally grainy at times of course.

I also didn't think it started that slowly. Good pacing, introducing us to lots of characters. Good stuff.

[Steveknj]

I thought it looked slightly stretched. Anyway, first time watching The Wire, and I must say, I'm highly disappointed. It seemed to me like any other cop show with a lot of cursing. Does it get better than the first show, or is it more of the same? Also, what is with the actors supposedly in Baltimore having thick NY accents? I'll give it another week, but if it is more of the same, I'm bailing. I'm not a big fan of cop shows, but I was hoping this would be different.

[madscientist]

Heh. The Wire is not a "cop show", if you mean things like CSI, L&O, etc. It's been a long time since I've seen the first episodes so I can't really remember clearly how it starts; it may be that the first episode or two seem more like a normal police procedural than the show really is. But this show is not even close to a "cop show".

It does have po-lice in it, obviously, so if when you say you're not a big fan of cop shows that means you don't like shows that contain police as main characters, then The Wire is definitely not for you.

[Steveknj]

Heh. The Wire is not a "cop show", if you mean things like CSI, L&O, etc. It's been a long time since I've seen the first episodes so I can't really remember clearly how it starts; it may be that the first episode or two seem more like a normal police procedural than the show really is. But this show is not even close to a "cop show".

It does have po-lice in it, obviously, so if when you say you're not a big fan of cop shows that means you don't like shows that contain police as main characters, then The Wire is definitely not for you.

I've watched a few crime dramas over the years, but I'm mostly drawn to the type where either the show doesn't take itself too seriously, such as The Good Guys, or it's inherently quirky. I'm not convinced that The Wire falls into either of those categories, certainly not the first one. But I'll give it another week. Yes, CSI, L&O, NCIS, even back to Cannon or Mannix, or Hill Street Blues, didn't appeal to me.

[deli99]

I thought it looked slightly stretched. Anyway, first time watching The Wire, and I must say, I'm highly disappointed. It seemed to me like any other cop show with a lot of cursing. Does it get better than the first show, or is it more of the same? Also, what is with the actors supposedly in Baltimore having thick NY accents? I'll give it another week, but if it is more of the same, I'm bailing. I'm not a big fan of cop shows, but I was hoping this would be different.

I'm not trying to be snarky, but if you're only going to give it one more episode, you might as well bail now. As others have said in this thread, give it four or five, then make a judgment.

It's not a 'cop show'; it's a show with cops in it. It also has drug dealers, and sometimes the dealers are more sympathetic characters than the police. It's more of a show about the decline of American cities or the decline of the working class (S2). Or the failure of the war on drugs (S3) and the American education system (S4).

[Steveknj]

I'm not trying to be snarky, but if you're only going to give it one more episode, you might as well bail now. As others have said in this thread, give it four or five, then make a judgment.

It's not a 'cop show'; it's a show with cops in it. It also has drug dealers, and sometimes the dealers are more sympathetic characters than the police. It's more of a show about the decline of American cities or the decline of the working class (S2). Or the failure of the war on drugs (S3) and the American education system (S4).

Does it get better in 4-5 episodes? If it does, I'd be willing to stick with it. But if it REALLY is just more of the same, then yeah, I'll bail. You guys who've seen it, is it more of the same or does the story get a lot more interesting?

[Turtleboy]

I thought it looked slightly stretched. Anyway, first time watching The Wire, and I must say, I'm highly disappointed. It seemed to me like any other cop show with a lot of cursing. Does it get better than the first show, or is it more of the same? Also, what is with the actors supposedly in Baltimore having thick NY accents? I'll give it another week, but if it is more of the same, I'm bailing. I'm not a big fan of cop shows, but I was hoping this would be different.

Your loss.

[Turtleboy]

Does it get better in 4-5 episodes? If it does, I'd be willing to stick with it. But if it REALLY is just more of the same, then yeah, I'll bail. You guys who've seen it, is it more of the same or does the story get a lot more interesting?

It's one of the best series to ever be on TV. But you have to have patience.

[fmowry]

I've watched a few crime dramas over the years, but I'm mostly drawn to the type where either the show doesn't take itself too seriously, such as The Good Guys, or it's inherently quirky. I'm not convinced that The Wire falls into either of those categories, certainly not the first one. But I'll give it another week. Yes, CSI, L&O, NCIS, even back to Cannon or Mannix, or Hill Street Blues, didn't appeal to me.

Based on your description of cop shows you like, you won't like The Wire.

It takes itself very seriously, and it's not quirky. You should probably either watch Cop Rock or just rent the Naked Gun movies and watch them over and over again.

Frank

[Waldorf]

... or just rent the Naked Gun movies and watch them over and over again.

Frank

Nice try, Frank Drebin.


http://www.thegrandunion.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Frank-Drebin.jpg

P.S. The entire "Police Squad" series is out on DVD now. :)

[billypritchard]

Based on your description of cop shows you like, you won't like The Wire.

It takes itself very seriously, and it's not quirky. You should probably either watch Cop Rock or just rent the Naked Gun movies and watch them over and over again.

Frank

It's not a mockable 'offense' to not like The Wire. Or to like quirky fun cop shows. It's good he's honest about what he likes and doesn't like. Why put yourself through watching 60+ hours of a show you don't enjoy because some blowhards tell you to?

[jradosh]

It's not a mockable 'offense' to not like The Wire. Or to like quirky fun cop shows. It's good he's honest about what he likes and doesn't like. Why put yourself through watching 60+ hours of a show you don't enjoy because some blowhards tell you to?

Presumably he started watching The Wire because he knew something about it and thought he'd like it. And because The Wire takes a few episodes to get rolling, it's reasonable to tell any new viewer to stick with it even if their initial reaction is not to.

So I'm not sure where the "blowhard" comment comes from?

[DevdogAZ]

Does it get better in 4-5 episodes? If it does, I'd be willing to stick with it. But if it REALLY is just more of the same, then yeah, I'll bail. You guys who've seen it, is it more of the same or does the story get a lot more interesting?
I just started watching a few days ago and I've now seen the first six episodes. I can tell you that as you get to know the characters, the city, the politics, etc., the stories will become much more engrossing. But it's definitely not quirky, nor does it take itself lightly. It's a very gritty, realistic show about one of the toughest cities in the country.

[Steveknj]

It's not a mockable 'offense' to not like The Wire. Or to like quirky fun cop shows. It's good he's honest about what he likes and doesn't like. Why put yourself through watching 60+ hours of a show you don't enjoy because some blowhards tell you to?

I was thinking the same thing, thanks for the post. I have to say, my tastes in TV are generally a LOT different than the average person, so I'm hard to please, and shows that I like, generally don't last. Out of the top 20 shows last season, I think I watched 3-5.

[deli99]

If you want some analysis of each ep, Alan Sepinwall does a great job. The first few seasons are at his old blog site:

http://sepinwall.blogspot.com/2008/05/wire-season-1-episode-1-target-newbies.html

And the more recent ones are on his blog at HitFix. He does both a newbie version, and a veteran version which has spoilers for future eps/seasons.

[Steveknj]

Presumably he started watching The Wire because he knew something about it and thought he'd like it. And because The Wire takes a few episodes to get rolling, it's reasonable to tell any new viewer to stick with it even if their initial reaction is not to.

So I'm not sure where the "blowhard" comment comes from?

I started to watch it, because everyone has made a bit to-do about it, and I thought perhaps it would be different than what I normally see in a police drama. At least from the first episode, not so much, at least how I see it. I'm not giving up on it yet, which is why I'm asking if I should judge it on the first episode and if I should expect something different. What I see describe here is that it's NOT a typical police drama, but if I like police dramas, this isn't my taste.

And since the comments were directed at me....I took it as a bit of a mock. Especially "Your loss" Perhaps I don't see it that way? I could always say, "Your waste of time" but I understand that everyone has different tastes, and I know mine aren't typical, at least based on ratings.

And you know what? I might come back here in 2-3 weeks and find that the show is as good as advertised and admit I was wrong. But I'm thinking, I won't.

[Steveknj]

I just started watching a few days ago and I've now seen the first six episodes. I can tell you that as you get to know the characters, the city, the politics, etc., the stories will become much more engrossing. But it's definitely not quirky, nor does it take itself lightly. It's a very gritty, realistic show about one of the toughest cities in the country.

Thanks. That's what I was looking for. It might not be my taste, but it might be interesting enough despite that.

[Steveknj]

If you want some analysis of each ep, Alan Sepinwall does a great job. The first few seasons are at his old blog site:

http://sepinwall.blogspot.com/2008/05/wire-season-1-episode-1-target-newbies.html

And the more recent ones are on his blog at HitFix. He does both a newbie version, and a veteran version which has spoilers for future eps/seasons.

Is each episode self contained? I don't want to spoilerize myself :)

[deli99]

Is each episode self contained? I don't want to spoilerize myself :)

Yes, but I'd be careful with the reader comments after each episode analysis. No guarantees there.

[DevdogAZ]

Is each episode self contained? I don't want to spoilerize myself :)
Just a little primer on what Sepinwall is doing. Since he didn't write about the first seasons of The Wire when they originally aired, he didn't have any blog postings or reviews about it.

So in the summer of 2008, he decided to do a rewatch. He told all his readers what episodes to watch each week, and then he'd post about them, as if they were airing for the first time. This was his way of introducing new viewers to the show. But because many people had seen the show already, and were rewatching along with Alan, he wanted to be able to have more meaty discussions with those "veterans" where they could discuss spoilers, etc. So he created two different versions of his recaps each week. The "Newbies" version, and the "Veterans" version.

In summer 2008, he rewatched Season 1. In summer 2009, he rewatched Season 2. Just before this summer, Sepinwall left the NJ Star-Ledger, and now works for Hitfix.com. He's doing a rewatch of Season 3 this summer, with the same Newbies and Veterans versions, and those can be found at www.hitfix.com/blogs/whats-alan-watching.

I've never read his reviews of The Wire, nor followed along with any of his summer rewatches, but I generally follow his reviews of other shows, and I find that reading his recaps help enhance my understanding and enjoyment of most shows, especially those with more intricate themes and complex plots. For example, his reviews of Mad Men, Breaking Bad, and Lost have been outstanding.

Edit: And now, after having read Sepinwall's Newbie recap of the pilot episode, I STRONGLY recommend that you read it, and that you read each of his successive recaps after you watch each of those episodes. If you're not hooked after five episodes, at least you can then say you've given it a fair chance.

[jradosh]

Is each episode self contained? I don't want to spoilerize myself :)

Yes, but I'd be careful with the reader comments after each episode analysis. No guarantees there.

Edited: redacted... I misuderstood the question. :p

[billypritchard]

If you want some analysis of each ep, Alan Sepinwall does a great job. The first few seasons are at his old blog site:

http://sepinwall.blogspot.com/2008/05/wire-season-1-episode-1-target-newbies.html

And the more recent ones are on his blog at HitFix. He does both a newbie version, and a veteran version which has spoilers for future eps/seasons.

Just read episode 1. Thanks for the link, looks like a great resource to make sure i don't miss anything.

[Turtleboy]

"Call me Ishmael."

Ok, I've read enough. Does this get any better? Is it about Arabs?

[madscientist]

I've watched a few crime dramas over the years, but I'm mostly drawn to the type where either the show doesn't take itself too seriously, such as The Good Guys, or it's inherently quirky. I'm not convinced that The Wire falls into either of those categories, certainly not the first one. But I'll give it another week. Yes, CSI, L&O, NCIS, even back to Cannon or Mannix, or Hill Street Blues, didn't appeal to me.
As others have said, The Wire is not a "humorous" cop show (although it is often wickedly funny), and it's not quirky (The Good Guys?!?! Really?!? There's a difference between "not taking itself too seriously" and "bad TV"--the Good Guys falls squarely on the wrong side of that line IMO. If you were hoping for The Good Guys you are definitely not going to be happy with The Wire). On the other hand it has absolutely nothing to do with shows like CSI, L&O, NCIS, or Cannon or Mannix, or even Hill Street Blues or NYPD Blue. Homicide is probably the closest to The Wire (and with some of the same folks) in what it attempted but even Homicide focused pretty exclusively on the police.

The Wire starts out about the cops, but you quickly realize it's not really a cop show at all: it's actually about the city of Baltimore, and the terrible problems it has, and it makes you think seriously about how those problems happened, why they happened, and why they are so difficult to resolve. It's actually less about the Baltimore police as the show goes on, and it gives more air time to the "others" in the city than any other TV show has tried to.

Does it get better in 4-5 episodes? If it does, I'd be willing to stick with it. But if it REALLY is just more of the same, then yeah, I'll bail. You guys who've seen it, is it more of the same or does the story get a lot more interesting?It's got the most engrossing story line of any TV show ever. However, if you're not looking for realistic, and something that tries to change your mind, then you won't like it.

I was thinking the same thing, thanks for the post. I have to say, my tastes in TV are generally a LOT different than the average person, so I'm hard to please, and shows that I like, generally don't last. Out of the top 20 shows last season, I think I watched 3-5.Well, that's not telling us anything. If The Wire were on network TV it would never have made it out of the first season, I believe. I'm confident that many people who would hate most or all of the top 20 shows last season (I have no idea what the top 20 shows were) love The Wire. Based on the number of shows I hate that continue to get renewed, and the number of shows I like a lot that are canceled immediately, my tastes must be different than the average person as well and I still think The Wire is the best TV show ever created.

But that doesn't mean you will like The Wire.

[Anubys]

well, I just watched the pilot last night...if you guys are saying it gets even BETTER after a few eps, I am SOLD...I thought the pilot was excellent...

now I'll go read the recap you guys linked to...there was a lot of stuff that I know I missed because I'm having trouble with the way people talk on the show (I might have to turn CC on)...

[Anubys]

great...so the blog about the pilot for newbies, starts off with "without giving too much away..." then proceeds to describe what season 1 is about :rolleyes:

[goblue97]

great...so the blog about the pilot for newbies, starts off with "without giving too much away..." then proceeds to describe what season 1 is about :rolleyes:
I've already watched the entire series but I went and read the blog yesterday too and thought the same thing. It doesn't give away details though so it's not really much of a spoiler.

[ClutchBrake]

I would be pleased as punch if the Wire newbies wanted to have a new thread for each new episode. I would LOVE to discuss the show all over again episode by episode.

The only caution with that is the Wire experts would need to be cautious with comments. To me, The Wire is one of the most amazing shows to watch a second time (and third). It is brilliant the first time around but watching it a second and third time you pick up on things that put the show above all others.

[Turtleboy]

One of the things that is pointed out in some of the blogs, and it's important for newbies to know is that there are no throw away scenes. Everything is important, although you might not know it for several episodes (or seasons?).

I like to have TV on the background as I do things instead of music, but you can't do that with this show. You have to pay attention and put forth the effort, but you'll be rewarded.

[ClutchBrake]

The Wire starts out about the cops, but you quickly realize it's not really a cop show at all: it's actually about the city of Baltimore, and the terrible problems it has, and it makes you think seriously about how those problems happened, why they happened, and why they are so difficult to resolve. It's actually less about the Baltimore police as the show goes on, and it gives more air time to the "others" in the city than any other TV show has tried to.

It's got the most engrossing story line of any TV show ever. However, if you're not looking for realistic, and something that tries to change your mind, then you won't like it.

Excellent, excellent post. :up:

That, to me, sums it up perfectly.

The Wire isn't simply a television show or series. It is a 60 hour novel with layers deeper than anything I've seen on television before or since.

I consider myself lucky I didn't start at episode 1. I came into the series late and started with episode 1 and ran through seasons 1 and 2 in a matter of days. It's almost a disservice to see this show a week at a time. To truly appreciate the experience it is best watched many episodes at a time.

[ClutchBrake]

One of the things that is pointed out in some of the blogs, and it's important for newbies to know is that there are no throw away scenes. Everything is important, although you might not know it for several episodes (or seasons?).

Exactly. And you don't truly appreciate that until you are on your second or third run through the series.

[goblue97]

I would be pleased as punch if the Wire newbies wanted to have a new thread for each new episode.
I second this motion.

[Turtleboy]

I don't have DirecTV, but I can break out the DVDs and re-watch.

I don't know if I can remember what happened before and what happens after though.

[billypritchard]

I'll be watching from the beginning, first-timer, and would be glad to read/comment in said threads.

[mica]

Anybody catch the line Jimmy said regarding in what department he would least like to be exiled: the harbor patrol. That line was in the pilot - too funny.

[mica]

I lived in Baltimore on the East side near the Johns Hopkins Medical complex for 8 years, and moved away a year or two before The Wire started it's original run on HBO.

As a teacher in the Kennedy Krieger school, I can attest that the children depicted on this show are 100% realistic. I personally worked with several kids just like Wallace, Bodie, Poot, etc.

As a matter of fact, it was difficult for me to watch season 4 (the one about the public school system) because the show is just so realistic. It breaks my heart to think of the lost souls who are left out there on those corners.

David Simon and Ed Burns created something that will be remembered for a long, long time to come. As a matter of fact, (and SIR), I ran across this article on Slate about Higher Ed courses based on The Wire. Article may contain spoilers about all five seasons:
http://www.slate.com/id/2245788

[spikedavis]

I lived in Baltimore on the East side near the Johns Hopkins Medical complex for 8 years, and moved away a year or two before The Wire started it's original run on HBO.

As a teacher in the Kennedy Krieger school, I can attest that the children depicted on this show are 100% realistic. I personally worked with several kids just like Wallace, Bodie, Poot, etc.

As a matter of fact, it was difficult for me to watch season 4 (the one about the public school system) because the show is just so realistic. It breaks my heart to think of the lost souls who are left out there on those corners.

David Simon and Ed Burns created something that will be remembered for a long, long time to come. As a matter of fact, (and SIR), I ran across this article on Slate about Higher Ed courses based on The Wire. Article may contain spoilers about all five seasons:
http://www.slate.com/id/2245788

Season 4 of The Wire, in my opinion is the greatest thing ever made for television. It rips your friggin heart out.

[Anubys]

I'll be watching from the beginning, first-timer, and would be glad to read/comment in said threads.

well, I did do it once with LOST :)

what do you newbies (me included) want to do? we can't start a new thread each week...do you want to start one and just keep going (and see how big it gets)?

I'm happy to start the thread and point to it here...let me know what you think...

[ClutchBrake]

we can't start a new thread each week...

Why not? It would be great. :up:

[DevdogAZ]

I think it would work better to have one thread per season, but simply indicate that it can only contain spoilers through the most recent episode that has aired on DTV 101. I'm just thinking that with a show this old, the number of participants in any particular thread would be relatiely few, but participation might be increased by just having one master thread.

[TheMerk]

Season 4 of The Wire, in my opinion is the greatest thing ever made for television. It rips your friggin heart out.

Season 4 captivated me from beginning to end, and then it broke my heart. So good.

[Anubys]

Why not? It would be great. :up:

ok...

thread started here (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=8053940#post8053940)

come on over!

[Turtleboy]

I went to watch the Pilot on Friday so I could watch the series as it goes with you guys, and ended up watching the whole first season over the past three days.

[fmowry]

It's not a mockable 'offense' to not like The Wire. Or to like quirky fun cop shows. It's good he's honest about what he likes and doesn't like. Why put yourself through watching 60+ hours of a show you don't enjoy because some blowhards tell you to?

So you agree with me. Steve indicated the type shows he likes. The Wire is a polar opposite of those. I indicated it as such. Steve won't like it based on his description of what he likes in a cop show.

I think I'll watch this again a 2nd time. My favorite all time show.

Frank

[goblue97]

I went to watch the Pilot on Friday so I could watch the series as it goes with you guys, and ended up watching the whole first season over the past three days.
I almost fell into this hole too. I watched the first two from channel 101 and then I went and watched episode 3 from my collection. I would have kept going if I had more time.

[DevdogAZ]

I just started watching this show about a week ago (completely unrelated to DirecTV beginning to air it on 101) and I can't wait to get home tonight and watch S2E5 and hopefully the next couple after that too. What a great show.

[Peter000]

So I just started re-watching "The Wire" on DirecTV, yeah I know I'm behind the times.

Anyway, was there any verdict whether they're airing the whole "framed for 16x9" shot or whether their cropping the 4x3 picture on the top and bottom? It looked fine to me tonight, but a little tight on the headroom so I couldn't really tell one way or the other.

Any chance they're going to release it on Blu-ray 16x9?

Or has this been discussed elsewhere here?