The Wire

Reality tv ruined tv. HBO (then AMC, Netflix and Hula fixed it; that shitass drive to the bottom (espoused by careless trump)). "The wire" is evidence that tv can be -- and now regularly is -- more worthwhile than movies. a single season and sometimes even more can flush out a character that is simply wanting in a single cinema sitting. i think its the earnest of the wire that pulls out the best from the actors that landed their career in this boundary pushing drama. season 1 is all awesome; season 2 starts off weak until mcnulty smacks his ride and bags a local teen; season 3 is a criminologists wet dream that is based on the hastings st drug bazaar. the working class (generally the police) and the lower classes (the gangstas) both fall under scrutiny in a sympathetic yet critical lens. both sides have problems. the camaraderie between races is simply not seen enuff in media. man this thing is a sweet velvet ride. i tip my hat to all those involved in this, the best tv series ever made.

... everything else feels weak. The Wire is a Shakespearian endeavor, and it is brilliantly accomplished: language, social commentary, political analysis, suspense, story-telling, writing, directing, characters, it is all on a far far away higher level than anything else I have seen. I have to admit, I never valued TV until this, but then watched a lot of series in search of another gem, alas, this is really so unique, a most pleasant aberration! Finishing my second straight run of the whole series now, and I can say: flawless.

Simply the best TV that's out there. Especially season one. This is character driven TV at its best, and you will come to love and hate them each as individuals. Plot and character development through their ordeals is all extremely realistic. If you like Breaking Bad, this is better. 'Nuff said.