Stop Stalling and Watch The Wire
BY OLIVIA ARMSTRONG AND ROBERT SILVA
Didn’t catch The Wire when it first aired? Worried it’s too big a job? Weren’t even born yet? Here are more than a few reasons why you should give the landmark show a chance.
- 0
This is no ordinary cop show.
You might find yourself cheering for a police commander and a crack dealer.
- 2
You’ll get to learn a second language.
“Burners,” “G-packs” and “hand-to-hands” will be second nature. (Subtitles are your friend!)
- 3
The show introduced Idris Elba to American audiences.
You’re welcome.
- 4
In fact, Wire stars are everywhere now.
Dominic West, Michael K. Williams (Boardwalk Empire, The Night Of), Michael B.Jordan and Game of Thrones’ Aiden Gillen, to name a few.
- 5
It’s former President Obama’s favorite series.
“One of the greatest — not just television shows — but pieces of art in the last couple of decades.” He was so impressed, he met creator David Simon to talk about the war on drugs.
- 6
It’s funny.
In one iconic scene, two detectives investigate a crime scene and communicate only using a single word, with endless variations of meaning: “F**k.”
- 7
All pieces matter.
By the time it’s over, you’ll see how seemingly opposing forces — cops, drug dealers, politicians, teachers — are intimately connected, absolutely understandable, and endlessly fascinating.