The Wire was created by David Simon, a former Baltimore Sun journalist who covered the crime beat for years. After 13 years, disillusioned with journalism, Simon took a leave of absence to write a book, Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets, which won an Edgar Award. This led to the HBO series Homicide, where Simon eventually became a writer and producer. The show was a hit, earning four Emmy wins. On this episode of Gone But Not Forgotten, we take a deep dive into the show and its legacy but for those of you who need a primer – here is some info:
Everything You Need to Know About The Wire:
After Homicide, Simon teamed with Ed Burns, a former homicide detective turned public school teacher, to write The Corner: A Year in the Life of an Inner-City Neighborhood, chronicling residents of Fayette and Monroe Streets in West Baltimore over a year. The book was adapted into an HBO miniseries, and the success of that project set the stage for The Wire.
Frustrated by the bureaucracy in Baltimore’s criminal justice system, Simon wanted to create a show that exposed the city’s social problems realistically. HBO became the natural home for the series after conflicts with NBC over tonal restrictions during Homicide. Simon chose Baltimore because of its long-standing drug problems and historically dysfunctional police department. As he told the mayor, “This is gonna be a pretty bleak show. If you’re sick of this, we’ll take our business elsewhere.” The mayor gave his approval.
Casting and Characters
One of The Wire’s most praised aspects is its casting. Rather than using big stars, Simon chose character actors, unknowns, and people who had lived the life portrayed. Here are just a few members of the sprawling cast:
- Dominic West was cast as Detective Jimmy McNulty after an awkward, improvised audition, which Simon felt captured McNulty’s dysfunction.
- Wendell Pierce, playing Detective Bunk Moreland, channeled real-life intensity that impressed Simon.
- Idris Elba, introduced to U.S. audiences by Emmy-winning casting director Alexa L. Fogel, played Avon Barksdale’s second-in-command, Stringer Bell.
- Michael B. Jordan was cast as 16-year-old drug dealer Wallace, delivering a performance that remains iconic.
- Felicia “Snoop” Pearson, a former prisoner, brought chilling authenticity to her role.
- Michael K. Williams (R.I.P) played Omar Little, a murderous thug who rips off drug dealers, but eventually reveals a surprisingly deep conscience and an empathetic streak.
- The late Lance Reddick as Cedric Daniels, a lieutenant in the Narcotics Division
Other Baltimore residents, including religious leaders, police officers, politicians, and ex-drug lords like “Little Melvin” Williams, appeared in recurring roles.
Simon’s focus on complex, morally grey characters allowed the environment to shape behavior naturally. He used a “show, don’t tell” approach, letting the story unfold through actions and dialogue.
Themes and Seasons
Each season of The Wire explored a different societal institution:
- Season 1: The war on drugs
- Season 2: The waterfront
- Season 3: City government
- Season 4: Public schools
- Season 5: Print media
Key storylines included Police Major Bunny Colvin, who experimented with drug-free zones but became a political scapegoat, and Bubbles, a heroin addict whose journey toward redemption offered glimmers of hope.
Filming in Baltimore
Filming used real locations, sometimes negotiating with drug dealers. Background sounds were authentic, and many residents served as extras or supported the crew. While some neighborhoods embraced filming, political figures like Mayor Martin O’Malley and Councilwoman Catherine Pugh criticized the show for its unflattering portrayal of Baltimore.
Critical Reception and Legacy
Despite low ratings, The Wire earned critical acclaim for acting, writing, and directing. Many actors, including Idris Elba and Michael B. Jordan, went on to major careers. Simon described the show as a visual novel, tackling bleak social realities that most TV avoided.
Though HBO initially considered ending the show after Season 3, Simon negotiated two additional seasons, concluding the series in 2008. Today, The Wire is celebrated as one of the most realistic and complex TV dramas ever produced.
Why Watch The Wire
- Realistic depiction of crime, policing, politics, and education
- Complex, morally ambiguous characters
- Groundbreaking storytelling and ensemble casting
- Insight into systemic failures of modern cities
The Wire is available on HBO Max and remains essential viewing for anyone interested in socially conscious television.
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