Tip of the week: The Wire

The Wire is an American crime/ thriller series. I learned about the Wire because of Sig. He told me that was a great series. So I bought the dvds for his birthday and we watched all seasons together. The Wire is all about the Baltimore drug scene. What's unique about this series, is that you get to see it from both sides: Law enforcement and the drug dealers. Every season focusses on antoher part of Baltimore: Illegal drug trade, the seaport system, the city government and bureaucracy, the school system, and the print news media. 

How about the actors?

Oh where to start! There are so much amazing actors in the Wire. It's incredible. I really love the cast of this series. If you watch the Walking Dead, you'll see a few familiar names in the Wire. Robert Kirkman (Creator of the Walking Dead) is a big fan of the Wire and has cast some actors of this series: Seth Gilliam, Chad Coleman and Lawrence Gilliard Jr. 

But a lot more great actors played in the Wire! I thought Sonja Sohn was amazing as detective Shakima Greggs. And Andre Royo played an amazing Bubbles! Unforgettable. And talking of overlap with another series: A lot of actors that play in the Wire also played in the series OZ. I won't name all of them (It's more than 10). Seth Gilliam is one of them. Yes, he plays/ played in Oz, the Wire and the Walking Dead. Other actors that starred in both Oz and the Wire are for example: Reg E. Cathey, Lance Reddick and J.D. Williams. I was also happy to see Aidan Gillen (Littlefinger in Game of Thrones) in the Wire. I think he's an amazing actor!

At Dutch Comic Con, Seth Gilliam told that they would inform the people in the neighbourhood when they were shooting. Then they showed up at the set and a lot of them eventually participated: In a guest or recurring role. He believed this helped for the authenticity of the show. 

Who will like this?

I really believe a lot of people will be able to appreciate this series. I haven't heard anyone who tried it and didn't like it. I don't have a particular interest in law enforcement/ drug trade series, but this one really stands out. The story is built up very well. You'll always be curious about what happens next. It's very unique to see both the law enforcement's and drug traders point of view. And, did I already mention ;)?, a great cast!  

How many seasons?

There were 5 seasons. Each season focusses on a specific part of Baltimore. 

My opinion

The theme song of the Wire ("Way down in the Hole") is still my alarmclock in the morning. I absolutely enjoyed watching the Wire. I knew a lot of actors from other series. That's always a plus for me (If I like them of course), because I'll be excited to see them in a different role. But the ones I didn't know were also great. My favourite characters are probably Bubbles, Kima and D'Angelo. The series feels very authentic and there's always something going on. And I love that the Wire is not afraid to touch difficult issues like social and political themes. You can see the effect of those things on all the people: The drug traders, law enforcement, politicians etc.  

Rate

Imdb: 9,4

Mine: 8,5

Write a comment

Comments: 13
  • #1

    veethee dixit (Thursday, 07 July 2016 17:23)

    i find thriller series really interesting!! the actors are amazing too.. thank you for the review.. looking forward to watch 'THE WIRE' :)

  • #2

    Nica (Thursday, 07 July 2016 23:58)

    I am really not for thriller movies, I enjo romantic and humorous ones but this reciew is really good! Made me wanna try to watch this. :) http://beautyandcherries.com

  • #3

    Jen Louise (Friday, 08 July 2016 07:36)

    Omg! I love thriller movies! This is certainly one of the movies that me and my sister would like to watch and will be in our "to watch" list.

  • #4

    Jessica (Friday, 08 July 2016 09:53)

    I love law/drug trade series a lot. I am currently watching a crime series and as long as it's done, I will need to check the wire.

  • #5

    ROBERT LEE (Friday, 08 July 2016 11:33)

    Here's the thing. I like thrillers. I would not wish to have the time to watch though... there's simply too many things I LOVE doing other than watching thriller and new tv series (ones I have not watched). Now, how do I watch the Wire? HAHAHA. As it is, I have not even finished season 3 of the Arrow.

  • #6

    Stella the Travelerette (Friday, 08 July 2016 16:48)

    I love The Wire! It's a very sad show but worth watching. I agree that Aidan Gillen is an amazing actor, but his American accent is not great (neither is Dominic West's). But Idris Elba does a great American accent. The actor who plays Lester Freamon sometimes goes to the Starbucks in my neighborhood but I've never said anything to him.

  • #7

    Sriparna (Friday, 08 July 2016 16:58)

    I'd never heard of this movie; but I think I'll watch it now. Thriller and suspense are always worth a watch, if they're good. Thank you for the review!

  • #8

    Sriparna (Friday, 08 July 2016 16:59)

    I'd never heard of this series; but I think I'll watch it now. Thriller and suspense are always worth a watch, if they're good. Thank you for the review!

  • #9

    Me-An Clemente (Friday, 08 July 2016 18:51)

    Despite the Wire being on its 5th season, sadly, I still haven't heard of it yet. I've tried watching drug series before in the form of Breaking Bad which is more of a drama. However, I didn't get to finish even the first season so I'm not sure if I'll like this too. I'm into Game of Thrones right now. Thanks for your suggestion though. I'll try watching one episode of it.

  • #10

    Teresa (Saturday, 09 July 2016 01:50)

    My husband likes these kinds of shows and movies. I get to watch relatively a lot also since I join him for some couple time. But, personally, I prefer the inspirational or romance genre. :) Or those that are for the whole family, so the kids can watch with us.

  • #11

    Berlin (Saturday, 09 July 2016 09:14)

    Honestly, i do not know any tv series. I seldom or do not watch tv programs at home. I only do when the boys are watching and laughing and i would join them. But the wire story seems pretty interesting. Its nice that they always show two sides of the story.

  • #12

    Charm Gamboa (Monday, 11 July 2016 05:00)

    I'm not a fan of series and the like but this looks good! I love thriller and mystery stories and where you will discover the reason for some things. I hope I can find copies of this too!

  • #13

    Dorothy Mae C. Torretijo (Wednesday, 13 July 2016 12:14)

    I love movies! Never heard about this movie but I think I will watch this out soon! Your review was great and I'm so excited to see the movie!