The Wire Season 5

[GaLvAtRoN187]

Didnt see a thread for the Final Season of HBO's The Wire, so I thought I would make one. I'll use this thread to post info on the show week by week as well as share my thoughts on the episodes as they air. Please dont not post spoilers about upcoming episodes (even though HBO is making the episodes available a week early on HBO-On Demand) This will only be about the episodes airing on sundays once EVERYONE has a chance to see it on premier night. So with that said Enjoy and please feel free to share your thoughts on the Episodes!




Episode 1: More With Less

"The Bigger the lie, the more they believe" - Bunk

As McNulty and the detail continue staking out Marlo's crew, recently promoted Sergeant Carver is welcomed by a cauldron of discontent from officers coping with unpaid overtime. Though he wants to keep his campaign promise to lower crime, Mayor Carcetti is strapped by his commitment to schools, and faces some tough choices. Col Cedric Daniels is forced to reallocate his resources, retaining Freamon and Sydnor for the Clay Davis probe. Meanwhile, City Editor Haynes and the staff of a local newspaper are reeling from corporate cutbacks, losing key personnel from both the metro and international divisions. Still, with the help of reporters Gutierrez, Price and Templeton, Haynes is able to break a front-page story that links a politician to a co-op drug dealer. Proposition Joe, Marlo, Fatface Rick others meet in a hotel conference room to discuss divvying up drug frontiers across East Baltimore's county line.


Thoughts

-Marlo is ruthless... and i'm really anticipating some conflict between his people and co-op and i wonder what chris is up to with trying to get with sergei maybe get some info on the good dope that prop joe gets from the greeks so he can take over, and did you see how Slim Charles and Cheese were eyeballing him, yea this don't look like it will end well.

-Herc working for Levy and making more money and prestige than he ever did in the dept after all of his decisions directly impacted the lives of those kids. that shit ain't right

-Reginald aka Bubbles, that was sad but i'm glad that he's on the straight and i imagine that it's extremely hard for him. that scene with him trying to go back to his sister's while hearing those hoppers advertising the product.

- I'm curious to see how the media angle is going to tie into all of this, those scenes were juxtaposed nicely, and clark johnson was especially good.

[Moonraker]

I've seen the first two episodes and I was kinda mad that they have to wrap up in 10 instead of 13.

Overall acting is top notch and the writing hasn't missed a beat.

Episode 2 spoiler:

Spoiler (Highlight or Triple Click to Read):

McNulty is down a dark path and what he does in the second episode may not be redeemable

[GaLvAtRoN187]

Originally Posted by Moonraker

I've seen the first two episodes and I was kinda mad that they have to wrap up in 10 instead of 13.

Overall acting is top notch and the writing hasn't missed a beat.

Episode 2 spoiler:

Spoiler (Highlight or Triple Click to Read):

indeed he truly is going down another path, but like i said lets try to keep spoiler info to a min. i really want this to be about the current episode.

[GaLvAtRoN187]

Episode 2: Unconfirmed Reports

"This Aint Aruba, Bitch" - Bunk

Although he tells Sydnor the Davis investigation could be a "career case," Freamon keeps a wary eye out for Marlo, who takes care of some unfinished business and strikes a business deal with Barksdale. Carcetti throws the police a bone by removing the cap on secondary employment, sending the detectives into fantasy-job reveries. With an eye on the state house, Chief of Staff Steintorf tries to find good news for the mayor while blaming the Royce administration for the Campbell revelation. Davis turns to Burrell for help with his problem, but the commissioner's hands are tied. At the newspaper, Executive Editor Whiting outlines a Pulitzer-worthy series in broad strokes, trumping Haynes while liberating the ambitious Templeton. Fed up with broken-down cars and unsolved serial murders, McNulty decides to take matters into his own hands.


Thoughts

-Jimmy finally went over the edge, He was acting a fool bigtime at the end and that is not gonna end well for him. There's a big difference between going behind the bosses backs as he's always been willing to do, and tampering with crime scenes.

-Marlo is a little too eager to make some noise and make it quickly. I understand why he'd be confident and feeling pretty entrenched with the MCU off his crew, but you go that hard that quickly and you start getting attention again, Marlo coming after Omar...it may finally be Omar's time...I got a bad feeling about that.

-Clay Davis was sounding real rattled last night. He knows that shit is rolling hard and he's got no chance on it. It'll be real nice to see that dirty motherfucker get taken down. Of course, it's horrifying that they can't do that while managing to keep working the 22.

-The scene where Avon pops out at Jessup was pretty fucking cool, although something about it seemed wrong to me, like Avon was being too friendly and shit. I know Avon had no love for the east side, but it also seemed like him and Prop Joe weren't any kind of sworn enemies, and considering how hard he went after Marlo, that turn made me pause.

-Avon throwing up the "W" to Marlo? Way out of character. Also, the way Avon was acting super friendly and forced towards Marlo...did that even look or sound anything like Avon? I didn't recognize him at all. Prison could have changed Avon, but he still seems to have a lot of respect in Jessup.

-Also, the "Business Never Personal" stance was what Stringer Bell was all about. Not Avon. Avon was always the gangster and Stringer Bell was the businessman. Remember how Avon mocked Stringer Bell constantly in season 3 by referring to him as a businessman?

[Moonraker]

I think Avons change was more based on his sister and her need for cash (remembering her scene cutting off Namond's mom last season)

I saw Ep 3 onDemand last night so Iwill wait for next week for more thoughts.

[Bantam]

ep. 3 was outstanding...thats all i can say at this point

[GaLvAtRoN187]

Episode 3: Not for Attribution

"They're dead where it doesn't count." — Fletcher

Thoughts

-Marlo not understanding how banks operate at the most basic level, i.e., being able to check balances on-line/ how to fill out withdrawal slips, etc. (he's probably never used a computer, either.) I also found it ironic that Marlo went to a Francophone island and didn't understand any of the French/Kreyol, but Jamie Hector is Haitian and could probably get around while they were on-location.

-Also, for a slplit second I thout Marlo and Omar were going to bump into each other on the beach, or something. Then I realized Omar was supposed to be on a Spanish speaking island, not a Francophone one.

-it was touching to me when Marla Daniels said to Cedric, that they should not further antagonize Burrell, to the point of dragging them down, since they've already lost so much already(meaning their marriage). Showed there was real love between them, @ 1 pt.

-Also, I liked the scene bet. Norman and Gus, where Gus says, "From one whore to another...", and it segues into McNulty and the blonde on the hood of the car, as if Simon & Burns were saying, 'Speaking of whores...'

- Good episode. A few suprises. McNulty doing all that work and no one really caring. Except Lester.

- The writers got me. I really thought the person going to the paper to start something would be mcnulty.

- Turns out it was Norman. He mentioned last year he had connects at the sun during the campaign. Nice though. He meets with the metro editor, McNulty meets with the newbie reporter. Wonder which story makes the front page. LOL

- Burrell's scene was chilling. Didn't say a word.

- Same with Daniels and his wife. All those years, all that ambition hanging in the balance.

- Welcome to middle mgmt michael. LOL No unannounced vacations!

- Snoop and Chris having reservations about being hunted was odd.

- Since Omar is a superhero he will have it all figured out by the time he gets off the plane. Suprise suprise.

- The newspaper stuff is getting interesting now. That center of the room shit was scary. Just take me to an office somewhere and do it.

- Bunk and Jimmy getting locked in the box was funny as hell.

- Joe is overplaying the whole you in the co-op thing. Marlo doesn't care. Is funny to note that joe gets a "taste" of everything.

[GaLvAtRoN187]

Episode 4: Transitions

"It's a Buyers Market" - Scott Templeton

Campbell tries to smooth out the transitions in the police department. The newspaper scrambles to confirm surprising news from City Hall, but lose out to the TV media in scooping a high-profile Grand Jury appearance. As Marlo tries to win favor with the Greeks, Proposition Joe pays his last respects to a fallen colleague, and prepares to make himself scarce in anticipation of a showdown. Freamon enlists the help of a past partner to help with the investigation.


Thoughts

-Cheese prolly knew he had to make a move on Joe....I didn't think he was that smart, but I guess Marlo's incentive didn't hurt none.

-Marlo is fucking evil and might have over stepped his bounds. Cheese is fucking stupid and couldnt even handle muzon, he thinks he can handle Marlo if he gets out of pocket...

-LOL @ Scott getting rejected from the "post" and then "the sun is still a good paper"....

-Is Marlo really worth it McNulty? He needs to think on it.....

-Marlo was this close from getting rejected from the Greeks....and then the actual Greek steps in.....it was nice to see him again.....although I don't know why he'd accept Marlo. I mean Prop Joe wasn't giving him any problems, even though that shipment was stolen...The Greeks still got paid for the replacement.....so why go with Marlo?

-Maybe the Greek knew Marlo was going to take out Joe and was hell bent on being the #1, so might ass well go with him.....How does the Greek benefit though? He could have easily told Joe about Marlo.......Why???? Cheaper price? He don't even know Marlo.....

-So Marlo takes out Joe and another member of the co-op....I guess the co-op is done, since Marlo now has the connect.....You think Marlo is going to be buying that big of a shipment for himself or is he still going to do the co-op? If it's all fore-self then the Greek loses money right?

-Marlo vs Prop Joe = Marlo

-Did not see Joe getting got. leaving the game, sure, but getting got like that...damn Chris might not ever be able to wash the blood from his hands

-Marlo vs Omar = Omar....After the previews for E5, I think that shit with snoop shooting at Omar is a set-up on Omars part....I mean, who could give up Omar at this point? And Chris and Snoop just so happen to get the drop on a nigga who makes a career out of robbing drug dealers?.............Just thought about something.............What if Chris and Snoop knows Omar is going to be going after Marlo chiefs and they basically give up Monk(I think that's his name) for Omar......that could work......

-Marlo vs Police = I still have to say Police.....Freamon is a bad mutha......

-Daniels trying to smooth shit over bringing back up the "chain of command" shit is interesting. he knows he has no cards to pull and little suction to protect himself.

[Moonraker]

I think the last scene in episode 4 will prob be one of the the most memorable scenes in Wire history.

[mighty mint]

Each season I am amazed at the quality of the plot, script writing and acting. I hope Omar comes out on top

[GaLvAtRoN187]

Episode 5: React Quotes

Just 'cause they're in the street don't mean they lack for opinion. -Haynes


Thoughts

-Bond (states attorney) really feeling himself w/ the Clay Davis case

-lmao @ Kenard talkin shit to Duke...

-they kind just phased Cutty out of the show huh?
i mean yeah, he had a little part between him and Dukie but still
i figured his role would be alot bigger this season

-two thumbs up for Herc giving up Marlo's number

-things starting to ALLAH up w/ McNulty's serial killer,
lol @ he's biting them, under the thigh, on the ass...lol

-Clay Davis finally did his line 'SHEEEEEEEEEEEEIIIT'...haha
i love how Narice and Royce kinda check him tho. also wtf is
up w/ them singing negro spirituals at the meeting @ the court
house like they finna march on selma or some shit.

-Scott again is making up stories...i hope he gets fired before
the season is over. lmao @ the look McNulty gave him after he
talks about the phone call he got...wow

-McNulty kids grew up fast as hell...also Beadie gone leave his
ass if he don't get it together. honestly she should have been
left his ass, but hey...

-i kinda figured Bubs had the 'bug', but i'm surprised he
came up negative. i mean he was shootin up w/ the white boy and
he had aids for sure...iono bout that

-is Omar a ninja??? cause he sho nuff put a smoke bomb down or
sumn, bol just disappeared.

-The most powerful shit to me was definitely the Duquan storyline. We've seen him have those issues in the past, and it's always been clear that 'his heart pump Kool-Aid' - Bodie. He's not a tough kid (though he has thick fucking skin) and he never will be. In his heart, you can see that he knows it, and so does everyone who knows him even a little bit. Cutty gave him the simple truth, and I love him for it. He didn't sugarcoat things and he didn't try and artificially inflate Dukie's ego, which could've been disastrous.

-And when I saw the previews, I was initially mad at Michael. I was thinking, he knows Duquan isn't a soldier, he knows Dukie shouldn't be gearing up or any shit like that. But that scene was incredibly well done. He gave him the gun, and let Dukie see for himself that it wasn't the right way for him to go. Michael's ease of leadership in that situation was both beautiful and scary to see. Kid like that born into another situation can give so much. In West Baltimore, he can turn into another String or Avon or Marlo type.

-I love that Herc is a better cop now than he was when he was actually a cop. He may have not gone along with Carver on his path to real policing, but Herc has always had his moments. From the scene in season one with Bodie's grandmother to the scenes with Carver this year, Herc isn't a completely deplorable character.

-I like that they gave us a little mystery with Marlo's cell at the end there. I have no fucking clue what that fax-sounding ring was on the other end, but I can't wait to watch Lester try and figure it out.

-That scene with Daniels and Freamon was great. You can see how much Daniels wants to give Lester what he needs, but he's just absolutely hamstrung.

-Do your lines for me,' ahhhh, Jimmy you asshole. Not quite father of the year...Jimmy's just back to setting fire to everything he touches. And his son was definitely right, shit's just lame that way. Plus he had to have at least a little hate on for his father at that point. (Although Jimmy does have a point on the music...what's wrong with the Ramones?)

-It's funny how with Clay and with Burrell, we've seen that the guys who feel like they're totally protected and think they can get away with everything because of the support of the party and the ministers are still just one fuck-up away from losing all that support.

[GaLvAtRoN187]

Episode 6: The Dickensian Aspect

"If you have a problem with this. I understand completely" -Freamon

Mystified by Omar's disappearance, Marlo and Chris ramp up their efforts to locate their nemesis. After attending a sparsely attended waterfront ceremony, Carcetti fires away at a larger press event — and recasts himself as a champion for the homeless. Bunk revisits some old leads in the rowhouse cases, but is frustrated in his attempts to get bloodwork from the crime lab. Templeton looks for a perfect follow-up to his latest, nationally covered story, which has replaced the city's educational crisis on the paper's priority list. After the detail gets more manpower, Freamon presses McNulty to get new surveillance equipment, but the resources aren't as deep as both hoped. Pearlman discovers new clues pointing to corruption in City Hall; Marlo makes new appointments at the latest co-op meeting; McNulty takes a peculiar interest in a homeless man.


Thoughts

-Omar is a bad mother fucker yo, he managing to take people out while being handicapped. thought i would've liked to know how he got from the ground to the janitor closet.

-Did Scott just tell a story without lying? LOL @ Gus saying it "felt like the real deal." That's what happens when you don't make shit up.

-So now it's Tommy Carcetti, Defender of the Homeless? Yeah, that's not gonna work.

-I laughed at Detective Monk. "Huh? Yeah, she good."

-Loved the scene with Chris and Snoop at that apartment. It's great to see a rare glimpse at Chris' human side, this time with concern over his family.

-McNulty's shit is out of control. Taking homeless people and dumping them in VA after taking their ID? It's like that now?

-So Prop Joe really did have someone working on the inside. I always thought he got his "inside information" via public records and funny voices. Wonder who the leak is.

-God bless Bunk. Doing genuine po-lice work in the middle of this.

-Well, looks like Rawls is being the good soldier in getting the seat warm for Daniels.

-Whiting's a bitch.

-So sad to see what Randy has become in the group home

-Also saw the return of Nick Sabotka!!!!!! hope thats not the last time we see him!!!

[Moonraker]

That was really sad about Randy, in season four he seemed to have the most potential.

[GaLvAtRoN187]

Episode 7: Took

"They don't teach it in law school." - Pearlman

An unexpected call puts Templeton back in the spotlight - and gets McNulty more attention than he expected. Bunk bucks at Landsman (Delaney Williams) when ordered to help with the force's most recent red ball. Omar sends Marlo a message; Carcetti proves he's still an adept fund-raiser; Carver (Seth Gilliam) gift-wraps a witness for Bunk; Bubbles shows a reporter the ropes; Freamon tries to crack a clock code; Greggs prepares for a visit from her son; Michael has a close call; Haynes (Clark Johnson) can't shake his suspicions about Templeton; assisted by the top-drawer lawyer Billy Murphy (Billy Murphy), "cash and carry" Davis makes his day in court a memorable one.

Thoughts

-Fuck Marlo, Cheese or Slim, there's only one real hustler on this show And his name is R. Clayton Davis.

-Sheeeeeeeiiiiiiit. That scene with him on da stand is so far my favorite sequence of this season. Too many classic moments to even name. Bond and Pearlman after like "WTF was that?" Clay almost saying his catchphrase to da judge. His lawyer Wow.

-LOL @ McNulty becoming da Vito Corleone of da BPD Homicide Unit. Everyone approaching him for favors.

-So Gus is officially on to Scott, huh? And it looks like he's not da only one. Sucks for him that this comes right as he becomes their new star reporter. Wonder what Whitting will say about it. Also, I thought it was cool how Gus knows Santangelo and Melo.

-Dukie dancing. LMAO

-Looks like Bubs is doing okay, but who knows what's really going on.

-If only Prez were around to break da clocks code.

-Damn, they brought everyone in at da beginning when da "killer" called. It's officially out of control.

-Also, that was definitely John Munch that Belzer was playing. I think throwing him in there and having Clark Johnson in there was asking for a slight suspension of disbelief.

-You guys notice who directed that one? Dominic West getting a chance at da helm.

-And Scott's going down big time, and he may end up taking McNulty down with him.

-I buy Michael being shook by Omar. First off, everyone knows Omar's reputation. Second, Michael was there when Omar pulled his Batman shit, which has to leave him thinking that Omar's damn near impossible to kill. And like he said, there was a chance that Omar could've made him, and then it's lights out.

-Hey look, Savino's back...hey look, Savino's dead. Not that that bothered me all that much...fucker set Kima up and got off easy, so it wasn't exactly sad to see him go.

-The fact that Bond wouldn't let da case go federal and decided to try da case his self to get da pub fucked them over....Clay aint got as far as he has on luck, you gotta come way harder than that to get him. Clay is gon have alot of fun givin it back to everybody who counted him out and left him for dead too.

-McNulty and Freemon got their backs against da wall right now...they aint got too much longer to solve their case before somebody finds out somethin, its way too many hands in da cookie jar. Everybody knows that McNulty is pluggin people with overtime to not work his case too? He had no idea what he was gettin into when he started this shit.

-On Omar: da fact that he jumped from that window and lived makes his rep even bigger...even tho he's on a bad leg, niggas still gon respect his gangsta if they know he had Chris and Snoop bearing down on him and got away. nigga is like Batman to them at this point, nobody's going to fuck with him. Iono if he's gon make it out of this one tho.

-I actually really liked da final scene with Kima. It may not be da typical mothering we're used to, but it's what she knows and how she lives. 'Goodnight hustlers...'

[GaLvAtRoN187]

Episode 8: Clarifications

A lie ain't a side of a story. It's just a lie. - Terry Hanning

Baltimore's renewed police commitment brings fresh recruits to Daniels (Lance Reddick) and McNulty, starting with Carver. Facing a new political challenge, Carcetti is forced to make dangerous political deals. As the Pulitzer season winds down, Haynes approaches Templeton about his sources. Bunk returns a McNulty favor; little Kenard (Thuliso Dingwall) makes a big score; Dukie finds work; Fletcher (Brandon Young) continues his interview with Bubbles; Freamon presents his latest plan to a prosecutor; Sydnor (Corey Parker Robinson) uncovers the missing piece to a puzzle; McNulty comes clean.

Thoughts

- First fuck that little mother fucker Kinnard, dude does quite possibly the biggest kill on this series since Stringer Bell and even no one even knows he did that shit.

- Weve known for a while now that McNulty was in over his head, but it looks like his world is crashing down onto him now.

- Good Job Sindor for crackin the code, we all though that Prez would pop in to save the day, good to see that Roland rubbed off on him!

- Michael cant be with Marlo and Co. for long (as evident with the preview for next week, but i wont speek on that right now)

- Gus got all up in Scott's ass!!! and then gathered his coat and peaced the fuck out!

- I dont think Kima will rat Jimmy and Lester out, deep down im sure she knows their doing what needs to be done, now Beadie on the other hand, I dont know about.

- Omar's code was that men should step to each other directly, as he had been doing to Barksdale and Stanfield's people for years, never expecting kids to be involved (think back to how much kids loved him on the Spanish island earlier this season)

- A few weeks ago he told Kenard to "get on" when he set the car on fire and burned the money.

- He saw Kenard come in the store and thought nothing of it.

- Also, Marlo *might* go to jail in the end, but him dying wouldnt make much sense in the context of the series thus far.

- The creators either take characters from us that we grow to care about (D'angelo, Wallace, Bodie, Prop Joe, Omar) or someone who gets sloppy with their business (Omar, Stringer Bell)

- The past few seasons have reflected a new era where Marlo has no respect for outdated codes (see the age difference between him and Avon) and is determined to do it his way. Him dying (a feel good redeeming moment) would be too New Jack City Nino Brown-ish for this show

- He might get off in the end because of how far fetched McNulty's fake homeless killer plot was, that wouldn't shock me.

- Chris is in trouble because of his DNA being found, and I'm worried for Dukie.

- Yeah the next 2 weeks are gonna be grim and ugly.

[Moonraker]

This episode sucked... but in a good way.

I really hated how Omar went down, but in a way, it had to be that way, someone with no code or respect finally got him. I hope we get to see some bad come to Kenard but I doubt we will.

Episode 9 tonight! Can't wait to see what happens.

[bigbadjunie]

I must say that this season has been great, but much different than I expected.
HEre are some key elements that caught my attention really quick. I'm just thinking out loud and typing at my desk, so excuse me if I ramble sometimes...

1) The addition of the media angle threw me off initially (Why would they introduce new characters so late in the game?) but it has been a surprisingly refreshing addition. I think that the parallels between the Police and the reporters were brilliant. It shows that although both have good intention, the few rotten apples can screw up the entire batch.

2) Marlo and co. have been truly redefined as characters...i.e. the "fatherly" side of Chris, Michael's apparent rebellion, etc. This was necessary. I always felt that they were "important" characters but could never really "empathize" with them. I didn't know enough about them. Now, I feel like they are real. It will effect me more if/when the empire comes crashing down... I'll have more of a reaction. Whether it's good or bad remains to be seen.

3) McNulty's complete disregard of morality and truth really make you think. This "white lie" can help bring down a criminal empire. Do the ends justify the means?

4) Also, the underlying theme that you live and die by your own decisions is very blatant, but it also brings out the fact that maybe you are a product of your environment and have NO choice in life. (remember when Dookie wanted out but didn't know how to get out?).

All in all, this season is very entertaining. I can't wait to see how it all pans out. Would it be a forum faux pas to get any interested members to post their predictions on this thread? I just think that it may be interesting to see if anyone gets it right... mainly because I'm really really bored at work.

[GaLvAtRoN187]

hahahah heres what think is in store for our characters in the next 2 episodes (should be noted i have not seen episode 9 on On Demand yet)

- Stanfield Org. is going down and fast
- Dookie ends up like Bubs
- Bubs finally confronts the death of sherrod, the news paper dude whose following him around writes his piece and Gus submits it for the pulitzer and wins.
- Gus never is able to stick it to scott
- one of our po-lice sucks on his/her own barrell
- we never hear of anything else with Kennard his killing of Omar
- Carcetti dosent make it to the state house
- Clay Davis will remain as gangsta as ever!

[bigbadjunie]

You think Dook ends up like Bubs? That's interesting. I didn't even think about that. I could totally see that happening.

Here's what I think:
- Michael is going to take down Marlo & Co. They're making it a point to show his alienation to the rest of the crew. Things look like they'll get ugly.
- I think Gus gets some sort of sweet retribution on Scott. I hope so, anyway.
- McNulty leaves the force. He'll prob get caught doing this dusty act, but they'd let him retire on his own merit because of the "greater good" his actions caused. There is a lot they can do with this angle. I hope they don't screw it up.
- I think Clay screws Carcetti in the end. I don't know how, but I get that feeling after the last episode.
- I could see the whole thing ending, with an emphasis on Kennard. They may want to show that he'll prob be running things soon enough. The drug game is a vicious cycle, and I see Kennard as the next runner-up. Also, this would "future-proof" the series. Movies, etc.

[Moonraker]

Well I just saw episode 9 and I thought it was one of the best the series has ever made. I won't comment on any speculations though.

[ddeee]

I have no time to see the episode 9 at this time, but sounds great from my friend

[GaLvAtRoN187]

Episode 9: Late Editions

"Deserve got nuthin' to do with it." - Snoop

With Steintorf ordering Rawls to initiate "creative" remedies for the rising crime rate, Freamon's vigilance pays off with a promising lead, sending Sydnor and the department into overdrive. Although Daniels is originally delighted, a further probe with Pearlman reveals some troubling source information. McNulty, feeling betrayed, doesn't feel like sharing in Freamon's celebration; Michael is suspicious about his latest assignment; Haynes gets fresh eyes to help with fact-checking; Namond's debating skills make Colvin proud; Clay Davis points a finger at Levy and the courts; and Bubbles recounts a recent temptation overcome.


Thoughts

- Kima's the one person that wanted to straight up do her job. She's an honest cop who is also very good at what she does. This season is all about people breaking codes, be it their personal codes or professional codes. McNulty has always felt the need to prove he was smarter than everyone else and up until this year, he's worked within the system to do it. He pissed people off, but it was never anything he could get fired over. Now, not only could he get fired, but he could go to jail and Marlo and everyone else will be right back out on the street.

- Like Bunk said in the first season, McNulty's no good for people and his actions took people away from real police work and could get everyone involved with him fired. Kima felt stronger about putting a stop to it than she did about letting Marlo go to jail, but she agonized over it, which is why she asked Carver about when he gave up crazy dude for beating up that teacher.

- I mean, at what point do you give up and become part of the bullshit? She wasn't ready to become part of it, so she took it upstairs. Yeah, McNulty is her friend and colleague, but he stirred up a shit-storm with this one and had to be stopped. Doing the right thing is never seen for what it is if other people don't agree with it, but that's true to her character, just like Bunk was willing to pal around with McNulty, get drunk and fuck random bar skanks, but that's not illegal.

- The thing that fucked with McNulty is that he was the cause of Marlo's downfall, but he doesn't get to be told how smart he is. As a matter of fact, he gets told how worthless he is because he can't crack the serial killer thing.

Now, on to the episode:

- Snoop fucked up telling Mike to not bring his gun. You could see the 'what the fuck?' in his head as soon as she emphasized that. Not that I'm surprised, she's right, he's always been smart as hell. And then watching Michael with Snoop...damn. That was a great scene and I agree that I wish I hadn't watched the preview, because seeing Mike raise up that gun and being surprised by it would've made that shit even more powerful.

- Seeing the little family of Duke, Mike and Bug breaking up was so fucking sad. Dukie and Bug obviously love each other so much, and Bug depended on him, it's terrible to see what's happened to him as such a youngster. Mike as lone wolf can survive and thrive, but damn it's sad to see him have to go like that.

- Herc....why would he step up with Marlo's number, only to give up the goods that basically cancels out his good deed...guess its like Marlo says, it's all about your name out there. Herc stays ingood with Both the department AND Levy and no ones the wiser. It would be some shit to see Herc get got once Levy deduces who else could possible have the number they tapped if that ever even ofiicially comes out

- The second to last episodes of the seasons have always been the best ones for a ton of reasons, but this one really, really shows how these kids are going to become the next generations of who runs Baltimore. I think Mike's gonna be the new Omar because he's pretty much alienated from the streets and he has a reason to go hard at Marlo for as long as Marlo's around.

- Duquon's the new Bubs and that's the most heartbreaking story of the show, if you ask me.

- I loved seeing Namond doing so well, and I laughed my ass off when you heard, as the car door was closing, 'damn Mr. C, you know the Mayor too?' Yeah, Namond, he's not gonna go telling you all the wonderful stories about him and Carcetti. A Melvin Williams sighting is always cool. 'Good thing he looks like his stepmother,' well played, Sir.

- Snoop went out like Snoop. She knew the jig was up and accepted her fate. But it also showed that Chris was the brains of the operation. I think her tension with Michael was that she could see him replacing her in the eyes of Chris and Marlo.

- LOL at Spider saying Omar got done by some "niggas outta Pimlico wit AK-47s" and not Kenard.

- Levy could get Marlo off if he figures out the wiretaps. Ronnie as the leak would be too obvious, but she was trying to curry favor with Levy back in Season 1, so it could happen.

- Scott's got the ear of the brass at the paper, so that could be his saving grace next week. They had me dying with all the pulitzer talk, especially, Mr. "I'm on the committee, so I know how this all works".

- This episode is what season 4 had been building up to, just how much of their innocence had been lost when Mike couldnt remember the happier times, Randy's in the group home, I'm totally crushed at the path Dukie is headed down.