The Wire - Series 1 - Complete DVD > Reviews > The Wire -ESSENTIAL Viewing

Author's product rating:   

Did you enjoy it?	Loved it
Story	Outstanding
Characters / Performances	Outstanding
Special Effects	Good
How does it compare to similar films?	Not applicable

Advantages:	Fantastic story, uniques atmosphere, iconic characters
Disadvantages:	Initially challenging

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

HBO's 'THe Wire' is easily one of the most engrossing, intelligent and amusing shows on television. It has become cult-viewing of the highest standard, and you've likely heard about it from either the media or any one of the growing number of Wire enthusiasts. But if you haven't heard about it, heres my attempt to convince you that 'The Wire' is essential TV viewing not just for lovers of crime shows, but all lovers of quality television.

SYNOPSIS

The Wire is set in Baltimore, a city split between the poisonous influence of drug dealers and the corrupt bereaucrats of the police department and local government. In theory the show follows a unit of special investigators who attempt to take down one of the city's major drug lords, running their operation from a basement and attempting to gather enough evidence to finally pin the guy down. In practice though, the show dosn't take sides between the 'good' and the 'bad', instead giving characters from both sides of the struggle enough depth and empathatic quality to allow them to rise above the stereotypes that permeate most shows of this genre. Both the cops and the drug dealers have positive and negative sides to their characters, allowing us to really get involved with their situation and making them alot more engaging in the process.

The series follows the unit as it gradually moves into a position to take down the drug dealer's operation, ratcheting up the tension and intrigue in a way which masterfully intertwines plot and character to make the audience genuinely care about the events and twists within the series. The series runs across 13 hour long episodes, which not only makes the series good value as a purchase, but lends the series the ability to create a truly layered and multi-faceted narrative, one which takes its time to perfectly build the situation up for of us.

WHAT MAKES THIS SHOW DIFFERENT FROM ANYTHING YOU'VE SEEN BEFORE

There are many aspects of this show which make it truely unique as a programme, and raise it above pretty much everything else in it's genre. The depth of character and narrative were hinted at above, but these are really only the entry points into the shows unique atmosphere. Firstly, the show evokes the city of Baltimore in a way which works to provide a compelling backdrop as events unfold. In detailing the city's drug corners, bureaucratic power struggles and less than appealing policing methods, the show acts as powerful social commentary. This isn't just entertainment: it works to make important and deeply interesting points about not only the real city of Baltimore, but American Urban decay in general. Addressing the origins of the city's drug problems in series one, the show only builds and expands on these themes in subsequent seasons, and the show's societal focus gives it a substance that leaves a lasting impact on it's audience.

A second thing to bring up is 'The Wire's' unique storytelling style. This is remarkable in that it doesn't treats its viewer as an idiot. To a large extent, events happen off screen. While this may sound slightly off-putting, the fact is that it is a hugely positive move for the show. Boring exposition is ignored, the show assumes that we can work it out for ourselves whats going on. As such the story of the show to a certain extent happens in the background, This allows the show to concentrate on the real dramatic scenes, and also allows it to pack in a huge amount of action that lends the show a constant dynamism and pace. At no point does the show become confusing or overwhelming; the narrative style is perfectly balanced, adding a real cohesion and sophistication.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this show is its incredibly winning black humour. From the somewhat shocking coldness of the police officers to the minutaie of interaction between drug runners, the show is infused with a grim irony. It plays with it's characters in such a way that every encounter has comic potential. But at the same time you never really feel as if the show is playing for laughs. Its all so terrifically understated that you can appreciate the idiosyncracies of the dialogue without the pressure some series put on you to see some things as funny.

All in all, 'The Wire' is a completely fresh approach to the whole crime genre. The most fitting comparison I can find is with 'The Sopranos', not in terms of theme, but in terms of quality and originality. The only problem I could really highlight is that it takes a little while to get into, and it might take a little while to acquaint yourself with the show's unique 'vibe'. Other than that though, the show rewards your commitment to it, and you should seriously consider a purchase if you are a fan of high quality drama.