The Wire

[scorza]

I think the ending was rubbish though. All that build up over the years and the couldn't be assed to finish it lol.

I thought the ending (of The Sopranos) was disappointing too, but then I realised it was actually very clever - in keeping with the rest of the series. I must admit I didn't get it at first though, but now I do I think it's a satisfactory ending. I'm not going to discuss it here - don't want to spoil it for anyone.

 

[MURDEROUS G]

The Wire is so good that I'm genuinely envious of you for not having seen it yet, because you get to watch it without knowing what's going to happen.

I can't agree that it's overrated, personally. The plaudits that The Wire earned from basically every TV critic who saw it were entirely deserved IMO, and it never really garnered actual public acclaim (its ratings were not that high) so it's not like they were jumping on some populist bandwagon.

Charlie Brooker review of The Wire, NSFW content obviously: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=sZ2iGYwdEi8

 

[Mark A]

a bit overrated and i would suggest shot on a budget.

I think if it is low budget that adds to the gritty feeling of the series. Its soposed to be a "hood" afterall.

Theres a few familliar faces from other high budget series such as Lost and Heroes as well.

 

[Burt]

The Wire is the greatest TV series ever made. I've seen everything else: Sopranos, Rome, Battlestar Galactica, 24, Lost, Heroes, The Shield, etc, etc. Nothing comes remotely close to The Wire's perfection.

 

[syke]

I watched the first season over two nights, and now just got the next two seasons, started watching late last night/this morning, already up to EP7.

 

[Arjun806]

I've been meaning to watch The Wire for a while now, but I just wanted to say you need 24 in your life

 

[ESP/BSS]

I agree with this, the first season was by far the best. Only a few episode really stood out in the later seasons such as Pine Barrens for example.

I think the ending was rubbish though. All that build up over the years and the couldn't be assed to finish it lol.

Cannot agree more too. The Sopranos became almost a parody of itself.
in later seasons. I wish they'd finished at Season 3 (and even that had its flaws though Pine Barrens is one of my favourite episodes ever). Thought later seasons didn't use music as well as the earlier ones either.

Agree with your comments on the ending too.

Was a great show though.

Only seen season one of the Wire and thought it was great. I'd really recommend Arrested Development as something else to look out for.

 

[Voltar]

It's very good indeed. Has a really authentic feel to it and the acting is fantastic on the whole.

 

[caff]

It's the greatest TV show in the history of humankind.

 

[Weebull]

Season 4 has a 98% average score on metacritic. I think that says it all really.

 

[Andrew_McP]

I just wanted to thank everyone in this thread who recommended The Wire. From what I'd already heard I suspected I might enjoy it, and it was this thread which pushed me over the edge into buying the new boxed set (which I'll probably sell after I've finished).

Anyway, my early Xmas present to myself didn't make it to Xmas day. I put the first disk of the first series in this morning just to 'test drive' it, and ended up watching the first three episodes back to back. From the start you know -- as in so many successful US series -- that you're in safe hands. Excellent stuff, with superb character development.

1 disk down, a reassuringly large number left to go. I hope it's a long, dark winter.

Andrew McP

 

[Mark A]

Nice one, glad your happy with it . It was a thread on OCUK that i heard about it and ended up getting it after hearing so many good things about it. Really glad i did as i doubt i would have ever looked twice at it if i hadn't seen it mentioned on here.

If you haven't seen the Shield this is also worth checking out, although its not as good as The Wire imo.

 

[eXor]

for me it all about "The Shield"

Is season 7 the last?

The Shield lives on in Sons of Anarchy. Kurt Sutter works his magic again.

I put the first disk of the first series in this morning just to 'test drive' it, and ended up watching the first three episodes back to back. I hope it's a long, dark winter.

I thought all of your free time would be spent flying through trees.

 

[Raider]

Best thing i've seen for years. Thoroughly recommend it.

Sure it takes a while to get into it, but once you're in you're hooked. I burned through all 5 seasons in under 2 months. Couldn't stop!

If you don't have the patience for it then I wouldn't advise it. You won't get non-stop action, but you will get top quality crime drama that's second to none

 

[slylittlefox]

1st - Deadwood
2nd - Rome
3rd - The Wire
4th - The Sopranos
5th - Twin Peaks

My top-five TV series

 

[NuclearWinter]

My favourite TV series ever, followed by The West Wing.

 

[fozzybear]

I watched the 1st Season a few weeks ago.

It's slow (but still fairly engrossing) at first while it builds up the characters.

It ended up being one of the best acted piece of drama i've seen. It's a classy, 'meaty' programme. Series 2 is on order.

 

[Andrew_McP]

I thought all of your free time would be spent flying through trees.

It doesn't take me long to get sick of flying sideways into hillsides.

I watched the 1st Season a few weeks ago.

It's slow (but still fairly engrossing) at first while it builds up the characters

I can understand why some people think The Wire is 'slow', but to me it doesn't stand still for a moment. The character development is very slick and engaging. After another three episodes tonight (I really must break this habit!) I'm totally hooked.

Andrew McP

 

[_Jimlad_]

the wire is sooooooooooooooo good! watch it, i have seen all 5 seasons and loved it, seasons 1 -4 can be had for £9.99 online too.

 

[eXor]

Brotherhood is also a great series.