Discussion
What is this crap?
I saw all sorts of reviews saying it was supposed to be outstanding, so I figured I'd try it. OK, I'm only half way through the second episode, but does it stay this s
te all the way through, or does it actually develop into something worth watching at some point?
Utterly unimpressed so far.
I saw all sorts of reviews saying it was supposed to be outstanding, so I figured I'd try it. OK, I'm only half way through the second episode, but does it stay this s
te all the way through, or does it actually develop into something worth watching at some point?Utterly unimpressed so far.
adycav said:
KP, what other stuff do you like?
I'm a big fan of The Wire, but at the same time I acknowledge that
1) It's not for everyone
2) The constant platitudes, although generally deserved, can get a little wearing
I suppose the nearest parallel which I do like would be The Shield. Completely different HBO stuff to get the vote would be Trueblood. Favourite English thing at the moment probably Misfits.I'm a big fan of The Wire, but at the same time I acknowledge that
1) It's not for everyone
2) The constant platitudes, although generally deserved, can get a little wearing
A whole load of stuff really! I'm usually not too fussy, which is why I was surprised not to like this.
I loved it pretty much from the start - season 1 probably being my fave. The only thing that really annoyed me about it was the needlessly long titles sequence (same thing with Dexter) - but its hardly a stretch to skip it. Up there with Band of Brothers and Dexter for my favourite series.
The street lingo would be annoying if it was irritating, white, fake, British chavspeak, but I can only imagine that drug dealers in Baltimore do actually speak like that. For weird accents/lingo, wait until Snoop shows up in series 3 (or 4 - can't remember which)
I can see why it isn't for everyone, as you really do need to get into it, rather than just watching the odd episode.
The street lingo would be annoying if it was irritating, white, fake, British chavspeak, but I can only imagine that drug dealers in Baltimore do actually speak like that. For weird accents/lingo, wait until Snoop shows up in series 3 (or 4 - can't remember which)
I can see why it isn't for everyone, as you really do need to get into it, rather than just watching the odd episode.
Kermit power said:
I suppose the nearest parallel which I do like would be The Shield. Completely different HBO stuff to get the vote would be Trueblood. Favourite English thing at the moment probably Misfits.
A whole load of stuff really! I'm usually not too fussy, which is why I was surprised not to like this.
Just finished The Shield - was ok, but thought The Wire was a level above - found myself wanting The Shield to just end - stretching it out to seven seasons probably had something to do with it, but generally just didn't find myself as bothered about the characters as I did with the wire.A whole load of stuff really! I'm usually not too fussy, which is why I was surprised not to like this.
Not tried Trueblood - have only seen trailers with the hot bird with the annoying accent, but have heard good things - it's on the list after I get done with the Pacific.
Stick with it if you can, i bought the box set last year after reading the rave reviews and found the first couple of episodes didn't really match up to the hype. However i stuck with it and am glad i did as it is a fantastic series once you get to know the characters and understand the lingo.
It's as well made as Dexter / True Blood etc but it doesn't have the humour which does give it a different feel.
It's as well made as Dexter / True Blood etc but it doesn't have the humour which does give it a different feel.
Kermit power said:
adycav said:
KP, what other stuff do you like?
I'm a big fan of The Wire, but at the same time I acknowledge that
1) It's not for everyone
2) The constant platitudes, although generally deserved, can get a little wearing
I suppose the nearest parallel which I do like would be The Shield. Completely different HBO stuff to get the vote would be Trueblood.I'm a big fan of The Wire, but at the same time I acknowledge that
1) It's not for everyone
2) The constant platitudes, although generally deserved, can get a little wearing
I would suggest sticking with it for a bit. You tend get used to the dialogue and start to make more sense of what's happening.
Actually I remember feeling a little underwhelmed when I first watched it a few years back. A friend of mine recommended having the subtitles on to help with the dialogue in the early episodes until you get your head around it.
It took me until episode four or five until I started to see what the fuss was about.
Stick with it. It will reward you.
You have to remember that, in contrast to most police shows where you usually get one crime an episode that gets solved etc, The Wire depicts one investigation across a whole series.
It is extremely realistic, and in that sense, is not accessible to all. It shows the down-right dull sides of being a Detective as well as the small victories.
Trust me, I was like you. I was bored, could not understand a word of what was going on (turn subtitles on - it helps!) and was disappointed.
By the end, I felt like I knew every character inside-out. It draws you in, you pump your fist at every breakthrough, you shed a tear at each tragedy. It is also pretty funny at times.
I am on to series 2 now, which again, takes time to get going but I know now that ultimately, I will be more satisfied by the end of this than watching Debbie Does Dallas.
You have to remember that, in contrast to most police shows where you usually get one crime an episode that gets solved etc, The Wire depicts one investigation across a whole series.
It is extremely realistic, and in that sense, is not accessible to all. It shows the down-right dull sides of being a Detective as well as the small victories.
Trust me, I was like you. I was bored, could not understand a word of what was going on (turn subtitles on - it helps!) and was disappointed.
By the end, I felt like I knew every character inside-out. It draws you in, you pump your fist at every breakthrough, you shed a tear at each tragedy. It is also pretty funny at times.
I am on to series 2 now, which again, takes time to get going but I know now that ultimately, I will be more satisfied by the end of this than watching Debbie Does Dallas.
I think by episode 3-4 you should start to see what all the fuss is about if not then perhaps The Wire isn't for you. I enjoyed watching it and found it to be like a good book that you can't put down and looked forward to a chance to see the next episode.
What I liked most is that you find yourself blurring the lines between us and them and finding traits you admire and at the same time detest in all the characters. When they do something good you feel pleased for them when they're sad you feel sad for them and when they fk up you want to tell them off for being so stupid.
The language seems to be very realistic having spent a small amount of time in and around the Baltimore area a few years back, granted I wasn't in the ghetto but close enough to pick up a few similarities.
All in all I can easily say this is my favourite show.
What I liked most is that you find yourself blurring the lines between us and them and finding traits you admire and at the same time detest in all the characters. When they do something good you feel pleased for them when they're sad you feel sad for them and when they f
k up you want to tell them off for being so stupid. The language seems to be very realistic having spent a small amount of time in and around the Baltimore area a few years back, granted I wasn't in the ghetto but close enough to pick up a few similarities.
All in all I can easily say this is my favourite show.
I totally understand why you might not get straight into the Wire, but the characters drag you in slowly: Season 4 is the best for me with Pres (Can´t give the game away) but you learn so much about each person that it just grows on you. Loving Omar...... not sure if he´s been introduced yet, but his moral code and way of living is fascinating. Also think Bubbs is just a great character and for anyone who´s seen the last episode, they´ll get the reasoning.
Stick with it, it´s not for everyone, but I think it´s the best show ever made.
Stick with it, it´s not for everyone, but I think it´s the best show ever made.
As the OP of the mammoth Wire thread somewhere or other as others have said, turn subtitles on, will take more than a couple of episodes to figure out if it's for you or not.
Top tip, Pay Attention as there will be some things which appear insignificant in one episode that hit home a few episodes later.
But if it's not for you then move on as it's not for everyone. Rest of my family don't get it either, but they are of the mindset that like things wrapped up in one session, yet are avid fans of Homicide Life on the Street, Special Victims Unit and all that genre. So I would have thought they'd get The Wire but they don't. :shrug:
Top tip, Pay Attention as there will be some things which appear insignificant in one episode that hit home a few episodes later.
But if it's not for you then move on as it's not for everyone. Rest of my family don't get it either, but they are of the mindset that like things wrapped up in one session, yet are avid fans of Homicide Life on the Street, Special Victims Unit and all that genre. So I would have thought they'd get The Wire but they don't. :shrug:
redtwin said:
Best TV drama ever created.
Best character in that drama and probably any other.
It has been 7 years since I watched the first episode so I can't recall if has made his appearance yet, but stick with it if only for an introduction to him.
Omar is great.Best character in that drama and probably any other.
It has been 7 years since I watched the first episode so I can't recall if has made his appearance yet, but stick with it if only for an introduction to him.
'Omar's coming......'
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