Well, I'm done. And sure I had problems; sure there are things to bitch about. But it was great even so, and not only do I want to watch the entire season over again right away, but I wish I had the entire series on DVD so I could start from season 1 and work my way through it TL style. There's so much I don't remember; there are so many nuances I would appreciate more the second time around. But I'm too cheap to buy it, so I guess I'll just have to suffer.
Embarrassing confession: I am so incurious that only just now did I bother to check whether Simon had anything to do with
The Corner, a series that much impressed me when I watched it back in 2000 (not least because at that time a very close friend of mine became irrevocably addicted to Oxycontin, and I was amazed by the parallels between the addict's life in Baltimore as portrayed in the series and my friend's existence as one here in ever-so-isolated Lubec. I annoyed a number of people that year by saying that Lubec was just like Baltimore, the only difference--and advantage--being that it was less crowded and people could make money by picking wrinkles instead of scrounging for scrap [and not so scrap] metal). Of course he did. And of course he had something to do with
Homicide, another fact of which I was unaware until recently. Oh well. I loved all three without realizing they were related. At least I'm consistent.
Another embarrassing confession: I was inordinately pleased to see Stephen Schnetzer in a small but meaty role as the guy Gus asks to check out Templeton's stories. I used to watch
Another World with my mummy, and seeing an alumnus on
The Wire gave me a chuckle.
Stray thoughts:
Unlike Dorvid, I thought the profiling scene was too much. The guy desperately seeking recognition for his artistic efforts, the parallels between the profile and McNulty's own personality. It came off as caricature.
Poor sweet doomed Dukie. I was tricked for a moment into thinking his hooking up with the junk man was a good thing, but too soon I was shown to be wrong. What's really sad is that, with more backbone, he might have made escaped his fate; however, more likely he would just have done a good job with his corner. ( I loved Poot's take on it: you put in your time on the corner and then you get out.)
I didn't see you, Dorvid, or your car, Chris L. Oh well. Not paying proper attention, I guess.
Got to say, Mike, I think you went into this wanting to hate it. Perhaps, though, this kind of thing simply isn't your cup of tea, in which case I don't see why you bothered watching it at all.
In the end, the faked serial killer gimmick didn't bother me because it was far-fetched but because it seemed hackneyed somehow. Hamsterdam was much more original and interesting.
Just watched the interview with the actors who played Kenard and Bug. Boy, that Kenard is a microphone hog! Poor Bug barely go a word in.
I don't believe for one second that McNulty would settle down and live happily every after with Beadie. Lester might do just fine, however.
Murders that stuck with me:
Marlo was surprisingly kindly to Proposition Joe. I get it--it was just business, after all--but he didn't have to take the time to be gentle. That actor does have the most peaceful-looking face, I must say. And wasn't he pleased to be back on the street again at the end?
Just before Omar was killed, I said to myself, why doesn't some young up-and-comer take advantage of this opportunity and off him? It was getting pretty silly that this clearly suffering guy was able to limp around in broad daylight killing and stealing with impunity. I even began to suspect that he was attempting to commit suicide by gangsta (kin to suicide by cop), which struck me as overly sentimental/melodramatic.
Unlike so many of you, I didn't recognize the kid who shot him, but it seemed fitting that a child was responsible. As to his motive, I imagine to a budding young sociopath a mythic figure in a weakened state would be an irresistible temptation. It seemed quite natural to me: the upcoming killer eliminating the most accomplished one of all. Of course, Michael ends up being Omar's true successor, but Kenard's time will come.
Snoop died like the soldier she was. I always had a hard time understanding her speech, but I loved the character. And your photo of her was just lovely, Dorvid.
Cheese's murder that the end made me burst out laughing. And this
I just thought of a way to get Slim & Co. the 900k they need to complete the Marlo deal: MARATHON!!!!
made me laugh, too.
Oh well. It's over. I hope someday I'll get to watch all five seasons back to back.
