^YES! It is THAT good. I have studied the media over the past in an academic setting for the last 10 years or so and I truly believe that this show is the best thing the American Media has EVER produced. IT may not be as influential (yet) as some other films/series, but the quality level of all parts of this production are insane.
That being said, this is not the easiest series to get into. The first three episodes of the series are hard to follow as there are way too many characters and plot points, but once you are into it you will never go back. The show is incredible in terms of scope and ambition and it delivers on all fronts. I really cannot stress how good the show really is.
Well I read back over the plot of episode 1 on the hbo site and watched the next 3 episodes so am up to ep4 now. It’s getting better, I especially like the way the scenes at the flats are shot quite like a documentary style, you get a good feeling of the areas atmosphere. McNulty’s fake American accent is a little irritating at parts but okay for the most of it. I will watch a few more episodes today
The Wire may just be the best show of all time. I have caught the first three series on DVD and await the fourth (released in March) and hopefully the fifth will come out soon enough. I am continually blown away by every element of the production. I don’t think it’s true worth will fully be appreciated for a while yet.
On a side note, has anyone been watching Dexter - again I’m late to the table but that has been a real discovery too.
^Good to hear that The Wire is making it across the pond! I am sure that it is not easy to understand some of the dialect, as I have problems and I actually live here.
Dexter has also developed into something special. I have been real impressed with Showtime’s ability to convert themselves from a bottom-sucking soft-core outlet into a producer of quality adult programing. Weeds, Brotherhood, and Dexter have all become essential viewing for the television addict.
I don’t have too much trouble with the accents, what I meant about McNulty’s was that the actor is English so it sounds odd hearing his slightly off American accent. I’m pretty sure it’s shown on tv here, I’ve just never made time to watch it.
Anyhow, just got watching episode 8 so getting through them fairly well. I much prefer to watch a series within a week or so, watching one a week makes a show half as good as it is watched straight through. The best show for that is the Sopranos which I must have watched each season 3 times all the way through at least, the earlier seasons a little more. It’s so easy to watch over and over and pick up bits with hindsight that you never realise through the first viewing… anyway the Sopranos is another story for me, untouchable.
I’ve watched all of Weeds so far, no date for the next shows though. I wish they’d make the episodes a bit longer.
it’s 1.22am here, time to hit the sack. sleep well everyone!
Yeah, I have got used to the accents and harder to understand, the lingo, especially from the dealers. Just another thing I admire about the show, they haven’t tried to soften it up to make it easier to get into.
I was surprised when i found out that McNulty was played by an Englishman. But not half as surprised as learning that Stringer Bell was played by a guy from East London.
The Wire is shown on cable/satellite over here which i don’t have. I guess it’s too much for the terrestrial channels to show it in between Big Brother and the soap operas. Besides, it would make all of our homegrown output look bad I guess.
McNulty was much more obvious in the very first episode than the rest I thought, I had no idea Stringer was from London though lol.
It’s a new day, so another episode or two to watch I think. Going to have to start getting Season 2 soon.
I guess to these English ears McNulty’s accent sounds spot on. But by the same token Dick Van Dyke’s english accent is unbearable!
As for Stringer Bell. For me, it’s not just the accent but the whole performance, it just seems so authentic. I guess that’s why they call it acting. Pick up 28 Weeks Later - the same guy plays an american general in that but on the DVD extras he’s speaking in his native cockney.
I was referring less to McNulty’s english/American accent, and more to the dialect of the dealers. These guys seem to have a strange mix of slang, proper english, and weird regional slang that has been very difficult to decipher. See Snoop in the last couple of seasons for a clear idea of what I mean.
Anyway, just finished season 5 ep 2 last night and this show is really cooking. The setup is almost over and we should start seeing some major shit go down. Has anyone watched this yet? There is a huge surprise from McNulty that I never could have called.
What an excellent show! HBO always has the highest quality programs, I am still in mourning for the Sopranos. Curb Your Enthusiasm is also top notch. This station just seems to crank out the good shows.
Just about to head out for the night after watching episode 2. I thought I’d post to recommend a film before I leave though. I noticed the guy that dies at the end of the episode has stars on his knees which is the sign for the Russian Mafia, Vory V Zakone (thief in law) and means that they will kneel for no one. If you are into that kind of thing then I recommend Eastern Promises, a film about the Russian Mafia in London, it’s a great watch.
Have a good evening everyone!
