Just a quick update for the loyal constant reader, “The Public Relations Specialist†position is not in my immediate future due to the corporate policy that I am such a fan of. I will not even be granted an interview. C’est la vie. I will admit that it makes for a difficult work environment for me seeing as I know I am perfect for the job and, because of policy and of course the always popular corporate politics, I am on the outside looking in.
So let us turn to look on the bright side of things because dwelling on the negative in your life will only promote weeping by yourself in the dark sitting in an old lazy boy with a spaghetti sauce stain on the arm of the chair and on the chest of the plain white tee you’ve been wearing for the last 4 days listening to REO Speedwagon and quoting Marlon Brando from On The Waterfront with “I could’ve been a contender. I could’ve been somebody.â€
With all the new shows and old favorites premiering this time of year, I have decided to talk to you about some television series you may not watch or are now off the air and you may have missed. Over the next little while I will discuss and recommend some shows you might want to consider. Consider it my fall lineup of shows to catch up on.
Today I will begin where you should always begin. At the top. I am proud to recommend “The Wireâ€.
Many have touted The Wire as quite possibly the greatest television show ever written. Variety actually wrote “When television history is written, little else will rival The Wire, a series of such ambition that it is, perhaps inevitably, savored only by the appreciative few.” Spun out from the always reliable HBO for producing great television in general, The Wire introduces us to the dark side and under belly of Baltimore. Created by David Simon, the show tackles facets of city life that always seem to have an unexpected effect on our lives. The first season gives you the inside view of the illegal drug trade. Season two-the harbor, season three-the political system, season four-the school system and season five-the newspaper.
This show started casting and selected actors who were not big name stars. They went the ensemble route and did an amazing job. Although now some of these actors are now recognizable, they got their big breaks on the streets of Balmore…at least that’s how it sounds when a local says it. This show is gritty and very realistic. The characters in the show are incredible. You have drug dealers, drug users, policemen and women, politicians, business men, teachers, dock workers, reporters and all are portrayed by some great actors or by actual figures prominent in Baltimore. There are cameos by actually city officials, policemen and even a reverend. The show always maintained a realistic image and never went over the top.
Simon’s writing partner is Ed Burns who is a former Baltimore city homicide detective. This gives us an insight into the internal politics of the police force. The show’s major drug lord Avon Barksdale (Wood Harris) is actually based on a real life person “Little Melvin†Williams who was arrested following an investigation that Burns was a part of. Even better is the fact that “Little Melvin†Williams became part of the cast in season three playing a Deacon.
The story lines will grip you. The characters will make you believe. The show will reel you in until then credits roles in season five and leave you crying for more which I truly did. I am not going to dive into story lines or give away anything. I want you to take a chance and watch the show knowing only the premise. Watch five episodes. If after that you are not hooked, you need psychiatric care and should institutionalize yourself immediately!
This show is a must see. My favorite characters were Lester Freeman played by Clark Peters and Omar Little played by Michael Kenneth Williams, although Omar has some scarring scenes, you would be hard pressed to find a more interesting character or a better performance. Easily one of my favorite television characters ever. You will have different favorites. Stringer Bell portrayed by Idris Elba, Bubbles played by Andre Royo in easily one of the greatest acting performances on this show. To Wendell Pierce as Bunk Moreland and Dominic West as the infamous James “Jimmy†McNulty. This is one of the most well written shows you will ever see.
Give it a shot. And let Omar come calling.
