VIRB

At the beginning of December the fourth season of the Baltimore based police drama, The Wire, was released on DVD. Since then, I have watched about half the season. I have such strong feelings about this show that I purposely drag out watching it so that I can enjoy it longer (I hear the cries of nerd, tell me about it). This is partially due to living in Baltimore all my life. There is definitely an added novelty to seeing my hometown as the backdrop of this national show. But that is far from what has me hooked.

The writing on this show is phenomenal, I can't stress this enough. The character development is second to none. This fourth season centers around the public school system, I don't think I have ever felt for a fictional character the way that I feel about these four children.

This is a no holds barred type of show. There is a story and every aspect of the show is here to facilitate that story. Main characters die, retire, move, get arrested, and relocate. Limits, there are no limits here. No frame is wasted. Every second, every word is carefully thought out and used to convey the message. Even stronger sometimes are the words that are unsaid. It feels like an oxymoron but this is smart TV.

This was supposed the be a short summary of my thoughts about season 4 thus far. I think I will pass on that for now and instead link to Stephan King. If King likes it then it has to be good, right? I can't echo what he said enough. So far, Chris and Snoop are the best part about this season. Chris is downright haunting. Haunting and smart. That makes him even more of a monster.

It is somewhat sad news that this January will mark the release of the fifth and final season. I guess this is a good thing. As a fan, I of course want the show to go on forever. I am sure the production company wants the same thing. But the writers, if they are good writers, love that the show run out on their terms. In my heart of hearts that is what I really want too. It's better to burn out then fade away.