the wire premiered on hbo in june 2002. back then i was too occupied with six feet under and the sopranos to take on another series. and then the critical acclaim for the wire grew so vociferous that i became annoyed and decided not to watch. enough friends over enough years persisted in wearing me down … and i’ve finally taken it up via netflix and itunes. i’ve completed seasons one and two (watching semi compulsively) and am hooked.
the characters, the stories, the words, the intricacies. wow. it’s the kind of show that makes you think twice when you see people − especially cops, politicians and union guys − out in the world. makes you wonder what kind of wild mess they are caught up in.
in one of the episodes i was devouring last night, bunk showed up in sweatpants and i thought for a moment he might be the same actor who plays stanley on the office.
okay — not so close. this morning as i was walking up hudson street to the e train, a man dipped his shoulder in like a football player and rammed into me on the sidewalk. the space was more narrow than usual due to the christmas trees lined up for sale. the impact didn’t knock me down, but it turned me around. he had scabs and bruises on his face and was clearly a junkie of some kind. he shouted out “whore!” he was not a bit like the wire’s kindhearted, amiable crackhead, bubbles.

by the way, i prefer my crackheads to be of the fictional variety, and agree that now is not the time to cut back on nyc cops.



{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Actually, you could put those two dudes in a photo lineup with this guy. Um, I think it was the second guy, officer, but I’m not completely sure.
…okay, maybe not so close, either. But the plaintive eyes are close.
Nice Col, so you’re pretty much saying “they all look the same to me”, is that the jist of today’s post? When’s the next klan rally?
Aw, come on, now. I compared Eli Manning with Gomer Pyle last Super Bowl. If the expression fits, you must acquit.
i knew that accusation would be hurled once i saw those 3 pics but i posted anyway … if it’s any consolation the lead character, mc nulty, is an irish catholic alcoholic homicide detective.
love,
Col, your drunk, racist Mc-Blogstress
I was kidding. Afterall, I know you come from a good lace-curtain family, and that you’re not some shanty-irish hooligan that hates the blacks.
Jews, well that’s another story.
Jake, You may have missed it because it was a few months before that pivotal moment of narcissistic boredom brought you to this space, but I actually once gave you, Barry & Jason credit for helping form my comedic sensibility. In the words of our former gym teacher Andy Schmidt: “How ’bout them apples?”
A) Why do you know Mr. Schmidt’s first name?
B) Why was he allowed to wear those shorts around children?
C) I believe “Tough Turkey” was his catchphrase of choice.
A) I know his first name because he had that ANDY mug he’d tote around and sip coffee from while taking attendance. Don’t you remember? Jason called him Andy to his face and was sent to Mr. Supman’s office.
B) I don’t remember those shorts as much as the warm up suits and mustache. He was the Ron Burgundy of gym teachers.
C) “Tough Turkey” was certainly in the rotation as well
Damn damn damn. I was typing my comments about you being a racist but then I see that has been covered so I guess I will have to work with whore. Nah won’t go there. I already know about you and skinny jeans. Lets talk about, Andy Schmidt: “How ’bout them apples?” Are you sure you aren’t quoting Matt Damon who has to be related to you.
You’ll be pleased to know that the best stuff from The Wire is still in front of you. I’m not finished myself — working my way through Season Five now.