The Wire; Why Won't Anyone Give it a Chance

On June 10^th, 2007, HBO aired the eighty-sixth and final episode of their hit show, The Sopranos. The show was universally well-received and had a terrific following by the end of its six-season run. Even to this day, the show has life on the cable network A&E, aired in a primetime spot for those who never got the chance to watch it on HBO.

Almost nine months later, HBO will air the final episode of another long-running critical darling on March 9^th, 2008. This show, although on the air for five seasons, never was able to garner a proper audience. The end will most likely come without widespread speculation and anticipation, as The Sopranos received.

The show I am talking about is, of course, The Wire. I say "of course" knowing full well that many have never even heard of The Wire. A shame, really.

For five seasons now, David Simon has shown viewers, what few of us there are, the excessive drug problem in the city of Baltimore. He has brilliantly mixed a compelling story in with social commentary, never too over-the-top, that allows viewers unprecedented insight into the kinks of the system.

Simon has annually transfused the show with new perspectives, new characters, and new situations. Throughout the five seasons, we have seen the viewpoints of detectives, drug dealers, dock workers, politicians, school children, and, most recently, the newsroom. We have met over a hundred multi-dimensional characters, characters whose names fans could write onto a piece of paper and describe with no problem.

In short, David Simon has consistently delivered excellence. No episode is wasted, no small detail is ever forgotten. The show is focused so tight, one has to imagine Simon has had all five seasons planned from the beginning.

Yet no one seems to be watching this show. Why? The Wire is easily the best show airing new episodes on television right now. It is easily the best show HBO has ever produced, The Sopranos included. Many even feel it is the best show made in recent history, period. So why won't anyone give it a chance?

I'm not asking you to watch The Wire to save it from cancellation. The show is ending on its own terms this season. But just give the show a chance. It deserves that. Don't wait until the general public discovers what a gem this program really was five years down the line to get into it.

If you're looking for a thought-provoking, exciting, and interesting drama, there is nothing better than The Wire. If you are looking for a show that is well-written and intelligent, there is nothing better than The Wire. Just watch the first season on DVD and give it a chance. The best show on television deserves a chance.