Just saw a promo for the new season in HD.

Just saw a promo for the new season in HD.

Still have at least a month to wait for this show. There are a few different promos up "in the wild". While the previews got me excited, since its still a bit away so, I am focused on Dexter and Brotherhhod :).

This season is going to "suck" though since its the 5th and last season for this great show. For those that dont know this season they "focus" on the Media.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q24T3-GRIsQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q24T3-GRIsQ

Thanks :)

Just finishing up season 2 dvd's. Hopefully I get through season 4 before season 5 starts.

I thought it was interesting because I had read quotes from people involved with the show that the finale would not be filmed in hd. The trailer(McNulty on the phone) I saw on HBO looked like high definition.

What is this youtube clip(can't view at work)?

I thought it was interesting because I had read quotes from people involved with the show that the finale would not be filmed in hd. The trailer(McNulty on the phone) I saw on HBO looked like high definition.

What is this youtube clip(can't view at work)?


I read an interview with Simon and he said he wanted to finish it in the 4x3 SD format to keep the story consistent when watched in succession.

Just saw a promo for the new season in HD.

I saw a promo for the new Wire season as well. And while the promo seemed to be in HD, it sort of felt (to me) like what was in "HD" was actually ZOOMED upconverted SD, based upon the framing and other cues that I noticed.

I'd love if the new season of The Wire (best show on TV!) were in HD, but it seems highly unlikely to me that they will switch it in its final season.

I saw a promo for the new Wire season as well. And while the promo seemed to be in HD, it sort of felt (to me) like what was in "HD" was actually ZOOMED upconverted SD, based upon the framing and other cues that I noticed.

I'd love if the new season of The Wire (best show on TV!) were in HD, but it seems highly unlikely to me that they will switch it in its final season.

To me I prefer the HBOHD feed of the show. If it isnt remastered for HD, then it is a hell of a good upconvert. I think they may tweak the show for the HD feed, but I havent seen anything distorted or out of the ordinary.

If anyone hasnt yet I would highly recommend reading the book The Wire Truth Be Told. GIves a background on the show and a little more depth to the seasons.

Link to Tim Goodman's SFGate site with imbedded links for some video links about "The Wire". Has 3 showing Prop Joe, McNulty and Omar in the early days. Good stuff, especially the one about Prop Joe.

No spoilers.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/detail?blogid=24&entry_id=22473
Tim Goodman. The Bastard Machine : All in the game. Six in the hand. "The Wire" episodes arrive!

I recently saw some kind of promo/short film for the fifth season and I am pretty damn sure it was in HD. Do we have any definitive word on whether the fifth season is indeed in HD or not? A link to that Simon interview? If it's true that it's a stylistic decision to stay with 4X3, that seems really anachronistic and sorta silly. I mean plenty of shows - good shows - went to HD when technology allowed.

I recently saw some kind of promo/short film for the fifth season and I am pretty damn sure it was in HD. Do we have any definitive word on whether the fifth season is indeed in HD or not? A link to that Simon interview? If it's true that it's a stylistic decision to stay with 4X3, that seems really anachronistic and sorta silly. I mean plenty of shows - good shows - went to HD when technology allowed.

I have heard that they will do nothing different this season, BUT I do have to say that whatever HBO is doing to "upconvert" and stretch the Wire works for me. Last season on HBOHD looked pretty damn good. It was leaps and bounds better than the HBO feed. Simon wants all the seasons to all look the "same" as far as presentation goes (at least thats what I have read).

Just recently saw the promos for the new season and can't wait. Far and away the best show on television in years, if not ever!!

Just recently saw the promos for the new season and can't wait. Far and away the best show on television in years, if not ever!!


I agree its the best show out and its a complete travisty it doesnt recieve ANY Emmy nominations year after year. I understand the topics it tackles are not maintream or typical hollywood 'happy endings" but this show is one that needs to be supported this day and age.

I would love to see it in HD too.

The Wire is simply the best show on TV, and one of the best ever. Nothing has come as close to showing what a dieing American city looks and feels like. Put this entire series in a time capsule, in 50 to 100 years people can watch it and see what it was like at that time living in an urban environment.

Just saw the promo last night and I would say it is zoomed or upconverted. Oh well, still looking forward to the show.

Just saw the promo last night and I would say it is zoomed or upconverted. Oh well, still looking forward to the show.

I would lean to upconverted since I have never seen anything missing from the HD version. I also havent noticed the signs of being zoomed or stretched (fat heads\bodies, or chopped off charaters\scenes).

It now appears definite that, although it’s 2008 and EVERYTHING else seems to be in 16:9 HD, The Wire will continue to be shown in 4:3:

http://library.creativecow.net/articles/griffin_nick/hbo_the_wire.php

Do you want to talk about the flat earth society? The show’s producers’ decision to stubbornly stay in 4:3 at this late date strikes me as foolish.

I watched the first three seasons of The Wire because I did not have HDTV until Season Three was almost over. Not many other folks had HD during that time, either, so I understood why the show was produced in 4:3. Nevertheless I dropped the show after that because Season Four, which didn’t start until September of 2006, wasn’t in HD.

I never gave up hope that The Wire’s producers would, finally, come into the 21st Century and produce it in HD. Ha. So I checked again but saw to my dismay that it would continue to be produced in 4:3. I have too much other stuff to watch, all of which is in 16:9 HD, to put up with 4:3 in 2008. It’s too bad because The Wire is a good show but it’s not that good, at least not to my way of thinking.

While I am as big an HD snob as there is, at the end of the day content still trumps presentation. Thus I will continue to enjoy The Wire in 4:3 SD. One of the best shows on television.

Anyone with Comcast ONDEMAND can watch the first episode before Sunday. Love this show!

While I am as big an HD snob as there is, at the end of the day content still trumps presentation. Thus I will continue to enjoy The Wire in 4:3 SD. One of the best shows on television.

That’s a reasonable position and I certainly don’t disagree with it, at least not in principle. I decided to drop The Wire because, despite almost two years having elapsed since the end of Season Three in December 2004 and the beginning of Season Four in September 2006, the producers stuck with 4:3. The combination of the long delay between seasons and the seeming cheapness of the decision not to produce the show in HD REALLY turned me off, so much so that I decided to drop it from my lineup. It could have been an overreaction but there it was.

Seems like it is a creative decision rather than a cheapness.

http://library.creativecow.net/articles/griffin_nick/hbo_the_wire.php



And perhaps the final contrast to the rest of high-end episodic television, The Wire for each of its five seasons has been produced in good old fashioned 4 x 3 standard definition. DP Dave Insley recalled, "The reason the show has stayed 4x3 is because David Simon thinks that 4x3 feels more like real life and real television and not like a movie. The show's never been HD, even 4x3 HD and that (SD) is how it is on the DVDs. There is no 16x9 version anywhere." As a viewer with an HD set I will point out that like much of SD television that makes its way to HD channels, it appears that HBO utilizes state-of-the-art line doubling technology. It may still be standard definition, but line doubled it looks considerably better on a high definition set than it would on a standard definition set.

Insley explained, "When the show started 2001 / 2002 they framed it for 16 x 9 as a way of future-proofing. Then a couple of seasons ago, right before Season 4 began shooting, there was a big discussion about it and after much discussion -- David, Nina, Joe Chappelle, the Producers, the DPs -- and we discussed what should be the style of the show. David made the decision that we would stay with 4x3. The DPs pretty much defined the look to be what it is now. And it's been consistent for the past two seasons."

Based on early screenings, this season of The Wire will be as great as ever. You won't want to miss it.

[Although a DVD rental will do just as well if you are patient.]

I caught the first episode of season 5 on OnDemand already. Great start to the season. Thrilled to see Clark Johnson aka Det. Meldrick Lewis from Homicide has a prominent role in this last season. The opening scene was funny, but was used before on Homicide.

Seems like it is a creative decision rather than a cheapness.

http://library.creativecow.net/articles/griffin_nick/hbo_the_wire.php
One man's "creative decision" is another's lame assed excuse. It just goes to show that without differences of opinion, we wouldn't have horse racing. :)

I recall reading that Simon wanted the 4x3 image as that was closer to the reality of what sort of TVs would be in use in his stories about Baltimore.

P.S. If his stuff was only available on a PSP format, I'd buy one and still watch it postage stamp size, can't wait to see what he does next.

One man's "creative decision" is another's lame assed excuse. It just goes to show that without differences of opinion, we wouldn't have horse racing. :)

Why would he lie?

Only 'lame assed excuse' I see is not watching a fantastic show because it is in 4:3. :rolleyes:

Why would he lie?

Only 'lame assed excuse' I see is not watching a fantastic show because it is in 4:3. :rolleyes:I just saw the first episode and it was excellent.

From the early impressions I've heard, it sounds like this season of The Wire will be the best series shown on TV in the past year, aside from Dexter.

Why would he lie?

Only 'lame assed excuse' I see is not watching a fantastic show because it is in 4:3. :rolleyes:
I didn't accuse him of lying because I am a most ineffective mind reader. Nevertheless, to ME, his rationale for sticking with 4:3 and thereby remaining in the 20th Century despite it being 2008 was, to put it gently, unconvincing. Besides, there is no reason to get defensive is there? After all, it’s only television and only one man's humble opinion. :)

While I am as big an HD snob as there is, at the end of the day content still trumps presentation. Thus I will continue to enjoy The Wire in 4:3 SD. One of the best shows on television.
+1

i'd take The Wire OTA on a 1978 13" black and white TV over some hackneyed network garbage like Shark in 16x9 HD any day of the week. the content and quality of the show is worth putting up with a presentation in upconverted 4x3, no question about it.

I didn't accuse him of lying because I am a most ineffective mind reader. Nevertheless, to ME, his rationale for sticking with 4:3 and thereby remaining in the 20th Century despite it being 2008 was, to put it gently, unconvincing. Besides, there is no reason to get defensive is there? After all, it’s only television and only one man's humble opinion. :)

Uh, who's getting defensive now? If you say you aren't a good mind reader, and that you weren't convinced, what powers do you invoke to determine what his real reason was?

"The Wire" has been delivered in 4x3 SD since Day One, and they said they didn't want to change for the last season. Sounds reasonable to me, even if it is (barely) 2008. If you don't want to watch, that's your choice, but I agree with Jimmy that not watching because the show is 4x3 is a "lame assed excuse."

Sorry for the rant, but puh-leeze...

Uh, who's getting defensive now? If you say you aren't a good mind reader, and that you weren't convinced, what powers do you invoke to determine what his real reason was?

"The Wire" has been delivered in 4x3 SD since Day One, and they said they didn't want to change for the last season. Sounds reasonable to me, even if it is (barely) 2008. If you don't want to watch, that's your choice, but I agree with Jimmy that not watching because the show is 4x3 is a "lame assed excuse."

Sorry for the rant, but puh-leeze...
What can I say? It's a good faith difference of opinion. Live with it.

What can I say? It's a good faith difference of opinion. Live with it.
Yes, it's your opinion, and that's the beauty of it. I don't have to live with it, but you do.

Yes, it's your opinion, and that's the beauty of it. I don't have to live with it, but you do.
Eureka, we agree at last! :)

Well the previous season was recapped in zoomed-in SD.

And the actual show is 4:3 with bars on the side.

Oh well.

Well the previous season was recapped in zoomed-in SD.

And the actual show is 4:3 with bars on the side.

Oh well.

yeah I got excited for a second there...too bad...at least its 5.1

This looks very close to HD. I know it is 4:3, but it looks really good.

It definitely looked better tonight than it did last year, not sure why it would, but I definitely remember a lot of noise and interlacing artifacting last season, the sort of thing you'd see with an analog SD broadcast, but tonight was much cleaner.

yeah I got excited for a second there...too bad...at least its 5.1
You can't tell me you would like it zoomed like the recap was. That was ugly! They want it 4x3 and that's the way it is. Yes, they also want it DD5.1 too.

You can't tell me you would like it zoomed like the recap was. That was ugly! They want it 4x3 and that's the way it is. Yes, they also want it DD5.1 too.

Completely agree. The recaps and "next on..." segments looked awful. 4X3 looked great here, very sharp in almost all scenes.

You can't tell me you would like it zoomed like the recap was. That was ugly! They want it 4x3 and that's the way it is. Yes, they also want it DD5.1 too.
Although I know that it’s close to apostasy around here to say anything good about Stretchovision, I have come to prefer it to retaining 4:3 on HD channels at the expense of having much of the screen filled with nothing but black.

Let me hasten to add that I understand the argument for retaining OAR, even on 4:3 programming. In fact, I once preferred it but have come around to preferring a filled 16:9 screen, even if the image is stretched. This may be because I watch a bunch of old series that are stretched on TNT HD, such as NYPD Blue. I have to watch them stretched or not at all because I have a TiVo S3, which will not allow the aspect ratio to be adjusted on HD channels. Thus, for me it has become a matter of, “If you can’t whip ‘em, join ‘em.” Whether my choice is an example of a wise accommodation or is just rolling over for The Man is in the eye of the beholder, of course. :)

I've just spent the last month "marathoning" seasons 3 and 4 via on-demand.

IMO, I thought the content looked pretty good, even with me leaving it "stretched".

Agreed one of the best shows on TV, agreed it should never be ignored at emmy time, and agreed I would watch it on my old 19" B&W Philco if I had to.

You can't tell me you would like it zoomed like the recap was. That was ugly! They want it 4x3 and that's the way it is. Yes, they also want it DD5.1 too.

I just got excited because I thought it was going to be HD...not because it was zoomed-in...

Who does the music at the end of the show? Man I love that, especially in 5.1

The theme song at the beginning of the show is now done by Steve Earle.

This looks very close to HD. I know it is 4:3, but it looks really good.

Not sure if it was here or at DVDTalk, but HBO explained that they use a very good line doubling process that "ups" the picture for the HD channel. Usually it is "stretched, but Ill be damned if I can notice anything missing from the stretched scenes from previous seasons. I think they did both before, this season all they are using is the line doubling and leaving the 4:3 intact for the HD feed. I could be mistaken though its been a long time since I have seen the show on the HD channels.

It's ALWAYS been in a 4x3 format.

Anyone else like to see Avon back?

I find it hilarious that The Baltimore Sun is being shown (by a former credible insider - Simon used to be a reporter there) to be the crap newspaper that it is. They always take offense when they are critiqued in any way. They recently sued the ex-governor for restricting his staff from talking to 2 specific reporters. Their case was thrown out at EVERY possible hearing.

Of course, one of these "reporters" was later caught as a plagiarist and also was forced to admit that his stories on the Gov's staff contained quotes he literally made up (since he didn't even attend the meeting quoted!!!) and lamely said it was merely what he assumed the person quoted was "really" thinking! There's journalism at its finest. And they wonder why they have no credibility. That same disgraced ex-reporter (Michael Olesker) was actually in the first ep the other night - ah, the irony. And lastly, even their TV Critic basically panned the show in his (usually reliable) review. He's probably one of a VERY few that don't think The Wire is one of the best things on TV.

Of course, he has a "valid" reason to dislike it now - they are showing his employer to be as inept as the other institutions under continual scrutiny in this great show.

Anyone else like to see Avon back?

He's 'taking a meeting' with Marlo in the previews, so you will sort of get your wish.

I find it hilarious that The Baltimore Sun is being shown (by a former credible insider - Simon used to be a reporter there) to be the crap newspaper that it is. They always take offense when they are critiqued in any way. They recently sued the ex-governor for restricting his staff from talking to 2 specific reporters. Their case was thrown out at EVERY possible hearing.

Of course, one of these "reporters" was later caught as a plagiarist and also was forced to admit that his stories on the Gov's staff contained quotes he literally made up (since he didn't even attend the meeting quoted!!!) and lamely said it was merely what he assumed the person quoted was "really" thinking! There's journalism at its finest. And they wonder why they have no credibility. That same disgraced ex-reporter (Michael Olesker) was actually in the first ep the other night - ah, the irony. And lastly, even their TV Critic basically panned the show in his (usually reliable) review. He's probably one of a VERY few that don't think The Wire is one of the best things on TV.

Of course, he has a "valid" reason to dislike it now - they are showing his employer to be as inept as the other institutions under continual scrutiny in this great show.

haha...well they did fire David Simon (sorry, "Bought Out" is the term)...

He's 'taking a meeting' with Marlo in the previews, so you will sort of get your wish.

Yea I was referring to the episode where he meets Marlo in Jail to setup with the russian dude. It seemed the way Avon was talking is he has some kinda plan to screw Marlo. At least he got 100k out of him

Anyone else like to see Avon back?

I was incredibly excited when I saw him sitting down with Chris. I knew they wouldn't give up on his character after hardly being mentioned in the 4th season, despite numerous scenes with WeeBay.

I hope he plays an integral role.

Yea I was referring to the episode where he meets Marlo in Jail to setup with the russian dude. It seemed the way Avon was talking is he has some kinda plan to screw Marlo. At least he got 100k out of him

I don't understand what connection Avon would have to Sergio, though... other than they are both in jail...I always associated Sergio with the Dock guys from season 2, the Greeks and Prop Joe, of course.

My estimation based off Marlo trying to muddy Prop Joe's waters during the co-op meeting is that he either found out about Joe tipping off Omar to the card game and then the subsequent up-charge that he added to marlo re-buying the stolen shipment (Omar sold it for a discount to Prop then Prop went back and sold it for even more to Marlo)

or...

He simply wants to be the King of Baltimore and cut out Prop Joe from the coop altogether and replace him as th connect to the Greek's shipment.

or maybe a little of both.

Well Avon said it during the meeting with Marlo at Jail. Marlo wants sergio to talk to the Greeks so he can get a direct line to the stash and not have to go through Prop Joe. Thats why Avon was talking about West side sticking together and such.

I find it hilarious that The Baltimore Sun is being shown (by a former credible insider - Simon used to be a reporter there) to be the crap newspaper that it is.

While I'm only in the middle of the third season on DVD at this point, I'm amazed that Baltimore is letting their city be portrayed so badly. Their police are corrupt, their infrastructure is collapsing, their government is a bunch of paper pushers and so on. You can do that with L.A. and New York and even Chicago, but Baltimore would like to keep the little tourism they have, right?

I mean you can even follow the crime areas on a Baltimore map. The intersection of North Poppleton and West Fayette was an anchor point in the second season. In the third season they're talking about the action between Fremont and West Lombard... actual streets.

So if I were to visit Baltimore, I would want to stay out of these areas, right? Too bad the Railroad Museum is right there!

Remember, for all its veracity, it is still a story "based" on fact. It is not actual fact in the sense of documentary. Though it often hits home on general institutional problems and crime in general. Yes, the streets and many other landmarks named are usually actual places - even some of the named characters. However, this is generalized and can't really be fully "mapped" to real crime areas in many cases.

Your example of the Railroad Museum is one. It is not in a true high crime district like those intersections often mentioned. The Museum is a great place to see and is walking distance from the Inner Harbor area and other fine tourist attractions. The recently renovated and spectacular 2500 seat Hippodrome Theater is also a few blocks away and is a palace for Broadway shows, as good or better than anything the real Broadway offers. Edgar Allan Poe's grave site is also a short walk. I'm not trying to dispel the fact that there are large sections of the inner city that are high-crime and dangerous. You just can't base your tourist trip on a map provided by The Wire. Of course, they rarely show areas in the tourist areas and keep to the West Side or East Side problem zones with high murder rates. The center city around the Inner Harbor and all its wondrous attractions is very safe and rarely is there a serious crime there.

Now, the Baltimore Sun - that's a different proposition.

The Wire is simply the best show on TV.
Sad this is the last season. :(

Your example of the Railroad Museum is one. It is not in a true high crime district like those intersections often mentioned. The Museum is a great place to see and is walking distance from the Inner Harbor area and other fine tourist attractions.
But if I'm reading the map right, the Railroad Museum is about a 1000 feet south of North Poppleton and West Fayette, the scary intersection with all the gun fire from season two. Where does the safe section end and the scary section start?

You see, I'm one of those dumb guys who will wander cluelessly into drug dealing sections of cities I'm visiting. When I did that in Oakland I was lucky that the dealers were very friendly to me when they figured out I wasn't "dealin'". They kindly recommended that I should stay out of a couple of neighborhoods around there (which looked very classy areas to me) and stay on the main streets. They were much nicer than the thug dealers on the Wire but they were also a lot older and probably making more money.

Well Avon said it during the meeting with Marlo at Jail. Marlo wants sergio to talk to the Greeks so he can get a direct line to the stash and not have to go through Prop Joe. Thats why Avon was talking about West side sticking together and such.

I couldn't make out what he said to Marlo in the preview. That makes sense, then. It fits Marlo's character to want to be the biggest player in Baltimore.

However, I can easily see Avon getting word out to Prop Joe. I mean they were competitors, but not bitter enemies like he and Marlo were...

Remember, for all its veracity, it is still a story "based" on fact. It is not actual fact in the sense of documentary. Though it often hits home on general institutional problems and crime in general. Yes, the streets and many other landmarks named are usually actual places - even some of the named characters. However, this is generalized and can't really be fully "mapped" to real crime areas in many cases.

Your example of the Railroad Museum is one. It is not in a true high crime district like those intersections often mentioned. The Museum is a great place to see and is walking distance from the Inner Harbor area and other fine tourist attractions. The recently renovated and spectacular 2500 seat Hippodrome Theater is also a few blocks away and is a palace for Broadway shows, as good or better than anything the real Broadway offers. Edgar Allan Poe's grave site is also a short walk. I'm not trying to dispel the fact that there are large sections of the inner city that are high-crime and dangerous. You just can't base your tourist trip on a map provided by The Wire. Of course, they rarely show areas in the tourist areas and keep to the West Side or East Side problem zones with high murder rates. The center city around the Inner Harbor and all its wondrous attractions is very safe and rarely is there a serious crime there.

Now, the Baltimore Sun - that's a different proposition.

Also, and correct me if I'm wrong as I have never visited or lived in Baltimore, but Simon said in a few interviews that most of it is based off events that occured in the late 80s and early 90s and characters that go farther back...and that Baltimore still has problems but its way better than what it was then.

Any truth in that based off of your opinion?

But if I'm reading the map right, the Railroad Museum is about a 1000 feet south of North Poppleton and West Fayette, the scary intersection with all the gun fire from season two. Where does the safe section end and the scary section start?...

The RR Museum is due west of the main harbor area and on the fringe of downtown, the two sports stadiums, and south of the area of your concern. It is on a main road that leads one-way into the harbor. I've taken many visitors there with no problem. Simply don't wander north or west - just go east into center city and the other attractions. It really is an interesting place, but I haven't been back since the snowstorm a couple of years ago that collapsed the roof, requiring re-building. So I don't know if it has changed much or not. If not, it is quite interesting and recommended.

Off topic a little, but has HBO reran The Corner, the mini-series that inspired The Wire, anytime in the last several years? I would love to see that again, but HBO seems to have lost the tape.

Also, and correct me if I'm wrong as I have never visited or lived in Baltimore, but Simon said in a few interviews that most of it is based off events that occured in the late 80s and early 90s and characters that go farther back...and that Baltimore still has problems but its way better than what it was then. Any truth in that based off of your opinion?

That is partly true from what I know. He does base much of his current cast on current political figures though. His now-mayor Carcetti is widely viewed to be heavily based on the rise of recent Baltimore mayor, now Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley. Simon got much of his insights from earlier days of reporting, but the shows are filled with current events as well. Partly, I guess, a sad commentary that much of what was old is still current. The schools, docks, Police Dept, drug trade/murders, City Hall and journalism are about what they were. All just my opinion of course. But I do have a little bit of inside knowledge.

There are many "inside" items missed by most. Detective Norris, who plays a recurring bit part as the heavy set, crew cut older cop, is actually former Police Commissioner Ed Norris. He was brought in from N.Y.C. by then Mayor O'Malley and was forced out in a corruption scandal a couple of years ago. The born-again drug/counselor from earlier episodes is actually a born-again former major (and I mean major) heroin distributor. The pissing contests last year btwn Carcetti and the State administration (they sat waiting to be seen for hours on a bench) were factually based on O'Malley's similar problems with a Republican Governor, who he later ousted to become Governor himself. Lots of other things like that are going on and are much more current than the 80's or even the 90's.

One of my favorite bits was based on then Commissioner Norris (now Det. Norris in the show). Before leaving in scandal, he quit as City Police Commissioner to take over the Md. State Police under the Repub. Gov, that O'Malley/Carcetti hated. It was a big deal here. In one of the shows right after that happened, during a scene in the police offices, actor Det. Norris (the real ex-Commish) is standing by the phone and a call comes in on the loudspeaker saying "Det Norris - STATE POLICE on line 2". Priceless. And very current. But you had to have the inside knowledge to appreciate it. Many little things like that go on. (Sorry to all for length and OT, got carried away), but I love this show!

Keep'em coming flint. Love the insider stuff.

Definitely, good stuff.

That is partly true from what I know. He does base much of his current cast on current political figures though. His now-mayor Carcetti is widely viewed to be heavily based on the rise of recent Baltimore mayor, now Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley. Simon got much of his insights from earlier days of reporting, but the shows are filled with current events as well. Partly, I guess, a sad commentary that much of what was old is still current. The schools, docks, Police Dept, drug trade/murders, City Hall and journalism are about what they were. All just my opinion of course. But I do have a little bit of inside knowledge.

There are many "inside" items missed by most. Detective Norris, who plays a recurring bit part as the heavy set, crew cut older cop, is actually former Police Commissioner Ed Norris. He was brought in from N.Y.C. by then Mayor O'Malley and was forced out in a corruption scandal a couple of years ago. The born-again drug/counselor from earlier episodes is actually a born-again former major (and I mean major) heroin distributor. The pissing contests last year btwn Carcetti and the State administration (they sat waiting to be seen for hours on a bench) were factually based on O'Malley's similar problems with a Republican Governor, who he later ousted to become Governor himself. Lots of other things like that are going on and are much more current than the 80's or even the 90's.

One of my favorite bits was based on then Commissioner Norris (now Det. Norris in the show). Before leaving in scandal, he quit as City Police Commissioner to take over the Md. State Police under the Repub. Gov, that O'Malley/Carcetti hated. It was a big deal here. In one of the shows right after that happened, during a scene in the police offices, actor Det. Norris (the real ex-Commish) is standing by the phone and a call comes in on the loudspeaker saying "Det Norris - STATE POLICE on line 2". Priceless. And very current. But you had to have the inside knowledge to appreciate it. Many little things like that go on. (Sorry to all for length and OT, got carried away), but I love this show!

Thanks for sharing, as everything you added is great information.

Here is another thing I read which I think you would have less info on, but may be able to comment on. One of the few complaints I have read about realism in the Wire concerns Omar. Most people not in the know think he is unrealistic in the sense that he would have been killed by dealers or corner kids...but Simon on another messageboard wrote that Omar was a hybrid of two or three stick up boys from the 70s and 80s (two, I think, which are still alive and kicking) that shared the same legendary and teflon status. He went on to say that most of the bigger dealers accepted stick up boys like Omar as part of the game, much like corporate retailers have shrinkage goals which clearly allow for losses...

Any information on that?

This really is an incredible show. Once the writers got past their overuse of the f-word (yes, it's HBO, we know you can use the f-word already!) in the first season, I've liked everything about it. There are so damn many characters to keep track of. The street language is so rich I've needed closed-captioning to barely understand half of what they're saying. There are always at least two intertwined plots and usually a third that you know is going to connect with other two somehow. As I said before, the locations are so authentic you can follow them on a map as they drive around Baltimore. And despite it being SD 4:3, the cinematography as absolutely 100% first rate feature film quality.

I just saw the third season episode when McNulty walked into Stringer/Avon's copy store to confront Stringer, only to have Stringer offer him a good deal on a condo! What clever cynical writing.

One of the few complaints I have read about realism in the Wire concerns Omar. Most people not in the know think he is unrealistic in the sense that he would have been killed by dealers or corner kids...

I'm only up to season three, but it seems like Omar is clever enough to keep enough accomplices around him to take bullets for him. Unlike the established hoods on the show, he materializes only when there's an opportunity for him to make a lot of money, then he disappears off the street until the next time. The best they can do is kill his friends.

"If you come after the king, you best not miss!" :eek:

Believe me when I say this is not meant as a thread cr*p. I love The Wire and gladly read this thread. However why is it that some SD programs manage to survive here in this forum, and others get nipped in the bud? Do the the admins not notice this thread or is there simply a double standard in play?

For the record I've been viewing HD since 2002 but I would welcome this forum becoming SD/HD agnostic since the SD forum is a barren wasteland.

I'm only up to season three, but it seems like Omar is clever enough to keep enough accomplices around him to take bullets for him. Unlike the established hoods on the show, he materializes only when there's an opportunity for him to make a lot of money, then he disappears off the street until the next time. The best they can do is kill his friends.

"If you come after the king, you best not miss!" :eek:

Of course. They write him believable and smart enough to pull off the crazy stunts...but he does seem teflon.

But man, the crap Omar pulls in season 4 is legendary...it makes his antics in season 1-3 look like child's play. Of course, as outlandish as it seems, its also written very believable as well.

That is partly true from what I know. He does base much of his current cast on current political figures though. His now-mayor Carcetti is widely viewed to be heavily based on the rise of recent Baltimore mayor, now Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley. Simon got much of his insights from earlier days of reporting, but the shows are filled with current events as well. Partly, I guess, a sad commentary that much of what was old is still current. The schools, docks, Police Dept, drug trade/murders, City Hall and journalism are about what they were. All just my opinion of course. But I do have a little bit of inside knowledge.

There are many "inside" items missed by most. Detective Norris, who plays a recurring bit part as the heavy set, crew cut older cop, is actually former Police Commissioner Ed Norris. He was brought in from N.Y.C. by then Mayor O'Malley and was forced out in a corruption scandal a couple of years ago. The born-again drug/counselor from earlier episodes is actually a born-again former major (and I mean major) heroin distributor. The pissing contests last year btwn Carcetti and the State administration (they sat waiting to be seen for hours on a bench) were factually based on O'Malley's similar problems with a Republican Governor, who he later ousted to become Governor himself. Lots of other things like that are going on and are much more current than the 80's or even the 90's.

One of my favorite bits was based on then Commissioner Norris (now Det. Norris in the show). Before leaving in scandal, he quit as City Police Commissioner to take over the Md. State Police under the Repub. Gov, that O'Malley/Carcetti hated. It was a big deal here. In one of the shows right after that happened, during a scene in the police offices, actor Det. Norris (the real ex-Commish) is standing by the phone and a call comes in on the loudspeaker saying "Det Norris - STATE POLICE on line 2". Priceless. And very current. But you had to have the inside knowledge to appreciate it. Many little things like that go on. (Sorry to all for length and OT, got carried away), but I love this show!

One other tidbit.

In the scene where Carcetti/O'Malley is sitting in the State House, waiting to see the Republican Governor about the $54 million missing money from the school budget (a real story from 2003 btw), the security officer who has him cool his heals was played by none other than Bob Ehrlich (the real life Republican Governor later ousted by O'Malley in the 2006 election). The subtle things that not many people catch.

Another tidbit. The Orlando's strip club from season one of the Wire was an actual strip club in Fells Point called The Ritz. It was actually busted and later seized by the Federal Government shortly after the filming ended.

The RR Museum is due west of the main harbor area and on the fringe of downtown, the two sports stadiums, and south of the area of your concern. It is on a main road that leads one-way into the harbor. I've taken many visitors there with no problem. Simply don't wander north or west - just go east into center city and the other attractions. It really is an interesting place, but I haven't been back since the snowstorm a couple of years ago that collapsed the roof, requiring re-building. So I don't know if it has changed much or not. If not, it is quite interesting and recommended.

Just remember...if you can see the Inner Harbor, you are safe ;)

Good points all. In an attempt (mostly failed) at brevity, I had left out the cameo appearance by Gov Ehrlich for even more authenticity and insider craftiness!

I hadn't thought about the non-HD issue, but it is valid I suppose.

As for Omar type characters, they are, as stated, composites in general. However, in the drug culture of the 60's - 90's, there were several types who could easily be used as examples who operated much like an Omar. They would have/could have been taken out, but usually by accidental run-in vs. an actual plan by opposing forces. Things are a bit more sophisticated now in terms of actual organization and strategy, but still a bit chaotic. Omar may or may not survive in reality, but it makes a good story and character study.

As for being safe within sight of the harbor waters - it all depends on whether you are looking at them or from within them and how you got there.

Good points all. In an attempt (mostly failed) at brevity, I had left out the cameo appearance by Gov Ehrlich for even more authenticity and insider craftiness!

I hadn't thought about the non-HD issue, but it is valid I suppose.
I am the crank who raised the non-HD issue. Although I have refused to watch The Wire’s last two seasons because of the show’s creators’ failure to present it in HD, I DID see the first three seasons, which ran before I got an HDTV and admired them. They had a gritty reality and an outstanding ensemble cast. Thus, I understand why those of you who have loved The Wire have paid no attention whatever to my stubborn refusal to watch it in the HDTV age. :)

actually, the non-HD issue he was talking about was the fact that this thread is allowed in the HDTV programming forum when it is a non-HD show.

actually, the non-HD issue he was talking about was the fact that this thread is allowed in the HDTV programming forum when it is a non-HD show.
Good. I thank God for small favors. :)

Is there any way to legally download episodes of The Wire? There is nothing on Itunes for HBO shows, but I didn't know if any other services provided this.

actually, the non-HD issue he was talking about was the fact that this thread is allowed in the HDTV programming forum when it is a non-HD show.

Chardonnay is a nice wine. However, it can cause confusion if taken in larger than recommended quantities. In that light, I must say "huh?". I'm sincere here. I understood the OP's question about discussing this show in an HD thread, but don't particularly see the point you are making to keep it valid. Wouldn't you be able to make that same argument for any non-HD show of quality? Truly, I'm not arguing, just trying to understand your point. The wine is still good though, no matter the answer. :)

I am the crank who raised the non-HD issue. Although I have refused to watch The Wire’s last two seasons because of the show’s creators’ failure to present it in HD, I DID see the first three seasons, which ran before I got an HDTV and admired them. They had a gritty reality and an outstanding ensemble cast. Thus, I understand why those of you who have loved The Wire have paid no attention whatever to my stubborn refusal to watch it in the HDTV age. :)

Are you for real?

Off topic a little, but has HBO reran The Corner, the mini-series that inspired The Wire, anytime in the last several years? I would love to see that again, but HBO seems to have lost the tape.

I remember watching The Corner. I saw the entire mini series and I remember one of the things that happened to one of the characters happened to one of my friends. I wanted to show him, but never could find the show again.

I am 2 seasons and 7 episodes deep into The Wire and I figure I will be caught up soon. Reminds me of my other favorite crime show The Shield. Both put CSI and others to shame.

actually, the non-HD issue he was talking about was the fact that this thread is allowed in the HDTV programming forum when it is a non-HD show.
Uh-oh, now you've gone and alerted the Thread Police... Now it's buried so deep they'll have to pump sunshine down here. A video component thread? Please...

Uh-oh, now you've gone and alerted the Thread Police... Now it's buried so deep they'll have to pump sunshine down here. A video component thread? Please...

This is where threads goto die...They need a TV Programming forum here...so the people who want to discuss how much bit-rate they get on CBS-HD can discuss the technical BS, and we can (more importantly) discuss the content of the shows...

This is where threads goto die...They need a TV Programming forum here...so the people who want to discuss how much bit-rate they get on CBS-HD can discuss the technical BS, and we can (more importantly) discuss the content of the shows...

What I don't get is why someone would go so far as to report a non-offensive thread knowing it will kill it if it gets moved here.

But, as you said, some people care more about aspect ratio and bit-rate peaks then some of the best content on TV...

Now people...

How many billion places are there on the Internet for fans to discuss/debate the content of these shows? I've asked moderators to create another forum for "show chat" where it is separate from the technical chat (which, to be fair, is why this forum was created.) So far, nothing.

This forum has gone from a place where geeks talk about HDTV to a place where geeks talk about the programs they see on their HDTV. What's really sad is the play-by-play comments during football games ("Nice pass!" "Here we go!" "Game over!" and the like) but even the Mods are guily of that.

Maybe you can PM the moderators and ask them for another forum for this sort of chat. Surely the "Video Components" participant don't care about this topic. Who knows where their Mods will move it...

Now people...

How many billion places are there on the Internet for fans to discuss/debate the content of these shows? I've asked moderators to create another forum for "show chat" where it is separate from the technical chat (which, to be fair, is why this forum was created.) So far, nothing.

This forum has gone from a place where geeks talk about HDTV to a place where geeks talk about the programs they see on their HDTV. What's really sad is the play-by-play comments during football games ("Nice pass!" "Here we go!" "Game over!" and the like) but even the Mods are guily of that.

Maybe you can PM the moderators and ask them for another forum for this sort of chat. Surely the "Video Components" participant don't care about this topic. Who knows where their Mods will move it...

Or we can be adults and have normal conversations that don't have artificially set parameters.

The whole point of TV tech is to enjoy the content presented by the tech, so I have no problem with the thread being in either forum...

Its not like we were talking about hot sauce and pillowcases in the HDTV forum...

Or we can be adults and have normal conversations that don't have artificially set parameters.

The whole point of TV tech is to enjoy the content presented by the tech, so I have no problem with the thread being in either forum...

Its not like we were talking about hot sauce and pillowcases in the HDTV forum...
Amen! Over sensitivity to the topicality of threads, here or elsewhere, is something I try to avoid because this way lies madness. Thread drift is the way of special interest forums from here to Usenet, so I have learned to live with it and perhaps become a better person in the process. :) There may be a little bit of advice in there, unsolicited though it is.

Uh-oh, now you've gone and alerted the Thread Police... Now it's buried so deep they'll have to pump sunshine down here. A video component thread? Please...

You're not a BSG fan? (Most everyone on AVS seems to be....) Our main thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=492989)got exiled down here a couple of years ago. Welcome to AVS Siberia. :(

You're not a BSG fan? (Most everyone on AVS seems to be....) Our main thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=492989)got exiled down here a couple of years ago. Welcome to AVS Siberia. :(
It's too cold here. Thus, this will be my last post to this thread -- or to any other thread in this far outpost. :)

Amen! Over sensitivity to the topicality of threads, here or elsewhere, is something I try to avoid because this way lies madness. Thread drift is the way of special interest forums from here to Usenet, so I have learned to live with it and perhaps become a better person in the process. :) There may be a little bit of advice in there, unsolicited though it is.

Im confused. i thought you were one of the people throwing a hissy because the Wire was in the HDTV forum?

Ahh the internetzzz, the intrigue never ceases. :)

You're not a BSG fan? (Most everyone on AVS seems to be....) Our main thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=492989)got exiled down here a couple of years ago. Welcome to AVS Siberia. :(

I think that was my fault. :o

Frankly, being subscribed w/email notification for this thread, and just about any other thread I follow, I could care less where in the forum it's at. I would never had known this thread had even been moved except for reading some previous posts.

That said, being that this show is on HBO's HD channel, and there's only about 10 more eps to the whole series, I don't see what the big deal was in just not leaving it where it was.

Although I had said that my previous post would be my last, I can’t resist another post here.

First, as Keenan has pointed out, my whining here had to do with the decision of The Wire’s creators not to present the show in HD during its last two seasons. I had no quarrel with the decision of earlier posters to put it in The HD Programming Forum. Further, I agree with Keenan that leaving it where it was would have been fine. In fact, and not to put too fine a point on it, it seems to me that the moderator’s decision to move it here was not the smartest thing he ever did. Come to think of it . . . oh, never mind. :)

Actually, since SciFi channel now has an HD equivilent (or so I've heard; being a TWC guy, I wouldn't actually know, of course), perhaps the main BSG thread should be moved back into the Programming Forum, with the appropriate change in title. Since it's by far the longest running thread I ever started, I'd sure like to see it continue to live on. :)

Unfortunately for you fans of 'The Wire', you're probably stuck out here in the boonies for the rest of that show's run.

Although I had said that my previous post would be my last, I can’t resist another post here.

First, as Keenan has pointed out, my whining here had to do with the decision of The Wire’s creators not to present the show in HD during its last two seasons. I had no quarrel with the decision of earlier posters to put it in The HD Programming Forum. Further, I agree with Keenan that leaving it where it was would have been fine. In fact, and not to put too fine a point on it, it seems to me that the moderator’s decision to move it here was not the smartest thing he ever did. Come to think of it . . . oh, never mind. :)

Im with you in spirit. Its sad to see such a well shot and acted show displayed in 4:3 in SD, but its so effin good that it doesn't matter.

Its like Simon said, "Ill make it in B&W just to prove that you mooks will watch it", and he is right. At least for the diehards.

....That said, being that this show is on HBO's HD channel, and there's only about 10 more eps to the whole series, I don't see what the big deal was in just not leaving it where it was.

Amen and precisely. Bad decision IMO. It is on an HD channel and just happens to not be HD. A little leeway (or warning, at least) would have been appreciated.

This thread is officially dead.

Yep. And just like another murder in Baltimore, it will largely go unnoticed. Thanks to the movers and shakers who moved it and killed it.

Can we get McNulty on the case? He seems pretty bored :)

I think the last cut of the preview was Chris smashing Butch with a glass or gun or something across the mouth/head.

That will definitely bring Omar out.

That's who it is, I couldn't make the connection.

May be Marlo's downfall, how ruthless he gets, killing people just for the hell of it, like the family in that house.

Those little kids may be able to identify Snoop and Chris.

They were hiding the murders but now, they're being pretty bold about it.

That's who it is, I couldn't make the connection.

May be Marlo's downfall, how ruthless he gets, killing people just for the hell of it, like the family in that house.

Those little kids may be able to identify Snoop and Chris.

They were hiding the murders but now, they're being pretty bold about it.

Not only that, but Avon was being way too facetious with Marlo. He may dislike Prop Joe because he is East side, but I can't believe Avon doesn't have something up his sleeve with Marlo more than wanting to make some cash out of this.

I dunno, we'll see.

And yeah, it was nice seeing Mike questioning randomly killing people for stupid things like talking smack and letting that little kid go... if it were Snoop or Chris that little kid would have been dead (the one that ran out back that Mike let pass)... I thought for sure Mike's character was long gone after last season's finale.

Yep. And just like another murder in Baltimore, it will largely go unnoticed. Thanks to the movers and shakers who moved it and killed it.
Let me add my agreement that the decision to move this long standing thread, despite the series being almost at the end of its run, showed bad judgment. It was just one more example of the kind of stuff that happens when ignorance and arrogance are combined.

Omar is back! Looked like he had his gun pulled on Slim Charles in the preview. I hope they don't pull a Sopranos and give us Omar at a diner as the climactic ending to a top-notch series.

I just watched Episode 4 on OnDemand. God I love this show.

[whistling the Farmer in the Dell] Omars back, yo! [/whistling the Farmer in the Dell]

Well I was "forced" to watch next weeks episode and whoa this show is back. The "boss" saw the preview and just had to see next weeks episode I couldn't talk her out of it. I cant wait to see what lies ahead. I dont like spoilers so I am not going to say anything but wow....

Also, WTF...I was looking for this thread in the HD section, IMO it wasnt a good move to move this to the "boonies". This show is upconverted using a line doubler by HBO for the HD feed making this look a LOT better on the HD channel then the SD broadcast. Much like in all of the awards this show gets pushed to the back....

Well I was "forced" to watch next weeks episode and whoa this show is back. The "boss" saw the preview and just had to see next weeks episode I couldn't talk her out of it. I cant wait to see what lies ahead. I dont like spoilers so I am not going to say anything but wow....

Wait, you saw this coming Sunday's episode? Naughty boy. I love this show so much that I pleasure delay by waiting to see it every Sunday vs. being a naughty boy.

And yes, stupid move by this site to move this to non-HDTV. The OCD tech nerds on this site are quite annoying.

Wait, you saw this coming Sunday's episode? Naughty boy. I love this show so much that I pleasure delay by waiting to see it every Sunday vs. being a naughty boy.

And yes, stupid move by this site to move this to non-HDTV. The OCD tech nerds on this site are quite annoying.

Yeah it wasnt my choice (the "boss" forced me to), I usually prefer to wait to watch it when it airs. Thankfully I haven't given in and searched for the episodes on the Net THAT would be bad.

Maybe we can get this thread renamed "New Hamsterdam", since they shuffeled all of us off into the corner that is in the "back" ;).

A little more insider stuff from the current season. The girl who plays the hardass, wisecracking character Snoop and often senselessly shoots people is, in reality a local kid who...wait for it...was convicted of murder several years ago and did time. She got out and was found by Simon and Burns and put in the show. She is currently under subpoena as a witness to a current murder, but claims no real involvement. Also, the Baltimore Sun, which is taking a well deserved beating this season for problems of its own, continues to run occasional articles on the series. They all are concentrated on the fact that ratings are down and have little or nothing to say about the show. Just trying to portray it in a bad light, as they do all their enemies. The press likes to expose at will, but is less willing to BE exposed, I surmise.

The press likes to expose at will, but is less willing to BE exposed, I surmise.
I have no first hand knowledge of this dispute but it doesn’t surprise me a bit. The press’s stock and trade is sensationalism and the embarrassment of others but when they get embarrassed themselves, they get huffy. :)

A little more insider stuff from the current season. The girl who plays the hardass, wisecracking character Snoop and often senselessly shoots people is, in reality a local kid who...wait for it...was convicted of murder several years ago and did time. She got out and was found by Simon and Burns and put in the show. She is currently under subpoena as a witness to a current murder, but claims no real involvement.

Yeah I knew most of the stuff about Snoop since there has been a lot about her around. She is supposed to be working on a book currently. Also, she was brought to the show by Michael K Williams (Omar) who discoverd her at a bar. Williams had a great interview awhile ago on NPR where he got to discuss his part in the Wire and Snoop.

Yeah I knew most of the stuff about Snoop since there has been a lot about her around. She is supposed to be working on a book currently. Also, she was brought to the show by Michael K Williams (Omar) who discoverd her at a bar. Williams had a great interview awhile ago on NPR where he got to discuss his part in the Wire and Snoop.

Yeah, I read an interview with her where she talked about meeting Williams in a bar and he ****ed with her about being a boy or girl and she got in his face and he was so impressed with her bravado he got her an audition.

I never read or heard she was/is essentially playing herself, though. Kind of disheartening as her character, while interesting, is a one-dimensional murderer who I'm hoping gets killed by Omar.

[QUOTE=Ph8te;She is supposed to be working on a book currently. [QUOTE]



The book is titled "Grace After Midnight :a memoir" by Felicia Pearson and is already out.


Too bad this show is ending. I've seen an interview on MTV3s with the characters Omar,Marlow,and Chris.They said this season will have answers to all situations and will not disappoint.

I don't know if anyone else has posted...-On Demand from Comcast you can watch next weeks episode early every Monday.Sorry if anyone has posted that. I saw this thread and jumped on. can you blame me?

[QUOTE=Ph8te;She is supposed to be working on a book currently. [QUOTE]



The book is titled "Grace After Midnight :a memoir" by Felicia Pearson and is already out.


Too bad this show is ending. I've seen an interview on MTV3s with the characters Omar,Marlow,and Chris.They said this season will have answers to all situations and will not disappoint.

I don't know if anyone else has posted...-On Demand from Comcast you can watch next weeks episode early every Monday.Sorry if anyone has posted that. I saw this thread and jumped on. can you blame me?


Yeah for those that have HBO Ondemand (any carrier) they are able to se episodes a week early. This has been done since last year and now other shows do it as well :) .


From what I hear in all of the interviews everyone has been saying that the end closes it off really nicely so hopefully we wont here the same complaints as the Sopranos debacle.

[QUOTE=shake and bake;12946621][QUOTE=Ph8te;She is supposed to be working on a book currently.


Yeah for those that have HBO Ondemand (any carrier) they are able to se episodes a week early. This has been done since last year and now other shows do it as well :) .


From what I hear in all of the interviews everyone has been saying that the end closes it off really nicely so hopefully we wont here the same complaints as the Sopranos debacle.

My mom has onDemand and I'm so tempted to go over to her place tonight and watch next weeks episode. While it was clear Marlo was scheming against Prop Joe I was surprised they killed him that early. And my prediction would be Slim Charles teams up with Omar once the word gets out Cheez sold him out coupled with the fact he also gave Butch up and killed the other Coop member.

I keep forgetting where this thread is - really - and have to search it out. That says something IMO about the decision to move it here. I know, I could subscribe, but I don't like all those e-mails on subscribing to threads. Admittedly, this is OT, but consider it my (continuing and STRONG) objection to this thread being subjugated to AVS-Siberia. Many other threads and forums here have the occasional "exception" to the strictest interpretation of the rule, but I really find this thread's treatment appalling. This is the last season of one of the finest shows on television and it is tossed out like the case on OJ for a technicality. Sad.

So interestingly enough, part of Episode 4 was filmed in the building I'm currently working in...was pretty cool seeing the lobby in the episode...wish I could have been an extra..

I keep forgetting where this thread is - really - and have to search it out. That says something IMO about the decision to move it here. I know, I could subscribe, but I don't like all those e-mails on subscribing to threads. Admittedly, this is OT, but consider it my (continuing and STRONG) objection to this thread being subjugated to AVS-Siberia. Many other threads and forums here have the occasional "exception" to the strictest interpretation of the rule, but I really find this thread's treatment appalling. This is the last season of one of the finest shows on television and it is tossed out like the case on OJ for a technicality. Sad.

+1. Its why I don't waste too much time on this site. They care more about sponsors and adhering to the nerd legion of smug and pretentious posters who make up this site. Its more important they be right about the Wire not truly being in HD than letting a good thread about a classic show coming to an end live in the...GASP!... HDTV forums...

...think of the hell that would break loose if this double lined HD wanna-be were left alone too long in the wrong forum!!!!

I keep forgetting where this thread is - really - and have to search it out. That says something IMO about the decision to move it here. I know, I could subscribe, but I don't like all those e-mails on subscribing to threads. Admittedly, this is OT, but consider it my (continuing and STRONG) objection to this thread being subjugated to AVS-Siberia. Many other threads and forums here have the occasional "exception" to the strictest interpretation of the rule, but I really find this thread's treatment appalling. This is the last season of one of the finest shows on television and it is tossed out like the case on OJ for a technicality. Sad.
+1. Its why I don't waste too much time on this site. They care more about sponsors and adhering to the nerd legion of smug and pretentious posters who make up this site. Its more important they be right about the Wire not truly being in HD than letting a good thread about a classic show coming to an end live in the...GASP!... HDTV forums...

...think of the hell that would break loose if this double lined HD wanna-be were left alone too long in the wrong forum!!!!
In defense of the moderators here, I have found them to be patient and sound most of the time. That said, the decisions to banish not only this The Wire thread but another one, too, which actually had “HD” in the title, to this hinterland were, not to put too fine a point on it, misguided. The other one got sent here as punishment for my comment that the decision to remove this one from the HD Programming Forum had been “Whimsical.” It was whimsical, of course, but we all make mistakes.

I smell the seeds of revolt! Start painting your banners!

I smell the seeds of revolt! Start painting your banners!
Not me, partner, I know my limits. :)

Just goto the first post and report it...its stupid to be stuck in this archive...

Just goto the first post and report it...its stupid to be stuck in this archive...
As you have noted, the decision to move this thread here, as well as another about The Wire, which actually had the term “HD” in the title, was “stupid.” But it was the moderators’ decision. Although one would think they would have used better judgment, they didn’t, so here we are. If I thought there was anything I could do about it, I would try. Alas, I don’t.

The exchange that caused the other thread to get sent here was the result of my having posted my opinion there that the decision to remove this thread from the HD Programming forum was “whimsical.” My comment angered one of the moderators, who retaliated by sending that thread here, too. It was uncharacteristic of that guy but there it was. Clearly, then, this is an emotional issue that I’m not going to pursue further, other than with my comments here to the fellow victims of the moderators’ immaturity. At least we know who the grownups are. :)

As you have noted, the decision to move this thread here, as well as another about The Wire, which actually had the term “HD” in the title, was “stupid.” But it was the moderators’ decision. Although one would think they would have used better judgment, they didn’t, so here we are. If I thought there was anything I could do about it, I would try. Alas, I don’t.

The exchange that caused the other thread to get sent here was the result of my having posted my opinion there that the decision to remove this thread from the HD Programming forum was “whimsical.” My comment angered one of the moderators, who retaliated by sending that thread here, too. It was uncharacteristic of that guy but there it was. Clearly, then, this is an emotional issue that I’m not going to pursue further, other than with my comments here to the fellow victims of the moderators’ immaturity. At least we know who the grownups are. :)

Awesome, so we are subject to the whim of moderators...

Awesome, so we are subject to the whim of moderators...

As is the case on all such forums. Still, we can at least hope for equal treatment. My biggest complaint is the lack of uniformity in enforcing the rules. Some things are allowed to pass without mention, others are instantly jumped on. There ought to be some leveling of the playing field, especially when discussing shows of this quality in a civil way. I often see the known culprits around here launch into their political diatribes and nothing much is said or done. This show OTOH is summarily evicted despite all its positives. I know how hard it is to moderate or administer a board (I've done several and own one), but my credo was always equal treatment as much as humanly possible. This one simply doesn't fit.

I see commericals saying that I could get The Wire On Demand a week early, but it's never up there until Thursday or Friday, is it like that for everyone else?

Also, why isn't there a new episode tonight?!?! Don't tell me that the stupid advertisement special (Superbowl) made them put up last weeks episode?

There was a new episode tonight

and it was awesome!

Was it new?

Maybe I am just confused, I must have watched it during the week On Demand.

There was a new episode tonight

and it was awesome!

It was outstanding.

"So, how do you get from here to the rest of the world?"

The caliber of writing on this show is definitely going to be missed on TV after it concludes it's run.

It was outstanding.

"So, how do you get from here to the rest of the world?"

The caliber of writing on this show is definitely going to be missed on TV after it concludes it's run.

yup...great to see old faces...I really wish I had stuck with this show...I watched it so sporadically from the original season...I think I've seen like 60% of it...

So when does next weeks episode come On Demand for you?

It says a week easry, but it's never there for me until the end of the week.

;13023548']So when does next weeks episode come On Demand for you?

It says a week easry, but it's never there for me until the end of the week.

Uploads are based on the cable provider, I know Cox uploads it on Sunday Night\Monday early AM.

I kind of abandoned this thread because (1) it is in Siberia, and (2) I couldn't hold out and ended up "borrowing" up to episode 7 from the interweb and watching them. Now I am screwed, and have to wait a few weeks until episode 8 airs. Plus I don't want to talk about anything or spoil anything for you guys in real time. So the only thing I will say is, damn, his is such a great show that never gets any of the recognition it deserves.

I kind of abandoned this thread because (1) it is in Siberia, and (2) I couldn't hold out and ended up "borrowing" up to episode 7 from the interweb and watching them. Now I am screwed, and have to wait a few weeks until episode 8 airs. Plus I don't want to talk about anything or spoil anything for you guys in real time. So the only thing I will say is, damn, his is such a great show that never gets any of the recognition it deserves.

Its okay, we all know Lt. Daniels got a better job ;)

Its okay, we all know Lt. Daniels got a better job ;)

I heard Marlo kills someone. :)

I just learned that Dennis Lehane has written a couple of episodes for The Wire. That alone is (almost) enough to make me regret my decision to drop the series, in 2004, after I moved to HD but The Wire did not. Lehane’s presence, he wrote an episode in Season Three and another in Season Four, certainly helps to explain why so many of you are fond of The Wire.

I am a devoted fan of Lehane’s writing and immediately saw why The Wire would have appealed to him. Although Lehane is not a Baltimore guy, he’s from Boston, his bleak but romantic view of life would seem to serve him well on this show.

I know, I could subscribe, but I don't like all those e-mails on subscribing to threads.Huh? You can subscribe to a thread and simply select NOT to receive an email advising of a new post.

Then, whenever you log in to the forum and pick "User CP", any subscribed thread that's had new posts since the last time you logged in will be shown up at the top of the page.

And if you click on the blue check icon to the left of the thread subject you'll be taken immediately to the first new post since the last time you logged in, no matter what page of the thread that is on or what the post# that new post is. Then you can begin your browsing from that point forward.

I just did that to this thread, having finally found it where it got moved to. Same as with all of the threads I follow... receiving NO email for any of them. I just log in periodically throughout the day (my "favorite" is the User CP link) and let the forum itself tell me which subscribed threads have had something new posted since the last time I checked. They're all neatly at the top.

Anyway, I LOVE THIS SHOW!!! As much as "Dexter", but different.

Those in the know apparently know... this show is the best there is.

WGA award (http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/movieawards/2008-02-10-writersguild-awards_N.htm) for best dramatic series.

Those in the know apparently know... this show is the best there is.

WGA award (http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/movieawards/2008-02-10-writersguild-awards_N.htm) for best dramatic series.

About time someone give this show some recognition.... :) this show sadly gets overlooked at most of the awards shows...

About time someone give this show some recognition.... :) this show sadly gets overlooked at most of the awards shows...

Some critics seem to the think the shady reporter Scott doesn't seem realistic...

Read this great article posted a day ago by Simon himself that recounts his early days at the Sun to his current gig. One small thread he goes back to is a dishonest reporter who had numerous stories retracted and was still not fired, even years after Simon left.

www.esquire.com/features/essay/david-simon-0308

That was absolutely amazing series finale...so well done.

And with that,

*Cancels HBO*

Yes, that was great. Hell, every episode of every season was great. I am so glad that they actually ended it with some closure unlike the way they sold out with the Sopranos.