On an Irrelevant Note..

I apologize for my unforeseen blogging hiatus. I was held back by computer issues at my home (virus or something) and my grandparents' home (prehistoric computer).

In any case, I couldn't restrain myself from discussing this next topic. The Wire is the greatest show on television - period. If you haven't watched it, treat yourself. Please. Go to Blockbuster and rent the first season; I assure you won't regret it.

I am forever thankful that a professor and mentor introduced me to the show two years ago and more importantly, illuminated the negative truths about a city that my home state routinely neglects. I watched the first two seasons of The Wire - 25 - 30 one-hour episodes with no commercials - in 10 days. I was working 50 - 60 hours a week at the time.


Do yourself an additional favor by withstanding the killing, drugs, vulgar language and corruption that will frustrate you and may make it difficult for some to watch. If you can't, you'lll miss the multi-layered themes and motifs, thorough character development, unyielding anticipiation, and the abundance of sheer truth that The Wire offers on a silver tray.

David Simon, a former reporter with The Baltimore Sun, writes and directs television treasure with Ed Burns, a former Baltimore crime investigator, and several other talented minds.

The final season's theme is the media's coverage or understanding of Baltimore's major issues - AIDS, drugs, crime, etc. - we'll have to see. That excites me, a print journalism major, but may not lure you. Don't let it stop you from watching. I didn't think I'd be interested in a season devoted to corruption in the city ports, but the season was as engaging as ever.

The show receives praise from anyone who gives it a moment's chance. It might have taken some critics a few seasons to accept its value, but they've come around.

Even NPR. Check it: http://www.hbo.com/thewire/cast/characters/chris_partlow.shtml

More truth looms, get ready.