The Wire - The Complete First Season (DVD, 2004, 5-Disc Set)

If you missed this gem of a series when it premiered on HBO in 2002 don't despair, you have plenty of time to catch up before the last season airs. If you are a viewer that likes his/her shows all tied up neat and tidy by the end of each episode, this show is not for you. If you enjoy intricately woven storylines, characters that are created and portrayed with such authenticity you will forget that they are actors and totally realistic plotlines, then this is the show for you. But make sure you start at the beginning with the first season because this intricately woven series unfolds like a novel you wish would never end. If you were a fan of Homicide: Life On The Street and/or The Corner, then you, like me have probably been banging your drum to anyone within earshot about The Wire since it's first season. I have now seen the first season about 10 times and am still finding little treasures I didn't notice the first 9 times. The writing here is so good and the characters really do get under your skin. The other beautiful thing about this series is that each season starts with a fresh and surprising storyline yet still manages to keep the previous plotlines going. I could go on and on about this show but I really do need to get going. Trust me this is not your average or even above average cop show. This is a show about people...from different worlds whose lives interact, connect and collide. You will be surprised how much you end of caring about these characters and as they drop, and they do, you will mourn them long after the ending credits. This is the best that television has to offer at this time. Grab up all of the seasons and treat yourself to one of the most richly satisfying hours of educating, enlightening entertainment ever.

Without a doubt, "The Wire" is one of best, most underrated police dramas in the history of television - period.
This entire series peels back the skin of a community and examines just WHAT makes "a criminal." Rather than concentrate on the police departments point of view, this series moves from section to section of a city's internal and external affairs, showing a complex & interwoven community where one move ALWAYS effects another. The series shows victory & defeat in not only Baltimore's P.D., but their media, school system & elected officials.
"The Wire" leaves the viewer with a greater understanding of how complex a city can be.

This show was suggested by some friends. Very basically it is the show of undercover police in Baltimore. Where it is different from any "cop" show I have ever seen is that it does not deal with a new case every episode, instead the whole season is one major case. With an entire season to work with the writers can really go deep and since it is an HBO series it seems very real. Actually it is a little too real at times...with the crime scene photos and drug/law enforcement lifestyle. The imagery and language are rough! This is an adult show!

The main character is a very dedicated cop who always seems to be 'on the job' and while he is a good police detective he is often/always in trouble with his superiors. He does not care for the chain of command as he has the ear of a judge who has considerable pull with the Baltimore PD. While watching I would actually get involved with the characters, there are about a dozen, both the good and bad guys. For my money it is a great show when you actually feel as if you know these guys/girls and wouldn't be surprised if they were down the street at you local neighborhood bar! I have already ordered season 2.

I bought this DVD of Season 1 (The Wire) because I love Baltimore, and I love crime dramas. This show more than satisfies my expectations.
From the character depth to the real knowledge of West Baltimore life (not to mention the addicting storyline), The Wire has kept me watching from start to finish. On weekends I would watch as many as I possibly could, non-stop. If you like crime, or even just plain old action, buy The Wire...I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

The HBO original series "The Wire" is a show like no other. This is not your typical crime show. It is a show that gets down to the truth without being politically correct. The series shows how one hand feeds the other in the dirty world of drug dealers, cops and politicians. Once you start watching, you'll be hooked. Great insight and excellent writing. Watch it again and again!