The Wire 4x01 Reaction

I think you'll be surprised at how this season goes tbh, it isn't all doom and gloom and I wouldn't say the writers are overly sadistic towards the audience. There are a handful of pretty happy endings for different characters. That said, it is realistic and I almost think about it like a documentary. That's why I can find the Tommy storyline interesting despite the fact that he's kinda despicable, bc you know things like this happen in real life.

jehh jeggg

Carcetti did what every politician would (and in my opinion, should) have done with regards to Hamsterdam. I don't hold that against him whatsoever because Hamsterdam was never going to work in Baltimore, nor would it ever have been popular amongst the electorate. He'd be a fool not to take advantage of its downfall in order to score political points and increase his chances of being elected. What's the point of standing by Hamsterdam and then being ostracised by pretty much everyone in the city? What changes could he make, then? This way, he has put himself in a position where he can be elected Mayor and possibly make real systemic changes in his city based on his experiences of witnessing Hamsterdam first-hand, speaking to Colvin, attending local town hall meetings, etc.. He is wrapped up in the same bureaucracy as everyone else, yes, but we haven't seen any indication that he doesn't want what's best for the city.

Aj

@Chidi agree about spoilers, wish there was a mod As far as letting them know it will be bad, I would tell that to anyone watching (recommend translating my ROT 13 comment above on triggers on an ROT 13 site) They elaborate in the discussion how sensitive they are to seeing kids with Lola saying she felt like crying every other scene

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In the discussion they dive into how sensitive they are to this because it’s so uncomfortable seeing real things happen to children, I’m not for spoilers at all but saying that this will be sensitive material is a kindness. It’s like reading Elie Wiesel’s “Night” I feel like dismissing the show and saying “it isn’t as bad as Game of Throne or Breaking Bad or Band Of Brothers” just isn’t true to them and people who are sensitive to seeing children suffer (which they have made clear they know will happen, it’s just common sense to know that the kids will suffer as they say in the discussion) ROT 13 Jr frr Xraaneq trg oehgnyyl orngra, Zvpunry sbeprq gb yvir jvgu uvf nqqvpg zbgure naq sngure jub zbyrfgrq uvz (gheavat gb uneq pevzr), Ohof unatvat uvzfrys nsgre svaqvat gur puvyq ur jnf ybbxvat nsgre qrnq, Qhdhna rivpgrq sebz uvf ubzr naq FRIRERYL artyrpgrq naq ubzryrff, Enaql fhssrevat pbafgnagyl jvgu uvf sbfgre zbgure orvat ohearq naq uvz orvat yrsg gb fhssre va sbfgre pner jvgu xvqf jub chavfu uvz qnvyl sbe “orvat n favgpu” Nyfb Qbahg unf uvf svatre oebxra ol n shpxvat pbc naq vg’f ubeevslvat Gurer vf n ernfba guvf frnfba vf zvfrenoyr ns, Qnivq Fvzba onfrq Gur Jver ba “Yrg Hf Xabj Cenvfr Snzbhf Zra” bar bs gur nofbyhgr qnexrfg cvrprf bs zrqvn rire perngrq. Gurer ner crbcyr V jbhyq arire rire erpbzzraq jngpuvat guvf frnfba. Hayvxr gubfr bgure fubjf guvf vf erny naq guvf fghss unccraf rirelqnl. V’z fbzrbar jub’f jbexrq naq tbar gb fpubby jvgu Qhdhna’f naq Anzbaq’f naq Zvpunry’f, V pna unaqyr nal xvaq bs njshy zrqvn ohg fghss yvxr guvf ebhgvaryl yrnirf zr va grnef jvgu n cvg va zl fgbznpu

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They said Avon couldn't even beat Marlo but all things considered Avon had him beat, Marlo just got lucky that Stringer turned on Avon and the police saved Marlo at the last minute

HeavenlyR

That was incredibly lame

Dk

This is one of the greatest seasons of television ever. But I almost feel like you shouldn't even watch it. If you're going to be stressed over LM being stressed about the kids every single second they are on screen, you won't be able to appreciate anything. And "the campaign is a huge part of the season" is a spoiler. If you don't think spoilers matter, you aren't going to like this community. Especially if you have your mind made up about someone just because of their reactions in 4x1.

Michael M

Great discussion points. Re: the duty of care angle - Total horseshit in my opinion. LM are adults. They've watched Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, and plenty of other shows with way more disturbing content than The Wire. Anyone who uses this duty of care angle is a shyster trying to rebrand their bullshit as virtuous. Re: Unwitting spoilers - yes, I believe the vast majority of spoilers in this community are said by people who lack the aptitude to identify what a spoiler actually is.

Michael M

This is one of the greatest seasons of television ever. But I almost feel like you shouldn't even watch it. If you're going to be stressed over the kids every single second they are one screen, you won't be able to appreciate anything. And the campaign is a huge part of the season. If you don't think it matters, you aren't going to like this season. Especially if you have your mind made up about someone just because he was a bad guy in another show.

Dk

Is it in this case though? Genuine question. I'm a fairly recent member so I don't know this community terribly well. Maybe some people feel like they have a duty of care to L&M so feel the need to warn them about certain things. But it does appear overly-protective and a little counter-productive in this case. Maybe I'm wrong! I don't know. Spoilers - some people either have no idea what a spoiler is or, more likely, they unwittingly comment about future events and outcomes without being aware they're giving up info which reveals plot elements. Just requires a bit more thought before hitting send.

Chidi.

Same! I’m sure they will! Appreciate you!

space colon

Oh nice idea, having read your comment yeah I agree that it definitely isn't a bad idea to warn them that this season gets pretty heavy. I feel they probably already know that now after just this one episode but hopefully they can still enjoy watching it and appreciate what makes this season so great to so many people even if it's a tough watch

Max Carter

I’m not for spoilers but I think warning people who are sensitive and triggered by specific things is a courtesy

space colon

Lol that would be unfortunate Rot13 is a code we’ve been using to talk about spoilery things on here so LM don’t see If you copy the text and paste it into an ROT13 site it will flip the letters 13 spaces ahead and show you what the person said

space colon

Thank you!!!! I always try to bring a good vibe to everything, especially when this show can be very draining.

Nyeisha Melvina Clark

Don't know about Chris and Snoop being the best characters, but they're sure as hell some of the most notorious

windyMelon

He's no longer a child and he's not a robot. Hundreds of thousands of people from similar backgrounds and environments have changed their ways or not even get involved in that lifestyle to begin with. There are no excuses. He's a POS. End of story.

Lil Don075

I sat down with my Mam to show her the reaction and she ended up watching the entire review too in the one sitting. She loved what the girls had to say, and agrees that we're porbably masochists for wanting them to endure this season lmao

TeaDrinker3000

And how did Bodie get that way I wonder 🤔 what did adults get him to do when he was younger...?

Threj

Are you a Cylon?

Max Carter

It was meant to be

HenryM

@Max Carter Replying with ROT13 V guvax gurer ner n ybg bs gevttre jneavatf jbegu guebjvat bhg, rfcrpvnyyl gbjneq crbcyr jub ner ihyarenoyr gb frrvat puvyqera fhssre va inevbhf ubeevoyr ernyvfgvp jnlf (rira qlvat juvpu yrnqf gb Ohof nggrzcg gb xvyy uvzfrys). Bayl bar bs gur xvqf trgf n unccl raqvat, jr xabj jung unccraf gb rirelbar jub vfa’g Anzbaq V qb nterr gung gurer vf fb zhpu zber gb gur fubj naq vg vfa’g gbegher cbea… ohg vg nofbyhgryl vfa’g nsenvq gb gjvfg gur xavsr naq gurer ner crbcyr jub V jbhyq erpbzzraq arire jngpu vg orpnhfr bs ubj qrinfgngvat vg vf. V’z fbzrbar jub guvaxf guvf frnfba fubhyq or oebxra hc vagb ovgf naq fubja va uvtu fpubby pynffebbzf naq rira gura V guvax vg vf yvxr Ryvr Jvrfry’f “Avtug” crbcyr fubhyq or jnearq bs vg’f pbagragf

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Yeah the s3 finale was great! And I really hope you do!!!

cosmotron

Season 3 has an amazing ending as well! After all I’ve heard I think I might hop on the Black Sails train 🏴‍☠️

space colon

Season 4 episode 1 came out 17 years ago last night when they released the episode I think we’re in a simulation 💻

space1999

Really well said. Season 4 wouldn't get the love it gets if it was just misery for the sake of it. I can understand them being worried and watching through their fingers, but I hope the darker side of this season doesn't overwhelm the good.

Mark M

You guys can’t be scared or nervous during this season because you will just be waiting for horrible scinerios that aren’t happening.

the chosen one

I’m gonna get behind because I’m on vacation 😩 but I’m looking forward to catching up. Heard nothing but good things about s4. And it’s getting closer to the point where I’ll start my campaign for Black Sails to be the next show people vote for lol.

cosmotron

Without spoiling anything I just want to say that while sometimes this show might be hard to watch it is never into torture porn or just depressing the viewer for the sake of it. The stories it tells are some of the most important, realistic and empathetic I've seen depicted on television. The juxtaposition in this episode between the daily struggles these kids are facing on the street with the seemingly useless egotistical bullshit game the politicians are playing is purposeful and your emotions highlight that beautifully. You want to scream at them how short sighted and selfish their goals are when seconds before you witness the life and death arm wrestle that is life as a pawn in a society that barely cares about you unless you're a percentage on a poll or a dollar in a pocket. This show makes time for both the good and bad in humanity and while it can at times seem cynical, draining and relentless there are also few shows that have made me feel how much a small act of selflessness, respect and compassion can alter someones life for the better (even if only temporary) despite society beating down on them. Anyway that's probably an intelligible ramble but I felt compelled to write this after seeing how much you two, especially Lola struggled with this episode. Try not to think too much about the worst that could happen in any situation and allow these stories to play out because the journey this season really is special.

Max Carter

greatest season in television

Josip

"you earnt that buck like a motherfucker" one of my fav EP intros ha

Delphi

Looking forward to the next episode. SHIEEEEEEEEET

Aj

spoiler

Michael M

There's like a dozen spoilers in this thread. Like, what do you people get out of telling them what to expect? Pretending you're clairvoyant? You realize you aren't predicting the actual future, right? And it's just a pre-recorded TV show???? Like, congratulations? You've seen it before? What an accomplishment!

Michael M

Sol95

I've never killed anyone or got kids to sell drugs for me. I definitely have flaws like everyone else, but I'm pretty sure I'm clear of a scumbag like Bodie.

Lil Don075

It's an interesting connection Lola makes with her mention of Jed Bartlett talking to the nursing home in The West Wing. During that town hall near the end of the first episode of season 2 he concludes with the statistic that "For the first time in our history (US) the largest group living in poverty is children." He continues that 1 in children in the US live in that poverty but in this season we'll see what it looks like when the environment is conducive to 3/4 or 4/4 experiencing that poverty.

Luis

Here we go boys and girls ^_^

ErdTirdMans

Jack, why set their expectations into a pessimistic direction when they're already having a hard time watching?

ODIS

Then we perhaps need to be careful in setting their expectations as to what's to come this season. It'll be zero fun for them if they're on edge every other scene anticipating a child to be killed or hurt. And it won't be great for us seeing them react like that. @Jack - I see why you'd say the season gets meaner although I don't fully agree - we can get into it as the season progresses. They certainly dial up the intensity as the season goes along.

Chidi.

In the first episode they do a good job of making Dukie stand out from the rest of the boys. They're all in clean plain white or black t-shirts whereas he wears a dirty striped one. Also, before filming the season they kept Jermaine Crawford (the actor who plays him) separated from the other boys to help foster a sense that his character is somewhat detached from the rest of the group.

Chidi.

LM, while The Wire does indeed contain tragedy, it also contains a lot of beauty. The writers aren't sadists, they want to depict both sides of the coin. So, you may find yourself crying from sadness this season, but also happiness. I guarantee it.

ODIS

Been busy the past few months but binging to catch up to s4!!

Luis

Peace, love, and strength to you Lola. You will find things to enjoy this season.

Joe Gaspard

Lola your hair looks fabulous.

Michael M

It’s understandable that you wouldn’t instantly recognise Chris and Snoop. They only appeared in about half the episodes of season 3. Keep an eye out for another new character in the next episode - a cigar smoking Detective called Bunk - you’re gonna love him 😂😉

David

Aragorn for president

HenryM

Nah throw them the 👏 👏 for being super based and sensitive to the kids Their discussions were super on point this episode, appreciate them highlighting that most of the street characters came from childhoods like these @Tea did your mom finish the show?

space colon

It'll be fascinating watching you react to this season. It can be overwhelming being introduced to a bunch of completely new characters and names so here's a brief summary: Randy: Got tricked into sending Lex to his death at the hands of Chris & Snoop. Had the ideas to catch a pigeon to make money and to fill the balloons with urine. Dukie: He's something of an outcast. He was the one mocked by the other kids for smelling bad and having no running water at home; and the one whose beating triggered the piss balloon fight. Namond: Big ponytail, the loudest one in the group. And you know what they say about the loudest person in the room... Michael: The most muscular one of the group. Shamed Namond into buying an ice cream for Dookie. Good to see Prez back. And also to see Carv take Bunny's advice on becoming a better police. As you pointed out, he even knows the names of the kids working his corners. Bunny was such a great character, I miss him already. EDIT: Removed something I'd written about Randy - nothing major - but it's something which is hinted in episode 1 but is only established in the next episode. L&M may have picked it up in their review of the first episode anyway.

Chidi.

Whenever any of them smile I die a little inside 😶 So glad the actor for Prop Joe (Robert Chew) took all the child actors under his wing this season and spoiled them to death. Also it seems like most all of the kids have managed to have pleaseant careers overall with no controversy or drama

space colon

Yeah I’m with you Tea, I think kids suffering under a broken system will hurt them more than anything

space colon

💀 Wire Season 6: Gandalf Destroys Capitalism and Institutes free health care, food and housing

space colon

Chris and Snoop aren't using the nail gun to shoot people -- it's for re-boarding up the vacant houses after the murders. Yes, the powder (quicklime) is for hiding the smell of decomposing bodies.

Mike

It's gonna be brutal

HenryM

I love this season. It's the best season out of all five, IMO. But every time I do a rewatch, I gotta prepare myself for this season. Just keep in mind that it's not all bad. There are some great moments. Like someone earlier said, it's not all tragedy

Legion

bro just keeps yapping 💀

Darrach

👏👏👏

TeaDrinker3000

For real. After season 4, season 2 is without question my favourite. Frank grabbing onto the wire fencing in the penultimate episode is so damn powerful.

TeaDrinker3000

I always love reading your comments Nyeisha. I can feel your energy so well off this comment! 😅

TeaDrinker3000

Band Of Brothers Episode 9 is dark for self-evident reasons. But the emotional investment the girls will have in the characters this season will go far and beyond anything they've watched on this channel before, beyond anything they've ever watched most likely.

TeaDrinker3000

F

Vicente de Paulo Guimaraes Priante

LM Reactions was a really cool reaction channel to have while it lasted. It's a pity that in 6 weeks time they'll have been literally fucking murdered by this season of television.

TeaDrinker3000

The theme song changing every season yet having the same lyrics is such a brilliant touch. The more things change the more they stay the same. Just reinforces the themes even more. Also this seasons version was performed by 5 local Baltimore teenagers which is very fitting. So excited for this season, it deserves a Pulitzer or something.

John

Yeah important distinction! Baltimore has so many vacant lots partially because of the number of people who’ve left the city the last 50 years. This is WHY they could have a Hamsterdam at all, because the city has so much empty space

space colon

Takes one to know one.

TeaDrinker3000

Chris and Snoop are the scariest people in the show, but so well written. Just to clarify, they aren’t using the nail gun to kill, just to board up the houses.

SwampFox95

Ah i never read the whole post. Thanks

Golden nugget 817

I had to keep reminding myself that those boys are actors. They are THAT good. But it’s also a harsh reality for too many in this world.

Adrienne Walker

😈

Zach

Lex is one stupid individual.

prolifik5

Them too but the show puts wayyy more focus on the core 4 so I always just say those 4 collectively.

Nyeisha Melvina Clark

Just for another point of reference to help place Chris and Snoop in your mind, they were also involved with the plot where Avon was using Devonne to setup a hit on Marlo. While they were staking out the proposed meeting place, Snoop identified the guy buying 4 orange sodas and Chris was the one who did the drive-by shotgun blast into Avon's car.

bushpusherr

Takes courage to teach children after everything’s he’s done, honestly if Daniels hadn’t covered for him and if there were any kind of real screening process they wouldn’t let a person who took out a kid’s eye be a teacher Thank goodness Prez actually cares and wants to give back after everything

space colon

Yup 🥲🥲

space colon

Just started watching, but the way your excitement from hearing the new intro immediately turning into shock and horror from seeing a school is hilariously heartbreaking

HenryM

Bodie is a real pos. Clown ass nigga

Lil Don075

Same… as someone who really wants long elaborate discussions I understand if we won’t always get them

space colon

Prez redemption arc let's gooooo

Sam Jones

Honestly wonder if you guys could maybe consider planning out breaks between episodes or at least breaks between discussions, there are gonna be a lot of hard episodes ahead This season is one of the most important pieces of media ever, should be shown in middle schools and high schools across the country (internationally really) If kids are old enough to get shot at and starve and end up homeless without government intervention they’re old enough to understand why their country is failing them

space colon

Worried for them honestly, they usually take an hour long break before discussions in the heaviest episodes… imagine that’s gonna happen often this season, hoping the show doesn’t become something they dread watching

space colon

Donut and Kenard too 😩

space colon

We're finally at season 4 prepare to be entertained.....also get your tissues ready ladies

West

Hey I can relate with yall on kids, I'm okay with never seeing a kid get hurt (physically or emotionally) in a show, don't care how unrealistic it is. Despite that, season 4 is still my favorite season, obviously I won't get into why. Hope you can still manage to look forward to future episodes and not be too horrified during them. Also I love Carver's arc throughout the show, you can really see he learned a lot from Colvin, not like some colleagues who never learned a thing.

Nina

my rankings are 2, 3, 1, 4, 5

Michael Kang-Beats

I knew this was going to be Lola’s favorite season :))) but for real, this season is just going to get meaner and meaner so get ready for that.

Jack SV

Also as much times as I have rewatched this show, I STILL managed to cry in about every episode of this season!!! Good luck girls!!!

Nyeisha Melvina Clark

I love season 2 but I often see it at the bottom of people's rankings so I always like hearing how much it means to Milena

Damien Fenton

Prez is the real hero of the story.

Lil Don075

Namond, Dukie, Michael, Randy!!!!! MY BABIES!!!! And now we’re here…. the BEST season of The Wire and now you guys understand what we have meant when we said poor Lola for not wanting to see children. But now that they are here I can FINALLY give my top 5 character rankings (not that anybody asked lol) 1. My absolute favorite characters collectively are my boys Namond, Dukie, Michael, Randy!!! They all come in at #1 for me. 2.Avon (anybody reading the comments already knows how I feel about him lol. 3. Bodie (been a fav of mine since the beginning) 4. Bunk (literally the BEST out of all the cops to me) 5. Omar ( great character, love the criminal with a heart of gold). Also honorary mention and coming in at 6. Bubs (I don’t show nearly enough love for him as I should but his storyline is one of the greatest!!!)

Nyeisha Melvina Clark

I kinda feel sorry for the girls especially Lola. This is a tough season even when compared to the previous ones. It is probably the season I enjoy the least from an entertainment point of view even though I recognize the greatness of the writing and acting.

Damien Fenton

Season 4 is the best season imo

Jesse Nkinsi

Lmao can't unsee now

HenryM

If I can reassure a little: it's not all horrible. It's emotional and very affecting, sure, but I feel like The Wire addresses misery well without wallowing in it. Yes, we're all awful masochists knowing this was coming for you, but it is genuinely one of the greatest seasons of television ever, and I think you'll like it just as much as what came before. EDIT: Also, just from you talking about how The Wire likes to show all aspects to make its point, that's also not always showing tragedy: there was a video a while back which compared the characters of D'Angelo and Cutty, both in the game and sent to jail for a long time. D'Angelo's story ended with tragedy but Cutty's was about showing the same kind of character if he instead got through it and then rebuilt his life. And there's at least a few more terrific examples of this kind of thing to come.

Martin Heron

HERE WE GOOOOOOOO

TeaDrinker3000

They were worried any time children were on screen in the previous seasons. Season 4 gonna be interesting to watch lol

Hamza R.

You survived Band of Brothers episode 9. You can handle this season. It will be worth it.

BobJ

Each time I see Snoop I'm like: https://i.imgur.com/bR1gwkf.jpeg

Orr Malus

Check the post

Isaac

Oh boy I can't believe season 4 is here already, this is gonna be special https://tenor.com/view/theoden-lotr-so-it-begins-gif-14063588

HenryM

When are they going to watch violet ever garden? Just curious

Golden nugget 817

Damn during my Seahawks game 🏈 😡I won’t forgive you 😂. Get ready for the best season of any show in tv history 🔥🔥

Thomas

Doubt it if they're posting VE today too.

Shivering King Banana

had a feeling that the prez reveal would be the thumbnail for this one haha

Sebastian

😂🤣

PamRenea

Ahh I was not expecting this so soon, I can't wait!

NJ

HxH is coming today girls??

Joaquín Calderón

I freaked out thinking I’d somehow missed 10 episodes worth of LM vids 😂😂

Daniel Lee

4x10? Might wanna rename it 😭

Elijah Glory