The Wire

[Keef]

Refuse to believe it's that good, the last 2 episodes of The Sopranos have been wicked!!!

Piers was telling me about The Wire, and I intend to give it a crack. However, a third party in that conversation had also seen it, and dismissed it as nothing remotely special... Different folks and all that.

[blinder999]

Keef, get season one on DVD, and watch a couple of episodes...

[SeanMacGabhann]

Not sure who that third party is but we Soprano fans have had 6 + seasons - I'm willing to bet the non-plussed Wire viewer barely got past season 1... (I could be wrong of course)

By end of season 3, even allowing for different folks and all that, I cannot believe anyone would think Sopranos better..

[Keef]

Yeah, but if it's not good/exciting enough to get you through the first series, you're not going to push on through another 2 series, that would be like drip torture! Anyway, like I say, I intend to give it a crack, always looking for new programmes to get addicted to, keeps me out the pub ;-)

[mockney piers]

I was watching the Sopranos last night, and it hasn't lost anything for me.

They're two very different programmes. The Wire has a great deal more depth and density, the Sopranos has more humour.

But essentially they're doing different things.

Agreed that it seems odd that the emmies neglect the Wire and adore the Sopranos though.

[downsouth]

Watched my first epsiode last night (episode 2 season 1) It was quite good. Very refreshing to see see many african American actors which obviously maintained a level of perceived authenticity. It was very interesting to see the motivations from all round. Not sure I'd put it up there in the best of category but I did enjoy it so will watch a few more.

[SeanMacGabhann]

Good to see so many people start to take this one on - I totally sympathise with anyone who remains flummoxed by over-enthusiastic supporters such as me.. but slow burn doesn't begin to do justice. With each successive season finale, the emotional punch gets heavier

I also hope no-one thinks I have gone off the Sopranos!

I would disagree that Sopranos is funnier - more consistently light-hearted maybe but (given it's subject matter - another debate I need to have with MP!) the laugh-out-loud count remains higher for me with The Wire

[Keef]

RE The emmies, surely it was a mark of respect for The Sopranos following it's grand finale in America. The Wire will have other chances.

[RosieH]

I've just been off work ill for the best part of a month and watched series 1, 2 and 3 straight through - am utterly obsessed.

Brilliant brilliant brilliant.

When series 4 comes out, am planning (with a couple of other obsessives) to hold Wire evenings, where there will be viewing in awed silence, enthusiastic wine / beer drinking and quite possibly chicken eating. Anyone feeling like a group experience very welcome.

[Keef]

Hell, those evenings sound great even if the programme is sh!t... :)-D

[SeanMacGabhann]

Thought I had posted a reply to Rosie earlier but it doesn't seem to be here - ah well

Rosie - what about the end of Series 3 eh? but careful of spoilers -

[RosieH]

Phew, what an ending. I felt emotionally shattered (and a bit sad and very wondering too) - what's going to happen in series 4, how can they possibly follow this?

it's all I can do to resist looking online, but I don't want to know

[SeanMacGabhann]

I can tell you that fans have sent their verdict in and the consensus is it's the best so far - which is as close to being impossible as can be..... get the chicken marinading now!

[RosieH]

hurrah, excellent news. that's going to be some succulent chicken come December.

are there any girls on here to talk about who's hotter, Stringer or McNulty?

[char1ie]

On the subject of the Wire I am just downloading The Corner, an HBO mini-series by David Simon (Wire creator). It looks fantastic: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wz7WhTywUz4

Check it out. I'll write a quick review once I've watched it.

Charlie

[SeanMacGabhann]

I've got a friend who has been promising me The Corner for a year now - says he can't find it - hmmmm. But yeah, by the same guy and I would really like to see it

(you've been fairly quiet of late Char1ie - welcome back)

[char1ie]

Thanks Sean, been busy organising a conference in KL. Lots of longs days. Day off sick today though - throat virus man cold thingy. And as it's pissing down I am lounging at home.

If you don't get hold of the Corner on DVD let me know and I'll burn you a DVD here. For PC viewing only but it looks great on my Dell laptop.

I'm actually excited about watching a mini-series. My life is much quieter than it used to be.

Charlie

[ChavWivaLawDegree]

Can whoever has borrowed the First Wire series off the generous SeanMG, please give it back, cos I have many empty hours to fill, and would love to watch it!!

[SeanMacGabhann]

not to mention it's the weather for it

[mockney piers]

It's sort of in Ireland at the mo'

It'll be back in 6 episodes time though.

[giggirl]

Never heard of it but your enthusiasm is infectious. I don't have a TV but I've just ordered the first series from Lovefilm (I watch on my laptop). I'll let you know.

[SimonM]

>>Can whoever has borrowed the First Wire series off the generous SeanMG, please give it back, <<

I don't have that copy - the one out on "loan" - but I have my own which I am happy to hand over in a plain brown envelope in Peckham Rye Park or wherever...

[char1ie]

I've spent the weekend with Max watching all six episodes of The Corner. Luckily being one year old Max didn't really take much in. Jesus it's bleak, miserable and depressing.

Like the Wire but without the excitement of a police investigation. As in series one of the Wire its theme is the unwinnable war on drugs.

Amazing acting and very high production values. Lots of drug use, intravenous heroin use, scavenging and poverty. Six episodes each focused on a character. Hardly a glimmer of of hope in the whole series.

Can someone give me the Samaritans' number please.

Charlie

[ChavWivaLawDegree]

SimonM - yes definately, but please don't tell my family!

[ChavWivaLawDegree]

SimonM - Thanx so much for letting me borrow this.

I've had a Wire-fest this weekend and have 2 more episodes of the first series to watch, but I'm scared.

What will I do when it's all over.

I can't imagine life without them.

They have become my family.

Compulsive viewing.