The Wire: All Due Respect -- television at its finest

"That small, wrinkled-ass paper bag allowed the corner boys to have their drink in peace, and gave us permission to go. and do. police work...the kind of police work that's actually worth the effort. That's worth actually taking a bullet...

There's never been a paper bag for drugs. Until now."

Arguably one of the greatest moments in the history of American television, this speech by Major Colvin ("Bunny") of Baltimore's Western District is a stellar example of how The Wire puts 99% of television to shame.

The summary of this episode can be found at
http://www.hbo.com/thewire/episode/se...
and a summary of the Colvin's character, played by Robert Wisdom, is at
http://www.hbo.com/thewire/cast/chara...

• Category

  Film & Animation

[ohen]

In my opinion, Bunny is the most tragic character of The Wire. He was involved in two experiments (Hamsterdam and the corner kids classroom) which, if implemented on a larger scale, could have had a profound influence on the society. Unfortunately, bureaucracy, infatuation with self-preservation (and therefore statistics) prevented him from achieving those things, culminating in Season 5" "Well, I guess Mr. Mayor, there's nothing to be done." I always saw him as the show's conscience.

[ohen]

The writing in The Wire was so above and beyond anything else on TV. Not even comparable.

[FreedomFighter2112]

Wow...simply, Wow!

The writing is brilliant, the acting is amazing, and directing is superb.

Greatest TV series ever!!!

[gnostici]

Suddenly I understand why the "K-Side" neighborhood in my city is the way it is. Lots of drugs. No police on patrol, ever. They only show up if called.

Lots of violent crime, but only old-fashioned butt-whoopings. Black eyes, busted lips. No more shooting victims, stabbings, etc than anywhere else.

I guess it makes sense. A compromise. Still not a place I would ever want to live.

[OBrien19W]

Here from Reddit

[cardswin2005]

He created "Hamsterdam" which was a couple block stretch where the dealers could deal without being hassled by police.

[TripleBla]

so what is the brown paper bag for drugs? I'd like to know!

[rellsta]

Hunger Games was the shit, yo!

[hoarbaby]

Bunny is one of my favorite characters out of a myriad of great characters

[Steve Gongos]

"Breaking Bad" is a gimmick show with not much range or depth. It's not even in the same universe as "The Wire".

[Susanne Collins]

The wire must be watched to completion before you judge it. It is a tapestry and until you see it whole you won't appreciate it for what it is. I watched the first few episodes and thought it was just a crime drama no big thing but keep watching and comeback when finished

[Susanne Collins]

I agree CrystalFissure two great shows but apples and oranges. Both are the best in their category. But just because they are both about drugs and fall into the drama category doesn't make them the same. They are different and on different networks and one isn't even finished yet