To monitor the pulse on the street, Carcetti makes the rounds with members of the force. With Marimow on his case, Herc resorts to strong-arm tactics to retrieve his pinched camera, but Marlo isn't impressed. While Proposition Joe shows off his vocal range, Chris shows Snoop how to expose, and dispose of, New York infiltrators. At school, Prez struggles to fit a test-practice mandate into his curriculum, and Colvin figures out a way to involve Namond and other "corner boys" in problem solving. Not buying into Old Face Andre's account of a homicide, Bunk tries to convert Holley and Crutchfield to his way of thinking. A newly sober McNulty attends an Irish cop wake--with a not-so-sober Bunk. Daniels gains the mayor's confidence, while Rawls confirms Burrell's suspicions of collusion. Randy finds himself on a short leash; Dukie learns that computer skills breed popularity; and Michael is dismayed by the unexpected return of a missing family member.

Poot returns to the corner after a stint in prison--and is welcomed back by Herc and Dozerman. Carcetti engages in a testy budget battle with City Council President Campbell, rewards Daniels with a promotion, and hits a snag in his efforts to relieve Burrell of his duties. Bubbles fingers a witness for Herc, but the detective is slow to return the favor. While Prez is frustrated by the imposition of training for statewide tests in his curriculum, Colvin motivates his class by offering a dinner incentive to his student groups. Randy puts the math skills he's learned in class to work on the street; his success allows him to get Prez to bankroll his candy business. While Michael turns to Marlo for help with a problem, Old Face Andre turns to Proposition Joe for protection against Marlo.

If you thought this was depressing, you'll need prozac after the season finale