Basic question about The Wire
 

I'm watching the series for the first time on DVD. I'm six episodes in and LOVING it! My question is how does the series "work"? It is my understanding that each season is about a different case. Is that correct? Please be as spoiler free as possible. Thanks!

Re: Basic question about The Wire
 

Each season tells a complete story. The stories all focus on a different aspect of society and how it relates to the drug trade. The stories involve the same or overlapping characters and, when taken as a whole, tell a larger story.

Re: Basic question about The Wire
 

Try not to think in terms of "cases" but rather in terms of "themes". In a sense there's the one big "meta-case" that lasts the entire run of the show, and a bunch of smaller cases that derive from it.

What the show is about is, ultimately, how the war on drugs has destroyed inner-city America, and how that destruction has affected all sorts of institutions, not just police/criminal justice. Each seasons focuses on a different institution, so, ultimately, they each become spokes in a wheel that is built season by season.

Re: Basic question about The Wire
 

What I was going to say but said better...

Re: Basic question about The Wire
 

Oh cool! Thanks, folks!

Re: Basic question about The Wire
 

I think S1 and 2 are the most 'case oriented' seasons, as they were really unsure if they would be allowed to continue

Re: Basic question about The Wire
 

I see you're from DC. I don't know how much time you've spent in Bmore, but I went to college there and it certainly makes the show that much more interesting. I've seen the issues in Baltimore first hand and this show does a great job of staying close to that without going too far over the top for drama.

I'm only half way through season 3 myself. Incredible show so far.