McNulty, who would've thought your schemes would've gone out too far. It totally makes sense for his character, as he's back to his alcoholic post-Stringer obsession self and I don't see this as a stretch at all. I've read some think this shift in motive is unreal but to that I say look at Hamsterdam, both ideas are out there but totally plausible for their characters. Again, Andre Royo as Bubbs, is phenomenal and it's a shame he was never nominated. His role, handling depression, is superb; and we seem him try to fill the hole that his dope obsession once did. One thing I will say, this season already feels a bit rushed, as the season is shortened to 10 episodes. 2 episodes in and we already find a change in Jimmy. Another great episode.
7 Reviews
5x02
formotog27 August 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Another solid episode. Bubbles becoming clean I think is a much needed change for his character, having seen him go through 4 seasons of constant addiction, accurate as that may be of addicts and their unending struggles to get clean. Andre Royo is playing someone who clearly is clinically depressed very well. This season seems to have delved straight into Marlo making his moves and having people killed which is great to see after a season of him not doing a whole lot except have several people put in vacants by Chris and Snoop. As for the journalist subplot, I am still absolutely apathetic. I really wish it would actually hold a lot less screen time than it's getting because everything else is far more interesting. I think right now it's the only thing holding the season back, but soon enough it'll get more relevant I'm sure. Seeing Avon Barksdale's return was a very unexpected surprise, though I'm sure he's still very much out of the picture. He does set up a meeting that could link Marlo and the Greeks, though, and that could be very interesting. I look forward to seeing how that does pan out. As for that ending, I really don't know what to think just yet. McNulty is always scheming but he's also back to being an alcoholic mess so I guess I'll wait to see what happens there
Mid 7
Mid 7
Unconfirmed Reports
8512226 December 2023
Greetings from Lithuania.
"Unconfirmed Reports", a second episode of season 5 was a solid one, despite being slow. But slow in terms of "The Wire" means a calm before the storm. Yet i enjoyed first episodes for its briliant writing, top notch acting and directing. Story of season 5 is shaping out to be another tale about city - that is what The Wire is for me in my opinion. And its a gritty, dirty and fun of pain city.
Overall, i am really looking forward for the last season 5. First two episodes while being slower in storytelling were excellent in pacing. Were its all heading i can only guess.
"Unconfirmed Reports", a second episode of season 5 was a solid one, despite being slow. But slow in terms of "The Wire" means a calm before the storm. Yet i enjoyed first episodes for its briliant writing, top notch acting and directing. Story of season 5 is shaping out to be another tale about city - that is what The Wire is for me in my opinion. And its a gritty, dirty and fun of pain city.
Overall, i am really looking forward for the last season 5. First two episodes while being slower in storytelling were excellent in pacing. Were its all heading i can only guess.
Serial Killer in Baltimore?
Red_Identity5 July 2011
Warning: Spoilers
The 2nd episode of The Wire's fifth season is likely to bring new developments into Baltimore...
I want to say, first of all, that Andre Royo has been absolutely fantastic for quite some time now. His transformation from the junkie to this 'new' man he is not sure he wants to be is quite incredible, and shows what a great performer he is.
Now, on the ending of this episode. I have heard how there was a storyline in the 5th season that may seem a bit silly to some. Is this it? The storyline that the ending promised to have, about the 'new serial killer in Baltimore'? Well, I think, that from what I saw, it can turn into a really intriguing storyline.
I want to say, first of all, that Andre Royo has been absolutely fantastic for quite some time now. His transformation from the junkie to this 'new' man he is not sure he wants to be is quite incredible, and shows what a great performer he is.
Now, on the ending of this episode. I have heard how there was a storyline in the 5th season that may seem a bit silly to some. Is this it? The storyline that the ending promised to have, about the 'new serial killer in Baltimore'? Well, I think, that from what I saw, it can turn into a really intriguing storyline.
3 outstanding scenes in a fantastic episode
karris-294632 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Another fine episode, and the storylines are starting to pan out, but there were 3 remarkable scenes for me, of outstanding acting, and all 3 had no dialogue.
Michael (Tristan Wilds) reaction as the shooting of the family unfolds is short but poignant, his face says it all and it's a credit that an actor so young can pull off this high standard and without a word being spoken.
This is followed up by Kima (Sonja Sohn) finding the small boy in the closet. As she takes him out to wait for a car I felt like I was watching a documentary as the emotion she portrayed was so real.
And finally the wonderful Andre Royo in a scene with him washing the pots in the shelter kitchen. The inference that he is trying to scrub away all the pain, guilt and anger of Sherrod's death. Andre plays the part of Bubbles with everything he's got and this silent scene tells us more than any speech or 'share' at the NA meeting could.
Such an amazing show and this last series could be the best yet.
Michael (Tristan Wilds) reaction as the shooting of the family unfolds is short but poignant, his face says it all and it's a credit that an actor so young can pull off this high standard and without a word being spoken.
This is followed up by Kima (Sonja Sohn) finding the small boy in the closet. As she takes him out to wait for a car I felt like I was watching a documentary as the emotion she portrayed was so real.
And finally the wonderful Andre Royo in a scene with him washing the pots in the shelter kitchen. The inference that he is trying to scrub away all the pain, guilt and anger of Sherrod's death. Andre plays the part of Bubbles with everything he's got and this silent scene tells us more than any speech or 'share' at the NA meeting could.
Such an amazing show and this last series could be the best yet.
Whatever you tell yourself you won't do...
snoozejonc13 January 2023
Marlo takes advantage of a lack of police presence, whilst McNulty crosses a serious line of misconduct.
This is an excellent episode with memorable character moments.
There are some shocking scenes in this episode that still have an impact when watching many years after my first viewing.
One homicide committed at Marlo's behest is one of the worst incidents portrayed on The Wire and should compound the audience's distain for the character. It follows a somewhat darkly humorous scene of banter between Chris, Snoop and their 'Boyz N The Hood' wannabe fellow killer O-Dog, and reminds you what callous, evil characters they are. This scene also works well for Michael's long term character arc.
McNulty's cadaver related shenanigans depict the character at his lowest ebb and stretches my willingness to suspend disbelief to the limit. I struggle to accept The Bunk not arresting him on the spot, but I guess years of drinking and whoring together could create misplaced loyalty and a reluctance to take action. It is a major plot within series 5, so you have to go with it as you did Hamsterdam. Dominic West and Wendell Pierce are on top form.
Bubbs has some strong scenes that on first viewing put you on edge about how life is going to turn out for the character. Andre Royo is incredibly good at making you root for this character to have a positive ending.
The production values are top drawer as ever. There are some quite macabre crime scene visuals and harrowing scenes of the devastation caused by gang-related violence.
As always on The Wire, the scene selections made by the editors are perfect. I particularly like the cut from the Baltimore Sun reporters discussing social problems like parenting, to street scenes in Baltimore of mothers' behaving quite aggressively towards their children. Additionally, some of the dialogue involving the Sun reporters debating the merit of more complex news articles feels quite self-referential to the comprehensive way The Wire looks at various contributing factors to Baltimore's social decline.
For me this episode is a 9.5/10, but I round upwards.
This is an excellent episode with memorable character moments.
There are some shocking scenes in this episode that still have an impact when watching many years after my first viewing.
One homicide committed at Marlo's behest is one of the worst incidents portrayed on The Wire and should compound the audience's distain for the character. It follows a somewhat darkly humorous scene of banter between Chris, Snoop and their 'Boyz N The Hood' wannabe fellow killer O-Dog, and reminds you what callous, evil characters they are. This scene also works well for Michael's long term character arc.
McNulty's cadaver related shenanigans depict the character at his lowest ebb and stretches my willingness to suspend disbelief to the limit. I struggle to accept The Bunk not arresting him on the spot, but I guess years of drinking and whoring together could create misplaced loyalty and a reluctance to take action. It is a major plot within series 5, so you have to go with it as you did Hamsterdam. Dominic West and Wendell Pierce are on top form.
Bubbs has some strong scenes that on first viewing put you on edge about how life is going to turn out for the character. Andre Royo is incredibly good at making you root for this character to have a positive ending.
The production values are top drawer as ever. There are some quite macabre crime scene visuals and harrowing scenes of the devastation caused by gang-related violence.
As always on The Wire, the scene selections made by the editors are perfect. I particularly like the cut from the Baltimore Sun reporters discussing social problems like parenting, to street scenes in Baltimore of mothers' behaving quite aggressively towards their children. Additionally, some of the dialogue involving the Sun reporters debating the merit of more complex news articles feels quite self-referential to the comprehensive way The Wire looks at various contributing factors to Baltimore's social decline.
For me this episode is a 9.5/10, but I round upwards.
There's nothing right about this episode.
deanbean3179 July 2021
Scatter shot...that's the best description for this episode. Long, disconnected scenes filled with people spitting speeches and characters doing things that run contrary to everything we've learned about them in the last four seasons. I don't like where this season is going.
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