Season 3 of ‘The Wire’ takes us back to the streets. It’s bloodier, and more mainstream than the two seasons before. Think of it as the “Attack of the Clones” of the series in that it’s necessary for the whole but can’t stand well on its own.
I found Season 3 to be less intense.
There are new characters, of course, and also returning favorites. While the first two seasons are unarguably “The Wire,” this go-round feels less unique, and more like a standard television show.
The continuation of cops versus crooks is here. I really liked two new cast members this season. Robert Wisdom plays Howard “Bunny” Colvin, a new police boss with an unorthodox style in combating the hopelessness of the drug war. Wisdom presents the character as one who cares about his job, and is willing to step in the face of his superiors to get results.
My favorite character of the season is Dennis “Cutty” Wise (Chad Coleman), a former gang member who is released from prison as the series begins. Cutty has an incredible story arc from episode one to episode twelve. The former killer strives for a better life, with the temptations of getting back into crime seemingly at every corner.
A third new character was one that I didn’t love. Aidan Gillen as (of Game of Thrones fame) plays Tommy Carcetti; a politician with sights on becoming the mayor of Baltimore. Gillen is a fine actor. “The Wire” precedes “Game of Thrones” but its tough not to picture him as Littlefinger.
The character of Tommy Carcetti even acts like Lord Petyr Baelish at times. And Gillen’s attempt at a Baltimore accent is miserable at best. Its funny that the 2004 presidential elections are happening at the same time and are paralleled in a way that only the wire can do.
Dominic West, Idris Elba, Deirdre Lovejoy, Wendell Pierce, Lance Reddick, Sonja Sohn et al return as well.
“The Wire” is a fantastic watch. While season three falls a little from its predecessor’s its still outstanding and a vital continuation of the series.
“The Wire” is currently available to stream.
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