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Season 5 – The Wire

Play trailer Poster for Season 5 – The Wire 2008 Crime Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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93% Tomatometer 44 Reviews 95% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
This series looks at the narcotics scene in Baltimore through the eyes of law enforcers as well as the drug dealers and users. Other facets of the city that are explored in the series are the government and bureaucracy, schools and the news media. The show was created by former police reporter David Simon, who also wrote many of the episodes.
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The Wire — Season 5

The Wire — Season 5

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Critics Consensus

The Wire goes out with a suitably resonant bang in its final season, craftily maneuvering venturesome motifs and a colorful cast of characters to skillfully understated conclusion.

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Critics Reviews

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Hermione Eyre Independent (UK) Even if you came to series five cold, from a Wireless world, you'd have found plenty to enjoy: the way the dialogue is at once naturalistic and aphor-istic [and] the outstanding naturalism of the performances. Oct 22, 2019 Full Review Damian Thompson Daily Telegraph (UK) Quite simply, it was the best television drama ever made, and if it's ever surpassed it won't be on this side of the Atlantic. British TV does not have the resources, the scriptwriters or the actors even to attempt something on this scale. Oct 21, 2019 Full Review Hal Boedeker Orlando Sentinel The Wire isn't the most accessible series. The show lays out a lot of plot strands, forcing the question: Where are we headed? Stick with it, though, and you'll see a remarkable tapestry. Oct 21, 2019 Full Review Alex Behan The Post NZ [Michael K.] Williams quietly dismantled preconceptions about masculinity and sexuality alike and became a hero and icon both on and off-screen. It's not his only great acting role. Sep 17, 2021 Full Review Ian Thomas Malone ianthomasmalone.com The Wire wasn't afraid to be gentle while laying out a bleaker truth for its viewers, delivering one of the more satisfying finales in television history. Apr 6, 2021 Full Review Leo Waldock Den of Geek It's far more satisfying than the dismal end to The Sopranos and it is noticeable that there is nothing that would prevent HBO from making another season of The Wire. Oct 22, 2019 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (61) audience reviews
Daniel J Weakest season, but still a banger. Enjoy! Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 12/25/24 Full Review Audience Member This is hands down the best TV show ever aired. Without any doubt. The Wire is what every other show should strive to be like. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/23/24 Full Review Max W Season 5 of The Wire is bold and flamboyant, constantly engaging the audience's emotions and values. Life isn't about grand events; it's just a series of stories, one after another, until the very end of the series. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 10/17/24 Full Review JOAQUIM L Underrated, it is the weakest season, but that said, it's one of the best in television, it does help that it has the best episode in the history of television, "-30-" also the best finale in TV, "Absolute Must-See!". Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/21/24 Full Review Max H Even when The Wire starts to slip, it is still streets ahead of most series. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/06/24 Full Review Daryl D I want you to put the word out there. That we back up. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/13/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Wire — Season 5

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Cast & Crew

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Dominic West

Det. James "Jimmy" McNulty

John Doman

William A. Rawls

Domenick Lombardozzi

Det. Thomas "Herc" Hauk

Wendell Pierce

Det. William "Bunk" Moreland

Lance Reddick

Lt. Cedric Daniels

Andre Royo

Bubbles

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Jan 6, 2008 More With Less Sgt. Carver faces discontent of unpaid officers; Mayor Carcetti struggles with keeping a campaign promise; Proposition Joe and others meet to discuss dividing drug frontiers across East Baltimore's county line. Details Episode 2 Aired Jan 13, 2008 Unconfirmed Reports Marlo takes care of some unfinished business and strikes a business deal with Barksdale; Mayor Carcetti's chief of staff searches for good news; frustrated McNulty decides to take matters into his own hands. Details Episode 3 Aired Jan 20, 2008 Not for Attribution The press learns of Carcetti's plan for the police department; Marlo turns to Proposition Joe for help with a problem; McNulty shares some inside information with Gutierrez. Details Episode 4 Aired Jan 27, 2008 Transitions Campbell tries to facilitate the transitions in the police department; the newspaper scrambles to confirm surprising news from City Hall; Proposition Joe prepares to make himself scarce. Details Episode 5 Aired Feb 3, 2008 React Quotes Marlo forges an alliance with a drug connect; the newspaper gives McNulty increasing attention; Elena confronts him about his behavior. Details Episode 6 Aired Feb 10, 2008 The Dickensian Aspect Templeton makes headlines; Bunk follows up on old leads; McNulty takes an interest in the homeless. Details Episode 7 Aired Feb 16, 2008 Took After an unexpected call, Templeton and the newspaper find themselves back in the spotlight; McNulty receives unwanted attention. Details Episode 8 Aired Feb 24, 2008 Clarifications Bunk returns a favor; Carcetti must make political deals; Haynes approaches Templeton about his sources. Details Episode 9 Aired Mar 2, 2008 Late Editions While Freamon's hard work pays off with a promising lead, McNulty is not in the mood to celebrate; Michael is suspicious about his latest assignment; Bubbles recounts a recent temptation. Details Episode 10 Aired Mar 9, 2008 - 30 - Carcetti maps out a damage-control scenario; McNulty asks Landsman to pull police off the homeless case; Haynes' concerns about Templeton fall on deaf ears; Dukie seeks out an old mentor for a loan. Details

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The Wire — Season 5

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Season Info

Director
Joe Chappelle, Ernest R. Dickerson, Agnieszka Holland, Seith Mann, Dominic West, Clark Johnson, Dan Attias, Anthony Hemingway, Joy Kecken, Scott Kecken
Screenwriter
David Simon, Ed Burns, William F. Zorzi, Dennis Lehane, David Mills, Richard Price, George Pelecanos, Chris Collins
Network
HBO
Rating
TV-MA
Genre
Crime, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date
Jan 6, 2008