Shows like Breaking Bad and The Sopranos dominated the idea of the antihero—a protagonist facing realistic challenges but performing immoral deeds in the process. The Wire is a TV show that displays the stories of the drug trade in a more humanizing and disturbingly accurate manner. It was released in the early 2000’s on HBO.
It masters the idea of the protagonist by villainizing the corrupt Baltimore Police Department while turning the “gangsters” or “drug dealers” into relatable and somewhat lovable characters. Oftentimes, many of the writers and directors of these types of shows sacrifice a logical series of events at the expense of a more fluid viewing experience. Through excellent writing, the show feels authentic like a documentary but also exciting and thrilling as a riveting true crime drama.
Aside from the intriguing character development, The Wire is incredible on its own for its daring and realistic portrayal of complex issues like the War on Drugs and its effects on society in Baltimore. The show highlights inequalities between the police officers and the politics, the rich and the poor and the powerful and the powerless without becoming ingenuine to its main themes.
It has unforgettable performances from incredible actors like: Michael B. Jordan, Idris Elba and Michael K. Williams who seek to challenge traditional beliefs and assumptions on the war on drugs. From start to end, I could only be in awe and have respect for The Wire. The writers and the producers, with thorough research and dedication, arguably created the most iconic television series to ever be conceived.