The Wire

There are very few TV shows actually worth your time but The Wire is definitely one of them. While essentially a crime drama it’s really about the complexities of city life and dysfunctional institutionalisation. Each series looks at different aspects of Baltimore, Maryland. The current series showing on ABC2 looks at the drug trade of Baltimore - following seasons examine governance, ports, schools and even the print media. Some have called the program on par with or even surpassing The Sopranos, with fast talk and complex banter similar to The West Wing. The result is characters that are drawn so real each episode might require a few watches to get your head around.  Clever storylines and social commentary along with superb acting give this show resonance beyond that of a simple crime drama. 

Currently running at 9:30pm Tuesday on ABC2. A few episodes in to the first season but still worth a look.

Daniel Harris