If you’re into television and you haven’t seen The Wire, you might be tired of hearing about it. After enough people tell you something is “amazing,” or “the best show ever made,” it’s understandable if you become reluctant to check it out. But then, you’ve never seen The Wire.
The new web series Tiny Apartment tackled this phenomenon in a funny episode entitled, what else, “The Wire:”
For those of you who have seen the HBO show from beginning to end, you might find yourself hankering for something more to quench your Wire thirst. Another season isn’t likely, but these shows featuring cast, crew, and ardent fans might help a little:
David Simon on Bill Moyers Journal
An hour-long conversation with the man himself, creator David Simon. Not much to say other than you should watch this immediately.
The Atlantic Pursuits – Untangling The Wire 
Writers Jeffrey Goldberg, Ross Douthat and Mark Bowden share their thoughts on each season. In each portion the three make clear their unabashed love for the show, but also make room for debate. The Wire’s portrayal of the newsroom in season five as well whether or not Baltimore is as rough as its made out to be is discussed in detail. Great stuff for hypercritical fans.
Talk Stoop with Cat Greenleaf – Michael Kenneth Williams
This one’s kind of a puff piece, but it’s cool hanging out with Michael Kenneth Williams, fan favorite Omar Little, for four minutes. Watch this episode not for the deepest insight into The Wire, but for what Williams calls his ‘facial scars’ and how he reacted upon learning that Omar is President Obama’s favorite character from the show.
On a related note, my world was rocked recently after watching Michael Kenneth Williams show up in the third season finale of The Sopranos. Parallel universe!
The Buyer Wire: Jamie Hector From The Wire
Like the previous entry, The Buyer Wire doesn’t really delve into the show so much as offer a brief profile of one of its stars. This time with Jamie Hector, AKA soft spoken drug lord Marlo Stanfield.
Wendell Pierce on Meet the Press & Steve Earle on GRITtv with Laura Flanders
A handful of actors from The Wire followed David Simon to his latest television project, Treme Since beginning that show, Wendell Pierce (Detective Bunk Moreland) and musician Steve Earle (Walon, sponsor and protector of Bubbles) have taken to various talk shows to touch on The Wire in addition to reminding people of New Orleans’ struggle in the five years since Katrina.
Various David Simon Interviews:
- Simon joins Walter Benn Michaels, Susan Straight, and Dale Peck in a discussion about the death of Boom Culture. From the New York Public Library.
- Simon on Charlie Rose discussing his acclaimed miniseries, Generation Kill.
- A brief chat with Simon about the current state of journalism from the Nieman Journalism Lab.
Bonus:
Did you know Wendell Pierce was on an episode of Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job? He was!
Well, fellow Wire fans (Wireys? No, that’s…not a good nickname) it’s been nice sharing these videos with you. I hope some of these interviews can hold you over until some kind of hours long, amazing conversation between the cast and crew turns up on the internet. If that happens, Clicker will find it and put it up. Leave your favorite Wire moments in the comments, if you are so inclined.
