In the Port of Hamsterdam (The Wire - The Complete Third Season (DVD))

Member Name: samueltyler

Product:	The Wire - The Complete Third Season (DVD)
Date:	08/09/09 (61 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Well written and briliantly acted

Disadvantages: Preachy compared to earlier seasons

When I started watching the second season of 'The Wire' I was surprised to see that the storylines did not necessarily continue directly from the first season. Season 1 dealt with inner city drug dealers, whilst Season 2 continued with this, but concentrated more on the docks that provide access for the drugs. When Season 3 arrived I was therefore not as shocked when the show took on yet another facet. How do you tackle a problem like drug addiction on the massive scale that Baltimore suffers? The so called drug war does nothing but lock up young men who are easily replaced by others willing to do anything to get out of poverty. Is it about time that something different was tried to clean up the streets?

Season 3 of 'The Wire' and a lot has happened, but not much has changed. Drug boss Avon is in jail, but his operation is still run by close friend Stringer Bell. Bell is an economist and takes the opportunity to streamline the drug trade in Baltimore and create a cartel amongst the drug pushers. This does not sit well with Avon and with his early release pressures start to show within their friendship. Meanwhile, soon to be retired Police Major 'Bunny' Colvin is fed up with the constant pressure for results from above and refuses to fake the findings in his district. He comes up with the idea to push all the drug addicts and dealers into three unpopulated areas. If they remain in these areas his men will turn a blind eye; in practice 'legalising' the drug trade. Can Bunny's idea work? How will it impact on the political scene as ambitious young councilman Tommy Carcetti aims for the Mayoral office?

Once again the synopsis of season 3 shows how rich a show 'The Wire' is. This is a true ensemble piece and the introduction of the politics of Baltimore adds yet another layer on top of the McNulty and co. who began it all. This means that you have to watch the show from episode 1 and see them all in order to be able to understand what is happening and why people react in the way that they do. Season 3 is pivotal for Avon's gang and comes to a head by the end. If you have not watched seasons 1 and 2 all the impact of the internal fighting will be lost.

'The Wire' is a show that had one story arc that spread throughout. However, each season also had its own agenda and in this case it is politics. As a former crime reporter, creator David Simon has written about inner city poverty for years and nothing changes. Here he points his pen of criticism towards the politicians who make the police unable to do their jobs properly. The introduction of Carcetti is a brilliant one as he is an idealistic man who wants to change things in the city - will reality hit home?

In terms of the Stringer Bell/Avon Barksdale storyline season 3 is the peak. The internal fighting that has been brewing beneath the surface since episode 1 begins to rise. This is a battle between old fashioned violence and a man who thinks there is a better way. When actors Idris Elba and Wood Harris are together on the screen the show is at its very best. The writing is immense and feels incredibly true to life.

With both Seasons 1 and 2 being 5 stars when I reviewed them, Season 3 was going to have to be very special to sustain the quality. Unfortunately, it does not quite achieve it. Season 3 is still some of the best TV drama ever filmed, but compared to earlier episodes it seems almost naive. Creator Simon obviously has an agenda with the show to try and change America's relationship with poverty. Season 3 is the first time that the argument becomes too obvious and a little preachy. The creation of legalised drug areas is handled in a way that allows Simon et al to preach to the viewer how it could work. Having watched many episodes already I feel that Simon should have been slightly more subtle with his message as intelligence is a given for someone who watches the show.

Another area that makes this season slightly weaker is the lack of time on screen for the original cast. McNulty and co are still ever present, but they are perhaps more ephemeral than previously. It is an inevitable by-product of the shift towards politics that this would happen, but a shame none the less. It is not until season 5 that we get to see the old crew back in dominance.

Season 3 of 'The Wire' is as intelligent, well written and as brilliantly acted as ever. The issue is a simple one of tone. Any person worth their salt would have picked up on the themes of poverty and integrated racism in the US and should not need any more explanation. Therefore, when the storyline of legalising drugs appears it all feels a little heavy handed as if perhaps Simon is not sure that we get it. Despite this the show is still the best drama of the past 10 years and a must watch for any fan of intelligent adult drama.


Year: 2004
Cert: 15
Starring: Ensemble
Price: Amazon uk £14.97
Play.com £14.99


Extras

Audio commentaries on a couple of episodes are all you get, but the show stands on its own!

Summary: Great, but not quite as great.