Keep watching or not.

mossy464 · 22-01-2013 4:24pm #1

Hi,

I've finally got around to watching the wire since iv heard so much hype about it.

Im 4 episodes into the first season and I must say its a bit of a struggle for me.

Some of my favourite tv shows are 24, The Mentalist, Dexter, House, The Shield along with many others but so far the wire isnt really living up to the hype for me.

Should I continue watching?

Penn · 22-01-2013 4:33pm

Yes. At least finish the first season. It's a very common problem, and one that I had myself the first time I watched it. I gave up after 4 or 5 episodes. Thought it was alright, but nothing special. But a week later, I said I may as well finish the first season. Finished the whole 5-season boxset in about 2 weeks after that.

The beginning of the first season is very slow, and it doesn't necessarily explain a lot of what's going on (in fact, most of the seasons can be like that), but it pays off by the end of each season. And in hindsight, a lot more was actually happening in the first few episodes than I'd realised.

Stick it out and finish the first season at least. If it still hasn't grabbed you by then, fair enough.

Also, try not to judge it by how other people may have hyped it up. Just take it as is.

Tombo2001 · 22-01-2013 4:45pm

Best TV I've ever seen.

One thing, the dialogue can be quite hard to understand sometimes especially in series 1.

I watched the first few episodes of series 1 there recently, thought it was even more awesome than the first time I saw it.

But you know what, if its not for you its not for you.

Series 1 of Breaking Bad left me a bit bored and I havent watched the rest of it. The world and its mother seems to disagree with me on that show.

.red. · 22-01-2013 4:54pm

keep watching. there's episodes in every series that seem like nothing at all has happened and your wondering what was the point in that.
i gave up after series 3 thinking that each series was the same but started series 4 again a few months ago and had 5 finished 3 weeks later. it gets better and better and series 5 is one of the best ive seen from any tv show. things happen that are just so unbelievable you think it couldnt be written and has to be a true story. its very funny in parts too.
the last 2 episodes of each series are very well written and bring it all together like a jig saw.
keep going, finish series 1 anyway and see what you think then. you'll only be wondering otherwise.

mossy464 · 22-01-2013 8:41pm

True. I will stick with it for the rest of the first season anyway and see from there.

Thanks for the replies

yabadabado · 22-01-2013 8:42pm

definitely keep watching .

gimmick · 23-01-2013 1:59pm

If it helps, watch it with subtitles as sometimes the dialogue can be very fast/indecipherable.

Defo keep going anyway. Though if you are 5 episodes in and haven't started enjoying it yet, you may not at all.

kryogen · 24-01-2013 2:48am

I have found while introducing The Wire o new people that the biggest issues they have is season 1, keeping track of the characters and actually understanding the dialogue but when they stuck with it I havent had anybody ever tell me they did not like the show

Custardpi · 24-01-2013 3:08am

There's a huge amount of structure laying in Season 1, basically putting down the foundations of how the characters & the institutions they work for (Police, Barksdale organisation) operate & interact with each other. The universe they eventually create is an incredibly detailed & compelling one but it can be hard to get into at first. It took me about 5 episodes to properly get into it but it became an addiction after that as I became engrossed in the personal stories of each character (so many different threads going on in each episode & series), whether that be McNulty, Omar, Bubbles or whoever & wanted to see where they went & did next.

If you do persevere & find that you're able to get through the 5 seasons go back to the start of Season 1 & watch the first few episodes that you struggled with. That's what I did & with a prior understanding of the dramatis personae & their world I was struck by how incredibly rich the dialogue was & how well the characters were drawn, something you might not properly appreciate the first time around as you struggle to take in the complexity of the story being created before your eyes.

mossy464 · 24-01-2013 10:10am

Well, I've watched another 2 episodes so now I'm up to 6 in the first season.

Now its definitely grabbed me and I want to continue watching.

Sinfonia · 24-01-2013 8:47pm

Looking ahead, the start of Season 2 can be a stumbling block too, because in some ways it's a daring departure from the first season (although not too much).

Took me a couple of episodes into Season 2 to get fully back into it again, and after that I was hooked. I've now watched the whole thing 10 times.

Funglegunk · 25-01-2013 10:09am

mossy464 wrote: »

Well, I've watched another 2 episodes so now I'm up to 6 in the first season.

Now its definitely grabbed me and I want to continue watching.

Awesome.

That's pretty much when it grabbed me too!

DeepBlue · 25-01-2013 4:39pm

I think it was the end of episode 10 of series 1 when I got hooked. Definitely at least finish the first season.

trashcan · 27-01-2013 7:43pm

mossy464 wrote: »

Well, I've watched another 2 episodes so now I'm up to 6 in the first season.

Now its definitely grabbed me and I want to continue watching.

Wait till you get to the end of the first season then !! Have to agree with most of the comments above. I found it ok at first. Got more into it as season 1 progressed. By the end of the first season and with how it was wrapped up I realised that I was watching something pretty special. If you keep watching till season 3 or 4 I pretty much guarantee you'll become as much of a bore about it as the rest of us on here are

RodgersLFC · 27-01-2013 10:19pm

For me, it was at the end of season 1, when things were wrapping up, and you got a good idea of the overall story. It was hard to get into at first, the dialogue can be hard to understand and its always an effort getting to know new characters.

Its now my favourite television show of all time. It really rewards the patient viewer. Fantastic show.

Mick Murdock · 12-03-2013 5:18pm

I thought I was the only one who found it really hard to follow and understand the early episodes.. I don't have a great attention span and found I really had to concentrate hard and rewatch scenes numerous times to get whats going on.. There is so many scenes/characters.

This thread has inspired me to go back to it..

kryogen · 13-03-2013 3:26am

Do, once you get immersed in the universe created by The Wire it is fantastic!

SimonPRepublic · 13-03-2013 3:39am

Giving up after the first few episodes would be like giving up a book after the initial chapters. The producers are just setting the scene at the very bottom of the drug distribution ladder. This series has more layers than an onion.

Tip: lots of people watch the first series with the subtitles on

Morzadec · 06-05-2013 9:11am

Tombo2001 wrote: »

Series 1 of Breaking Bad left me a bit bored and I havent watched the rest of it. The world and its mother seems to disagree with me on that show.

Go back to Breaking Bad imo - there was a stage where I briefly gave up (in season 2 I think). I thought it was getting a little stale and while I was enjoying it I wasn't sure it was worth the time investment. But it gets really really good and without a doubt worth sticking with.

Mick Murdock · 25-05-2013 11:19am

kryogen wrote: »

Do, once you get immersed in the universe created by The Wire it is fantastic!

I have done so and like you said I have been converted.. Still on the first series but it is indeed excellent! Brilliantly written. I was surprised to read that ratings were fairly so-so in the US when it aired on HBO. Became a classic afterwards..

PropJoe10 · 26-05-2013 1:38pm

Just finished season 2 for the third time, absolutely superb. There is nothing to equal The Wire in terms of realism, brilliant writing and unforgettable characters.

James McNulty · 28-05-2013 8:52am

mossy464 wrote: »

Hi,

I've finally got around to watching the wire since iv heard so much hype about it.

Im 4 episodes into the first season and I must say its a bit of a struggle for me.

Some of my favourite tv shows are 24, The Mentalist, Dexter, House, The Shield along with many others but so far the wire isnt really living up to the hype for me.

Should I continue watching?

YES. The importance of this show is up there with finding a cure for cancer, ending world hunger etc

mossy464 · 28-06-2013 3:36pm

Well I'm glad I stuck with it as now I'm hooked.

On season 3 now. Brilliant show.

mightyreds · 29-06-2013 1:30am

Just came on to ask the same question and see this thread up, on ep. 8 found it hard at the start to follow every character was getting lost in the story.
I liked the first 4 or 5 but didn't get really into like I did breaking bad its starting to pick up now judging from the replys in here I'm going stick with it and finish out the season

Mick Murdock · 09-07-2013 1:34pm

mightyreds wrote: »

Just came on to ask the same question and see this thread up, on ep. 8 found it hard at the start to follow every character was getting lost in the story.
I liked the first 4 or 5 but didn't get really into like I did breaking bad its starting to pick up now judging from the replys in here I'm going stick with it and finish out the season

I wasn't gripped until episode 10 or so of the first season.. It's a slow burner, but it does come to a climax in the last few eps of the first season.

Keep going.

mightyreds · 09-07-2013 2:06pm

Finished off the first season last week very good last few episodes and satisfying final episode really made the season as a whole great, cant wait to start the second season now.

wendell borton · 14-07-2013 12:15pm

Season two is definitely my favourite, keep at it.

trashcan · 14-07-2013 1:27pm

mightyreds wrote: »

Just came on to ask the same question and see this thread up, on ep. 8 found it hard at the start to follow every character was getting lost in the story.
I liked the first 4 or 5 but didn't get really into like I did breaking bad its starting to pick up now judging from the replys in here I'm going stick with it and finish out the season

For this very reason it's a show that bears repeated viewing. I was surprised when I watched season 1 for the second time how much I'd missed/forgotten. It's definitely worth persisting with.

fred funk }{ · 03-08-2013 4:52am

It's back on Sky Atlantic every Friday night. I watched the second episode series one tonight.

Alfred Borden · 16-11-2013 10:09pm

having the same problem right now, only a couple of episodes in but find it hard to stick to it and follow, hard to know whether to keep on watching even though everyone has such good words for it.

PropJoe10 · 17-11-2013 12:36am

Raf32 wrote: »

having the same problem right now, only a couple of episodes in but find it hard to stick to it and follow, hard to know whether to keep on watching even though everyone has such good words for it.

You cant truly judge any TV show after a couple of episodes but especially not the Wire. There's so much to digest, it can be tough going at the start, but once you get to know who is who, you wont look back. I'd advise you to watch at least the first 8 episodes - if you're still not feeling it by then, fair enough. But its a show that really needs to be watched for the full season. Its like a book, it builds to a season conclusion. Its well worth the effort.

Alfred Borden · 17-11-2013 12:40am

PropJoe10 wrote: »

You cant truly judge any TV show after a couple of episodes but especially not the Wire. There's so much to digest, it can be tough going at the start, but once you get to know who is who, you wont look back. I'd advise you to watch at least the first 8 episodes - if you're still not feeling it by then, fair enough. But its a show that really needs to be watched for the full season. Its like a book, it builds to a season conclusion. Its well worth the effort.

Everyone is saying that so going to hang out for a bit more, going on to the 6th episode so will see out the season anyways.

kumate_champ07 · 17-11-2013 6:34pm

subtitles can help if you miss something. the slang is great, so much depth in the show you'll see things you didnt notice the second time round

Alfred Borden · 18-11-2013 8:41pm

I take it all back, nearly done season 1 and this show in unbelievable!

PropJoe10 · 18-11-2013 9:32pm

Raf32 wrote: »

I take it all back, nearly done season 1 and this show in unbelievable!

Its the best television show of all time in my book. Glad you're enjoying it

kumate_champ07 · 19-11-2013 12:14am

I watched all 5 seasons over 2 weeks last year, just watched the 5th season again, 1 episode per day. now having seen Breaking Bad twice I can truly say not only is The Wire the best tv drama ever, there will never be anything that tops it! its just too well crafted, a work of art/a study on the human condition and modern societies flaws/just bloody good tv!

Game of Thrones is currently my favorite tv, tho Im not a fan of fantasy

Alfred Borden · 19-11-2013 1:00am

kumate_champ07 wrote: »

I watched all 5 seasons over 2 weeks last year, just watched the 5th season again, 1 episode per day. now having seen Breaking Bad twice I can truly say not only is The Wire the best tv drama ever, there will never be anything that tops it! its just too well crafted, a work of art/a study on the human condition and modern societies flaws/just bloody good tv!

Game of Thrones is currently my favorite tv, tho Im not a fan of fantasy

Sopranos for me atm but could change within finishing this!

JustShon · 19-11-2013 1:08am

I got lucky when I was introduced to The Wire; I wasn't just told "It's the best TV show ever" (which it is imo) I was actually warned that it's a slow-starter so to speak. I think people should generally append their recommendations of The Wire with that. It takes ages to get where it's going in general, but where it's going is usually awesome.

PropJoe10 · 19-11-2013 6:39pm

http://www.vulture.com/2011/06/attorney_general_eric_holder_w.html

tunguska · 23-11-2013 11:28am

Raf32 wrote: »

I take it all back, nearly done season 1 and this show in unbelievable!

+1.
I was bought The Wire season 1 as a christmas present 3 yrs ago, watched the first episode and I was like, what da fcuk, why is everybody going crazy over this show, its absolute pants. And that was that, but 3 years later.........Im halfway through season 1 and man this is better than people were saying it was, Im really getting into it.

rob316 · 25-11-2013 3:24pm

I just finished a re-watch of the whole series (ok its my 2nd re-watch

).

There's one thing bugging me is how do the Greeks just manage to turn up in season 5 after having to run away at the end of season 2. Same diner and all they were in still meeting in. Weren't they wanted men?

PropJoe10 · 26-11-2013 4:32pm

rob316 wrote: »

I just finished a re-watch of the whole series (ok its my 2nd re-watch ).

There's one thing bugging me is how do the Greeks just manage to turn up in season 5 after having to run away at the end of season 2. Same diner and all they were in still meeting in. Weren't they wanted men?

At the end of season 2, Spiros and the Greek left the country. Spiros left under a fake name and fake passport so I assume he slipped back in under the same method. He also appeared in season 4 after Omar hits the shipment, he meets with Prop Joe and Marlo. So I guess he slipped back in after the port investigation died down.

Mossy_Da_Dog · 01-02-2014 9:40pm

I've just finished Series 3 and I really enjoyed it. Se 02 was a bit full of big meatheads, I prefer it when it's about the cops and the druglords.

Alfred Borden · 01-02-2014 9:41pm

Mossy_Da_Dog wrote: »

I've just finished Series 3 and I really enjoyed it. Se 02 was a bit full of big meatheads, I prefer it when it's about the cops and the druglords.

season 4 is the best imo, so you have a lot to look forward to!

Mossy_Da_Dog · 01-02-2014 9:48pm

oooh goodie!!! I was shocked at the end of SE1 when Kenzi (female detective) got shot... because no one else was watching it when I was, i had no one to talk to about it!! Glad I found this thread here

Alfred Borden · 01-02-2014 9:50pm

Mossy_Da_Dog wrote: »

oooh goodie!!! I was shocked at the end of SE1 when Kenzi (female detective) got shot... because no one else was watching it when I was, i had no one to talk to about it!! Glad I found this thread here

i was the same as you, only started and finished it a few months ago and had absolutely no-one to talk about with it too! :pac: Ya i dont think anyone saw that coming but thats the show in general so suprising and just so god damn addictive, Stringer Bell was a hero in my opinion :pac:

Mossy_Da_Dog · 01-02-2014 9:54pm

sob sob... Im still only grieving the (hot) stringer bell... (in my world, he got shot last night!!).
I loved the way the other 2 ganged up on him though.
Felt v sad for the Major who set up Hamsterdam being stripped of his powers...

So what you watching now?

Alfred Borden · 01-02-2014 9:56pm

Mossy_Da_Dog wrote: »

sob sob... Im still only grieving the (hot) stringer bell... (in my world, he got shot last night!!).
I loved the way the other 2 ganged up on him though.
Felt v sad for the Major who set up Hamsterdam being stripped of his powers...

So what you watching now?

just wait for these next two seasons your going to be out of your mind with not having anyone to talk to :pac: I finished Mad men a few weeks ago and all set for the final season now but finding it hard to get into anything after watching the sopranos, the wire, breaking bad and that back to back, the standard just drops way too much. how about you? any suggestions?

Mossy_Da_Dog · 01-02-2014 10:09pm

Oh I love de Mad Men... have you watched Kevin Spacey in House of Cards? SE2 is about to start on netflix, but SE1 is brill! I just started on "News Room" it's good, got a feisty female character as well as male, is written by Aaron Sorkin who did The West Wing, give it a try, it's good.

Alfred Borden · 01-02-2014 10:14pm

Mossy_Da_Dog wrote: »

Oh I love de Mad Men... have you watched Kevin Spacey in House of Cards? SE2 is about to start on netflix, but SE1 is brill! I just started on "News Room" it's good, got a feisty female character as well as male, is written by Aaron Sorkin who did The West Wing, give it a try, it's good.

yes its absolutely brilliant, only two weeks now and thats my whole weekend full up then

Thats what i was thinking of starting next tbh actually, looks very good and cant go wrong with Sorkin, either that or a toss up between Boardwalk Empire and the Shield

Mossy_Da_Dog · 01-02-2014 11:08pm

I watched 1 Boardwalk Empire and didn't really do it for me.
I'm not into series where you have to watch 24 episodes before it gets good (BB!!)
Enjoy

Keep watching or not.

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