Discussion Thread: 5x01 - More With Less [SPOILERS]

ixoy

Well let's discuss the episode properly then, in a dedicated thread.

Firstly, great to have the show back and it's a shame now I've only nine new episodes left.

We're picking up several months on from where we finished up. The opening scene, with Bunk's interrogation and the lie detector was as funny as anything that's been done in the show, perhaps a reflection of David Simon's intent to inject a smidgen more humour into the show. What sold it is how the rest of the cops could barely contain themselves from bursting out laughing

Opening theme - not immediately drawn to this new version. Now I might grow to like it but, for now, it won't threaten my personal S4 favourite. Watching the opening titles, you realise just how big the cast is - and then combining it with the end credits... wow..

As much as I appreciate Bunk getting the opening quote here for the episode, I think Greggs' "same old ****" comment would've encapsulated the episode better.

It's good that we haven't jumped over significant events in the Major Case unit's investigations since we've been away. Marlo is still frustrating all their efforts (and I loved how he casually revealed that he knew he was being watched). McNulty's presence back is welcome as he has a real passion for it.

Carcetti seems to have lost the golden sheen he had as he was going into office. Already he seems broken by the realities of finance, fixing up the issues raised last season at the cost of the criminals. Reality bites hard - that's what so wonderful and killing about this show and we see how the Major Case unit is effectively disbanded. It was pretty much done with a stroke of a pen and a hurried conversation in a corridor and it's brilliantly frustrating knowing this is how it often happens.

Bubbles is back and seems to be cleaning up his act but I've a horrible feeling that, by the show's end, he'll back to bottom. I want to believe, but this is not a show about easy redemption.

Herc's new position, as a body guard to that scumbag lawyer and how he used his friends, shows truly what sort of guy he is. Sooner he's properly brought down, the better.
On the other card Carver is doing well for himself and his control of the meeting was good - you could really sense the pissed off feeling in the weekend and his own frustration at wanting to reach out to his guys.

Finally, we have the new angle - the Baltimore Sun which David Simon, co-creator, worked for. Nice here to see Clark Johnson as the head journalist - he played Meldrick in "Homicide: Life on the Street" which David Simon had heavy involvement with (an excellent show it was too). I'm guessing that their angle in the show will expose corruption on high - could it threaten Carcetti? Will it affect Clay Davis' work? Sheeeeeeet, I'm not sure yet but I reckon it'll be interesting.

Could go on for ages but it really is great to have it back. A show which doesn't patronise its viewers, which will trust you can work out what's going on by throwing you into natural conversations where characters aren't forced to give winsome exposition. One with a range of characters and little judgement passed on any. Great stuff.

tvnutz

Great to have it back,but sad that it is onyl for another 9 episodes.

Loved the start with Bunk and the photocopier. Pure genius!

Mcnulty back to his old ways,Major Crimes once again shut down,Carcetti in trouble,the whole police force pissed at him. it is just setting it up for a great season and the media aspect also looks like it could be interesting as well.

Just about to watch episode 2...:D

JPA

That bit with the photocopier was done before in Homicide:Life on the Street.

jayteecork

Hard to believe that anyone would fall for that photocopier stunt.

ixoy

JPA wrote: »

That bit with the photocopier was done before in Homicide:Life on the Street.

I had a feeling I had seen it before. Wonder if it was intentional that we saw it in the same episode as one of the major actors from that show turns up?

I also believe people would fall for it - remember these kids are poor, with next to no education. They know little of the world beyond the corners. Now you wouldn't catch the smarter ones - Bodie or Michael or probably even Bug.. - falling for it but amongst the lot there's going to be some right morons.

Now what did everyone else think of the other 55 minutes of the show ?

Placebo

whos bubbles? is it not bubba?
dissapointed at mc nulty, thought he had found the girl atlast.
so happy its back though

p.s: i like the journalist angle but i dont see how they will integrate into the whole picture of the series, other than getting at the mayor etc.

JPA

Placebo wrote: »

whos bubbles? is it not bubba?
dissapointed at mc nulty, thought he had found the girl atlast.
so happy its back though

p.s: i like the journalist angle but i dont see how they will integrate into the whole picture of the series, other than getting at the mayor etc.

Well I can see the media, maybe one or two of the journalists getting involved with some of the cops, using each other to get things done.

ixoy

Placebo wrote: »

whos bubbles? is it not bubba?

It's Bubbles.

Jay Ru

****ing great episode, best series opener so far. the photocopier was genuis and then "Americans are dumb by nature, we tend to believe most of what we hear" how many primetime t.v. show u know of gonna have a line like that in the open 5 mins of ep.1 in a series.

i've seen ep 2 already and boy is it good, .

theres a face to face between Marlo and Avon, and McNulty goes just a little to far

only 8 more ep's left

tvnutz

Jay Ru wrote: »

****ing great episode, best series opener so far. the photocopier was genuis and then "Americans are dumb by nature, we tend to believe most of what we hear" how many primetime t.v. show u know of gonna have a line like that in the open 5 mins of ep.1 in a series.

i've seen ep 2 already and boy is it good,

theres a face to face between Marlo and Avon, and McNulty goes just a little to far

. only 8 more ep's left

Spoilers for episode 2 man! this is an episode 1 thread. Luckily I have seen it and was surprised and thought it was really great that (Episode 2 Spoiler)-

Avon came back

Sherifu

Jay Ru wrote: »

****ing great episode, best series opener so far. the photocopier was genuis and then "Americans are dumb by nature, we tend to believe most of what we hear" how many primetime t.v. show u know of gonna have a line like that in the open 5 mins of ep.1 in a series.

Very true, was surprised at that line.

The other part of your post should be spoilered, this thread is for episode 1 as it says in the title.


The photocopier interrogation was genius.

godtabh

This thread is for S05E01 only.

For people who havent seen S05E02 please use spoliers.

A new thread for S05E02 will be started next week to give every one a chance to view S05E01

Crumbs

Great episode. The opening scene was priceless!

ixoy wrote: »

Finally, we have the new angle - the Baltimore Sun which David Simon, co-creator, worked for. Nice here to see Clark Johnson as the head journalist

I loved his quip about the photographer having a trunk full of dolls and pouring lighter fluid on one every time there's a fire.

It was interesting to see the mention of Sergei Malatov, coming after the appearance of Vondas in the season 4 finale. Good to have some more integration with the season 2 characters. I miss Ziggy and Nicky!

godtabh

Was a typical Wire opening. Sets it up for the rest of the season. I reckon its all gona kick off fairly soon

AnCapaillMor

Best series opening ever, the bunk!!!

Disssapointed with ncnulty too.

Lett

well i'm confused. i got the tip off here when lurking back in December that season 5 was starting in January, searched entertainment.ie and as i type this i'm watching season 4(!) on TG4 - what nite and station is season 5 on? thanks.

tvnutz

Lett wrote: »

well i'm confused. i got the tip off here when lurking back in December that season 5 was starting in January, searched entertainment.ie and as i type this i'm watching season 4(!) on TG4 - what nite and station is season 5 on? thanks.

Season 5 starting in the US tonight,no date for an Irish or Uk showing yet.

Lett

ok. season 4 is being repeated on TG4 starting at 12 last night and as i left for bed at 1.30 they were showing another episode if anyone wants to set their recorder next week. sorry for going a bit off topic.