The level of denial 😂😂 Dee is gone but he's still pivotal, the past is always prologue in this show. His death looms so large over this season that I always think it comes in the first or second episode, not halfway through it. Also glad you're hooked on Sobotka, what a character. Plus this episode brought Prop Joe back, another favorite from the show.
Just to clarify: Stringer talked to a guy in his car about a hit (an assassination) he wanted on DiAngelo. The assassin remarked that Stringer calling someone from out of town must mean that he's doing something behind Avon's back. The hit on DiAngelo was not sanctioned by Avon, that was all Stringer's decision alone to cover his ass because he could not trust that eventually Di would give him and his uncle up to get out of prison early. It was a pragmatic move despite the fact that Avon is the boss and Di should've been protected by him. Also, that whole business with the drugs laced with poison was a "two birds with one stone" type deal. One, it would allow Avon to use that event as a way to get out of prison earlier by providing info to the cops. And two, he's gonna point the finger to the crooked prison guard that messed with Wee-Bey and his plastic fish and get him in trouble to get him off Bey and solve that issue as well since Wee-Bey is in prison for life.
The laced drugs, I'd argue, had a third effect. Avon subtly warned Di to stop with the drugs right before the laced package went out, which only makes this all so much more tragic, knowing that Avon really does love Di. Despite their disagreements, he'd never do a thing to hurt Di.
@@JoeB779 Avon does love D'Angelo and is big on family but in that instance he definitely took a gamble with D'Angelo's life. It was essentially a secret test of character for him. Also can't forget that it is Avon's fault that D'Angelo got arrested by the police at the end of Season 1. Not necessarily disagreeing with you fully but the show makes it clear that Avon's relationship with D'Angelo is misguided.
Couldn't agree more. It also adds more depth to how sinister Stringer is - flashback to the scene an episode or 2 ago where he's holding D's son saying your father is bucking us. I think Stringer was weighing out offing D while holding D's son...
@@DimenJump Oh no he definitely was. The main reason that scene is so disturbing and chilling. It's also to show that Stringer is using Donnette to get the truth of how D'Angelo is moving as opposed to Avon who had been keeping the truth to only himself and Brianna. Season 2 does a great job at expanding Stringer's character compared to Season 1. He's despicable af but also a compelling figure to watch any time he's on screen.
@JoeB779 Avon thinks he loves him but in reality all he does is think about himself. He risked D'Angelo's life with that laced drug move. He was also subtly coming around to the idea of giving up on D'Angelo. I don't think we was considering taking him out during his previous chat with Stringer, but he was definitely eyeing up what a future without Dee would look like. I personally think that his conversation with Avon about Dee gave String the impetus to carry out the hit.
16:09 The best of the best. Stoked to hear you say it! Gotta say, I reckon a few people were pretty bummed when Succession beat this on the poll. That's a bit of fun and all, but c'mon. The Wire is next level TV. Thanks for getting round to watching it.
I know 😂, the man is killing me with these alternate names. I keep waiting for him to catch on but it’s nails on a chalkboard at this point. Love you channel James, been subscribed for a long time, but I’m askin, help me out with Stringer Bell.
Omar speaking about always being fascinated with myths kinda tells me why he carries himself like that. Doing crimes on his own name, acting larger than life and such. Man is making his own modern myth. The way people yell when he is walking by, shows that he is a bit of a god of war himself. And I absolutely loved how that smug lawyer has more or less been on top of every situation up to this point. Even when McNulty threatened him, he was smug about them needing to resort to threats to get to him. And here Omar just shuts him up. Also, gotta love it how when the judge asked if Bird was Jesus Christ come again, Bird actually took a second to think on it. Also, while it is not outwardly stated, I think the way Ziggy comes off, with his cluelessness, impulsive nature, and inability to think things through, that he might be on the spectrum (or at least he might had like ADHD or something). And being raised by pretty much tough guys his entire life, he really only has his constant acting out, his devil may care attitude and protective family, as the things that keep him going. That is my reading of that character at least. He is just a bit removed from the reality that other people live in, know the rules for, and accept.
I recall watching the DVD commentary and the writers did say something the lines of "Omar is the only real mythical type character we have. Compared to everyone else who is grounded in reality." That scene with Omar about Aries was definitely about his character.
Great point about Omar - David Simon referred to him as The Wire's sole mythic character, in that he's the only person who isn't beholden to an institution. He marches to the beat of his own drum and answers to no one - which, despite America's reputation for individualism, is becoming increasingly rare.
Omar in the court may be my favorite thing in The Wire. Even more so than the scene where McNutty And Bunk solve the case with just the f-word. Omar in court just brings the absurdity of everything going on to the surface.
D'Angelo's death was the hardest to take -- they started showing him going in a new direction, really growing into who he could've been, and then BOOM -- snuffed out...
@@MiscellanyVignettes Bruhhhhh...was literally yelling at my screen do you hear me 😂😂😂 So sad to see D'Angelo go but a great move on the show part. *No one* in this series is safe and the story comes first even at the cost of a beloved character such as D'Angelo 😞 James still hasn't seen anything yet 🤣
10:58 yes, sir. This shows that not only is Dee quitting his narcotic usage, but also that he wants to completely cut ties with his family and hoping to be a good influence on his kid…too bad his foreshadow that “shit caught up with him” is essentially what happened to him.
That "whole shadow of their father" thing is applicable to D'Angelo too. That conversation with his mother where it feels like she was grooming him for the streets is arguably the same thing as the way Frank has tried to pull Ziggy and Nick in to his industry
In death, at least D'Angelo was able to find peace. Throughout his time in the show, all he wanted was out and to be his own. He had that. He should've lived so much longer, but that short amount of peace he found was the only peace he ever had in his life. Imagine if he had taken that deal, and the weight that puts on his mother, who now has to bury a son because of her actions. She'll never know the peace that he found.
As tragic as most of this series is, with violence, and just plain sad lives of the addicted... The humor is so well played. Subtle, timely, and hilarious. The screen writing is exceptional, and those words, given to masterful performers, has created a timeless, amazing show. (And we're only in S02!!!)
A little more than 20 years ago, I "discovered" The Wire on episode 6 of season 2. I had just watched something else on HBO (probably The Sopranos or Deadwood) and had not changed channels when the cold open for The Wire came on. Honestly, it was Omar's scar that first grabbed my attention - I remember wondering if it was real, how it was acquired - then the guy with the scar talked about Greek and Roman myths, before taking the witness stand to testify that he stuck up drug dealers as a living. At that point I was thinking "well, that's different", when the opening titles started. This was not an easy show to jump into the middle of, but after seeing mythology, testimony, Gatsby, a mannequin, Ziggy's memories, Bunk's nausea, the Greeks, the "talk" with Cheese, Prop Joe's Thanksgiving concerns, Mrs. McNulty frolicking, politics, a scene at a real club that I had been to, and a prison murder, I was not sure who was who, or what they were all doing, but I was hooked after that one episode.
Plan and execution from better call saul and the end of this episode are two moments that had me freaking the fuck out at the tv. Damn man, I hope Deangelo can get his get back next episode😂
The way I see it Dee's speech at the book club is where his story arc peaked and where he attained enlightenment so to speak. After that point the only thing left for him to do is die.
Omar on the stand is one of the all-time great scenes in the show, and that's saying something. To this day I'm so tore up about losing Michael K. Williams. He was taken from us way too soon.
Omar calling Levy on his BS is one of my favorite moments in the whole series. Don't be so hard on Cheryl. Kima has a history of infidelity, so it's not just irrational jealousy on Cheryl's part. Kima took Cheryl to the port to show her what's at stake, that actual real women died an awful death. It was Kima's way of saying, "You don't have to worry about me. I'm not doing this for fun."
I’m only on this same episode so far. But I’m pretty sure that D is dead. That guy was a hired thug to put the hit on him. It’s possible he didn’t check to see if there was still a pulse. But the way his head slumped and how long he choked him out, it would be a minor miracle for him to still be alive. That would be harder for to believe for me than that he’s dead. I could feel this death coming some of the previous episode, and almost all of this one. There was so much foreshadowing with the GREAT GATSBY book discussion, his conversation with him mom, that least scene with Avon, the way the closeup focused on the brutal act of the killing etc. It would almost feel like a cheat now, if he’s still alive. But I’m open to however they do it. It’s such a great show. And I’m with you on Frank’s character and also the entire Omar arc in this episode and his courtroom scenes. Pure gold! Thanks for your reaction.
Hey James, there is a new trailer for the new Daredevil show. I hope you get to watch it when it comes out. I cannot wait, I found you from the daredevil reactions. Cheers!
@16:03 look there's a lot of stories with tighter scripts, better seasons on seasons but The Wire to me is the best TV show ever made. I don't care. Followed by Breaking bad and Mr Robot of course
They took my boy!!!! The Wire & The Office & The Penguin & Always Sunny & More on Patreon! Click here: www.patreon.com/jamesvscinema Have a great day y'all!
Many consider the second season to be the worst. But in my opinion it is one of the best, and it shows the very core problem. Ordinary people with their ordinary jobs, most of them. It seems to me that Nick is the image of an ordinary worker in American society of the early 00s. Look, he is not stupid, not weak, ready to work, he even has an uncle at the port authority. He has a girlfriend with a child, he is ready to take responsibility for the family, but he cannot afford housing...
Nick was definitely meant to be the most relatable of the three Sobotka's as far as the viewer identifying with the character method. In fact a lot of first time watchers tend to gravitate towards Nick the most. Frank and Ziggy usually stand out more on rewatches for most people which is why it's so refreshing seeing James and others take a liking of Frank's story and character right off the bat.
@@monadreher2428yeah I'm in the camp that took a like to Frank from the jump. He is my favorite character of Season 2 and makes my top 5 list of The Wire characters.
From my observations Nicky is one of the few truly racist characters. He has an attitude that he should not be living the way he does because he is white, he also looks down on the black people he has interacted with because they sell drugs, he feels he is above them and that type of activity but ultimately becomes what he looks down on people for doing. He is a very layered character along with Frank.
@@emsee7602 If you look at it from the point of view of a neoliberal, you may be right. From the point of view of the rest of the people, who make up the vast majority of the world, what you are saying is nonsense.
@@KrushgrooveOG Awesome. Not one of my absolute favorites but I do with rock with Frank and objectively I'd say he's a top tier Wire character. Like very top tier.
“I got the shotgun, you got the briefcase, It’s all in the game tho, right?” Shhhiiii
“Dude you got to get your get back” 😭 😭
The level of denial 😂😂
Dee is gone but he's still pivotal, the past is always prologue in this show. His death looms so large over this season that I always think it comes in the first or second episode, not halfway through it.
Also glad you're hooked on Sobotka, what a character. Plus this episode brought Prop Joe back, another favorite from the show.
Just to clarify: Stringer talked to a guy in his car about a hit (an assassination) he wanted on DiAngelo. The assassin remarked that Stringer calling someone from out of town must mean that he's doing something behind Avon's back. The hit on DiAngelo was not sanctioned by Avon, that was all Stringer's decision alone to cover his ass because he could not trust that eventually Di would give him and his uncle up to get out of prison early. It was a pragmatic move despite the fact that Avon is the boss and Di should've been protected by him.
Also, that whole business with the drugs laced with poison was a "two birds with one stone" type deal. One, it would allow Avon to use that event as a way to get out of prison earlier by providing info to the cops. And two, he's gonna point the finger to the crooked prison guard that messed with Wee-Bey and his plastic fish and get him in trouble to get him off Bey and solve that issue as well since Wee-Bey is in prison for life.
The laced drugs, I'd argue, had a third effect. Avon subtly warned Di to stop with the drugs right before the laced package went out, which only makes this all so much more tragic, knowing that Avon really does love Di. Despite their disagreements, he'd never do a thing to hurt Di.
@@JoeB779 Avon does love D'Angelo and is big on family but in that instance he definitely took a gamble with D'Angelo's life. It was essentially a secret test of character for him. Also can't forget that it is Avon's fault that D'Angelo got arrested by the police at the end of Season 1. Not necessarily disagreeing with you fully but the show makes it clear that Avon's relationship with D'Angelo is misguided.
Couldn't agree more. It also adds more depth to how sinister Stringer is - flashback to the scene an episode or 2 ago where he's holding D's son saying your father is bucking us. I think Stringer was weighing out offing D while holding D's son...
@@DimenJump Oh no he definitely was. The main reason that scene is so disturbing and chilling. It's also to show that Stringer is using Donnette to get the truth of how D'Angelo is moving as opposed to Avon who had been keeping the truth to only himself and Brianna. Season 2 does a great job at expanding Stringer's character compared to Season 1. He's despicable af but also a compelling figure to watch any time he's on screen.
@JoeB779 Avon thinks he loves him but in reality all he does is think about himself. He risked D'Angelo's life with that laced drug move. He was also subtly coming around to the idea of giving up on D'Angelo. I don't think we was considering taking him out during his previous chat with Stringer, but he was definitely eyeing up what a future without Dee would look like. I personally think that his conversation with Avon about Dee gave String the impetus to carry out the hit.
RIP Michael Kenneth Williams and Lance Reddick, both awesome and sorely missed
At least D finally found out where wallace was 😂😂😂
LMFAOOOO
bruh this is so sad and funny at the same time
Ayy yooo 😅
Ay yo!!!😂😂😂😂
Down in Texas, as they meet up again in Friday Night Lights season 5...
“I don’t believe he’s dead” Lmao James is gonna have the harsh realization that it’s not that type of show
16:09 The best of the best. Stoked to hear you say it! Gotta say, I reckon a few people were pretty bummed when Succession beat this on the poll. That's a bit of fun and all, but c'mon. The Wire is next level TV. Thanks for getting round to watching it.
I know I'm not hearing "Springer" when it's Stringer🤔🤣
I know 😂, the man is killing me with these alternate names. I keep waiting for him to catch on but it’s nails on a chalkboard at this point. Love you channel James, been subscribed for a long time, but I’m askin, help me out with Stringer Bell.
Springer from The Wire vs Marlene from Mr. Robot
The denial at the end😂
Omar speaking about always being fascinated with myths kinda tells me why he carries himself like that. Doing crimes on his own name, acting larger than life and such. Man is making his own modern myth. The way people yell when he is walking by, shows that he is a bit of a god of war himself. And I absolutely loved how that smug lawyer has more or less been on top of every situation up to this point. Even when McNulty threatened him, he was smug about them needing to resort to threats to get to him. And here Omar just shuts him up. Also, gotta love it how when the judge asked if Bird was Jesus Christ come again, Bird actually took a second to think on it.
Also, while it is not outwardly stated, I think the way Ziggy comes off, with his cluelessness, impulsive nature, and inability to think things through, that he might be on the spectrum (or at least he might had like ADHD or something). And being raised by pretty much tough guys his entire life, he really only has his constant acting out, his devil may care attitude and protective family, as the things that keep him going. That is my reading of that character at least. He is just a bit removed from the reality that other people live in, know the rules for, and accept.
I recall watching the DVD commentary and the writers did say something the lines of "Omar is the only real mythical type character we have. Compared to everyone else who is grounded in reality." That scene with Omar about Aries was definitely about his character.
Great point about Omar - David Simon referred to him as The Wire's sole mythic character, in that he's the only person who isn't beholden to an institution. He marches to the beat of his own drum and answers to no one - which, despite America's reputation for individualism, is becoming increasingly rare.
Also: "The Greeks called him Ares."
Greeks are kind of an incredibly important element this season.
@@RevanBC There's actually a surprising amount of reference to Greek tragedies and Greek gods in this show and thats not on accident
@@laurensb1b do tell.
Omar in the court may be my favorite thing in The Wire. Even more so than the scene where McNutty And Bunk solve the case with just the f-word. Omar in court just brings the absurdity of everything going on to the surface.
D'Angelo's death was the hardest to take -- they started showing him going in a new direction, really growing into who he could've been, and then BOOM -- snuffed out...
@@MiscellanyVignettes Bruhhhhh...was literally yelling at my screen do you hear me 😂😂😂 So sad to see D'Angelo go but a great move on the show part. *No one* in this series is safe and the story comes first even at the cost of a beloved character such as D'Angelo 😞 James still hasn't seen anything yet 🤣
10:58 yes, sir. This shows that not only is Dee quitting his narcotic usage, but also that he wants to completely cut ties with his family and hoping to be a good influence on his kid…too bad his foreshadow that “shit caught up with him” is essentially what happened to him.
Just when Dee was ready to get real with his story, the past caught up to him.
That "whole shadow of their father" thing is applicable to D'Angelo too. That conversation with his mother where it feels like she was grooming him for the streets is arguably the same thing as the way Frank has tried to pull Ziggy and Nick in to his industry
Omar is legit a Top 10 TV character of all time
"Bird covet them shiny little pistols" - Omar forever!
In death, at least D'Angelo was able to find peace. Throughout his time in the show, all he wanted was out and to be his own. He had that. He should've lived so much longer, but that short amount of peace he found was the only peace he ever had in his life. Imagine if he had taken that deal, and the weight that puts on his mother, who now has to bury a son because of her actions. She'll never know the peace that he found.
As tragic as most of this series is, with violence, and just plain sad lives of the addicted... The humor is so well played. Subtle, timely, and hilarious. The screen writing is exceptional, and those words, given to masterful performers, has created a timeless, amazing show. (And we're only in S02!!!)
A little more than 20 years ago, I "discovered" The Wire on episode 6 of season 2. I had just watched something else on HBO (probably The Sopranos or Deadwood) and had not changed channels when the cold open for The Wire came on.
Honestly, it was Omar's scar that first grabbed my attention - I remember wondering if it was real, how it was acquired - then the guy with the scar talked about Greek and Roman myths, before taking the witness stand to testify that he stuck up drug dealers as a living. At that point I was thinking "well, that's different", when the opening titles started.
This was not an easy show to jump into the middle of, but after seeing mythology, testimony, Gatsby, a mannequin, Ziggy's memories, Bunk's nausea, the Greeks, the "talk" with Cheese, Prop Joe's Thanksgiving concerns, Mrs. McNulty frolicking, politics, a scene at a real club that I had been to, and a prison murder, I was not sure who was who, or what they were all doing, but I was hooked after that one episode.
I appreciate that you leave the little blurbs in that some might trim out as mistakes. To that end my mom would say "I can take you out" also.
My mama always said the same thing! 😂
Plan and execution from better call saul and the end of this episode are two moments that had me freaking the fuck out at the tv. Damn man, I hope Deangelo can get his get back next episode😂
I felt hesitant first to comment that but then you said it first haha that Kermit look
ayo what up bird
The way I see it Dee's speech at the book club is where his story arc peaked and where he attained enlightenment so to speak. After that point the only thing left for him to do is die.
Omar on the stand is one of the all-time great scenes in the show, and that's saying something. To this day I'm so tore up about losing Michael K. Williams. He was taken from us way too soon.
Loved his performance in Battlefield 3 too. Underrated!
@@JamesVSCinema"What are these? Cocktail guns?"
Chris Bauer (Frank Sobotka) has a great part in HBO’s The Duece. Great show worth checking out.
That final scene in The Deuce is one of the greatest moments in television history, imo
Omar calling Levy on his BS is one of my favorite moments in the whole series.
Don't be so hard on Cheryl. Kima has a history of infidelity, so it's not just irrational jealousy on Cheryl's part. Kima took Cheryl to the port to show her what's at stake, that actual real women died an awful death. It was Kima's way of saying, "You don't have to worry about me. I'm not doing this for fun."
Kima’s missus is a damn pain the ass. Justified or not.
Damn, that denial hit hard.
18:00 man why you disrespecting my boy like that 😭
I see it tho
If @JamesVSCinema wants more Lance Reddick in his life, he should be watching Fringe.
I’m only on this same episode so far. But I’m pretty sure that D is dead. That guy was a hired thug to put the hit on him. It’s possible he didn’t check to see if there was still a pulse. But the way his head slumped and how long he choked him out, it would be a minor miracle for him to still be alive.
That would be harder for to believe for me than that he’s dead. I could feel this death coming some of the previous episode, and almost all of this one.
There was so much foreshadowing with the GREAT GATSBY book discussion, his conversation with him mom, that least scene with Avon, the way the closeup focused on the brutal act of the killing etc.
It would almost feel like a cheat now, if he’s still alive.
But I’m open to however they do it. It’s such a great show.
And I’m with you on Frank’s character and also the entire Omar arc in this episode and his courtroom scenes. Pure gold!
Thanks for your reaction.
Hey James, there is a new trailer for the new Daredevil show. I hope you get to watch it when it comes out. I cannot wait, I found you from the daredevil reactions. Cheers!
Thanks for this!!
Man I hate Stringer for Wallace and D's deaths. I'm Team Avon F Stringer😂
@16:03 look there's a lot of stories with tighter scripts, better seasons on seasons but The Wire to me is the best TV show ever made. I don't care. Followed by Breaking bad and Mr Robot of course
It’s Wire Wednesday!
Lol d‘Angelo gone bro
Stringer is smart, but he's amoral at best
---- Frank Costanza ----
Bro just got strangled this isn’t the mcu my man lol
99th.
I have a crush on McNulty's wife. Wonder if she's still single?
Prettiest in the show, that nose and that face, how I picture Helen of Troy.
@makani9004 And she's got a little sass that I like......
I say you he dead
Love when Matt is in rage mode!! Please add Daredevil to Marvel Rivals asap
Wrong video, little guy
Kima's girlfriend is annoying
They took my boy!!!!
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Have a great day y'all!
9:34 they are brothers. its a union.
Many consider the second season to be the worst. But in my opinion it is one of the best, and it shows the very core problem. Ordinary people with their ordinary jobs, most of them. It seems to me that Nick is the image of an ordinary worker in American society of the early 00s. Look, he is not stupid, not weak, ready to work, he even has an uncle at the port authority. He has a girlfriend with a child, he is ready to take responsibility for the family, but he cannot afford housing...
Nick was definitely meant to be the most relatable of the three Sobotka's as far as the viewer identifying with the character method. In fact a lot of first time watchers tend to gravitate towards Nick the most. Frank and Ziggy usually stand out more on rewatches for most people which is why it's so refreshing seeing James and others take a liking of Frank's story and character right off the bat.
@@monadreher2428yeah I'm in the camp that took a like to Frank from the jump. He is my favorite character of Season 2 and makes my top 5 list of The Wire characters.
From my observations Nicky is one of the few truly racist characters. He has an attitude that he should not be living the way he does because he is white, he also looks down on the black people he has interacted with because they sell drugs, he feels he is above them and that type of activity but ultimately becomes what he looks down on people for doing. He is a very layered character along with Frank.
@@emsee7602 If you look at it from the point of view of a neoliberal, you may be right. From the point of view of the rest of the people, who make up the vast majority of the world, what you are saying is nonsense.
@@KrushgrooveOG Awesome. Not one of my absolute favorites but I do with rock with Frank and objectively I'd say he's a top tier Wire character. Like very top tier.