Crimes and Misdemeanors

Sometimes television can be as compelling as a great book or movie. Deep in the bowels of entertainment, lies truth in television that manages to educate those blind to the daily plight of our neighbors; stirring emotions you never knew you possessed. All the while, this same program entertains you while strapping you to characters you laugh with, raise a glass to, and weep alongside.

HBO has once again done such a masterpiece. It isn't the Soprano's or Six Feet Under - clearly great works on their own. Still, they fall short of The Wire, which ended a five season run tonight. To say that I have an empty spot in my belly as the final credits rolled would be like saying McNulty has quit drinking (a reference not lost on the few fans).

Few fans indeed. The Today show had the creators of the Wire on for an interview prior to the start of season five. Critics rave that this show may be the best show ever made for television. So what if only the subscribers of HBO could see it in first run - if they new to tune in. Fortunately, you can now rent seasons 1-4 on DVD (or just buy them on ebay).

What's interesting is that each person tries to do the right thing in life at one time or another. Some manage to succeed, while others fail quickly. The outcomes vary regardless. The Wire captures the human drama of right and wrong better than any other medium. For the novice CSI viewer, easily impressed with flashy production, hot models, and cool location backdrops, you may find this journey a bit tedious; a point purposefully made by the shows creators. Our decisions have consequences. Really, is it a crime or a misdemeanor? Does the consequence reflect the degree of crime (and I speaking metaphorically).

Tom Waits captured the essence of this show with his gripping song "Way Down in the Hole", the shows' theme (yes, the Neville Brothers and the Blind Boys of Alabama, among others, have versions as well). Listen to the song - let it speak to you. Then expand into a new medium and take in the Wire for all 5 glorious seasons.

I was told that Barack Obama was asked who his favorite show in television was. The character was from the Wire. Omar. Rent it, see it through, and check back with me on this. Omar was one bad dude, but he lived by a code. And you must respect the code. Interesting choice for a politician. Perhaps Omar's persona was something Obama aspired to have - err - from a strong conviction around a code of conduct that is. As I said, Omar was a bad dude.

The final moments summed it all up for the fan. While just short of the amazing Six Feet Under conclusion, as well as the under appreciated Soprano's final moments, the ending to the Wire gave the fan the look into the future we both needed, and wept over.

Goodnight, western district. We will miss you all.