[The Wire.] Season 2.

[delga]

I had some reservations going into the second season - one, because a friend had said that it didn't live up to the promise of the first season, and two, because a lot of preparation went into the first season which would not be possible for the second (due to time constraints).

However, I did enjoy the second season. It took me a little while to become enthused about it because I was already invested in one set of characters which were then displaced for a new set, and the ones that remained were either secondary (plot-wise) or disbanded. That said, around the fourth episode the pace increased somewhat and by the end of the season I was fully engaged with what was going on.

It was nice to see the familiar faces in their new settings, especially characters such as Lester Freamon and Stringer Bell, both of whom I especially enjoyed following through both seasons. I also eventually connected to dock workers although I felt they were portrayed in a less sympathetic manner than the drug dealers the year before. Or, rather, it was more difficult for me to feel sympathy for them because a lot of their crime seemed more like a deliberate act rather han a life they were born to. Yes, the stevedores suffer the woes of the working class and that made me sympathetic, but their crimes were not excusable. I'm not suggesting the killings that occur in gang and drug-related crimes are excusable, but I think because we have more media exposure to such communities, our sympathies are pre-tuned to their lives. (There is also an inherent racism there, perhaps that we expect white people to rise above crime. That's a worrying thought, but likely an accurate summation.)

                      

The Wire, Season 2. Bodie.

I don't know when I'll get to see the third season but I'm looking forward to it. The direction, acting and writing continue to remain on top form, and I anticipate that remaining true for future episodes.

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I've been watching Californication and Weeds every week, so maybe something on those soon. Up next: Saving Grace.