The Wire is unchallenged as the best and most ambitious show television has to offer. And Season 4 of The Wire is, simply put, its best season. 10/10.

I have never quite been able to decide whether I prefer Season Three or Four of The Wire, either way the thirteen episodes contained in this boxset continue to provide the most realistic and fascinating look at the drug trade and the culture that surrounds it ever seen on screen.

Only someone insane would find nothing to appreciate in the most perfect TV season in history. Beautiful and utterly engaging in every sense. Also features one of the most entrancing finales ever.

I think it is around season 4 that I realized The Wire is the greatest television series ever produced, and that no other TV show would match what David Simon achieved. In the 1st season, the game is introduced, carefully following a police investigation into the drug wars in West Baltimore. The 2nd season introduces the working class/union of Baltimore. 3rd season incorporated the politics. Each season, something new is learned about these institutions, and it is very often something we wish we didn't know. In the 4th season, Simon's exploration of the school system was eye-opening on so many levels, and essentially documented proof of why many of these kids (or so-called students) end up in the streets as either a player or a feen. It is the tragedy of city government, and the corrupt use of these institutions. The acting was phenomenal (especially from the 4 kids), the story was grand, and the execution was immaculate. That has been the case for every season of the wire, and I can't imagine any other show will be this powerful while trying to maintain a world of pure realism.… Expand

A season that started pretty slowly, finished with 2 or 3 of the best episodes of the series. Brilliant idea for this season coming from the point of view of young kids growing up through this drug culture. Especially well done were the story arcs of Michael and Donte. One of these characters starts off the season as insufferable while the other begins as sympathetic. By the end of the season we have done a 180 degree turn emotionally with these characters. To see this transformation through the eyes of their circumstances done so brilliantly is a testament to the quality of the writing of this show. While I don't feel that the quality over the course of the entire season is on par with seasons 2 or 3, I would put the best episodes against any in the series.… Expand

Season 4 of The Wire is the single greatest season of television ever. The depth, complexity, balance, and ambition of the story make it remarkable. And, despite its stark portrayal of a mostly bleak world, it is massively satisfying and entertaining. The brilliant poignancy of the story about the eighth graders raises season 4 a notch above the The Wire's other seasons, which are all amazing in their own right. I'm sad for all the television watchers who have never seen it. I wish I could score this higher than "10." Somehow a "10" still seems inadequate.… Expand

I've watched many, many television shows, and I can confidently affirm that The Wire is by far the greatest achievement in the history of TV. I won't bother typing up a long and well thought-out review because I'm sure the previous users have done a fair enough job of describing this show, but I will say this: no other television series compares to The Wire, and it will be a long time before another one does.… Expand

Just wanted to share a bit. I have just talked to a former Baltimore undercover narcotics officer today, a man with 30 years of experience. And he told me this show might as well be a documentary. To me - that is saying something.

The Wire is a challenging series, there is no doubt about that. As you watch through a season, and through multiple seasons, you can feel yourself being retrained on how to watch a television show. It can be an uncomfortable experience at times, but the show is absolutely worth it, and you'll have a hard time watching "regular" TV afterwards.

Season 4 is quite possibly the best season of the series. The picture it paints of inner-city youth and their public schools is tragic, but refreshing in its honesty. Like all institutions portrayed in The Wire, the school system is in decline, and there is no miraculous, Hollywood happy ending on the horizon. Which is the whole point of the season, really. Having introduced us in previous seasons to a cast of gangsters, drug addicts, scam artists, disillusioned civil servants, and self-serving politicians, The Wire now shows us where these people come from, how the system produces and reproduces them. And that, ultimately, is what makes The Wire so challenging; it is unflinching in its portrayal of the characters -- and, ultimately, of all of us -- as cogs in a run-down machine which doesn't care about anything but perpetuating itself. This is certainly not what most people are looking for when they sit down to watch TV. But viewers who are willing to devote serious attention and an open mind to this season of The Wire are rewarded with a thought-provoking storyline, engrossing characters, and truly impressive acting -- including some of the most talented child actors you will ever see.… Expand

The most perfect season of the greatest TV show ever. Although many of the child actors have been taken from the streets or whatever, they're all still very impressive. The school system is portrayed like it is. The Wire offers great wisdom season after season. The best ever.

Without this show, I would be dead from suicide. But since this show exists and since this season as well does exist, I am still here. It's better than some of the greatest movies of all time. In **** Credible

Season 4 sees this giant mosaic essay on the death of American capitalism at its best. The characters who have fascinated us in earlier series are still portrayed with panache and they are joined by an ensemble of child actors who produce extraordinary performances. It is the children who steal our focus this time. Their struggle to survive in a city that has abandoned them is profoundly affecting. Dukie, Randy, Namond and Michael, friends in middle school, are the Tom and Huck of 21st century America. The script is smart, never simple, witty and gritty and the storyline refuses to pander to the viewer demand for moralising and neat resolution.
It is too early to say, but assertions that this is the best TV series for a decade may well be true.… Expand

For the longest time, I thought The Sopranos was the greatest show to ever hit television. And then a friend recommended The Wire. Each season is a powerhouse, but Season 4 is Shakespearean. Epic on all levels and told with the finest delivery, HBO doesn't need to remind us they have the eye for near perfect television. The best season from (probably) the best television series of all time.

Season 4 of the Wire is the best season of any television series. Period. While the Wire has always been a great TV show, with more authenticity, in-depth writing, complex characters, superb acting and gripping storytelling in one episode than most shows produce over their entire span. The first three seasons are all amazing, and the storylines from the previous seasons continue to grow in the fourth season, but they cannot in any way prepare you for the sublime and heartbreaking new storyline following four youth, the school system, and the corner. I can't use enough superlatives to describe this season: Perfect! Riveting! Flawless! The apex of art, entertainment and social commentary on TV (and perhaps any medium)!!!!

If you find the first few episodes disorienting, don't worry, it will all make sense â… Expand

The show just got more and more powerful as it went into Season 4, which focused on the school system, bringing in four school kids who found themselves in the crosshairs of situations and decisions that were sad and frustrating to behold â

I would not trade any movie, televisoin series, show, or even literateture works for the wire. It is the best show I've ever seen, and then some. It will spoil every other show, movie or series after you've seen it because nothing will ever be as good. Season 4 is the best of 5.

If television may be categorized as literature, then The Wire is the great American novel of the 21st century. The series reached its peak in Season 4. A must-buy DVD

After finishing season 4 I feel like I just got out of a fight. I'm coming down from the adrenaline, slightly depressed, but somehow better off for it.

The Best Show ever. Too bad there were no follow up on were some of the characters ended up. I hate this show ended I want more

Without a doubt the best show ever made. Now everything I watch I can't enjoy because it will never be quite as good.

I agree with the critics... the best season of The Wire, hands down. The children make you want to cry.

The finest show, and season, ever made. Nothing is as accurate, entertaining, intelligent, and true to the American city and institutions. The Wire is most certainly a heart breaker - but my understanding of society is so strengthened that I could never advice one not to see this...

The appropriately named show is the best TV show I've ever seen. Just as the cameras and wire taps allow the police to secretly monitor the criminals, so too is the audience allowed to view such a gritty world colored in shades of gray. The show's plot, characters, dialogue, and setting make for such a unique show that I was completely taken by surprise. The 4th season just blew me away completely. The focus on inner-city schools and the students' lives definitely made the season heavy, but in an extremely good way. The 4th season is definitely my favorite.… Expand

The best season of the best TV show ever.

nothing will ever come close .

I started watching The Wire because I'd heard enough to make me think it could be on a par with The Sopranos. It turned out to be on another plane entirely, head and shoulders above any other TV drama ever. Season 4 turns its attention to the inner-city public school system and, perhaps more than in any other aspect of the entire series, this can make for some depressing viewing. Even Charles Dickens, in his most Dickensian aspect, would have gone a lot easier on his audience. Of course there are eventually some redemptive moments but these barely compensate for the preceding bleakness. But you don't (I hope) watch The Wire to be uplifted but to be *involved*. And, if you give the show the attention it deserves, it will involve you like nothing else on television before or, probably, after.… Expand

The Best Season of the wire, in my opinion.

Entertainment perfection. If you love drama, comedy, character interaction, script writing, plot developing or any combination of any of them you will not find anything better than The Wire. The best entertainment I have ever seen, regardless of movies, TV, comedy, etc, this is entertainment of the very highest order. I've seen the best cinema, theatre, music, etc has to offer. This beats all of 'em Y' feel me.… Expand

the best

Most intense TV season ever. So, so heavy. Heaviest of all the seasons--drags you down, down into a place better than heaven. I might have an ulcer, but the compassion and education I've gained makes it worth it.

Brilliant.

Literature, journalism and poetry all come together in a show that is layered in its message, fierce in its plot and portrayal and reeks of realism that is devoid in Hollywood. This type of gripping and profoundly educational entertainment is rare!

After watching every season of The Wire, Season 4 has to be my favourite. Although it started out a bit slow, by the "2.5th" episode, I was captivated. I didn't have high hopes for this season because of the lack of Barksdale characters but the introduction of the school system and political campaigning was enough to make this the best season of any show ever. If somebody could only watch one TV show, I would highly recommend The Wire.… Expand

The hype doesn't do it justice. "The Wire" is not only the best thing on television, but an amazing, heartbreaking work of art.

The best season of the best TV show ever.

Controversy incarnated. Everything you do not approve of, you will love in the Wire. As realistic as real life thanks to some great slang, actors and on location shooting. My HBO favorite!

just watch it!!!!!

Best TV series I have ever watched.

Without a doubt, the finest show on television. I went from modestly enjoying it during the first season, to being in awe in the fourth. Its a work of art.

Never has a police drama had such developed and interesting characters. The series has the touch of a craftsman aging from series to series, constantly building on the immersion - without resorting to ill placed "surprise!" moments, and plot twists that detract from the realism. The beauty of the story, in my opinion, is how slowly they introduce Baltimore and its residents to the viewer. It's very rare that a non-period drama will actually leave the audience to feel the story out for themselves, instead of pointing to characters and saying "sympathise with this man" or "condemn this act". Educated and accurate drama for the viewer fed up of superman-cop shows.… Expand

The series is broad in scope, and it deals with a timely and a necessary subject, but at times, the acting and the writing don't do justice to the topic.

The best season of the best show to grace television since its invention. With the character development and story line leading up to this season, it is doubtful a better work of art will be created in a hundred years.

The second best season of the best television show ever made. Attention David Simon - Please get back to work!

The Wire is the finest piece of media I've ever encountered; the ambition and bravery of the writers shines through every scene. What's the best thing about The Wire? Omar Little - his appearances are worth every second of plot movement.

I've been watching The Wire three episodes a day on average for two weeks now, and I do hate TV! What will I do next, I don't know and I fear it a little. Will probably see more of my friends. Anyway, the best ever...

Fantastic, a brilliant drama that gets to the heart of the issues surrounding drugs and crime.

Outstanding..addictive with a capital A. The most intense absorbing series I have ever seen..I hope it goes on for ever cause I will go into withdrawal when it finishes.

I have only watched one season, but it is an amazing show - writing & acting are so far above the usual stuff on television. This is art!

I am a white 55 year old Canadian. I have only started watching this show on DVD, due to the critical buzz. It is without doubt, the greatest achievement in tv history. Utterly compelling, brilliant writing and acting, America as it is with all of its warts and hopes. I cannot believe that this show has not been given its due, outside of the critics. I have to believe that the vast majority of the public is not able to watch something so real and true, and esp. with the majority of the cast being afro-american. This show is so well done that within the first episode, we forget color and just see people we can feel awe, pity, hope for. A magnificent achievement.… Expand

One word: BRILLIANT

Sublime virtues are all but forsaken When the reality of this society comes crashing in!

I've been following this show since season one. It is quite simply the most satisfying television experience I've ever had. Simply flawless.

Utterly Brilliant.

Literally the best piece of entertainment I've ever experienced. The very first scene of the season, in particular, is beyond incredible. The last scene of the second to last episode brought me to uncontrollable tears.

The best season of television I have ever seen.

Greatest piece of television history.

At this point it's like standing in an echo chamber. 'The Wire' is THE BEST show ever produced in the television medium. A remarkable, dense series that is the rare television program that approaches the level of art. Hyperbole? Absolutely not. 'The Wire' captures the zeitgeist better than any other program (or film for that matter).

The most ambitious television series of all time: the depth of the story telling and sheer number of characters and their interplay throughout the series is what makes 'The Wire' so astounding. Never have I seen a show so richly nuanced, so true to life and so unflinchingly honest. And on top of all of this, The Wire remains entertaining for those who stick with it, with writing that runs the gamut from hilarity one moment to bleak pathos and despair the next. In spite of all of this I can see why the series never did well commercially: It is not intended for the casual viewer. Heavy subject matter aside, to appreciate the series, one really has to see it from the very beginning and digest every episode for the pieces to really fit together. Now that the majority of the series is available on DVD, that really is the best format to watch it in. I watched the first 4 seasons back-to-back and can't imagine having to wait every week between episodes.… Expand

Fine viewing; chock full of insights but not as realistic a depiction of its subjects as it purports to be.

Awesome!

This is the best television show that I have ever watched. I agree with others on this site that it occasionally approaches great literature with wonderful character building, revealing detail, and even symbolism. The nuanced approach to its realistic depiction of our cities is mind boggling.

Such a shame that this show was cancelled. The Absolute greatest show of all time on television, with this Season begin the best (with Season 2 being a close 2nd). Deep, moving, and sad. A Must-watch

I love everything about this show! It was extremely thought provoking, each character and storyline was captivating, and best of all, it was REAL. I was hooked and watched all 5 season in 3 months.

TwentyOne Spicer: Nice job revealing details of the 5TH SEASON, to which this page is not dedicated. The Wire does not glorify "child killers"; the heartache you feel when a character is murdered should make that perfectly clear. This season is, in all honesty, the closest any writer or director has ever come to television perfect.

The Sopanos was good (I love it), but in comparison to The Wire it's an overweight soap opera. Stunning in its vision, TV has never been this good.

The "Ulysses" of television. Difficult, but ultimately rewarding beyond words!

It did what it set out to do every week shock and awe with the truth.

While the show does mimic real-life situations and circumstances, thus raising awareness and attention to the plight, conditions and environments that some people fall victim to (hopefully), the jury is not in on the direction or the societal message that these last couple of episodes that I have seen are portraying to the public, in particular, the youth. My concern is that the episodes where Omar is killed by like a 8- or 9-year old child, and the one where Michael kills Snoop, based on their outcomes, is in jeopardy of glorifying and almost promoting "child killers". I just know one thing, the writers better have some serious repercussions in store for the perpetrators. If not, it would definitely have to call into question the motives and moralities of this show's producers and writers. Hopefully, they will handle their business properly!… Expand

All in the game.

Unbelievable social commentary - why hasn't this show been recognized by now?

There is nothing better out there.

The best season yet. Beautifully crafted, brilliantly acted. A window into a forgotten part of our society.

Probably the best show in television history. One of the most brilliant and exciting shows ever, I can watch every season and still feel excited

It is the best show ever. End of story.

Quite possibly the best season of the best show ever produced.

Greatest show ever made. No show is as well acted and as perfectly put together. It is gritty, depressing, and realistic.

When I watched the first episode of the first season, I was really confused. I had never been that confused in my life. Why the hell is Rawls mad at McNulty? Why is he giving him two middle fingers? What about that random dead dude? What is a buy - bust? What is a detail? What are the relationships between various police bosses? Why the hell am I watching this complicated crap? I thought about giving up, but I watched the next two episodes and rewatched all of them. I figured out how the police department worked, and from then on I've understood every single episode to the fullest without having to rewatch, and it is the most rewarding, enriching story I've ever seen. I could call it the best show on television, but that would be an understatement. I have read lots of famous literature by many a great author, but I've never been told a story in any form, TV, movie, book or play. as compelling or engrossing as The Wire. It is completely realistic in every sense. It has realistic acting. I never see any Kiefer Sutherland yelling or CSI sunglasses dude leaning on something and smirking. Just pure, realistic acting, except for Carver in the first two episodes of season four. Maybe some people like ridiculous overacting but I find it embarrassing to watch with someone else in the room. The Wire can also be gut - bustingly funny. It's not a comedy, so they don't have to force stupid, zany jokes at every corner- they can wait for perfect timing. The story lines are also totally realistic. That makes the show about a million times more powerful than anything else that you could watch and tell yourself, "ya know, this isn't real." Some argue that it's more of a documentary and not really fun to watch. I can only disagree and say that it is extremely entertaining. It's not like I watch it to educate myself on Baltimore's struggles. If the language, sex, violence or plot complexity upsets you to the point of not watching it, all I can say is that I'm very sorry for you. You are missing out on the most provocative, brilliant, and realistic story ever told.… Expand

By far the best show on T.V it is a shame it has never won an Emmy, maybe it has something to do with the black roles on the show being just as important as any white actors role in the show. Just my opinion.

One of the most well written and well acted shows I've ever seen!!!! Good job.

The wire is such a real show! People who don't enjoy the wire are just afraid to look in the mirror.

The Wire is hands down the greatest televsion series of all time. The Sopranos didn't even come close. Anyone who argues this point obviously knows very little about acting, scripting, editing or directing. This is perfection.

"The Wire" is a diamond, no other show even comes close.

The best television series ever made. I've watched the first four seasons three full times now; its a masterpiece. It might be decades before anything rivals The Wire.

The best show on TV hands down. I mourned the loss of Homicide but The Wire surpasses even that brilliant show on a number of levels. Hopefully it will win a well-deserved and long overdue Emmy for writing.

Simply the best.

Doug Elfman (the Sun-Times guy) is an idiot. I was gonna hold off on reviewing season 4 until I'd seen the whole thing, but I just wanted to say that and refute his little blurb (the whole review link is dead, I think). Maybe it helps that I watch them back to back via DVD, but I've thought the pacing of every season (except maybe three, in spots) has been brilliant. I can't imagine someone being like, "come on, The Wire, get to the point already." If you don't have the patience for something to develop over a whole(!) season, Elfman, then you shouldn't be watching The Wire (or getting paid to review stuff). The Wire is all about details. I mean, the "first batch of episodes" has to establish the level of the kids' innocence so that the erosion of whatever is left of it becomes all that more important. And I mean actually establish something, not some Law & Order crap. I, myself, only have one bone to pick with what I've seen so far. At one point, one of the kids (the one with the ponytail) says that he'll take money as long as it's given out for free. Later on, the state senator says the exact same thing. I didn't like how on-the-nose this was. Part of The Wire's appeal is its realism; I thought this prod at the viewer to see a correlation between the street and W. Baltimore politics was too direct. Anyway, I think The Wire is a televised miracle. I can't believe I get the privilege of watching such an amazing show. How this got on television, I'll never be able to guess.… Expand

I have watched every season at least twice, and this by far is the best depiction of urban environments in the US today. To say this is the best show on TV does not even do it justice.

So brilliantly acted that it boggles my mind. Where did they find such young actors who could act in such intensive, high tension scenes? Richly layered and somehow manages to develop the characters, symbolic progressions, social critique, and compelling plot all at once. This is almost unprecedented for a TV show!

Greatest show of all time. HOw this show has never won an Emmy astonishes me.

Easily the best show on television hands down... wow.

Brilliant writing, impressive directing, and spectacular acting. The greatest thing on television, period.

Probably the closest thing to perfect you can get on TV. If you find yourself getting in to this show in it's censored version on BET, get the DVD's from a rental store or a library...there's no comparison.

My vote for the best show on TV. TV can be so painfully melodramatic which makes The Wire so refreshing. Real people, real lives.

This is the finest piece of media/literature that I have seen in my lifetime. Season 4 not only met my unrealistic expectations after the first 3 seasons, it surpassed them. For those who stick with it from the 1st episode of the 1st season they will be rewarded with a masterpiece. This is our modern cities, our modern institutions etc. played out in the mold of an epic Greek tragedy.

Brilliant.

What Dostoyevsky did for literature, the wire has done for contemporary pop culture, and like Dostoyevsky appreciation was far more reserved until a later period. But, I like the show's status just as it is, though small, for those who watch it are constantly rewarded. A new day is not dawning in the city of Baltimore, the Barksdale's drug empire is no where to be seen, a new prince rules the streets (Marlo Stanfield), Mcnulty's back on the beat, Bunk is unable to convict a very guilty Omar for the stash house assassination, Carcetti struggles in the race for mayor, drug lieutenants Chris Partlow and Felicia "Snoop" Pearson are stacking up bodies quicker than a drop of a hat and four school kids are at risk from it all. There is always one outstanding feature with the wire that I have constantly admired, its storytelling. Unlike the more conventional "cop" dramas where cases are solved with in a fifty minute time frame, the wire takes it toll and very slowly. In season 1 the viewers were introduced to a drug syndicate known as the Barksdale's headed by the brash Avon Barksdale and the highly intelligent Stringer Bell. That particular story lasted an immense three seasons where the viewers grew with the characters laughs were disposed as were shocks and tears. Only one of the street characters from season 1 has remained, the self proclaimed and content soldier Bodie (JD Williams) who is not quite the same person without his crew he has become irritant and angry over Marlo Stanfield's unpredictable rulings and redundant leadership. There are only three members in Bodie's crew Lex, Little Kevin and Namond - the unruly and rowdy teenager whose story develops heavily over the course of the series. From Namond we met his friends Michael, Dukie and Randy who all become a primary focus for seaon 4's story. From the perspective of law enforcement this season we follow the breakdown of the major crimes unit. Lester has been reassigned to homicide as has Kima joining Bunk, Prez has bacome a school teacher, Herc remains in major crimes as does Sydnor though Mcnulty and Carver have both decided to work the streets. From the political aspect we follow Carcetti's rise to power and Royce's sheer will to stop him. from the drug perspective we see Marlo order more assassinations than you can count and in doing so he and his high ranking members (Chris and Snoop). Yet again this show proves that good does not triumph over evil infact between it all the only moral compass is the city of Baltimore no one ever wins in the long run. Bodie and his crew are killed one by one over the course of the season and it's utterly heart breaking until the final episode where Bodie has a moment of clarity realizing there is no way out and is prepared to be killed. The kids who start with their own agenda conclude to be completely opposite by the end. Happily Carcetti wins though in doing this his obsession for winning has alienated his long term friends an colleagues leaving him to be a very lonely king. The inner circle amongst the ranks of the police department becomes more and more distant. By the end Marlo Stanfield's paranoia grows so high that his methods of keeping safe are preposterous. The wire is as engrossing as it is distant as beautiful as it is ugly and as funny as it is tragic. you can't nibble at this show because you have to devour it.… Expand

Simon has transferred in his play the Balzac's core conception of the plot in which the characters while they seem to act on their own through a Darwinian battle, in fact they are pawns overwhelmed by the dominant forces of the society. A true masterpiece. Art.

I don't get it. To me The Wire is massively overhyped. I enjoy watching it, but it feels like a glorified "The Shield". It lacks the dynamic and dramatic style of The Sopranos. The use of music is also more effective in Sopranos. Then there are pacing issues ... at times The Wire just prods along. Yea yea, we know, its praised for bringing social issues to the forefront and its "realistic" but I want to be entertained as well; sometimes its just like a documentary, a boring one at that. The Sopranos has its cerebral psychobabble moments with the flashbacks and the psychiatrist, but they are well balanced with lots of drama, sex, violence and excellent directing. Also, theres no comparison interms of individual acting achievements .. theres certainly no one as impressive as Falco, Gandolfini or Imperioli on The Wire. The Wire needs more scenes like the famous detective scene with Bunk and McNulty to balance the prodding multi-threaded drama that engulfs most of the episodes If you like slow, cerebral, cop shows, The Wire might be an interesting watch. Overall, you will get more bang for your buck from the far more well balanced Sopranos...certainly there are many more shocking and classic scenes in The Sopranos which will be etched in your memory forever. Rent seasons 1 and 2 of both the Sopranos and The Wire and do the comparison yourself.… Expand