10 Things The Wire Fans Couldn’t Get Enough Of
4. The Gritty Reality
The use of the real street corners mentioned in the show, shooting on location, using locals as extras, hiring ex-Police Chiefs as part of the writing team, these are just some of the lengths the creators went to in an attempt to produce realism.
As fans it's a calling card we love to hang our hats on. Having something depicted an aspect of life in such detail is fascinating, and frankly a magnificent achievement. The vacants used in seasons 3 and 5 were legitimate vacant properties, and were redressed to present a safe but completely authentic adaptation of what they were really like.
The show pulls few punches in depicting violence in inner-city schools too. We also see that the standard testing does a disservice to students, and the hoops principals have to jump through to obtain adequate funding is troubling. It all ties into Baltimore's city governance, as Mayor Tommy Carcetti has an opportunity to get more money for his schools, but passes as he thinks it may hurt his chances at being elected Governor down the line.
The school system in the show is one that's clearly failing its children and setting them up for a harsh life. We should applaud The Wire for its grit in examining the education system. This is pioneering television and fans will be more than happy to enlighten you as to why.