Wire? Shield?

Holadem · 09-16-2005, 04:30 PM

I watched a good chunk of the Shield Season 2 and early S3 on broadcast:

Spoiler:

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The show was really good, but I wasn't able to keep up with the schedule and ended up drifting off, with the intention of starting over on DVD some day.

Meanwhile a week or two ago, on a friend's advice, I rented The Wire and was floored by realism, characterization, depth and even direction of the show (the first police raid was perfectly realized, among other things). I am in the 2nd half of S1, and am totally hooked.

Due to avalability issues, I had to go a couple of days without new eps of the show, at which point I decided to start the Shield S1.

I used to love the Shield, after exposure to the Wire, I am having a hard time being interested in Mackey's antics. Perhaps because the first few episodes of any show are always rough, but it's lost some of it's luster in my book.

Anyway, I would just like your thoughts on which show you prefer.

Thanks.

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H

Dax P · 09-16-2005, 04:58 PM

Love both.

Shield Season 4 was incredible.

The Shield's not as 'realistic' as The Wire, no, but... it fulfills a different entertainment hunger.

Wire 2 is wonderfully different from the first season... but the return to 'familiar ground' in the third is entirely welcome, as well. I'm very pleased HBO renewed the show for a fourth season.

Mark Murphy · 09-16-2005, 05:09 PM

Was there a press release about season 4? I haven't heard anything yet.

I'm a big fan of both shows but if I had to choose I'd go with The Wire.

Raasean Asaad · 09-16-2005, 07:03 PM

I love them both, I don't really choose between the two

Jim Rankin · 09-17-2005, 05:58 AM

I had tried watching The Wire when it first came out, and missed a couple of episodes and got completely lost. Rented the first season on dvd and became hooked. You definitely have to give it time to set up the story/characters but the payoff is huge. Since then I've picked up Season 1 and 2 for my own collection.

All I know is Season 3 is coming in '06, but don't know when exactly. I wonder if they will tie in The Wire with either The Sopranos or Deadwood? BTW- for those who have HBO On Demand, they just put in the first 5 episodes of Season 3.

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Tony Kwong · 09-17-2005, 03:45 PM

I like both shows along with oldie Homicide LOTS. Both The All three shows capture great continuing story lines. That's what drew me to them.

TravisR · 09-17-2005, 05:27 PM

Quote:

All three shows capture great continuing story lines. That's what drew me to them.

That and the top notch acting is what always interested me in the shows.

MikeSh · 09-19-2005, 05:49 AM

Is Wire the show set in Baltimore with the dock workers and the druggies?

MikeS.

Jim Rankin · 09-19-2005, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Is Wire the show set in Baltimore with the dock workers and the druggies?

Yes it is - Season 2 dealt with the corruption on the Baltimore docks.

BobbyPerry · 09-19-2005, 10:39 AM

I'm a huge fan of The Shield, and was thinkign about getting The Wire via Netflix. It sounds like people think that would be a good idea.

09-19-2005, 02:33 PM

Quote:

I'm a huge fan of The Shield, and was thinkign about getting The Wire via Netflix. It sounds like people think that would be a good idea.

I'm a huge fan of the Wire and I'm thinking about netflixing the Shield.

You wont be sorry starting on The Wire. I am finishing season 2 on netflix. I watch every episode immediately and it's back in the mail the next day.

Best cop show I've ever seen, especially considering not one episode has used William Shatner on t