Buzzing Over The WireJeffrey Goldberg and David Plotz take readers' questions about HBO's hit urban drama.

(Continued from page 3)

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David Plotz: Isn't it interesting that the Season 4 boys are the characters fans most worry about? I think their differing fates were handed down exactly as you'd expect, given Simon's belief in how things work. Randy, ruined and destroyed because the system of government that was supposed to help him screwed him over. Michael, who makes his own fate, independent of any institutions, and bears a terrible cost because of it. Dukie, betrayed by the other government institution that was supposed to help, schools, and left to the street. And Namond, redeemed not by institutions, which abandoned him, but by an act of individual love and trust from Bunny Colvin. That's the only kind of redemption allowed.

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Biloxi, Miss.: One of you mentioned Law & Order as the last refuge of The Wire actors. You didn't mention that about half of The Wire's cast first appeared in Oz (Rawls, Daniels, Herc, Carv, etc.).

Jeffrey Goldberg: Good point. Though I was kind of repulsed by that show.

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New York: I think this season has been the weakest with all of this serial killer nonsense. The show is still great because you care about the characters and some of the other story lines, but don't you feel that the serial killer stuff seemed contrived and unnecessary?

Jeffrey Goldberg: Yes, absolutely. I've been a big critic of this; David is more forgiving, but he's a more forgiving type generally. That said, I have found myself at times curious about the disposition of this subplot.

David Plotz: The serial killer stuff was hugely weak. I just realized what bothered me about the newsroom plot, too, which is that the characters don't get any real lift outside the room. In all the other seasons, characters are given nonprofessional lives. But the reporters aren't. They are only what they do, and that makes them kinda dull.

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Baltimore: The excellent actor who plays Marlo Stanfield next will be making an appearance on the less-than-excellent Heroes. I hope his power in that show will be similar to the one he already has in The Wire—the ability to live off nothing but lollipops.

Jeffrey Goldberg: Jaime Hector, who plays Marlo, is a great actor, no doubt. And that lollipop business was perhaps the coldest thing on the entire show. The security guard who caught him boosting, you'll recall, ended up in rowhouse.

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Arlington, Va.: What is your ranking of the seasons? Mine in order from best to worst (relative term) is fourth, first, fifth, third, second. I know I am not as high on Season 3 as some others.

David Plotz: Fourth
Third
First
Fifth
Second

Does everyone think 4 is the best? I think they do.

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Philadelphia: Okay, I have to admit this. I have been living in a cave for the past several years. What is The Wire, and what have I missed by never having seen this show?

washingtonpost.com: Clips From and Critics Quotes About The Wire (HBO)

Jeffrey Goldberg: The Wire is an underwater musical starring Esther Williams.

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Washington: I'd bet my next paycheck that Judge Phelan is Levy's snitch at the courthouse, because it can't be Ronda...

Jeffrey Goldberg: How big is your paycheck?

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Bethesda, Md.: I think you all touched on this in your weekly Slate discussions, but I seriously hope this is not the last time I see these wonderful and gifted actors, and not on another episode of Law & Order either. I want to see Omar, Michael, Randy, Kim and especially Bunk, who really should have his own show. One more thing: You guys really never watched the previews for the next episode? How could you not? Half the fun is seeing what's gonna happen next!

Jeffrey Goldberg: Discipline. Total, iron discipline.

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The Western, Md.: Think we'll see Brother Mouzone on Sunday?

David Plotz: Wouldn't that be nice! I doubt it, though. He was such a gift from the gods.

I think we wireheads are thinking about the finale like the Seinfeld finale, as if they are going to bring back all the old favorite characters for a final cameo and hug. I would like them to bring back the ghost of Stringer Bell.

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