Discovery

(S05E03) “They’re dead where it doesn’t count.” - Fletcher

Poor Bunk. Nothing can ever go his way. He sees Jimmy digging a hole that he isn’t ever going to be able to get himself out of and he does what anyone with half a brain does. He appeals to someone with logic. Someone with brains, wit, and experience. He calls on Freamon to knock some sense into McNulty, so he stops with this fake serial killer business. Then, the two of them started talking. Poor Bunk.

Gallery: The Wire: Season 5 Premiere Party and Episode Photos

I honestly didn’t see that one coming. Freamon and McNulty have fought numerous times in the past about procedure and going by the book and blah, blah, blah. Lester wants Marlo as bad as anyone, but I never expected him to fall as low as Jimmy. Sensationalize the killer. Give him a name. Jimmy thinks they should “kill” again! It’s twisted, but it’s brilliant too. Jimmy already tampered with those past cases by adding in the red ribbon and now with Lester’s help, Alma’s next story will definitely not be dumped into the middle of the metro section.

I think the one thing that has me bothered is that neither Jimmy nor Lester seemed concerned (or even considered) the consequences attached to this whole scheme. What if they get caught What if a different M.E. sees through Jimmy’s fake strangulation techniques What if Landsman simply decides to stop flipping through porn mags in his office and actually takes a peek at what his detectives are doing The last thing he wants is more red names on the board, especially ones that’ll never go down. The biggest hurdle Making people notice. Heed Fletcher’s words. Unless Jimmy and Lester can attach their killer to some dead, wealthy white folks, will anyone actually care Aren’t a dozen or so homeless going to end up being just as disposable as Marlo’s 22 rowhouse murders Time will tell.

Elsewhere, Marlo continued his quest for Baltimore domination. He finally met with Vondas, gave him a nice pile of money, and business should be flowing soon I would assume. Then there’s Prop Joe. For once, he has no idea what’s going on. Does he even realize that “civilizin’ this motherf*cker” is leading to his own undoing He’s revealing all the tricks of the trade when it comes to money laundering. His dedication to the co-op is going to get him killed. That and his nephew. Once Omar (he’s baaaack) catches word that it was Cheese who gave up Butchie… well, you know what’s next.

The players at the Sun are finally starting to grow on me. Little things though. I loved when Twigg went on that rant on everything he knows about Daniels. Scott knew squat about Cedric and Twigg is the one being bought out. Doesn’t make sense. I still can’t wait for the moment that Gus figures Scott out though. Now the guy is making up quotes from Nareese! That takes balls! That was my favorite part of the episode though. Look at what it set-up. The Nareese “quote” gets Burrell pissed at Daniels (that, and the “promotion”) and now his past could be brought back up. We still never found out exactly what he did. Something about an assets investigation. Remember season one Fitzhugh tipped off Jimmy and called Cedric dirty. Whatever it is, it can bring down Daniels and Marla, and Burrell has the file. Can’t wait to see how that plays out.

More thoughts…

• Great to see Michael, Dukie, and Bug just be kids. A day at Six-Flags and Dukie picked up a girl! The consequences scare me though. Michael left his corner for a whole day. Not good.
• During the Clay Davis depositions, Rhonda interviewed Day-Day! Hilarious. Remember that scene when we met him in season one Day-Day was talking about robbing some mansion and he introduced himself to Daniels and Cedric says something like, “I’m Cedric, but you can call me sergeant.” Priceless.
• Butchie kept his mouth shut. Rest his soul.
• And speaking of those who’ve died, it was nice to see Jimmy digging through some of Ray Cole’s old files. For those not too familiar with the show, Cole (one of the department’s most inept detectives) was played by Wire executive producer Bob Colesberry. He passed away during the making of season three and as such, his character’s death was written into the show.
• Other than D’Angelo and Wee-Bey’s trips to NYC and Philly, I think Marlo’s visit to the Caymans is the farthest we’ve traveled from Baltimore on The Wire.
• I liked the back-story on Norman. He used to work for the Sun with Gus. Explains a lot actually. Little scenes like the one where he leaked Carcetti’s plans to Gus are what makes this show for me. So many tiny pieces, but each one chock full of meaning.
• Valchek was back too. How gracious of him to offer up his services as acting commissioner. What an ass. Does he really think Carcetti would give him that job

This really is starting to feel like the end though. Old stories are popping up, resolutions are visible, and Clay Davis is scrambling for help. He’s been shut out by Burrell and now Tommy. Who’s next to say no Shiiiiiiiiiiiit.