JPTV: What I'm Watching Tonight

Just curious, but I have so far resisted The Wire. I know, I know. I'm lame. The first 3 seasons never interested me on HBO, and then once all the media swooning really started at Season #4, I thought it was too late to dive in.

Anyhoo...I've heard Season #4 is the best (so far) and that you could jump into #4 and catch up pretty quick. Is that the case? If I netflixed the fourth season, would that be enough to enjoy the final season?

So jealous.

I'd rather you just not say anything...

And to Kevin, you can NOT jump into any season of the Wire but season 1.

It's too connected.

@Kevin: Season 4 is the best, but HR is right--don't cheat yourself out of the first 3 seasons. (It'd be like skipping the first two of Lost, but worse.) Start Netflixing season 1. You can always catch up on season 5 on demand or DVD--hell, who knows how long the strike will last?

OK, I'm in for it. It's a little daunting on Netflix because there are so many discs, but I know that once I get hooked on a show, I get a little obsessive and will plow right through it.

For example, I'm midway through season 2 of "Weeds" on Netflix and my god, what was I thinking waiting this long to watch this show? So good.

you lucky bastard.

Just got finished watching Season 4 for the second time--I tried to jump in when they aired and was hopelessly lost. As it is, I'm still missing out on part of the third season, having caught the first season and the one on the docks on HBO and BET. And I know I'm still missing some connections and context. So go Netflix--you won't regret it.

I havn't seen Season 4 but it comes ON Demand next week so I'll watch it then. I started watching The Wire back in August. I was hesitant as first because it was so critically acclaimed I was worried that it wouldn't meet expectations. I was wrong. It is by far the best show I have ever watched. It takes a couple of episodes to get into it but once you're in you never want to leave. It makes the Sopranos look mediocre.

Watching one episode per week is going to be a totally new experience for me.

@Kevin The Wire DVD sets are actually a lot cheaper than other HBO shows. Season 1 only costs $20 on Amazon. So if you have some extra spending money I would just go ahead and buy it.

It wouldn't be a spoiler to tell us about Steve Earle's take on the theme song.

Fred, you can hear Earle's version of the theme right now for $1 on iTunes!

James, please tell me where you live so I can rob you!

Argh, I'm so jealous!

I only started watching The Wire a couple of months ago as a way to cope with no new Battlestar Galactica episodes. I can't believe I waited so long to start watching; it's such a tremendous series! I can't understand why this show doesn't get more publicity. It's one of the best - if not the best - series ever.

I just wish they'd sell it on iTunes. I ordered all the seasons from Amazon recently because they were SO inexpensive, but I don't know what I'll do for season 5. I've considered breaking down and subscribing to HBO, but I may just end up waiting for the DVDs. Whatever happens, I know this last season will be killer.

Dear Kevin, you are so lucky to have all of this to look forward to, so don't cheat yourself, go back to the beginning and you won't regret a moment of it. I came to it late, just watched seasons one, two and three On Demand, and will get season four next week. Watched each season in the space of about a week. Mind blowing. TV doesn't get any better than this. Sometimes had to put on captions because the language was so "foreign" to my ear. Am devistated that season five is the last one. You will be, too. Enjoy.

Bah! I'm two seasons behind (no TV, and no HBO on iTunes), but I can't wait to start reading about the new season.

Yeah, I agree with everyone. You have to start from the beginning. The Wire has been compared to a novel (ad nauseum)and it is true.

I will admit, it took me a few tries to get into it, but by episode 4 of the first season, I was in.