Just A Gangster, I Suppose
Ever since the first time I worked my way through "The Wire," it's never been far from my mind. In terms of story, structure, theme, acting, execution, and every other measurable parameter, it's the greatest TV series in American history. That greatness applies to its scope, too, as well as the shadow it casts over a landscape littered with lesser competitors.
Over at Pajiba, our resident video editor has put together a fantastic compilation of the 100 greatest quotes from the series. It's a noble endeavor, worthy as much for what it includes as for the fun debates it can spark over what got left out. Here's what I wrote about the series and its love affair with language:
"The stories are sprawling, epic, Greek-tragic ruminations on the nature of American conquest and the sacrifices made by the people at the bottom of the ladder on behalf of the ineptitude of those at the top. What’s more, the dialogue is this thick gun-blast of hardened profanity, street slang, police argot, and the undeniably Shakespearean pleasures of hearing gifted orators hold forth on the tilted battle between good and evil."
Take a look:
