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Amazon.co.uk Review
Corruption is rife throughout The Wire: The Complete Third Season, which picks up the further adventures of the Baltimore Major Crimes Unit as they continue to wage war on drugs. Only as this is The Wire, that’s just the beginnings of their problems. Once again, the show that’s rightly being acclaimed as one of America’s finest and most intelligent dramas covers the story from all areas. There’s the investigating cops on one hand, their targets on the other, and the small matter of heavy political influence both with the Police Department itself, and from the Mayor’s Office too.
Cleverly sowing the seeds for the series that’ll follow, while lacing the narrative with a wealth of challenging ideas to deal with there and then, season three isn’t perhaps the finest of The Wire to date, but it sure does run things close. From its willingness to explore a solution of tolerance to the problem in hand, through to the political ambitions of one man determined to make a name for himself, and the small matter of a drugs operation riddled with in-fighting, it’s compelling drama.
It’s also unequalled in recent times, courtesy of its outstanding writing, measured performances and willingness to take some bold gambles. Put bluntly, The Wire: The Complete Third Season is a quite brilliant piece of television drama, and easily rewards a purchase. --Simon Brew
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
69 of 71 people found the following review helpful
Amazon Verified Purchase
Stunningly good, again. Who'd have thought that a TV show about cops and gangs would be so subtle, 3-dimensional, funny, moving and intelligent? Everybody who wants to understand drugs, crime or America should watch it!
In this season, the makers of The Wire have expanded the universe of the show by adding a new political dimension while bringing the focus back to the drug-littered west Baltimore streets of the first season, where names like Barksdale, Omar and Prop Joe still "ring out". It's the same old "game": gangs fighting for street corners, sergeants demanding arrests and Jimmy McNulty going behind his boss's back to pull strings for a short-cut solution to his big case...
I have no wish to give away the plot, which is a humdinger, but suffice to say it the story is jolted by realism and twists just like in the first two seasons. New people join the game, others leave it, and one man thinks he may have struck on an answer to clean up the whole scene...
And the characters are so well drawn, it is hard to believe these are actors. I mean, surely the guy who plays Omar really is chillingly ruthless and charmingly eloquent? And surely the guy who plays Jay must really enjoy needling his subordinates in a gross and funny way? But actually the men behind McNulty and Stringer are both British, which shows how convincing the whole dramatic illusion is, even though it often feels like a documentary.
Please note, you must watch the first two seasons before this one (or at least you REALLY should because they are excellent and you will spoil the fun if you discover the plot backwards) and, yes, the DVDs of all three seasons have subtitles, and you will probably need them, unless you are a Baltimore drug dealer.
In this season, the makers of The Wire have expanded the universe of the show by adding a new political dimension while bringing the focus back to the drug-littered west Baltimore streets of the first season, where names like Barksdale, Omar and Prop Joe still "ring out". It's the same old "game": gangs fighting for street corners, sergeants demanding arrests and Jimmy McNulty going behind his boss's back to pull strings for a short-cut solution to his big case...
I have no wish to give away the plot, which is a humdinger, but suffice to say it the story is jolted by realism and twists just like in the first two seasons. New people join the game, others leave it, and one man thinks he may have struck on an answer to clean up the whole scene...
And the characters are so well drawn, it is hard to believe these are actors. I mean, surely the guy who plays Omar really is chillingly ruthless and charmingly eloquent? And surely the guy who plays Jay must really enjoy needling his subordinates in a gross and funny way? But actually the men behind McNulty and Stringer are both British, which shows how convincing the whole dramatic illusion is, even though it often feels like a documentary.
Please note, you must watch the first two seasons before this one (or at least you REALLY should because they are excellent and you will spoil the fun if you discover the plot backwards) and, yes, the DVDs of all three seasons have subtitles, and you will probably need them, unless you are a Baltimore drug dealer.
49 of 52 people found the following review helpful
I concur with many of the opinions below, the choice to focus on one main story line from several angles makes Season Three far superior to Season Two. I just wanted to add that this is very rewarding as we now have the back stories on all the main characters. The confrontations between some of the main characters lead to both acting and cimematograpgy of epic proportions. The showdown between Bouzone and Omar is like a modern day Spaghetti Western, although in this case the lack of music enhances the tension. Probably the greatest triumph in this show, and dare I say it... in any TV show ever made, is the subtle cat and mouse games between the main protagonists on either side of the law. The relationship between McNulty and Stringer could have been taken from a Royal Shakespeare performance, albeit on the streets of west Baltimore. Added to all this are the new layers of politics from the Mayor's office, the Media and the men with the stripes at Police HQ.
It remains for me to say that it is criminal that shows like this are not broadcast on terrestrial TV in the UK, instead we have to suffer shows with faded celebs dancing until their ultimate phone-vote related downfall. Good job I have a dvd player!
It remains for me to say that it is criminal that shows like this are not broadcast on terrestrial TV in the UK, instead we have to suffer shows with faded celebs dancing until their ultimate phone-vote related downfall. Good job I have a dvd player!
26 of 28 people found the following review helpful
Essential viewing. Clever yet uncompromising. And unlike most TV shows, actually gets stronger with each episode. Season 3 sees McNulty resume his vendetta against the Barksdale crew. The Major Crimes Unit is now fully established after their work on the docks, their initial role is to help minimise the muder rate in Baltimore.
Previous seasons told the story from the perspectives of both the criminals and the cops. City Hall is now introduced to the mix, and as a result this season is very much about the politics on both sides.
The Barksdales are concerned with the power shift and conflict of interests prompted by Avons release. In addition to their handling of Marlow Stansfield, a ruthless gang member threatening the truce. Stringer wants to focus on property development and 'legitimate' business, whereas Avon wants a war with Marlow. Add D'Angello's unresolved 'suicide', and the fuse is lit.
On the law enforcement side, Mayor Royce's pressure on Commissioner Burrell results in a zero tolerance approach to crime, putting jobs at risk. He forces Major Colvin to adopt a radical new approach to the drug problem, and the consequences are far and wide.
The Wire is famed for its gritty, unvarnished depiction of Baltimore, but 'Hamsterdam' takes this to an entirely new level. These sequences are frighteningly realistic, whilst intelligently exploring the social and political outcomes of this initiative.
Omar: the drug dealer robbing, homosexual gangster makes a triumphant return; his involvement this season making him the stuff of legends. After Stringers attempts to set him up last season, Omar is gunning for the Barksdale crew, especially after a botched robbery early on, leading to deaths on both sides. 'Bowtie' also returns to resolve unfinished business. Bubbs, the likeable addict/informer makes an attempt to go straight, selling white t-shirts from a shopping trolley. And after pistol-whipping a teenager and assaulting Major Valcheck, Prez outdoes himself once again, but there is no coming back this time.
In fact, after Season 3, things will never be the same again. The towers may be demolished, but if you walk through this garden, you still need to watch your back.
Previous seasons told the story from the perspectives of both the criminals and the cops. City Hall is now introduced to the mix, and as a result this season is very much about the politics on both sides.
The Barksdales are concerned with the power shift and conflict of interests prompted by Avons release. In addition to their handling of Marlow Stansfield, a ruthless gang member threatening the truce. Stringer wants to focus on property development and 'legitimate' business, whereas Avon wants a war with Marlow. Add D'Angello's unresolved 'suicide', and the fuse is lit.
On the law enforcement side, Mayor Royce's pressure on Commissioner Burrell results in a zero tolerance approach to crime, putting jobs at risk. He forces Major Colvin to adopt a radical new approach to the drug problem, and the consequences are far and wide.
The Wire is famed for its gritty, unvarnished depiction of Baltimore, but 'Hamsterdam' takes this to an entirely new level. These sequences are frighteningly realistic, whilst intelligently exploring the social and political outcomes of this initiative.
Omar: the drug dealer robbing, homosexual gangster makes a triumphant return; his involvement this season making him the stuff of legends. After Stringers attempts to set him up last season, Omar is gunning for the Barksdale crew, especially after a botched robbery early on, leading to deaths on both sides. 'Bowtie' also returns to resolve unfinished business. Bubbs, the likeable addict/informer makes an attempt to go straight, selling white t-shirts from a shopping trolley. And after pistol-whipping a teenager and assaulting Major Valcheck, Prez outdoes himself once again, but there is no coming back this time.
In fact, after Season 3, things will never be the same again. The towers may be demolished, but if you walk through this garden, you still need to watch your back.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
magnificent - but for one thing ........
I can echo all the 5-star reviews. Like series 1 and 2, this is taut, surprising, beautifully cast and acted, marvellously scripted, full of atmosphere, surprisingly human --... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Mr. Ian A. Macfarlane
The best season yet!
This season really is the best yet.
There is a greater dynamic than that of the first two seasons. Read more
There is a greater dynamic than that of the first two seasons. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Rossy!
Not Cheltenham
I read fulsome praise for The Wire in NYRB, series 2 was well plotted around the Stevedore's Union and a good deal of cargo / contraband slippage on the docks. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Warren Feagins
Season 3
Season 3 of The Wire is really something. I like the first 2 seasons a lot, but things really start motoring in season 3. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Matty
The Wire DVD Season 3
Item arrived very quickly and was as described. No issues with this seller or item - would do business again
Published 19 months ago by mullers
The best of the best!
Season 3 is simply put the best of all five of this thrillingly compelling tv show! Drama at the highest level ever seen on the little screen.
Published 19 months ago by ALF
best tv show ever
I've never seen so many characters so perfectly defined with their strenghts, weakness, goals, miseries, ilussions... All playing together like a perfectly tuned big band. Superb.
Published 20 months ago by Fernando Sanchez Cuenca Al
The Best
Without a shadow of doubt the best series ever to hit the small screen. I have all seasons and wish that it had carried on even longer.
Published 20 months ago by Avidreader
As good as TV drama can get
I never saw The Wire when it was broadcast originally. So I've had the pleasure of watching it unfold in DVD form without a weeklong wait between episodes. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Mr. P. D. Steer
Good Series
This is a brilliant series and the only danger is that you can't put it down!
Published 21 months ago by Mitch
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