HBO’s “The Wire” concluded its five-season run just last year, but it’s already established itself as quite possibly the greatest TV series in history. It never won an Emmy, and was in fact only nominated twice, both in the writing categories: once for the third season’s penultimate episode, “Middle Ground,” and once for the series finale, “-30-.” Of course, that stat only matters if you think the Emmys are worth a damn, and I think we all know that any organization that so consistently praises Fox’s “House” has some serious priority issues.
But those two scant nominations do highlight something that the show’s faithful followers know all too well: The writing is outstanding. 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. Although creator David Simon handled a lot of the writing, over its 60 episodes the series also relied on stories and scripts from producer Ed Burns and a host of crime writers including George Pelecanos, Dennis Lehane, and Richard Price. The show mined material from those who knew it, like when William Zorzi — a former colleague of Simon’s at The Baltimore Sun — joined the writing staff to consult on a political story line and eventually became a large contributor to (and cast member in) the final season’s story, set in part at a dying Sun.
It’s with the show’s rich history and stunning commitment to storytelling in mind that I’m honored to reveal the latest creation from hh, our resident video editor who also cut together The Other 100 Best Movie Quotes of All Time. This time out, he’s come up with an outstanding compilation of 100 of the greatest quotes from “The Wire,” and it’s a jaw-dropping reminder of how many amazing moments this show had. There are so many moments, in fact, that there’s a chance your personal favorite might not have made the cut. (In which case: Show some flex.) But it’s a wonderful video nonetheless. These are the lines that the devoted still recite to each other years after the episodes have aired, and that new converts can’t stop hearing in their heads every day. Let it ring out. — Daniel Carlson
Thanks for this. This year my Xmas present to myself will be the box set.
Posted by: Three-nineteen at November 13, 2009 2:55 PM
YES!! This will totally fill the rest of my Friday afternoon while waiting to leave from work :-D
...now I'll actually go back and watch it!
Posted by: Gnaius at November 13, 2009 3:00 PM
HBO’s “The Wire” concluded its five-season run just last year, but it’s already established itself as quite possibly the greatest TV series in history.
That's a big praise, is it really better Star Trek: The Next Generation, Angel, The Office, The Twilight Zone, The Simpsons, and Lost.
Posted by: Optimus Rhyme at November 13, 2009 3:13 PM
*single tear*
Aww, fuck it.
*cries openly with joy*
Posted by: Kballs at November 13, 2009 3:16 PM
is it really better Star Trek: The Next Generation, Angel, The Office, The Twilight Zone, The Simpsons, and Lost.
That's your greatest? Quite a mix, but that's not EVEN the question. The question to ask is "is it better than 'Homicide'?", and it just might be! And I'm sure "Homicide" is a very proud dad.
George,
I hope that's sarcasm. PLEASE tell me you're kidding. If not, I will say that the shows you listed are good-to-very good, but they just . . . you can't . . . just go watch the entire series, then come back and re-read what you just wrote. It's like comparing really good modern literature to Shakespeare. His shit changed the game forever. Nothing comes close to the richness and full flavor of The Wire. Nothing.
Posted by: Kballs at November 13, 2009 3:23 PM
dc - you earned that bump like a mf.
Posted by: vidaloca at November 13, 2009 3:26 PM
OHhh hell yeah. And today IS actually my birthday, so thanks for this.
I can NEVER get enough Snoop or Omar.
Posted by: BanditOne at November 13, 2009 3:38 PM
ohh, and Vidaloca,
"Man fuck a charge, this here is gun powder activated, twenty seven caliber, full auto, no kick-back, nail throwing mayhem."
Posted by: Banidtone at November 13, 2009 3:39 PM
Fan-friggin-tastic
"I'm just a humble man with a big dick."
Posted by: phaedawg at November 13, 2009 3:50 PM
Love that eppy in Season 1 when Bunk & McNulty are examining a crime scene & keep saying only the word "fuck" as they figure out what happened.
Haven't watched the vid yet, but one of my fave lines is when Daniels tells McNulty: "We're all pieces of shit if we get in your way".
Another funny bit was when Bunk showed up at the surveillance HQ in jogging pants & someone remarked: "I always thought you were born wearing a jacket & tie"
Aside from that, I've always felt bad for what happened to Bunny Colvin in Season 3; trying a new approach, getting results, yet only scorn & a demotion from his superiors. He's quite a contrast to venal careerists like Burrell & the rodent-like Valchek.
I just finished watching Season 5, & the look Colvin gave Carcetti was priceless.
The only equal to this show is "Deadwood". Nothing else except maybe "Six Feet Under" comes even close.
(well... maybe "Lost" too. Imagine if that had been made for HBO instead of ABC)
Posted by: oskar at November 13, 2009 4:01 PM
"For another pit sammich and some tater salad, I'll go a few more."
Wee-Bey FTW.
Posted by: Benny at November 13, 2009 4:03 PM
"Marnell! What the fuck?!"
Posted by: Lex at November 13, 2009 4:13 PM
Great work, but you missed one of the best ones, from Season One. Kima in the hospital bed, refusing the Bunk who's trying to get her to ID both shooters even though she just saw one.
BUNK: It would play a whole lot easier in court if we had both of them.
KIMA: Sometimes, it's just gotta play hard.
Yes!
Posted by: Tim at November 13, 2009 4:16 PM
Also, I think Bodie's last scene on Payson ("This is my corner, I ain't runnin' nowhere!") is still one of the best and most dignified deaths ever filmed. And there couldn't have been a better quote for him.
Posted by: Benny at November 13, 2009 4:20 PM
this is a thing of beauty - thanks to hh for putting it together!!!!!
Posted by: aprileee at November 13, 2009 4:32 PM
I know I'm way behind, but I just started watching this, and it's fantastic!
I can't wait until I'm on Christmas break so I can marathon the show, without stupid things like school to distract me.
Posted by: Tierney at November 13, 2009 4:36 PM
Yo Phaedawg, the quote was actually "I'm just a humble motherfucker with a big dick, and I'm not that humble."
But still, a great quote. Hard to pick 100 best, because virtually every line on the show was great.
Posted by: eastvillagenyc73 at November 13, 2009 4:52 PM
I swear, this makes me want to spend the weekend watching all five seasons again. Aw hell... weekend = planned.
Left out my favorite Prop Joe quote:
"Who you tellin'? I got motherfuckin' nephews and in-laws fucking all my shit up all the time and it ain't like I can pop a cap in their ass and not hear about it Thanksgiving time. For real, I'm livin' life with some burdensome niggers. So what the fuck?"
The greatest testament to the show is how many great fucking lines did not make it. Infy props to the creator - your time is well spent.
One of my favorites that was overlooked:
McNulty - Anyone comes at Omar, they know Omar's coming at them.
Omar - Oh, indeed.
Posted by: trippdup at November 13, 2009 5:22 PM
This was awesome, goddammit, I cried and laughed and just felt like spending the next 60 hours watching the show all over again!
Though there should be something from Namond, Dukie and Michael, there were great quotes like "Officer Walker be evil, he be stealing niggas an shit", "Ain't no special dead. They just dead.", "I'm definitely gonna enroll" and many, many more. Bunny deserved more quotes, also, he gave a lot of great speeches! Anyway, this list was awesome, you probably couldn't do better than this with the limited spots. The best ones are there, so it's ok!
This IS the greatest thing to ever appear on Pajiba, you guys can close business right now and be happy with it. Don't go and follow this with a review of 2012. Oh, motherfucker...
Posted by: zito at November 13, 2009 5:36 PM
ay don't sleep on this nuke:
snoop: "how my hair look mike"
mike: "you look good girl"
daymn.
Posted by: mook at November 13, 2009 5:40 PM
And thank you Dan and hh. I have now incorporated a quote from The Wire in my Law School presentation on Estate Planning.
Which you ask?
"Ain't no shame in holding onto grief...as long as you make room for other things too."
DM: I've gotta ask you: if every time Snot Boogie would grab the money and run away... why'd you even let him in the game?
YBG: What?
DM: Well, if every time, Snot Boogie stole the money, why'd you let him play?
YBG: Got to. It's America, man.
Posted by: fatblakdog at November 13, 2009 6:07 PM
Holy shit! I'm watching The Wire Season 2 RIGHT NOW. I have to say that I agree with you that this might be the best series ever.
And I leave you with an Omar-ism:
"Oh, indeed."
Posted by: Tira at November 13, 2009 6:18 PM
I haven't even started reading this and I'm excited....Nice pic of Omar too.
Posted by: Kelly Booth at November 13, 2009 6:47 PM
Yay! This was awesome, thanks for putting it together!
Posted by: Jami at November 13, 2009 6:59 PM
Alright, saw the vid. Makes me want to re-watch the whole series.
I think about Bodie every now and then and it makes me sad. I thought that character was so well developed (as are most of them).
I believe The Wire is the best series ever made for television ever of all time.
Posted by: Kelly Booth at November 13, 2009 7:06 PM
That was epic.
I don't think a show aimed as high or hit its target as well as "The Wire" ever did.
Posted by: Fredo at November 13, 2009 7:22 PM
one of my favorite lines from season 1
Judge Daniel Phelan: I hold you in Contempt, Detective!
Det.: Who doesnt?
Posted by: LVC at November 13, 2009 7:32 PM
Judge Daniel Phelan: I hold you in Contempt, Detective! Det. McNulty: Who doesnt?
Posted by: LVC at November 13, 2009 7:33 PM
I love this show so much, but watching it over and over again, can make one depressed, especially Season 4 which has one of the most heart wrenching scenes(wire fans you know the one) in all of television.
The 100 quotes missed my favorites courtesy of
Slim Charles "Game's the same, just got more fierce" and Brother Mouzone " You know what the most dangerous thing in America is right? A Nigga with a library card."
Posted by: coco at November 13, 2009 7:33 PM
"You can't even call this shit a war."
"Why not?"
"Wars end."
Holy fuck I miss this show. If only networks/cable were still brave enough to do shows like this.
And I know that the Emmy's are worthless, but it still burns my shit up that it only ever got nominated for TWO. For the best show in the history of television. What a fucking travesty.
Love love LOVE The Wire!!! The Emmys can go have sex with itself for not recognizing this show. Two of my favorite quotes:
Bunk (describing Landsman): John-Goodman-off-his-diet-looking [can't remember the rest but that's the most awesome adjective EVER]
[who said this???]: Shorty was a cop!
Posted by: Ray Ray at November 13, 2009 9:42 PM
Man oh man oh man. I feel the urge to watch again.
I also feel the urge to forward this to some friends who don't believe me when I say "this is the greatest TV you will ever watch." The video is kinnnddddaaa sorta spoilerish but not really. Ok I guess Cheese getting blown away ... 22 dead bodies ... but I feel like those are so far in the show that it's hard to put almost any of these quotes in context if you've never seen the show before.
This show can forever be brought up as an argument to invalidate the Emmy's. I love House and all but fuck me that it got nominated over this.
Posted by: Mick J at November 13, 2009 9:49 PM
If hh could do this for Deadwood I would probably cry open tears. I'm not trying to knock The Wire or nothing but Deadwood is the best show, The Wire is a very close second.
Posted by: jasper buckleman at November 13, 2009 9:50 PM
Awwww hell did Christmas come early!
God, the best TV series EVER!! Love me some Omar.
State's Atty. Ilene Nathan: Mr. Little, how does a man rob drug dealers for eight or nine years and live to tell about it?
Omar: Day at a time I suppose?
Omar: How you expect to run with the wolves come night, when you spend all day sparring wit' the puppies?
Omar: I like that ring too. [pause] Boy, you got me confused with a man who repeat himself.
Cheese: Omar had this one chick pullin' guns out her pussy. That shit was unseemly, yo.
Damn where are my DVDs?
Posted by: allheavens at November 13, 2009 9:54 PM
I just had to go and check the nominees for drama from 2002 onward (some of them multiple times).
24
CSI
Law&Order
Six Feet Under
Sopranos
Joan of Arcadia (!!!!???!@((**(JFEJDIDONEDAD)
West Wing
Grey's Anatomy
House
Heroes
.... shieeeeeeetttttt. That ain't right.
Posted by: Mick J at November 13, 2009 9:56 PM
I can appreciate how much time it takes to put these together, but I second Deadwood as the next nominee. I wouldn't be surprised if Al Swearengen took up half the slots though.
Love Deadwood but I personally have to put it #2 behind the Wire. The fact there's no real end to it is a downer.
Posted by: Mick J at November 13, 2009 9:59 PM
Deadwood ... I can only watch it once and that's enough ... aside from Al Swearengen, everyone in that show annoys me
anyway, the quotes video needs more Norman. his impression of
"I'm a devious motherfucker once I get goin'"
and then there's Avon Barksdale in season 1
"See you only get to fuck up once, be a little slow, a little late ..."
something like that ... WAAAY too many great Wire moments
Posted by: lelnguye at November 13, 2009 11:38 PM
god damned laptop ...
that should read:
"anyway, the quotes video needs more Norman. his impression of Senator Davis always gets me ... "
Posted by: lelnguye at November 13, 2009 11:40 PM
That video needs more Ziggy.
It is still awfully good.
Posted by: Graham at November 14, 2009 12:17 AM
Great compilation.
Omar need the Don Draper treatment. Everything Omar said in every season of the wire.
as for deadwood, a close second but it ended too early.
Posted by: lwoodpdowd at November 14, 2009 3:29 AM
I appreciate the fact that hh pretended Ziggy never existed.
Posted by: sansho1 at November 14, 2009 8:27 AM
@ Ray Ray:
"Shorty was a cop" was Stringer, speaking to Wee-Bey in the copy shop about neutralizing Little Man. From Season 1, Episode 11. Cue Bey's saucer-eyed disbelief at "...and she ain't dead."
That situation sets up another great quote later in the episode from Stringer to Avon, actually.
"...yeah, but I put Bey on that."
/resolved
Posted by: Benny at November 14, 2009 10:26 AM
Here are some ideas for the next vids:
Burn Notice: "All I've Learned from Michael Westin". One of the best parts of the show are the asides where Michael teaches something to the audience like "Guns make you dumb. Duct tape makes you smart."
Battlestar Galactica's 100 best quotes. Although I fear this list would be dominated by Baltar and Starbuck.
Deadwood's 100 best quotes. Gems like "Oh, excuse us, we didn't realize you were a fuckin' sovereign community and nation out there. Where's your cocksucker's flag? Where's your fuckin’ navy or the like?"
Babylon 5 100 quotes. Although by now I'm sure there's hundreds of these -- and I know that it's older than many pajibans -- this show was great for awesome and funny lines. Stuff like "There is no greater power in the universe than the need for freedom. Against that power governments, and tyrants, and armies can not stand." and "intelligence has nothing to do with politics."
Posted by: Fredo at November 14, 2009 12:07 PM
That was amazing. The Wire is the best show I have ever seen, it is honestly amazing. I actively miss Bodie, McNulty, Omar, and more since finishing the series. The characters were so well developed, they did an amazing job.
I think "tweedy impertinence" should have made this list though, as well as nigga with a library card.
Posted by: eden at November 14, 2009 2:11 PM
fair enough, eastvillagenyc73
but the actual quote is:
Moreland: I'm just a humble motherfucker with a big-ass dick.
Freamon: You give yourself too much credit.
Moreland: Okay then. I ain't that humble.
for what its worth...
Posted by: phaedawg at November 14, 2009 3:57 PM
"Package up my ass, Gump!!"
Posted by: Sweet Jones at November 15, 2009 1:26 AM
that was the shit, guys, good work.
Some of my favourite moments in the show are the silent ones, like Freeman figuring out shit or the closing montages. This is a show that did pretty much everything right.
Posted by: nigeltde at November 15, 2009 9:57 AM
When Slim Charles and Cutty had to tell Avon that they didn't get the corner back, and Slim said "Last seen Javon man, he was racing bullets up on Fayette st, he appeared to be winning too"
Best show on television, great job on that video.
Posted by: Brandon at November 15, 2009 5:34 PM
Remember Kima standing at her window with her little boy..."Goodnight Moon, goodnight stars, goodnight po-pos, goodnight fiends, goodnight hoppers, goodnight hustlers, goodnight scammers, goodnight to everybody, goodnight to one and all."
Posted by: reris at November 15, 2009 7:05 PM
2 of my favorites didn't make it:
Omar in court, "What up Bird?"
Syndicate member to Stringer, "You harder to get at than my fat wife's cunt, nigga!"
Posted by: Frank at November 16, 2009 11:40 AM
One of my personal favorites that (I don't think think made it) was when that guy's girlfriend talked him into going along with the trap Lester laid out with the burners.
After they get busted and they're sitting on the bench in the jailhouse and she's still bitching his ear off, he looks at one of his buddies and says, "Man, I can't wait to go to jail." The delivery was just so pitch-perfect.
Posted by: feramones at November 16, 2009 12:00 PM
"You must have me confused with somebody who repeats himself." -Omar
Posted by: dre at November 16, 2009 12:38 PM
Not enough Lester for me.
Lester: "But I don't go to the dance unless I'm gonna feel some titties."
Posted by: JakesAlterEgo at November 16, 2009 11:57 PM
Bubs: "Just sayin..."
Kima: "Just tellin!"
Posted by: Tony Harris at November 17, 2009 6:07 PM
The first one was when Stringer was asking Slim Charles to kill Clay Davis. Slim's response was SOOO funny, real, and on point I had to rewind it like 3 times.
Slim: Who we hittin'?
Stringer: Clay Davis.
Slim: THE Clay Davis? Downtown Clay Davis?
Stinger: That's supposed to mean something to me man? That nigga need to be got.
Slim: Shit string, murda ain't no thing. But this here is some assassination shit here, man.
Another is when Omar stuck up Marlo and said:
"Boy, you must have me confused with a man that repeats himself"
I had to write that down, it was so classic.
Posted by: J 2 DA at November 18, 2009 2:10 AM
More Bunk!
"There you go, giving a shit when it ain't your turn to give a shit."
and McNulty to Bunk:
"When it was your turn to fuck me in the ass, you were real gentle."
Posted by: Af at November 19, 2009 10:00 AM
FARK.COM/Video posted the link to this..
Posted by: GrayHairedOldFart at November 19, 2009 11:01 AM
D'Angelo Barksdale: Now you think Ronald McDonald gonna go down to the basement and say, "Hey Mr. Nugget - you the bomb. We sellin' chicken faster than you can tear the bone out. So I'm gonna write my clowney ass name on this fat-ass check for you." Shit. Man, the nigga who invented them things? Still working in the basement for regular wage, thinking of some shit to make the fries taste better or some shit like that. Believe.
Posted by: JakeTheFatMan at November 19, 2009 2:50 PM
this is great. however, no Herc?!?! His quotes throughout the entire show are priceless. anybody remember when he asks beattie out for coffee and the ensuing dialogue btw he and Carver? how about when he and Carver are talking about the mayor getting serviced in the office? he and carver's interactions throughout the show had me laughing out loud quite often
Posted by: wireguy at November 20, 2009 11:38 AM
On the basis of this post I've just ordered the entire series of the Wire on DVD. Plus some "adult" novels. But mainly the Wire. Better be worth it.
Posted by: onto2ndbottlewine at November 21, 2009 2:09 PM
Did I mention, never seen the Wire in my life?
Posted by: onto2ndbottle at November 21, 2009 2:11 PM
Two of my all-time favorites:
Omar: "Bubbles know Bird."
and
Snoop: What you smilin' at?
Bunk: I'm just thinkin' bout pussy.
Snoop: Me too.
Posted by: Aaron at December 7, 2009 1:06 PM
Omar: "No Doubt"
Posted by: Bobby at December 7, 2009 1:11 PM
I can't remember the exact quote, but Snoop and Chris and maybe Michael are in the car and Snoop says: "In this line of work, the last thing you want are surprises" or something like that.
Posted by: Geoff at December 12, 2009 1:46 AM
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I risked getting spoiled (I only just finished season 2) to watch this because I love the show's dialogue so much. It was worth it.