The double dealings of McNulty and Templeton inadvertently combine, whilst Herc does his old pals in the Western a good turn.
This for me is a classic episode with very memorable character moments.
It contains one of my favourite scenes of the whole show in McNulty's meeting with the Sun reporters and editors. It is a hilariously written exchange that sums up McNulty's character with one of those "smartest f______ in the room" moments, as he easily catches out another character trying and failing to be as deceptive as him. This is part of the spiralling arc surrounding McNulty and his fake serial killer, which is starting to brilliantly connect to other threads of narrative.
There is also great callback to Herc's infuriating journey to oblivion as a policeman. Events from the previous seasons that led to his dismissal (and the fate of Randy) continue to compile, but here he contributes in a more positive way for the Marlo investigation. This is very clever and ironic writing.
Many other characters have memorable screen time such as Omar, Gus, Carver, Daniels, Lester, Bunk, Jay, Dukie, Nerese, Clay Davis, Bubbs, Walon, Dennis, and many more. There is too much detail to comment on without an essay!
All actors are on top form, but for me the standouts are Dominic West, Clarke Peters, Lance Reddick, and Marlyne Barrett.
As ever the cinematography, editing and visual storytelling are excellent.
I think it's a 9.5/10 for me, but I round upwards.
This for me is a classic episode with very memorable character moments.
It contains one of my favourite scenes of the whole show in McNulty's meeting with the Sun reporters and editors. It is a hilariously written exchange that sums up McNulty's character with one of those "smartest f______ in the room" moments, as he easily catches out another character trying and failing to be as deceptive as him. This is part of the spiralling arc surrounding McNulty and his fake serial killer, which is starting to brilliantly connect to other threads of narrative.
There is also great callback to Herc's infuriating journey to oblivion as a policeman. Events from the previous seasons that led to his dismissal (and the fate of Randy) continue to compile, but here he contributes in a more positive way for the Marlo investigation. This is very clever and ironic writing.
Many other characters have memorable screen time such as Omar, Gus, Carver, Daniels, Lester, Bunk, Jay, Dukie, Nerese, Clay Davis, Bubbs, Walon, Dennis, and many more. There is too much detail to comment on without an essay!
All actors are on top form, but for me the standouts are Dominic West, Clarke Peters, Lance Reddick, and Marlyne Barrett.
As ever the cinematography, editing and visual storytelling are excellent.
I think it's a 9.5/10 for me, but I round upwards.