It’s the end of an era. “The Wire” was one of the most poignant, authentic, heart-wrenching series of its time. Although the show may have not been as popular or high in ratings as other HBO series like “The Sopranos,” it developed a cult following, and the stories about politics, schools, media, crime, and the police force resonated with people on many levels. I especially enjoyed it because it was so real and relatable for people who live in urban areas like Baltimore. We all know a Dookie, a Michael, a Bubbles, a Marlo, and even an Omar — an ordinary individual who becomes an extraordinary legend through time as stories are passed on.
The characters that tore apart people across the board were the kids from the Fourth Season: Michael, Dookie, Namond, and Randy. I’m a regular reader and contributor to the blogs out there on The Wire, and I found that a great majority of the comments were 
in sympathy for these boys. Of all the character outcomes, most people rooted for the kids to overcome their potentially doomed fates. When I saw Dookie lighting up in the ending montage, I too was broken hearted. How can someone — a kid no less — go through so much and have no real choice or hope for their future? The sad truth is that a lot of kids are like Dookie and are doomed out of the womb. I think this show was a great platform to educate the public about the pressures, pitfalls, and disparities of living in poverty-stricken areas. People have learned that criminals are not born, they’re made. Maybe The Wire will galvanize a stronger response to help those in these circumstances.
Another reason I will miss The Wire is because of its stellar cast. From the corner boys, to the ambitious yet wayward politicians; from the sometimes crooked/sometimes honest po-lice, to the people caught up in the hood and trying to make a better way, they were all convincing. Never mind the cast was at least 60% African-American. How often do you see that in a drama series, or any television show for that matter? I just hope that now since the show has wrapped up, these actors can find roles — meaningful ones. I will miss The Wire. It may be a long time before another series comes out that I love and hate at the same time.
