television
Two weeks after watching the final season of The Wire, I believe it does mark a turning point in my understanding of television – as it has for so many. A few days ago, I had the privilege of reading a script for a pilot by a friend and my only serious suggestion was, more or less, to include the kind of pedagogical sequences that made the first season – or any season – of The Wire so spectacular. I can’t imagine a good television drama that lacks its attention to social detail.
I know that’s quite a high bar given the culture – the business culture – that dominates television production. My guess is many, many people are going to try to imitate it and that’s a great thing.