The Wire (TV Series) Backwash (2003) User Reviews

2x07

[formotog · 7/10 · 18 August 2020]

Another good episode. We're well into this case now and with each episode, the police get answers to questions we already know the answers to which is what's making the pacing seem quite slow. That and the fact that so far there have been basically no arrests at all whereas last season we had arrests and raids all the time. We also had barely any McNulty this episode which was a first for the show. It was still good nonetheless but I'm still not that interested in the port crew. Stringer has proved himself to be a really slippery, ruthless character this episode and I just wonder what his endgame is. Is he looking to take over the operation entirely? Guess I'll find out

High 7

His name is Head.....

[snoozejonc · 9/10 · 14 April 2022]

Frank fights for the future of the docks and Stringer handles the Barksdales very carefully.

This is a very strong episode with great drama, humour and character development.

The opening scene is quite unforgettable for me, but I won't spoil it by saying too much. It's almost morbidly funny in one sense, but in the same breath it is a tragic commentary on the world.

A prominent aspect of the plot is the blinkered mindsets of two controlling characters: Frank Sabotka and Stringer Bell. The scenes with the stevedores again effectively portray the decline of Baltimore's port industry and its impact on Frank. We get more hints of how tragic the situation is likely to become as he is shown to prioritise the workforce above everything. The development of the all the Sabotka family characters is exceptionally well written and the actors, particularly Chris Bauer, are great.

Stringer has some uncomfortable and compelling scenes in the aftermath of the previous episode's major event. The writers and Idris Elba do a fantastic job of establishing the coldness, calculation and ambition of this character, whilst also laying the foundation for what is to come in season 3.

Speaking of ambition, there are some interesting developments with Daniels in a professional and personal sense. Again this is not just good drama, but cleverly sets up what will to come later.

As ever, the humour is top drawer in a number of scenes. Herc and Carver are on brilliant form in virtually every scene. The stevedores 'Diana Ross' themed practical joke is beautifully delivered. Bunk has some good lines, as does Greggs.

The cinematography and editing is excellent as ever.

I've said it before, I'll say it again...

[kemority · 8/10 · 28 September 2020]

Hauk and Carver have no business being on any police force. They're the very epitome of what constitutes "bad cop". As much as their shenanigans piss me off though, I'm glad they're characters. If they weren't included, I'd question the show's overall authenticity. I'm so happy Karma caught up to them and that bug was crushed by the semi.

While human trafficking should absolutely be a crime, prostitution should absolutely not be. Porn is legal. The "hook-up" culture is insane with people sleeping together after having met at a bar hours before..... but when it becomes a monetary transaction, the IRS ain't having it. They're not getting T-H-E-I-R-S (get it?) and the feds can't allow that. World's oldest profession - illegal here in "freedom land" America.

That was a terrific scene between Frank and Bruce. Some really great dialogue, and delivery. "Acting is reacting" and Chris Bauer nailed it.

"isn't technology the f****** bomb?"

[RainDogJr · 10/10 · 29 May 2009]

My title is a line of Herc, he and Carver continue after the dealers but here they add some technology, a $1250 bug so yes after hearing the modern urban crime environment clearly technology is the f****** for Herc, a damn fine bug that can put dealer Frog's words right in Herc's ears. Herc and Carver stand out since by the end of the day they have the license plate of a drug supplier that happens to be a Sobotka, no more worries for Herc and Carver about the $1250 they own for the now destroyed bug. And here is a Sobotka another man who sees the consequences of a pretty amazing new technology working, Frank Sobotka sees what will come, "isn't technology the f****** bomb?" as you already know isn't a Frank Sobotka line.

Near the ending of this episode something horrible happens to the stevedore New Charles, a work accident, he will lose one of his legs. "Can't get hurt if you ain't working, right?" is a line of Frank after hearing about the Rotterdam dock technologies, after hearing that he like everyone else can be happy since with the Rotterdam technologies work-related accidents have reduced a 60%. Is effective, cleverly done, all things together: Frank seeing the Rotterdam dock technologies, Frank giving lots of money to try to get more work (to mention that here the detail follows the container that "Horseface" "disappeared", you know they are following Sergei aka Boris and what they find at the end of the day? Well, Prop Joe entering to the warehouse where Boris drove the container before. To mention also that here Kima and Prez go to check the full of European girls strip club and that Daniels takes the 14 homicides.), the accident of New Charles, Frank giving "dirty" money to the family of New Charles.

The very first scene of this episode is one I really love, is a strange moment with Bodie, you have to see it and well, here we have the funeral of D'Angelo, certainly the pain of a mother and there Stringer Bell (there's a business talk after the funeral, is Stringer talking with Prop Joe about a possible arrangement, about an arrangement that will not be seen as a possibility by Avon), not a word from him to Brianna.

I rated 10 for the tennis ball scene

[marvincowell · 10/10 · 20 September 2023]

Sincerely, one of the funniest things I've ever seen on television. Following the depressing ending to the previous episode I really needed that moment. I'm watching the episode as I write this, I just really really need to give this scene it's due justice. These writers are geniuses. I love it.

Tennis ball is on the way home now and I have to go to the store and get a few things done and I can get it done before I get there and then I'll be there around the same time I don't have to do anything else to get it done before I get there and then I have to get it to work at least to get it done and then I'll.