"The Wire" Undertow (TV Episode 2003) Poster

(TV Series)

(2003)

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7/10
2x05
formotog17 August 2020
Warning: Spoilers
A good episode. Things are still moving quite slowly I feel, and honestly this case doesn't have the same hook the season 1 case had in my opinion. The Greeks are intriguing but Frank, Ziggy and the rest of the Union really aren't all that interesting to me at this point. Stringer is a great character but hasn't really had all that much to do at this point, especially with the reduced focus on the Barksdale crew. I don't have all that much to say about this episode, just that it's almost halfway through the season now and I'm thinking it probably won't match season 1. It's still good but just not as good

High 7
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9/10
When I **** you over, you'll know it
snoozejonc11 April 2022
Daniels starts Valchek's new detail and Sabotka receives a lucrative offer from Vondas.

This is another very strong episode that is humorous and full of great character moments.

Like the previous episode, 'Undertow' feels like it's moving pieces into place ready for some major events to take place. Some very ominous signs are hinted subtly for certain characters and for me this is pretty compelling. Some scenes are important for how the season unfolds and the impact of others will even be felt in later seasons.

There are many comical moments that keep the entertainment level high. Omar has some great banter and funny situational humour. Michael K Williams' verbal delivery and mannerisms are excellent as always.

Certain scenes involving Ziggy, although nasty, have funny moments associated with how he reacts and handles situations. I know some find the character annoying but I think he is hilarious at times here. James Ransone brings the perfect manic energy and emotional range to the character.

Seeing Herc and Carver back in full effect is one of the highlights of the episode for me. Domenick Lombardozzi and Seth Gilliam have great chemistry, even when it's just banter over a radio. Additionally, the character of Frog is a brilliant concept, and so recognisable to someone who witnessed a generation of white teenagers grow up idolising gangster rappers.
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10/10
"triple?"
RainDogJr21 May 2009
Warning: Spoilers
but still, and even they weren't quite sure at first, they will do it, they will enter to this other business, now they (Ziggy and Nick I should add) will steal chemicals, tons of them. They weren't quiet sure in the way of "for what they want that stuff?" but once Eastside dealers will kill Ziggy if he doesn't pay them (Ziggy gets packets and usually f**** them) and that they find that the stuff is for cocaine the wanted merchandise is there waiting to be picked up by the Greeks. At this point, the fifth hour, Season 2 is still not at its very best but if in my book each episode of this Season gets a full 10 is just because overall the Season is awesome. Probably the stuff with McNulty trying to find the family of his floater during this episode is the less interesting thing, I mean you get to understand McNulty but he is going nowhere, trying to find a damn miracle (I like a lot the Omar as witness stuff but the best I mean Bird's trial is about to come during the next episode). Anyway, meet Thomas "Horseface" Pakusa (amazing interpretation of Charley Scalies), Maui (Lance Irwin) and Johnny "Fifty" (Jeffrey Pratt Gordon), not that these characters appear for the very first time during this hour but here they all have stuff I want to mention. "Horseface", "why "Horseface"?" ask Bunk and Russell is like "what, you need a close-up?", "Horseface" is a checker, good friend of Frank Sobotka and like everybody of the union he will not say a damn thing to the police about anything. Here he just like Johnny "Fifty" is one of the stevedores that receive a grand jury summon, they all worked the Atlantic Light but we know "Horseface" is the only one who knows about the stuff between Frank and the Greeks and just like the others he won't say a thing, the Greeks don't need to worry for "Horseface", will all be a damn bad time for Bunk and Russell. Maui works at the control tower, there's not really a good relation between Maui and Ziggy and pretty much that's why we know Maui damn well. Here Russell will let us know about her past with Maui but more important she will know about the control at the docks, now everything goes to a computer, Russell and company will have to look for a patron and Daniels allow that her and Bunk stay with them to share information but Daniels will not take the 14 homicides. Here the detail begins to work, Carver is back (I like a lot that scene, sure Carver won't f*** Daniels again) just like Lester (who surprises all when he is like "Frank Sobotka" after seeing the photo of the detail's target), not McNulty though. Kima, Herc and Carver are doing work on the drug business of the Eastside…and I love the ending, Frank and the Greeks, everything back to normal, more money for Frank though
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