The casting of the show has been praised for avoiding big-name stars and using character actors who appear natural in their roles. The looks of the cast as a whole have been described as defying TV expectations by presenting a true range of humanity on screen. Most of the cast is African-American, consistent with the demographics of Baltimore. Wendell Pierce, who plays Detective Bunk Moreland, was the first actor to be cast. Dominic West, who won the ostensible lead role of Detective Jimmy McNulty, sent in a tape he recorded the night before the audition's deadline of him playing out a scene by himself.
Casting
The Wire
The Wire | Casting
Wendell Pierce Wendell Pierce. Wendell Pierce Wendell Pierce
what year is the wire season 1 set in
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Sorry. I cannot find the answer based on the context.
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what is the wire?
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It is an American crime drama television series
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who created it?
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David Simon
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where was it filmed?
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Set and produced in Baltimore, Maryland
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who were the characters?
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Detective Bunk Moreland, Detective Jimmy McNulty, Cedric Daniels to name a few
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who plays the first character's role?
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The casting of the show has been praised for avoiding big-name stars and using character actors who appear natural in their roles. The looks of the cast as a whole have been described as defying TV expectations by presenting a true range of humanity on screen. Most of the cast is African-American, consistent with the demographics of Baltimore. Wendell Pierce, who plays Detective Bunk Moreland, was the first actor to be cast. Dominic West, who won the ostensible lead role of Detective Jimmy McNulty, sent in a tape he recorded the night before the audition's deadline of him playing out a scene by himself.
The Wire | Casting
The major characters of the first season were divided between those on the side of the law and those involved in drug-related crime. The investigating detail was launched by the actions of Detective Jimmy McNulty (Dominic West), whose insubordinate tendencies and personal problems played counterpoint to his ability as a criminal investigator. The detail was led by Lieutenant Cedric Daniels (Lance Reddick) who faced challenges balancing his career aspirations with his desire to produce a good case. Kima Greggs (Sonja Sohn) was a capable lead detective who faced jealousy from colleagues and worry about the dangers of her job from her domestic partner.
The Wire | Main cast
Andre Royo returned as Bubbles, who continued to indulge his drug addiction and act as an occasional informant. Deputy Commissioner of Operations William Rawls (John Doman) and Acting Commissioner Ervin Burrell (Frankie Faison), the two commanding officers, seem to be more concerned with politics and their own careers than actual police work. Wendell Pierce portrayed veteran homicide detective Bunk Moreland.
The Wire (season 3) | Starring cast
This episode marks the first appearance of homicide Detectives Ed Norris and Vernon Holley, seen investigating the death of Brandon. Ed Norris is played by former Baltimore Police Commissioner Ed Norris; the character's personality is based on the real Norris, but his history is entirely different from his portrayor's. According to "", there was actually an African-American detective in the Baltimore Police Department homicide division named Vernon Holley. Also seen for the first time is Sean McNulty, the oldest son of Jimmy and Elena McNulty.
The Wire (The Wire episode) | First appearances
The major characters of the first season were divided between those on the side of the law and those involved in drug-related crime. The starring cast comprised characters from both groups. The investigating detail was launched by the actions of Detective Jimmy McNulty (Dominic West), whose insubordinate tendencies and personal problems overshadowed his ability. The detail was led by Lieutenant Cedric Daniels (Lance Reddick) who faced challenges balancing his career aspirations with his desire to produce a good case. Kima Greggs (Sonja Sohn) was a capable lead detective who faced jealousy from colleagues and worry about the dangers of her job from her domestic partner.
The Wire (season 1) | Cast
Prez faced sanction early on and was forced into office duty, but this setback quickly became a boon as he demonstrated natural skill at deciphering the communication codes used by the Barksdale organization. These investigators were overseen by two commanding officers more concerned with politics and their own careers than the case, Deputy Commissioner Ervin Burrell (Frankie Faison) and Major William Rawls (John Doman). Assistant state's attorney Rhonda Pearlman (Deirdre Lovejoy) acted as the legal liaison between the detail and the courthouse and also had a sexual relationship with McNulty. In the homicide division, Bunk Moreland (Wendell Pierce) was a gifted, dry-witted, hard-drinking detective partnered with McNulty under Sergeant Jay Landsman (Delaney Williams), the sarcastic, sharp-tongued squad supervisor.
The Wire | Main cast
The majority of the starring cast from the fourth season returned. On the police front, Dominic West returned as Jimmy McNulty with a larger storyline than the fourth season; John Doman as Deputy Commissioner William Rawls; Seth Gilliam as Western district Sergeant Ellis Carver; Corey Parker Robinson as Major Case Unit detective Leander Sydnor; Deirdre Lovejoy as prosecutor Rhonda Pearlman; Clarke Peters as veteran Detective Lester Freamon; Wendell Pierce as veteran homicide Detective Bunk Moreland; Lance Reddick as Colonel Cedric Daniels; and Sonja Sohn as Detective Kima Greggs. In the political storyline, Aidan Gillen returned as ambitious Mayor Tommy Carcetti; as well as Reg E.
The Wire (season 5) | Cast
McNulty's last name was originally McArdle, according to a draft of the pilot script. Brook Yeaton is also credited as an assistant set dresser and set dressing buyer for the show.
Street-level characters of The Wire | "White" Mike McArdle
The second season continued to follow the police and those involved with the Barksdale drug-dealing organization. The returning cast included Dominic West as Officer Jimmy McNulty, whose insubordinate tendencies and personal problems continued to overshadow his ability. Lance Reddick reprised his role as Lieutenant Cedric Daniels, who was sidelined because of his placement of case over career, but used his political acumen to regain some status. Sonja Sohn played Kima Greggs, who had transferred to a desk job, but could not resist the lure of a good case. Deirdre Lovejoy continued as assistant state's attorney Rhonda Pearlman, the legal liaison between the detail and the courthouse.
The Wire (season 2) | Summary
William "The Bunk" Moreland is a fictional character in "The Wire", played by Wendell Pierce. Bunk's character is based on a retired Baltimore detective named Oscar "The Bunk" Requer. He is portrayed as a generally competent, if profane and curmudgeonly detective. Like his best friend Jimmy McNulty, he also has problems related to infidelity and alcohol abuse, although he is more mindful than McNulty of the department's chain of command.
Bunk Moreland | Introduction
Corey Parker-Robinson portrayed Detective Leander Sydnor, one of two detectives who remain in the Major Crimes Unit after the arrival of the new lieutenant. Domenick Lombardozzi returned as Thomas "Herc" Hauk, a former member of the Major Crimes Unit whose work on the mayor's security detail earns him a promotion to sergeant and a transfer back to his old unit after Freamon and Greggs' departure. Wendell Pierce portrayed veteran homicide detective Bunk Moreland. Deirdre Lovejoy starred as assistant state's attorney Rhonda Pearlman, the legal liaison between the unit and the courthouse. Andre Royo returned as Bubbles, who continued to indulge his drug addiction and act as an occasional informant.
The Wire (season 4) | Cast
Her investigative work was greatly helped by her confidential informant, a drug addict known as Bubbles (Andre Royo). These investigators were overseen by two commanding officers more concerned with politics and their own careers than the case, Major William Rawls (John Doman) and Deputy Commissioner Ervin Burrell (Frankie Faison). Assistant state's attorney Rhonda Pearlman (Deirdre Lovejoy) acted as the legal liaison between the detail and the courthouse and also had a casual relationship with one of the officers. In the homicide division, Bunk Moreland (Wendell Pierce) was a gifted, dry-witted detective partnered with McNulty. On the other side of the investigation was Avon Barksdale's drug empire.
The Wire (season 1) | Cast
This episode marks the first appearance of Jimmy McNulty's estranged family. Callie Thorne plays Elena McNulty, Jimmy's estranged wife and the mother of his two sons. Callie Thorne also appeared on "" alongside several other "Wire" cast members. Antonio Cordova plays Michael McNulty, Jimmy's soccer-playing younger son. His older son, Sean, remains unseen in this episode.
Old Cases | First appearances
He also warns McNulty that his commander Cedric Daniels was investigated for corruption by the FBI and they had found he had an excess of liquid assets. After they handed Daniels' case over to Deputy Commissioner Ervin Burrell, nothing further came of it.
Law enforcement characters of The Wire | Police
According to series creator David Simon, Pierce was cast immediately after completing his audition for the part. In Jonathan Abrams' book "All The Pieces Matter", about the process of making "The Wire", Simon described Pierce's state of mind at the audition: "He was really pissed off. He had gotten in an argument with a cab driver. It was one of those sort of trying-to-hail-a-cab-while-black moments in New York, and he came in and he was steaming." Although he tried to apologize for being upset, the casting staff felt his attitude was perfect for a stressed-out Baltimore homicide detective. Pierce was not aware of the rationale until much later.
Bunk Moreland | Casting
Wood Harris and Larry Gilliard, Jr. reprised their roles as newly incarcerated drug dealers Avon and D'Angelo Barksdale. Idris Elba's character Stringer Bell took over the operations of the Barksdale Organization. Andre Royo returned as Bubbles, who continued to indulge his drug addiction and act as an occasional informant. The police were overseen by two commanding officers who are concerned with politics and promoting their own careers: Colonel William Rawls (John Doman) and Acting Commissioner Ervin Burrell (Frankie Faison). Wendell Pierce portrayed homicide detective Bunk Moreland, who became more involved with the core case. Previously recurring guest star Clarke Peters joined the starring cast and his character, veteran detective Lester Freamon, joined the homicide unit as Moreland's new partner.
The Wire (season 2) | Summary
Landsman gives the case to Freamon and Bunk. When his detectives start working with Cedric Daniels on the Sobotka detail, Landsman sees the potential to offload the responsibility of the case but Daniels initially refuses.
Jay Landsman (The Wire) | Season 2
The focus of the fourth season shifted between a local school, the mayoral election, police department politics and action on the street corners. The returning starring cast consisted of Dominic West as Officer Jimmy McNulty, the formerly insubordinate detective who attempts to shed his ability and his problems in favor of a better life. West was at the time homesick and wanting to spend time with his young daughter in England; he also felt the character's plot arc had reached a reasonable end point in season 3, so West arranged with the writers for McNulty's role to be greatly reduced in Season 4.
The Wire (season 4) | Cast
Mentioned in :Season five: "Transitions" Former Baltimore Police Department homicide detective featured in David Simon's "" who spawned a character named Oscar Requer played by actor Roscoe Orman in Season 5. Requer was the basis for the character of Bunk Moreland.
Police of The Wire | Rick Requer
The first season introduces two major groups of characters: the Baltimore Police Department and a drug dealing organization run by the Barksdale family. The season follows the police investigation of the latter over its 13 episodes. The investigation is triggered when, following the acquittal of D'Angelo Barksdale for murder after a key witness changes her story, Detective Jimmy McNulty meets privately with Judge Daniel Phelan. McNulty tells Phelan that the witness has probably been intimidated by members of a drug trafficking empire run by D'Angelo's uncle, Avon Barksdale, having recognized several faces at the trial, most notably Avon's second-in-command, Stringer Bell.
The Wire | Season 1
The third season returned with the focus on investigating the Barksdale Organization and introducing new characters such as the rival Stanfield Organization and local politicians. The returning cast consisted of Dominic West as Detective Jimmy McNulty, whose insubordinate tendencies and personal problems continued to overshadow his ability; Lance Reddick as Lieutenant Cedric Daniels, now commanding his own unit; Kima Greggs, played by Sonja Sohn, now McNulty's new partner within the unit; Clarke Peters as Lester Freamon; Deirdre Lovejoy as Assistant State's Attorney Rhonda Pearlman. Wood Harris reprised his role as incarcerated drug kingpin Avon Barksdale. Idris Elba's character Stringer Bell continued to run the Barksdale Organization in Avon's absence.
The Wire (season 3) | Starring cast
Jim True-Frost portrayed Roland "Prez" Pryzbylewski, a former member of the Major Crimes Unit who has become a teacher in an inner city school after inadvertently killing a fellow officer in season three.
The Wire (season 4) | Cast
Williams gained recognition as an actor for his portrayal of Omar Little in "The Wire," which began filming in 2002. The character was based on Donnie Andrews, as well as other crime figures in Baltimore. Williams received the part after only a single audition. He was initially told that the character was slated to appear in just seven episodes of the first season and feared that the character would be killed before the end of the season. However, creator David Simon stated that they always planned to keep the character as part of the continuing ensemble should the show be renewed beyond the first season.
Michael K. Williams | "The Wire"
Her investigative work was greatly helped by her confidential informant, a drug addict known as Bubbles (Andre Royo). Like Greggs, partners Thomas "Herc" Hauk (Domenick Lombardozzi) and Ellis Carver (Seth Gilliam) were reassigned to the detail from the narcotics unit. The duo's initially violent nature was eventually subdued as they proved useful in grunt work, and sometimes served as comic relief for the viewer. Rounding out the temporary unit were detectives Lester Freamon (Clarke Peters) and Roland "Prez" Pryzbylewski (Jim True-Frost). Freamon, seen as a quiet "house cat", soon proved to be one of the unit's most methodical and experienced investigators, with a knack for noticing important details and a deep knowledge of public records and paper trails.
The Wire | Main cast
Returning guest stars in the homicide unit included Delaney Williams as Sergeant Jay Landsman, Ed Norris as Detective Ed Norris, and Brian Anthony Wilson as Detective Vernon Holley. Al Brown and Jay Landsman reprised their roles as Major Stan Valchek and Lieutenant Dennis Mello. Michael Salconi recurred as veteran Western patrolman Michael Santangelo. Gregory L. Williams played Michael Crutchfield, a cantankerous homicide detective. Joilet F. Harris returned as Caroline Massey, an officer in the Major Crimes Unit. Joining the Major Crimes Unit this season is Kenneth Dozerman (Rick Otto). In the western district, Carver's squad includes Anthony Colicchio (Benjamin Busch), Lloyd "Truck" Garrick (Ryan Sands), and Lambert (Nakia Dillard).
The Wire (season 4) | Recurring characters
Bunk is a well liked and proficient member of the homicide unit. Although he is a capable detective, Bunk is a known alcoholic with a penchant for infidelity. Norris is a homicide detective who has been in the unit for 15 years since 1991 according to Season 4. Norris and his squad mate Vernon Holley first appeared assigned to the case of the murder of Omar Little's boyfriend Brandon. They recognized a connection to the recent murder of Omar's crew member Bailey because both corpses were found in Kevlar vests. They called in their colleague Jimmy McNulty and the Barksdale detail's work secured a conviction for the murder against soldier Wee-Bey Brice.
Police of The Wire | William "Bunk" Moreland
Lance Reddick reprised his role as newly promoted Major Cedric Daniels, now commanding the western district. One of Daniels's sergeants within the district was Sergeant Ellis Carver, portrayed by Seth Gilliam. Robert Wisdom reprised his role as former western district commander Howard "Bunny" Colvin, who has become a field researcher after a short stint working in hotel security following his retirement from the Baltimore Police Department. The Major Crimes Unit saw a shift in personnel this season. Kima Greggs, portrayed by Sonja Sohn, and Lester Freamon, portrayed by Clarke Peters, transferred to the Homicide Unit after the new lieutenant of the Major Crimes Unit ends the wire and halts Freamon's investigation of the Barksdale money.
The Wire (season 4) | Cast
Michael Kostroff returned as the Barksdale's retainered defense attorney Maurice Levy. Isiah Whitlock, Jr. reprised his role as corrupt State Senator Clay Davis, who continued to be involved with Barksdale money. Stringer continued to use Shamrock (Richard Burton) to insulate himself from investigation. Background characters like Barksdale enforcers Tank and Country also returned. Omar Little's crew continued to rob the Barksdale Organization and consisted of his boyfriend Dante (Ernest Waddell), partners Tosha Mitchell (Edwina Findley) and Kimmy (Kelli R. Brown), and advisor Butchie (S. Robert Morgan). Many guest stars also reprised their characters from the police department. Returning guest stars in the homicide unit include Delaney Williams as Sergeant Jay Landsman, Ed Norris as Detective Ed Norris, and Brian Anthony Wilson as Detective Vernon Holley.
The Wire (season 3) | Recurring roles
The driven, ruthless Barksdale (Wood Harris) was aided by business-minded Stringer Bell (Idris Elba). Avon's nephew D'Angelo Barksdale (Larry Gilliard Jr.) ran some of his uncle's territory, but also possessed a guilty conscience.
The Wire (season 1) | Cast
The character is based on and named after a real homicide detective sergeant whom David Simon had met while researching the book "". The character is often given dialogue that the writers recall the real Landsman using. Delaney Williams was chosen for the part because of the creators' experience of working with him in small roles on "Homicide" and "The Corner". The real Jay Landsman can also be seen on "The Wire" in the role of Dennis Mello, administrative aide to Major Colvin, first in an uncredited appearance in the season 2 episode "Stray Rounds", and later as a regular cast member.
Jay Landsman (The Wire) | Origins
Tray Chaney continues to portray former Barksdale crew chief Poot Carr, who joins the Stanfield organization this season. Michael Hyatt reprised her role as Brianna Barksdale. Michael Kostroff returned as the defence attorney Maurice Levy. Isiah Whitlock, Jr. reprised his role as corrupt State Senator Clay Davis whose involvement with Barksdale money causes him trouble with the Major Crimes Unit. Omar Little's crew shifted focus to the Stanfield Organization and the New Day Co-op and consisted of his new boyfriend Renaldo (Ramón Rodríguez), partner Kimmy (Kelli R. Brown), and advisor Butchie (S. Robert Morgan). Many guest stars also reprised their characters from the police department.
The Wire (season 4) | Recurring characters
Cathey as political aide Norman Wilson; and Domenick Lombardozzi as troubled defense investigator Thomas "Herc" Hauk.
The Wire (season 5) | Cast
The credited starring cast consists of Dominic West (Jimmy McNulty), John Doman (William Rawls), Idris Elba (Stringer Bell), Frankie Faison (Ervin Burrell), Larry Gilliard, Jr. (D'Angelo Barksdale), Wood Harris (Avon Barksdale), Deirdre Lovejoy (Assistant State's Attorney Rhonda Pearlman), Wendell Pierce (Bunk Moreland), Lance Reddick (Cedric Daniels), Andre Royo (Bubbles), and Sonja Sohn (Kima Greggs). The episode introduces many characters who are important over the course of the series, despite only being credited as guest stars. Domenick Lombardozzi plays Herc. Leo Fitzpatrick plays homeless, hapless drug addict Johnny Weeks. Hassan Johnson plays criminal enforcer Wee-Bey Brice. Michael B. Jordan plays naive sixteen-year-old drug dealer Wallace.
The Target (The Wire) | Starring cast
recurring character of the same name Former Baltimore Police Department homicide detective mentioned in David Simon's "" who spawned a character of the same name played by actor Brian Anthony Wilson throughout the series.
Police of The Wire | Vernon Holley
D. Williams and Michael K. Williams all had significant recurring roles in the first two seasons. Although credited, Michael K. Williams does not appear in this episode.
Time After Time (The Wire) | Starring cast
Although credited, John Doman, Deirdre Lovejoy, and Andre Royo do not appear in this episode. Note: Denise Hart was later cast as Miss Anna Jeffries in Season 4. It is unlikely that Miss Anna was intended to be the same character as the woman that Bunk picks up in the bar.
Lessons (The Wire) | Starring cast
James "Jimmy" McNulty is a fictional character and one of the main characters on the HBO drama "The Wire", played by Dominic West. McNulty is an Irish-American detective in the Baltimore Police Department. While talented in his profession, McNulty's conceited belief that he is more intelligent than his peers and his willingness to ignore the chain of command in pursuit of his own investigative projects mean that he regularly incurs the wrath of his superiors. When off the job, he has frequent problems involving alcoholism, alimony, child support, and unstable relationships. He is central to many of the successful high-end drug investigations that take place within the series.
Jimmy McNulty | Introduction
recurring character of the same name Former Baltimore Police Department homicide detective mentioned in David Simon's "" who spawned a character of the same name played by actor Gregory L. Williams throughout the series.
Police of The Wire | Michael Crutchfield
Brandon Price and Chris Clanton appeared as Barksdale crew soldiers Anton "Stinkum" Artis and Savino Bratton in the courtroom scene but had no lines and were not credited. Tray Chaney appeared as Poot Carr in the pit, notably being told by Bodie Broadus to chase down Johnny Weeks, but he has few lines and no credit. This begins a trend of minor roles and appearances remaining uncredited on the show. Producer Robert F. Colesberry makes an uncredited cameo appearance as homicide detective Ray Cole, whom he plays over the course of the first two seasons.
The Target (The Wire) | Uncredited appearances
Aidan Gillen, Robert Wisdom, Seth Gilliam, Domenick Lombardozzi, Jim True-Frost, Corey Parker Robinson, J. D. Williams, and Michael K. Williams are all new additions to the opening credits this season. Aidan Gillen is new to the series while the other actors have all previously appeared as guest stars. Robert Wisdom first appeared as Howard "Bunny" Colvin in a guest starring role in the second season episode "Stray Rounds". Corey Parker Robinson had a recurring role as Leander Sydnor in the first season but did not appear in the second season. Jim True-Frost (Roland "Prez" Pryzbylewski), Seth Gilliam (Ellis Carver), Domenick Lombardozzi (Thomas "Herc" Hauk), J.
Time After Time (The Wire) | Starring cast
Davis is then found not guilty, after which follows a celebration outside the courthouse to the shock of Bond and Pearlman. Nadiva Bryant is an Assistant United States Attorney and works as the federal prosecutor for the team of FBI Agents led by Amanda Reese. She first appears when the Barksdale detail try to take their case federal in season one. She returns when the Sobotka detail case becomes a federal investigation.
Law enforcement characters of The Wire | Rupert Bond
Al Brown and Jay Landsman reprised their roles as patrol division officers Stan Valchek and Dennis Mello. Michael Salconi recurred as veteran Western patrolman Michael Santangelo.
The Wire (season 3) | Recurring roles
McNulty was a former beat officer who became a detective. He returned to patrol in season 4 but after the death of an informant, he rejoined the Homicide Unit.
Police of The Wire | Jimmy McNulty
A preview for Season 5 of "The Wire" aired on HBO on October 28, 2007 and was later made available on YouTube. HBO sent critics the first seven episodes on DVD in December 2007. HBO's On Demand and multiplatform marketing division approached creator David Simon about producing exclusive on-demand content and three short prequel clips were produced that take place prior to the linear storyline of the show. The clips were made available via Amazon.com from December 5 and through HBO's on-demand service from December 15. The first video takes place in 1962 and focuses on the school days of drug kingpin Proposition Joe; the second is set in 1985 and focuses on Omar Little making an early robbery; the third video is set in 2000 and shows the first meeting of Jimmy McNulty (played by Dominic West) and Bunk Moreland (Wendell Pierce).
The Wire (season 5) | Promotion
During the fifth season, HBO produced three shorts depicting moments in the history of characters in "The Wire". The three prequels depict the first meeting between McNulty and Bunk; Proposition Joe as a slick business kid; and young Omar. The shorts are available on the complete series DVD set.
The Wire | Prequel shorts
Peter Gerety had a recurring role as Judge Phelan, the official who started the case moving.
The Wire | Main cast
Melanie Nicholls-King plays Detective Greggs' domestic partner Cheryl. Doug Olear plays FBI Special Agent Terrence "Fitz" Fitzhugh. Richard DeAngelis plays Major Raymond Foerster. Wendy Grantham plays stripper Shardene Innes. Michael Kostroff plays defense lawyer Maurice Levy. Michael Salconi plays Detective Michael Santangelo.
The Target (The Wire) | Starring cast
It was rumored in August 2007 that "" stars Richard Belzer and Clark Johnson would guest star in the fifth season. Johnson was later confirmed as joining the starring cast to play Gus Haynes, "a city editor who tries to hold the line against dwindling coverage, buyouts, and pseudo-news.""The New Yorker" described an early scene from the season where Haynes rants about a reporter inserting a charred doll into scenes of fires to eke more sympathy from his readers. Johnson also directed the final episode of the show. In the episode "Took," Belzer made a cameo appearance as John Munch, the police detective he has portrayed since 1993 on "Homicide" (1993–1999) and "" (1999–2013).
The Wire (season 5) | Cast
Landsman is a squad sergeant in the homicide division of the Baltimore police department. His commanding officer is originally William Rawls. Landsman's squad consists of Jimmy McNulty, Bunk Moreland, Michael Santangelo, Ray Cole, Ed Norris and Vernon Holley. Landsman finds the misfortune of the cops in his unit a constant source of amusement but is also protective of them at times. He is loyal to Rawls and also doggedly pursues the high case clearance rates that Rawls aims for but is realistic about the capabilities of his detectives. When McNulty goes around the chain of command and incurs Rawls's wrath by being detailed to another unit Landsman appears unsympathetic.
Jay Landsman (The Wire) | Season 1
Ervin H. Burrell is a fictional character on the HBO drama "The Wire", played by Frankie Faison. Burrell was an officer in the Baltimore Police Department who ascended from Deputy Commissioner of Operations to Commissioner over the course of the show. He was fired by Mayor Tommy Carcetti for falsifying crime statistics.
Ervin Burrell | Introduction
Norman Wilson is a fictional character on the HBO drama "The Wire", played by Reg E. Cathey. Wilson is a professional political operative and works closely with ambitious politician Tommy Carcetti. The character first appeared in the show's fourth season premiere "Boys of Summer" and Cathey is part of the starring cast for the fourth and fifth seasons.
Norman Wilson (The Wire) | Introduction
"Little Melvin" Williams, a Baltimore drug lord arrested in the 1980s by an investigation that Burns had been part of, had a recurring role as a deacon beginning in the third season. Jay Landsman, a longtime police officer who inspired the character of the same name, played Lieutenant Dennis Mello. Baltimore police commander Gary D'Addario served as the series technical advisor for the first two seasons and has a recurring role as prosecutor Gary DiPasquale. Simon shadowed D'Addario's shift when researching his book "Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets" and both D'Addario and Landsman are subjects of the book.
The Wire | Casting
Mello first appeared on the series as Western District administrative lieutenant and Major "Bunny" Colvin's second in command and confidante before Colvin's forced retirement. Mello then ran the district until Major Daniels was named district commander. Mello ran briefings for the Western district at roll call maintaining a sense of humor, typically dismissing the men with "don't get captured" and jokingly referring to them as "humps" and "mopes". Mello was once again given command of the Western district after Daniels' promotion to C.I.D. colonel at least until a new Major is given district command. Incidentally, the actor who plays Dennis Mello is a retired Baltimore detective named Jay Landsman, and was the real-life basis for the character of the same name in the show.
Police of The Wire | Dennis Mello
After McNulty is forced out of the police department, Landsman delivers a speech at the wake in McNulty's honor. He cites his insubordination and personality flaws but also says McNulty is the best detective he has ever had and is sorry for losing him. He fakes breaking out in tears at the end.
Jay Landsman (The Wire) | Season 5
Sean is Elena and Jimmy McNulty's oldest son. He lives with his mother and his brother Michael following his parents separation but still sees his father. Jimmy teaches his sons the front and follow technique and when he spots Stringer Bell in a market he has them follow him. Michael and Sean manage to record Stringer's number plate, which aids their father's investigation. In a brief appearance in the fourth season, he says he wants to be a rock star.
Police of The Wire | Sean James McNulty
Many guest stars from the earlier seasons reprised their roles. Proposition Joe (Robert F. Chew), the East Side's cautious drug kingpin, became more cooperative with the Barksdale Organization. His lieutenant "Cheese" (Method Man) became involved in the Major Crimes Unit investigation. Brother Mouzone (Michael Potts) returned to Baltimore looking for revenge. Hassan Johnson reprised his role as incarcerated Barksdale enforcer Wee-Bey Brice. Tray Chaney continued to portray Barksdale crew chief Poot Carr. Leo Fitzpatrick returned as hapless drug addict Johnny Weeks. Michael Hyatt and Shamyl Brown reprised their respective roles as Brianna Barksdale and Donette with both characters dealing with the loss of D'Angelo Barksdale.
The Wire (season 3) | Recurring roles
Burrell is a by-the-book careerist officer who reached the level of Commissioner. Initially appointed as an Acting Commissioner, Burrell negotiated for a permanent posting with the Royce administration. When Carcetti replaced Royce he immediately began looking to depose Burrell. He is eventually forced to resign in a scandal over manipulation of crime statistics but receives a highly paid replacement job in order to leave quietly. Burrell is played by Frankie Faison. Raymond Foerster was a Major and unit commander of the Baltimore narcotics division in season one. According to Season 4, he served 39 years on the force suggesting he joined the BPD in 1967.
Police of The Wire | Ervin Burrell
Although credited, Michael K. Williams and Isiah Whitlock, Jr. do not appear in this episode.
-30- (The Wire) | Starring cast
As the police seek murder suspects, Bubbles is mistaken as a suspect and brutally beaten in custody by Vernon Holley until Jay Landsman and other officers restrain Holley, calling in Jimmy McNulty to clear things up.
Bubbles (The Wire) | Season one
Lance Reddick was cast in the role after auditioning for the parts of Bunk Moreland and Bubbles. He was told that they were looking for "a name" to fill the Daniels role. Reddick has described the character as serious, intense and committed. Although a number of actors are credited in every episode regardless of their appearance, Daniels appears in more episodes of the show than any other character (58 out of 60), and is also the last original character to miss an episode.
Cedric Daniels | Casting
Commissioner Burrell continues to falsify crime statistics and is fired by Carcetti, who positions Daniels to replace him.
The Wire | Season 5
Bobby Brown is a Western District uniformed officer. He was the first officer on scene at the shooting of William Gant. He was also at the Brandon Wright crime scene. Detective Jimmy McNulty later enlisted Brown to help watch the home of Wallace. In season 3 when Major Colvin institutes the Hamsterdam initiative Brown is one of the officers freed up to be assigned to investigate complaints rather than perform radio car patrols and he solves a church burglary case.
Police of The Wire | Ellis Carver
Lance Reddick received the role of Cedric Daniels after auditioning for the roles of Bunk and heroin addict, Bubbles. Michael K. Williams got the part of Omar Little after only a single audition. Williams himself recommended Felicia Pearson for the role of Snoop after meeting her at a local Baltimore bar, shortly after she had served prison time for an attempted murder conviction. Several prominent real-life Baltimore figures, including former Maryland Governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.; Rev. Frank M. Reid III; radio personality Marc Steiner; former police chief, and radio personality Ed Norris; Virginia Delegate Rob Bell; "Baltimore Sun" reporter and editor David Ettlin; Howard County Executive Ken Ulman; and former mayor Kurt Schmoke have appeared in minor roles despite not being professional actors.
The Wire | Casting
Zero Mostel ... President/Don Pasquale Estelle Parsons ... 1st Lady/Barmaid Pat Paulsen ... Norman Jerry Orbach ... Jerry Lorsey George S. Irving ... Reverend/Muse Carmen Álvarez ... Anytime Annie Fred Baur ... Secret Service/Mafia Irwin Corey ... Professor Irwin Corey Thayer David ... General Paul Dooley ... Salesman Andrew Duncan ... Hurdlemeyer Laurie Heineman ... Trixie Deborah Loomis ... Waldo George King ... Masseur Tom McDermott ... Chief Justice McDonald Louisa Moritz ... Lt. Sylvia Arliss Shelley Plimpton ... First Girl
Fore Play | Cast
In season two, Nathan conducted the prosecution against "Bird" Hilton, reluctantly using Omar Little as a witness. Once Bird was found guilty, she promised Omar a free pass on any single minor charge in the future for his assistance. She appeared only briefly in season three, attending the wake of Detective Ray Cole. When Omar was framed for a murder and arrested in season four, he convinced Detective Bunk Moreland that he was innocent and Bunk in turn convinced Nathan to have Omar transferred to a safer prison. Nathan told Bunk that she now considered her debt to Omar repaid.
Law enforcement characters of The Wire | Ilene Nathan
Although credited, Wendell Pierce, Jim True-Frost, Seth Gilliam, and Domenick Lombardozzi do not appear in this episode.
Middle Ground (The Wire) | Starring cast
The following are former officers or assistant police not part of a District, Administrative, or Criminal Investigation Division. Walter Cantrell is a major and the Southern District commander. He is first seen in season one where he is a lieutenant and commands Roland "Prez" Pryzbylewski and Leander Sydnor. Lieutenant Cedric Daniels bargains with Cantrell to have the highly competent Sydnor assigned to the Barksdale detail to compensate for taking the erratic Pryzbylewski. Cantrell and Daniels are both candidates for the next post of major, and because of Daniels' insubordination while conducting the Barksdale investigation, Cantrell receives the promotion at the end of the first season.
Police of The Wire | Others
She is played by Genevieve Hudson-Price, the daughter of author Richard Price, who writes for the show. Hucklebuck is a drug addict and friend to Bubbles and Johnny. He often assists them on their "capers" to make money for drugs. He is a part of Johnny's copper house robbery scam in season 1. Hucklebuck continues to live on the street when Bubbles is in recovery in season 5. Lamar is the assistant and inept bodyguard of New York mercenary Brother Mouzone. He has accompanied Mouzone on both his visits to Baltimore. On their first trip they worked at the Franklin Terrace high rises for Avon Barksdale – guarding his territory against East Side drug dealers.
Street-level characters of The Wire | Dee-Dee
British actor Ray Winstone was originally considered for the part. After the September 11 attacks in 2001, Winstone had difficulty returning to England for several weeks due to the subsequent grounding of flights, and dropped out of consideration once he was finally able to return home. Series creator David Simon next considered American actor John C. Reilly, but he declined because his wife did not wish to move to Baltimore. For his audition tape, West was asked to record a scene between McNulty and his partner, Bunk Moreland. With only a day to record, and no one suitable to record with, he recorded himself reading his own dialogue and left gaps of silence for Moreland's dialogue, reacting appropriately.
Jimmy McNulty | Casting
Although credited, Frankie R. Faison and Wendell Pierce do not appear in this episode.
Slapstick (The Wire) | Starring cast
Elena was Jimmy McNulty's wife. They are divorced and have two sons, Sean and Michael. Elena is angered by Jimmy due to catching him in bed with another woman. She uses her lawyer to try to destroy Jimmy throughout the first season as much as she can. She is also protective of her sons and worries that Jimmy is a dangerous influence on them because of his drinking. When he exposes them to danger by having them tail the subject of his investigation, Stringer Bell, she files for an emergency order to prevent him from seeing the boys. At the court hearing, the judge convinces them to work out arrangements between themselves.
Police of The Wire | Elena McNulty
The disappearances of so many known criminals come to mystify both the major crimes unit investigating Marlo and the homicide unit assigned to solve the presumed murders. Marlo coerces Bodie into working under him. McNulty is a patrolman and lives with Beadie Russell. He politely refuses offers from Daniels who is now a major and commanding the Western District. Detectives Kima Greggs and Lester Freamon, as part of the major crimes unit, investigate Avon Barksdale's political donations and serve several key figures with subpoenas. Their work is shut down by Commissioner Ervin Burrell at Mayor Clarence Royce's request, and after being placed under stricter supervision within their unit, both Greggs and Freamon request and receive transfer to the homicide division.
The Wire | Season 4
Thomas J. "Tommy" Carcetti ( ) is a fictional character on the HBO drama "The Wire", played by Aidan Gillen. Carcetti is an ambitious Baltimore politician who begins the series with a seat on the city council.
Tommy Carcetti | Introduction
Although credited, Idris Elba, Frankie Faison, Wood Harris and Andre Royo do not appear in this episode. This is notable for being the first episode where Idris Elba does not appear.
Duck and Cover (The Wire) | Starring cast
Michael is Elena and Jimmy McNulty's younger son. He lives with his mother and his brother Sean following his parents separation but still sees his father. Michael plays soccer and Jimmy tries to attend his games. Jimmy teaches his sons the front and follow technique and when he spotted Stringer Bell in a market he had them follow him. Michael and Sean managed to record Stringer's number plate, which aided their father's investigation. In a brief appearance in the fourth season, he says he wants to be a video game designer.
Police of The Wire | Michael Barnes McNulty
Although credited Chad L. Coleman, Glynn Turman, and Corey Parker Robinson do not appear in this episode.
A New Day (The Wire) | Starring cast
Although credited, Clarke Peters, Jim True-Frost, and Corey Parker Robinson do not appear in this episode.
Homecoming (The Wire) | Starring cast
Although credited, Lance Reddick, Deirdre Lovejoy, and Seth Gilliam do not appear in this episode. This is the first episode of the series not to feature Reddick. Since Reddick was the only actor in every episode prior to this, from this point on, nobody has appeared in every episode.
Refugees (The Wire) | Starring cast
McNulty meets with Rawls and Landsman. Rawls tells McNulty he expects the Barksdale investigation to wrap up in a week's time, which McNulty has no intention of doing. Pressured by Rawls, Landsman orders Bunk to charge the Barksdales in the old murder cases. McNulty, Greggs and Freamon expect issuing charges will prompt Avon to change his operation and negate all their work. Daniels fails to dissuade Rawls, but convinces Burrell to overrule him. Rawls responds by asking Santangelo to keep him informed of anything that McNulty does that might be used against him. In the detail office, Freamon notes the high level of pager activity the previous night.
The Wire (The Wire episode) | The police
Sergeant Carver is SIC (Sergeant in Charge) of the Western District under Major Mello. At the end of the series Carver is promoted to Lieutenant. Baker is a rookie patrolman assigned with Castor to the Western District under the command of Bunny Colvin in Season three. He and Castor are both forced by Colvin to carry a compass until they can correctly identify the north direction. In Season four, Baker teams with officer Jimmy McNulty to arrest two people for a string of felony church burglaries. McNulty allows him credit for the arrest, later concurring with Bunk Moreland that Baker could be "good police".
Police of The Wire | Ellis Carver
Assistant Maryland State's Attorney Pearlman has been the legal system liaison for all the major investigations on the show. Judge Phelan is a friend of Detective Jimmy McNulty's who presides over the D'Angelo Barksdale murder trial, watching the jury give a not guilty verdict when a witness changes her statement. After he learns the witness was paid off (and possibly intimidated), and that D'Angelo is part of a much larger drug dealing operation, Phelan insists that Police Deputy Commissioner Ervin Burrell set up a detail to investigate. When Phelan speaks to the press about the murder of another witness from the trial, McNulty feels that Phelan has gone behind his back, souring their relationship for a time.
Law enforcement characters of The Wire | Rhonda Pearlman
Dan Kois of "Salon" described McNulty as "The heart, soul and oft-impaired nervous system of 'The Wire'", characterizing him as a central character. Kois also named McNulty's pride as his main character trait, noting this aspect of his personality made McNulty a successful investigator and a failure in most other aspects of his life.
Jimmy McNulty | Critical response and analysis
In his youth Melvin Williams, the actor who plays the Deacon, was a real-life drug kingpin who was arrested by series writer Ed Burns in 1984 when the latter was a Baltimore city police officer. Creator David Simon was responsible for covering the arrest for "The Baltimore Sun" at the time. Williams received a 34-year sentence for his crimes and much of the evidence against him came from a wiretap investigation like the one featured in the first season of the show.
Street-level characters of The Wire | The Deacon
M. Scott Templeton is a fictional character on the HBO drama "The Wire", played by actor Tom McCarthy. The actor joined the starring cast as the series' fifth season began.
Scott Templeton | Introduction
Daniels and McNulty argue about how to handle the case at their first meeting: McNulty, after seeing an FBI drug sting, suggests surveillance and wiretaps, but Burrell has ordered Daniels to put together a quick and simple case to appease Phelan. Soon after the investigation begins, McNulty learns from his friend in the FBI, Terence "Fitz" Fitzhugh, that Daniels had been investigated for having a suspiciously large amount of liquid assets. McNulty's relationship with Daniels continues to be complicated by their mutual distrust. The detail is assigned as a prosecutor Assistant State's Attorney Rhonda Pearlman ("Ronnie"), with whom McNulty is having a casual sexual relationship.
Jimmy McNulty | Season 1
Although credited, Chad Coleman, John Doman, Frankie Faison, Andre Royo, Michael K. Williams and Robert Wisdom do not appear in this episode. Thomas Hessenauer has a cameo in this episode as a dissenting school teacher; he is also the assistant to executive producer Nina Kostroff Noble.
Boys of Summer (The Wire) | Starring cast
Initial suspicions are confirmed when Landsman admits to McNulty it was he who informed Rawls as to where he didn't want to be re-stationed. He learned of this while being present when McNulty discussed it early in season one. Landsman's squad is altered as Rawls transferred Santangelo and McNulty out of the unit for displeasing him by working with the Barksdale detail, with McNulty going to the Marine unit and Santangelo becoming a beat cop in the Western District. Lester Freamon returns to homicide after a thirteen-year (and four month) absence and joins Landsman's squad. When Rawls is forced to take on the multiple homicide case of fourteen unidentified dead women, he entrusts it to Landsman.
Jay Landsman (The Wire) | Season 2
Bunk and McNulty visit D'Angelo in the Pit to press him on the Gant murder. When D'Angelo refuses to cooperate, they arrest him. Under interrogation, they play upon D'Angelo's conscience; he is moved to begin writing a letter of condolence to Gant's family. Barksdale attorney Maurice Levy arrives and stops D'Angelo from further self-incrimination.
The Detail (The Wire) | Plot
Although credited, Frankie Faison, Deirdre Lovejoy, Clarke Peters, Wendell Pierce, and Andre Royo do not appear in this episode.
Margin of Error (The Wire) | Starring cast
David Simon has disputed that any one individual is the model for any specific character in "The Wire". He has stated on "The Wire" DVD that Barksdale is a composite of several Baltimore drug dealers. Avon Barksdale is likely based, to some extent, on Melvin Williams (who plays the character of The Deacon) and Nathan Barksdale.
Avon Barksdale | Origins
Simon stated that the series would explore beyond the music scene to encompass political corruption, the public housing controversy, the criminal-justice system, clashes between police and Mardi Gras Indians, and the struggle to regain the tourism industry after the storm. One of the principal characters in the pilot script runs a restaurant. The series was filmed on location and was expected to provide a boost to the New Orleans economy. Simon's casting of the show mirrored that of "The Wire" in using local actors wherever possible. Wendell Pierce, who had previously played Bunk Moreland on "The Wire", stars in the series.
David Simon | "Treme"
In the first part of the episode, Marshall Allman (L. J. Burrows) does not make an appearance. Robert Knepper (T-Bag) returns after a two episode gap, in which his character recovers from his brutal beating in "Cell Test". The second part of this episode is the first episode in the series in which regular cast member Paul Adelstein (Agent Kellerman) does not appear. John Turk guests stars as Turk, the inmate ordered to kill Burrows. Also, making their first appearances are Matt DeCaro as CO Roy Geary, and John Heard as Frank Tancredi.
Riots, Drills and the Devil | Cast notes
Roland "Prez" Pryzbylewski is a fictional character on the HBO drama "The Wire", played by actor Jim True-Frost. Pryzbylewski is a detective of Polish heritage in the Baltimore Police Department. Initially seen as incompetent and rash, he proves to function better behind the scenes as a talented code-cracker. He eventually leaves the Baltimore Police Department due to the turmoil surrounding his accidental shooting of another officer, and later finds meaning as a dedicated middle school teacher.
Roland Pryzbylewski | Introduction
He described feeling somewhat indignant upon learning about it, but told Abrams, "The fact that I would bring it up in the middle of a major audition shows some gumption on my part." Lance Reddick, who was later cast as Cedric Daniels, was originally called in to audition for Moreland.
Bunk Moreland | Casting
Rockmond Dunbar, Robert Knepper and Paul Adelstein, who play C-Note, T-Bag and Paul Kellerman respectively made appearances in the episode, but are not yet billed as regulars until the next episode, except for C-Note, who'll be billed as a series regular from "The Rat". Marshall Allman, who plays L. J. Burrows does not appear in this episode. Anthony Starke, who plays Sebastian Balfour, Veronica Donovan's fiance was credited, but didn't make an appearance either. Making her first appearance is Patricia Wettig, who was credited as "Garlic cutter". Another first appearance includes Kurt Caceres, who plays Hector Avila, Fernando Sucre's cousin.
Allen (Prison Break) | Casting
Later in season four, Nathan helped Detectives Greggs and Norris investigate the Braddock murder case. She also attended the wake of CID and homicide unit commander Raymond Foerster. When Rupert Bond was elected State's attorney he promoted Nathan to second deputy State's Attorney and Pearlman took over her role in the violent crimes unit.
Law enforcement characters of The Wire | Ilene Nathan
Although credited, Deirdre Lovejoy does not appear in this episode.
The Wire (The Wire episode) | Starring cast
In the third season Bell is killed by Omar and Brother Mouzone in his own commercial building that was in development at the time.
Street-level characters of The Wire | Russell "Stringer" Bell
Although credited, John Doman, Frankie Faison, Deirdre Lovejoy, and Wendell Pierce do not appear in this episode.
Game Day (The Wire) | Starring cast
The episode opens with a seemingly routine discussion between Baltimore detective Jimmy McNulty and an indignant, shocked witness to a murder, while sitting on the stoop of a West Baltimore building multiple people have tagged with their names. In the street before them lies the body of Omar Isaiah Betts, a "rip and run" kid nicknamed "Snot Boogie", who was fatally shot by a newcomer to the back alley craps game Betts played in and then robbed each week when the cash pot grew sufficiently large. The conversation emphasizes the significance of the name by which the victim was known.
The Target (The Wire) | Plot summary