The Wire: Every Episode In Season 5, Ranked (According To IMDb)
HBO Original, The Wire's fifth and final season, most probably, had the most complex and compelling storyline to tell, thereby giving a good conclusion to an absolutely incredible TV drama. Arguably, The Wire is the best ever TV series, thanks to the critics' rating of the show and the cult fan following it has developed over the years.
After discovering dozens and dozens of bodies, Lester Freamon, Bunk Moreland, and Jimmy McNulty have a case of their lives, which will only end when Marlo Stanfield is in handcuffs. Without further ado, let's rank every episode from the fifth outing of The Wire, according to IMDB.
10 "More With Less" (8.2)
Again, the series does a brilliant job of laying out everything the viewers should expect from the season in the first episode. A new storyline sees the introduction of the Baltimore Sun, a newspaper struggling to stay alive in the digital world.
The Major Crimes Unit is on the Stanfield Organization but they don't have the necessary equipment and overtime, thanks to Carcetti's refusal to ask the government for money for the crippled school system.
9 "Unconfirmed Reports" (8.3)
In the second episode of season 5, Lester and Sydnor continue to prepare for the case against Senator Clay Davis, while Jimmy McNulty is investigating for the Baltimore Homicide Department again. Bubbles is recovering from the death of Sherrod.
He isn't into drugs anymore and he's looking for redemption. Elsewhere, Marlo and Chris recognize that they aren't under surveillance anymore and so they begin to meet more freely, which is exactly what Lester wants.
8 "The Dickensian Aspect" (8.5)
In the sixth episode of season 5, Omar Little is on the run after the misfortune incidents that took place in the previous episode. He's alone, hurt, and looking for revenge but odds are against him.
Back at Homicide, Bunk is angry with McNulty as his serial killer story worked, and now Lester and he have to focus on bringing down Marlo. Moreover, Scott continues to lie about the phone call from a fake serial killer.
7 "Not For Attribution" (8.6)
In the third episode of season 5, Bunk is sure that Jimmy has lost his mind, as the latter is hell-bent on forging up the story of a serial killer so that the BPD gets more money and can concentrate on solving some real cases.
Tommy is looking at the things he can use against Commissioner Burrell, in order to fire him, without much fuss. At the Baltimore Sun office, the workers get to know that the paper is looking to part ways with some of the staff.
6 "Took" (8.6)
In the seventh episode of season 5, McNulty, Lester, and Sydnor work on the next step of their serial killer story, as Scott from Baltimore Sun finds himself in the limelight again, much to Gus' frustration.
Omar, injured and wounded, is looking for Marlo as he continues to insult him on the streets, with Chris and Snoop behind him. Meanwhile, Clay Davis gets onboard a huge Baltimore attorney to save himself from the city.
5 "React Quotes" (8.7)
In the fifth episode of season 5, after Proposition Joe's murder, Marlo is officially welcomed into business by Spiros and The Greek, thereby increasing the Stanfield Organization's foothold in the Baltimore drug scene.
McNulty has an off the record interview with Alma Gutierrez, stating fake things about the fake serial killer he and Lester have created. Also, Carcetti agrees to give the police force all the resources they require.
4 "Transitions" (8.9)
In the fourth episode of season 5, Michael is dealing with his corner when Carver arrests him. At the Major Crimes Unit office, Sydnor is working on the Davis case and he finds something that Lester calls the "headshot."
Meanwhile, Daniels talks to Burrell about the media leak, telling the Commissioner that he had nothing to do with it. McNulty and Lester continue to try and bring their serial killer into existence, although Bunk isn't liking any of it.
3 "Clarifications" (8.9)
In the eighth episode of season 5, Michael reports Chris and Snoop about his confrontation with Omar, as the two Stanfield Lieutenants ponder their next moves.
Little did they know that their job will be done by a little child as one of the most popular characters in television history dies in this episode. McNulty continues to lie to his superiors about the serial killer, while Lester looks for patterns in the illegal activities of Marlo.
2 "Late Editions" (9.3)
In the penultimate episode of season 5, Lester and Sydnor finally figure out the code, telling McNulty that the end is in sight. At the Baltimore Sun, Gus is investigating Scott, although he doesn't want to, his code doesn't allow a lying reporter to exist.
After Marlo is behind bars, McNulty understands the mistake he made but it's too late as Kima Greggs tells Daniels exactly what Lester and McNulty pulled off.
1 "-30-" (9.5)
The season 5 finale sees Carcetti, Daniels, and Rawls try to figure out a way out of the mess McNulty and Lester created, while the latter two wonder why they aren't in handcuffs for what they did. It's an absolutely fitting end to an incredible series.
To be honest, the viewers didn't want it to end but at least, McNulty got a deserved round of applause at his wake, which was a scene that is sure to give you some goosebumps.