The Wire's first season was a success for many reasons- it was realistic, it had some amazing dialogue, it was able to introduce a lot of characters and story lines and still tell a structural and coherent story and make us care for the characters. Season Two is pretty much the same...
What I really love about The Wire is it's ability not to succumb to viewer manipulation or outlandish story lines. I am not saying that is a bad thing all of the time, but I am glad that there is a show that isn't like that. Of course, because of the realism and grounded nature, many people will probably not enjoy this show because there won't be many 'Thrilling' moments. I do admit that at times in some episodes I would tune out accidentally. It is not a perfect show, but even when I wasn't completely entertained by it or at the edge of my seat, I always felt that it still respected me as a viewer and was more worried with the overall picture.
There is no real rise or drop in quality from the first season, but while I gave the first season an 8/10 overall, I will give the 2nd season an 8.5/10. Part of the reason is because I am getting more accustomed to it's type of story-telling and overall structure, and whenever I look back on it it lingers in my mind. Also, the last shot of Season Two really pleased me.
What I really love about The Wire is it's ability not to succumb to viewer manipulation or outlandish story lines. I am not saying that is a bad thing all of the time, but I am glad that there is a show that isn't like that. Of course, because of the realism and grounded nature, many people will probably not enjoy this show because there won't be many 'Thrilling' moments. I do admit that at times in some episodes I would tune out accidentally. It is not a perfect show, but even when I wasn't completely entertained by it or at the edge of my seat, I always felt that it still respected me as a viewer and was more worried with the overall picture.
There is no real rise or drop in quality from the first season, but while I gave the first season an 8/10 overall, I will give the 2nd season an 8.5/10. Part of the reason is because I am getting more accustomed to it's type of story-telling and overall structure, and whenever I look back on it it lingers in my mind. Also, the last shot of Season Two really pleased me.