The Wire depicted a reality that was brutal, stupid and heart-breaking. From Bubbles' discovery of Johnny's OD'd body in a Hamsterdam vacant to Herc's casual attitude to child informants, The Wire's acknowledgement of how incidental actions can reverberate in terrible ways is one of the defining features of the show.
But as well as these heart breaking scenes, there are also moments of unexpected kindness which shine all the more brilliantly for being surrounded by so much impotence and despair. Whether it's personal redemption or a helping hand, the Random Acts Of Kindness are the difference between The Wire and something, like, say 'Oz', where the unremitting bleakness has nothing to relieve or leaven it.
So as we're all full of the festive spirit of goodwill, we thought the Re-Up should look at these occasional incidents, moments that provide hope in the darkness. From D'Angelo giving money to Wallace, even though, traumatised by the brutal murder of Omar's boyfriend, he was trying to get out of the game, to Carver allowing Namond to sleep on the office bench rather than taking him down to Baby Booking.
Or Bunny taking Namond (him again) in for the night, and subsequently watching him turn into a model student. Or Prez giving Dukie $200 to enrol in High School, even though he knows in his heart of hearts Dukie is just going to go and cop.
So, Hoppers, which Wire clips raised your spirits and gave you hope among the gloom?
Oh, and a Happy Christmas to you all.
