The Sopranos
I think Season 4 of The Wire is the best television ever filmed. It’s remarkable. Especially given they were working with, for the most part, untrained actors. And in a not easy place to film. Season 2, while ignored by many, is also incredible. The character arcs are flawless and the writing is second to none.
But I get that maybe being in America and working along side a lot of the issues the show tackles I might be biased towards it.
As Zack said, Deadwood is very good. Lovejoy is fantastic in it. Not sure why, but it doesn’t quite hit that Sopranos/Wire level for me. But still an excellent watch. Six Feet Under is also worth a go. I think they did one season too many but the last episode is perfect.
Speaking of last episodes. The Shield. If you want a gritty cop drama…holy moly is that show good.
jonattonyeah Deadwood is very good
i wish they would have properly finished deadwood, ending it on a cliff hanger was painful. great characters and really entertaining.
I agree. It was fine but didn’t do the show service, IMO. But knowing David Milch, he would’ve dragged the show on forever. They should’ve and could’ve wrapped it up in three seasons. The Wire had coherent “points” each season; the press being season 5. Very imperfect season but at least it made some sense from a narrative point of view - another framing of the failures of the post-industrial American city. Not sure the protagonists and antagonists of Deadwood had much more to say after season three. They could’ve put a bow on it and called it a day.
“City On A Hill” just started up again. I really liked the first season. Recommended.
Soon we get to the point where anyone just starts lobbing in any old horseshit.
Gavin and Stacey
The Mandalorian
On season 2 of my Deadwood-rewatch atm. Last night’s episode was Something Very Expensive, which I was dreading. It’s the one where Wolcott kills the fancy prostitutes.
jonattonyeah the Shield was entertaining, but it was stupid.
Forgot about Gomorrah. That’s my number 5 - it was stupid in parts and the dialogue became excruciating.
The Wire ran out of petrol by series 3 for me, never had the staying power of The Sopranos
LT42 The best series by miles was season two when I rewatched the lot a couple of years ago - three and four look dated and a re silly in parts.
Season 3 was, for me, the best.
Proper breddas baddin’ up the game.
bosstrabs Have you watched them since?
I thought three was the best by miles on first watch
Along_the_Wire Yes, did the whole boxset last summer in lockdown.
Got bored midway through the final season, though, didn’t like Seasons 4 or 5 as much as 1, 2 and 3.