The Wire…Wire to Wire

All the Pieces Matter: The Inside Story of The Wire – Jonathan Abrams (Crown Archetype)

Full Disclosure upfront; I have never watched a single episode of the television show The Wire. That being said, I recently subscribed to HBO with the full intention of first seeing what the hubbub is about when it comes to Game of Thrones, my son assures me it is can’t miss TV, but he is a George R R Martin style nerd, so I am taking a wait and see attitude on that one.

Second, I plan to delve into what I can only describe as a cultural phenomenon that is The Wire. So it is with that in mind that I was looking forward to a preview of sorts to the series in the form of All the Pieces Matter: The Inside Story of The Wire, by Jonathan Abrams to get a better insight into the show. Against the upfront disclosure, I can say that he does not disappoint.

Abrams brings a completist mindset to offer in depth insight into the minutiae of the show; he is clearly a fan, but without coming off as a star struck fanboy as he delves into the puzzle pieces that combine to make up to the show. Set in Baltimore, home to one of my all time favorite shows, Homicide: Life on the Street, it was a pleasure to learn that a couple of my favorite writers and Baltimore denizens George Pelcanos and Dennis Lehane were involved in the production, writing and even acting during the series.

Abrams gives great detail on the development and evolution of the show’s storylines over the course it’s five seasons. All the Pieces Matter: The Inside Story of The Wire, proves to be a great commemorative piece for long time fans and a solid primer for those like me that are ready to dive right into season one.