The Wire captures a world where easy distinctions between good and evil and crime and punishment are challenged at every turn.

The series first season concentrated on the often-futile efforts of police to infiltrate a West Baltimore drug ring. Seasons two and three introduced new story lines as the drug investigation escalated, adding the pressures on the working class and the city's political leadership to the city's mounting problems. Season four explored the public school system against the backdrop of a new drug empire and mayor, while the fifth and final season centred on the media's role in addressing or failing to address what was really going on in the city.