Funny thing about this episode, the little actor playing Kenard actually thought he shot Michael K Williams and was in shock, stunned & crying after filming. Method man talked about this on a podcast
Not to mention that irl he's such a sweetheart 😂😂😂 Doesn't even remotely remind you of his character on screen. The acting for this series is definitely goated.
I remember the ominous pit on my stomach watching Omar's last robbery. The silence, the grey sidewalk, the discoloured paint of vacant lots, and Omar's voice ringing out like a deafening blast. Not gonna say I knew he was dying, but deep down I felt it. RIP Michael Kenneth Williams. Performance of a lifetime. Omar gone.
Yep remember when Omar said "just a kid" about Michael back in season 4. He probably thought the same thing when he saw Kenard walk into the store. Its the only way someone was going to get the drop on him. I remember the first time I watched this, had to pause for a while too. 😂
That Quantico scene coming right on the heels of Omar's death just adds to it imo. It's like a hilariously twisted funeral elegy for McNulty getting read right to his face. He and Omar are consistently mirrored throughout the Wire in terms of their character arcs, and McNulty comes to his own reckoning beginning in this episode just as Omar has his.
I watch a lot of reactions and I do gotta give some kudos to the people in the comments here. It can be very hard to discuss this show with the proper depth it deserves without spoiling anything. And it seems to be a thing where there are always some people who just cant seem to help themselves. But the Wire community has been great with these reactors about filling in details and giving background information, without major spoilers.
@@laurensb1bthey dont read many RUclips comments anymore cuz of other shows that have been spoiled. Its the patreon comments that they read. Especially cuz theyre so far ahead over there. The Wires been done for a few weeks now.
Omar’s death pissed me off when it happened, but it actually ages so we’ll I think. The one moment Omar let his guard down he gets it. Also image is everything. Once Omar was on a broken leg and didn’t look nearly as invincible as he always has, his “shield” was down.
All it took was someone seeing him for what it was. It's truly one of the most well done moments of the show for me, and it felt not only fitting but as pushback of sorts for the way Omar became glorified, which I believe was never really the intention and rather a consequence of Michael K. Williams just giving the character so much life and personality. In the end, and much like Prop Joe, no one outside the world of the streets knows who he is. But to those that know, he's an urban legend that casts a shadow over even the real man.
I was personally never mad at how Omar went out tbh. I always thought it was a brilliant move on the writers part. Literally *any* other show and Omar would've went out in a blaze of glory or come out on top (which I and I'm willing to bet a few others were expecting as well) but The Wire being The Wire chose the smarter option and subverted all expectations. *Everything* about Omar's death is just spectacular writing. From the realism of how it happens, to the person who ended up doing the deed, to the aftermath of his death and how the world of the streets and the world beyond that responds (the name tag switch up is beautifully tragic symbolism). Easily one of the best fictional deaths ever. It's just simply...perfect.
And then the story about his death is bumped from the newspaper and to top it all off they misidentify his body at the morgue. On one level a totally central, unforgettable character but on another, just another pointless, meaningless death that's all but ignored and quickly forgotten.
I remember reading someone's comment about how Omar is a fan of Greek mythology (When he helps answer a crossword with "Ares" in season 2 right before Bird's trial). Mythological figures in Greek storytelling are full of revenge and die in the most unheroic way. Omar's Achilles heel was kids. Throughout the show Omar is shown for having a soft spot for kids, Bunk lecturing him about kids treating him like a role model, giving away treats when he was living in the Caribbean, when Michael first shows up to ask Marlo for a favor Omar is watching and disregards him as "He's just a kid." And when Kenard follows him into the convenient store Omar sees him and immediately ignores him not seeing him as a threat.
the scene with the newspaper choosing not to write about Omars death to write about a fire instead, and then again in the morgue with the wrong body bag tags, were to show that on the streets, in Omar's world, he was a living legend- one of the biggest characters in the game- but past that, he was no one. an interesting juxtaposition of how the streets are an entire universe unto themselves for so many people; meanwhile, most working class and upper class folks have their own world so detached from it.
Same thing as with Prop Joe's death earlier, which also went mostly unnoticed by the officials. There is so much death and suffering to catalogue in a city like Baltimore that these deaths just blend into the scenery. Omar is just one of hundreds they'll have to count in that year alone, and so the newspapers and medical staff and police just become baggage attendants handling bodies on a conveyer belt.
It was YEARS before someone made the Kennard Season 3 connection - Back in the day when it'd been 3 years since the shootout at the Barksdale stashouse and Kennard was an unnamed character. You weren't meant to make the connection in real-time - The Wire is so full of these full circle moments which makes repeated reviewings so rewarding.
And the crazy thing is is that I'm pretty sure they didn't plan that from jump but still found a way to tie it all together. They definitely had to have some type of info bulletin board up when they were making this series. The attention to detail is insane. The Wire is easily the definition of Rewatch bonus.
Just starting the video and wanted to say that I’m honestly sad this series is coming to an end. This is the first time I’ve been bummed a reaction series was coming to an end. Wanted to thank you guys for thoughtful reviews and genuine reactions.
Im dreading it. These 2 have become big part of my downtime at home over the last year or so.. (Mr. Robot straight into The Wire). They are the best. I would get withdrawls, but luckily I heard they started Black Sails. At least Ive seen that series so I can keep the streak going for now. And I dont do anime. But this Wire reaction has been the best reaction series Ive ever been a part of by faaaar....
There are many details related to Omar. First, if you look closely at the scene when he is killed, when he enters the store he is not really limping, which means that he probably planned to surprise Marlo and his men by making them believe that he was more injured than he really was. Next, his plan to overthrow Marlo is absolutely brilliant, because he (Omar) has enormous weight in the streets, so what he does is destroy Marlo's name in the streets by shouting and talking bullshit about him so as not to just call his attention but also make people lose the respect they might have for him, which was actually working. Now the fact that Omar is murdered by Kenard is a genius of writing, because even though Omar sees him enter the store, he does not see him as a threat since he is just a child and in his eyes he always saw children as that. , children. And if you think about it, it was the only way to take down a character like him, he was too cunning and smart, he alone was destroying Marlo's organization.
not only that, but the fact that omar was taken down by a random child that most people didn't recognize, it basically gives marlo no chance to undo the damage that omar has done to his reputation.
Although I definitely don't think he was pretending to be injured I agree with everything else stated. Omar is a larger than life figure and he gets arguably the most realistic death in the entire show. No dramatic build up or anything. It just...happens. That's literally how the streets are. Pure brilliance regardless of how you personally feel about how he went out.
Possibly the best written character arc of the century, Omar Little's story. I mean, the whole show is written so beautifully and every piece fits in a way that most shows could only imagine of doing. Someone probably mentioned this, but Dominic West actually wanted to leave the show in season 3, but they promised him he could direct in season 5 if he did just a few scenes in season 4. And he chose to stay, to everyone's benefit!
Poor Lola - One of her favorite TV shows growing up was 'The West Wing' - with aspirational, good people working around the American President Bartlet. She still wears a 'Bartlet for President' hoodie during her reactions. Getting older, seeing characters like the mayors of Baltimore on 'The Wire' and her own country's politicians have jaded her against politics now for life. Too sad.
The West Wing was always delusional propaganda - presenting the US government and the office of the President as having this glorious radience and goodness which has never been real. Like the delusional worship of the British royals by devout monarchists (there are still a few, but it used to be quite common). Even in contrasting with GW Bush's real world presidency while TWW was being broadcast, it was pumping up the institution with false hopes, false hopes which misguided Obama and the people who worked for him about the non-existent utility of "reaching across the aisle" rather than flexing power to force good changes through because Bartlett had gotten Republicans to make concessions with sweet reason, which can only work in fiction. And it helped Obama to keep deceiving Dem voters that he was going to be transformative and saintly when he was just working for Wall Street and selling out the victims of the 2007/8 financial crash, and attacking Libya and Syria and continuing NATO expansion which has led to such needless tragedy.
Unfortunately, while less hopeful and optimistic, a show like the Wire is necessary to talk about the darker side of things. The West Wing is a well-crafted show, but it has a very rosy, idealistic point of view that comes off as more than a bit naive when watching it today. Part of growing up, as you say, is learning to grapple with the unpleasant reality that real life often looks more like the Wire than the WW.
I appreciate how whenever a main character dies in this show it's just "boom", and then on to the next scene like nothing happened.. it makes sense because unfortunately that's how it goes in that world..
Damn, I never noticed Kenard in season 3 and viewed Omars death kinda like Lord of the Rings "no mortal man" scene. In my mind it was showing that Omar online survived with his reputation and this small kid just wasn't around when Omars name was big, so he wasn't scared and just shot the "paper tiger". But I guess it was a "don't meet your heroes" moment for Kenard. Oh and I think Omar lets his guard down there because he doesn't expect a child to harm him.
I remember watching this live back in 2008, I was HEATED. 17 mins in, no pausing, etc. I needed a minute to reflect on what just happened and why! It was extremely controversial back then, but considered exceptional writing/acting today... Love your genuine reactions and commentary!
The reason they do the death so early in the episode is because it's not about the death itself. Having that as the end of the episode would glorify it. The point is all the little bits that came after, that even though he was this legend on the street, life really didn't really notice nor was it filled with glory. If this show isn't about celebrating an individual, but showing the overall warts of the system/social structure including the down sides attributed to those that try to work outside it. Which is also being mirrored in McNulty and his actions trying to work outside his system but also has it's downsides and criticisms as we see through Kima's eyes.
It goes back further. Kenard was influenced by Omar during his shootout with a stash house back in Season 3. His own reputation came back to bite him in the end.
Omar broke his word earlier when Bunk let him out of prison. Bunk not only said 'no more bodies' he also said 'no more comeback or get-evens''. And Omar robbed Marlo the very next episode. A robbery so big that Marlo had to strike back. A robbery that undermined Prop Joe enough that the greeks took on Marlo as a backup plan, leading to Marlo becoming the Baltimore wide menace. Butchie got killed because of that, and that death made Omar drop all of his code. He goes around like a madman, jumping into gunfights, standing out in the open, cursing Marlo's name. It's the breaking of his word and code, that killed Omar.
It goes back to season 1 him thinking he can do whatever he wants without consequences and playing victim when they come Karma came back to collect that debt he built up
Bodie's death had me ugly sobbing fr fr. But Omar's death...I didn't ugly cry like I did with Bodie but omg was the depression real 😂 Could not believe my guy got taken out like that. Rip Michael K. Williams 🙏 Brilliant actor, brilliant character who absolutely deserves to be an icon in the history of television ❤
Since you two finished the show already, I can say this without spoiler, but OMAR WON. He won his conflict with Marlo, on another level. Sure his body got killed, but his legend lives on. Meanwhile Marlo is all about his name, his legend, and all that. And in the end, Omar is a household name in the streets. His legend grows and grows, he becomes the same sort of myth that he loved reading about in school. Meanwhile local thugs don't remember who Marlo is, a few weeks after the power dynamic has changed on the streets. So in a literal sense, Omar lost his quest for revenge. But in a meta sense, Omar remains, Marlo falls. It wouldn't mean so much, if Marlo literally didn't make it a point that his name is his name, and that he cares about that. And Omar overshadows Marlo, even in death.
As much as I would like that to be the case, I have to disagree. The ending of the show is very clear: The players change, but the game stays the same! In 10 years, hell, in 5 years, Omar will be forgotten by the street and people will instead talk about Mike or whoever else might rise after him as the crazy stickup-guy robbing drug dealers. Basically everybody who actually knew Omar is gone one way or another, so who should keep the story alive? Marlo on the other hand is not only alive, but back on the streets. Sure, he's gonna fall sooner or later, too, but for now he can rebuild his name. In the long run though both will be forgotten completely, because let's be honest: There are no winners in the Game!
Not sure he “won”, more like everyone lost. Omar is dead, he didn’t kill Marlo, and he didn’t get back to Renaldo in wherever they were. Marlo lost because he could easily go to prison at any moment, is too stupid to realize he’s been given a golden ticket, but wants to own the streets (who don’t respect or even know him) and that only ends one way
Avon's words from Season 1 recurring again as a theme: "See, the thing is, you only got to f*** up once. Be a little slow, be a little late, just once. And how you ain't gonna never be slow? Never be late? You can't plan through no sh*t like this, man. It's life."
The other way in which Jimmy is like a serial killer profile is that he subconsciously wants to get caught. He shouldn't have told Kima and he shouldn't have told Beatie if he doesn't want to get caught, because those are straight arrows who are highly likely to tell on him, and that's an unacceptable risk of the case against Marlo falling apart before it's achieved, like he's seen previous investigations fall apart because the Special Crimes unit got sabotaged by Rawls or whoever. So to me he wouldn't have taken those risks in telling those particular people, if he really doesn't want to get caught. Unlike with real serial killers though, it's because he has a conscience, not having a narcissistic need for attention and the desire to die like real serial killers do when they make deliberate mistakes.
Lol my friend right after this episode came out "yooo you gotta watch this scene of this show it's awesome". First scene of this show I ever saw was Omar getting shot. Thanks Randy 😂
in Bodymore - Murderland, nobody goes unnoticed and karma comes full circle! the boy Kenard, who once impersonated Omar playing cops and robbers, had been playing a different game ever since! but just because you shot Jesse James, it doesn't make you Jesse James...
Kenard appeard a lot more than y'all remember; I think you were just focused on the tragedy of the kids and his age so the comedy of his character and general qualities didn't stick out. He was in the season 4 finale as well selling drugs so we did see him after Mike beat him
He was also in season three, when those kids were around the stickup that went wrong that Bunk was investigating, and one of the kids says, "It's my turn to be Omar!" That kid was Kenard.
The newspaper is in danger of getting shut down or bought out by a larger media group at the beginning of the season. Some people were already getting laid off. The bosses at the newspaper want to get a Pulitzer hoping the notoriety might prevent that from happening. This is during the time when more people were getting news online than print media. Today in the US, almost all print newspapers are owned by 1 or 2 companies. If you add local TV news, it all comes from 3 or 4 companies. Add everything on cable and it is like 6. With all the streaming services, probably 10, but that number will decrease over time. This is part of what the showrunners wanted to illustrate with the newspaper storyline in season 5.
Lola, Milena, I have a question. Now, that "The Wire" is finished, are you going to react to "THE WIRE - THE MUSICAL." You guys MUST react to this. It's on RUclips.
Omar's death leaked while the 5th season was going on. I saw it way before this ep. I was coming up with all kinds of theories why it wasn't true (mostly "it's a deleted scene"). Then it happened for real and I was speechless. I still have to look away today when I rewatch. I can respect it now for as a somber statement about "street cred" and how the lives of black men can be worthless. But back then, I didn't like S5 much before this, and this almost made me stop watching. Luckily, the last 2 episodes are really good. RIP to Michael K Williams. Thank you for this amazing character.
Wait...Omar's death was leaked back in the day? 😮 Definitely never knew that. I missed that blow up because chileeeeeeee I was shocked AF back when this episode originally aired 😂 Like no words can describe. And yes all the thanks in the world to MKW 🙏
@@monadreher2428 This was before social media, so you had to be on forums heavy to have seen it. It's feasible that most people were surprised, unlike today where a spoiler can hit you even if you're trying not to see it. But I was going crazy back then trying to deny what I saw. Like I said, I respect it now, but DID NOT like it back then.
@@neckinhalf Lmaoooo respectfully. And I remember The Wire forums back in the day. I guess I missed the Omar dies one because yeah when it happened I was shocked beyond all belief. I actually didn't think The Wire would have the guts to kill off a character like Omar. Will forever love this show 💙
While Omar's death was done pretty shockingly, I have to say, I didn't feel all too bad for him; he had it coming IMO. You can't run around Baltimore for over a decade robbing people without any initial legitimate beef and be shocked when they go after you and the people close to you. He should've known how Marlo got down before he poked the bear. It's Omar's fault Butchie got shot in the first place and by the time he came back, he was fighting a losing battle and lost himself in the process. We even saw the scene where he flat-out snitched on two people who probably don't even know Marlo personally. While he's not as malevolent as guys like Marlo, his actions are no less destructive, he basically steals drugs and then sells them off again; he's just more of a badass rogue wolf. Part of me wishes he took out Marlo because he's far worse but the show is cruel like that. All we can do is hope McNulty or Bunk can lock him up. As random as the Kennard thing is, Kennard probably wouldn't have gone after Omar if he didn't idolize him so much as a kid (and if somebody like Kennard idolizes you, you're definitely doing something wrong lol). Kennard himself to me is far more than a product of his environment, he's more like a contributer/cause of the environment bc something about him is just inherently corrupt. Michael and Randy are far more pure hearted individuals that had the life thrown on them for reasons they couldn't control. Kennard on the other hand dove in head first and always had something off about him.
Nah man, Kennard, like Namond, Randy, Michael, Dukie, all of the corner boys, are the same. The only one that sticks out is Michael, but the reason for that is a bit of a spoiler. They are products of their environment. Thinking that Kennard is a purer form of the destructive nature of gang culture is completely missing the point of the show. There is nothing inherently corrupt about Kennard. He could've turned his life around like Namond, but unlike Namond, his father wasn't a lieutenant to the King. The same reason Randy, Dukie, and Michael couldn't get out of the game.
@@MM-vs2etI'm sorry but I just don't buy that with Kennard. Not every future criminal is simply a product of their environment. Kennard has almost zero redeeming qualities and is much worse than any of the corner boys at a younger age with far less justifiable motivation. While it's true that the environment can turn good people with potential into criminals, you still have people like Marlo who are beyond saving. I'm not saying Kennard is corrupt simply bc he's in the game, he's corrupt bc of his behavior in general. This isn't just a kid who sells drugs to make money. He steals from the people he works with, sets cats on fire for fun and is responsible for murdering somebody purely out of curiosity before he even hit puberty. Best case scenario, he's a bully at some private school getting expelled every few months and eventually ending up in jail anyway.
Omar had it coming another way actually. It wasn't about him stealing from drug dealers. It was about him breaking his word. Bunk got him out on a promise of no more get-backs or get-even's. And Omar pulled that big robbery right after that. Which caused Marlo to go after him. Which caused Butchie's death. And after that, Omar was no longer himself. He became more brutal than ever, dropped his good habits and code, got careless and reckless. And in the end he was done in. His word was his bond, and he broke his word.
all these comments and replies make such good points- it’s true- kenard can’t just be no random kid - can’t say he’s just the product of his environment either- the kid sets cats on fire- but at the same time all u can wonder is if he was placed in a different environment would he have been the same? most likely not considering he did idolise omar at a point in time
@@ss1stt_ hard to say. Kenard is the next generation Bird. A foul mouth murderer, with a bad attitude, and a connection to Omar. He has the ability to bring out the worst in people (seeing as both Bird and Kenard got a one sided beating for their behavior). I think had Kenard grown up in a rich part of town and went to private school, he would have still been a snake and someone who you just want to beat up. Notice also how Kenard always looks for weakness, and then attacks. Like he when Namond was revealed to be a momma's boy, or when Omar was limping. He had no respect for them after that, and he tried them both. I don't think that character trait in a boy that young, just goes away.
Yeah even if you think you're ready you're not ready. Edit: also I forgot the FBI profile is in this episode, I was cackling the first time I saw that scene and I giggle every time since.
Mayor Carcetti is not a villian in this story. (not an angel either) He's a caught between a city that is broke and has no tax base and Republican State legislature, the other party that refuses to help majority black cities in it's own state without strings attched. A legislature that will only help if he takes the money and gives half of it to a white county that doesn't need the money. Not to mention the Parting in the state legislature the opposing republican party wants to take over education. and we've seen this in real life with Ron Desantis and teach a sanitized history where you minimize anything about the institutionalized racism, history of racism in america. It's a lie meant to demean blacks and minimize the historical effects of racial inequality.
Such a missed opportunity in terms of story telling. I understand the logic behind it, "all in the game," but it's just so disappointing for the story. Michael K. Williams was an excellent actor and he was the perfect choice to play Omar.
Ion know about all that...if you were expecting or wanting Omar to go out gun to gun with Marlo or Chris or Snoop then I get it but that's just purely subjective. His death and the way it plays out afterwards fits in very much with the story being told. Especially in regards to the themes of Season 5 in general.
@@Bellamy_Koby If you look at the casting list it actually confirms that it was not the same kid. However it makes thematically so much sense for the kid that shouted "my turn to be Omar" to eventually go on to be the one that kills him, it's sort of been taken as a fact by most of the Wire community. Also doesnt help that he does look a lot like Kennard as well lol
@@laurensb1b It was the same actor who plays Kenard he talks about it in a podcast with Maestro (Randy). If you watch the podcast it's around 15 minute mark.
My FAVORITE scene in ALL of THE WIRE is in THIS Episode. Kenard came through for his Crew & in the end one of the members of Marlo's Crew finally caught Omar slippin by underestimating & being overconfident at the same time. #HeJUSTaKid #IETVandMovieTalk #WeJustTalkingTVandMOVIES #TellemTANKseddit #TANKTheTVandMovieMaven
@@ss1stt_I wouldn't say he don't got the heart. I hate Kenard but the little shit is definitely about that life. Him being shook is understandable considering that it's his first body plus his age (at best Kenard is what? 12?). You can bet that the next time he takes a life he won't be making the same mistake.
This was an unexpected upload. Ive been waiting for this one... I have a ton of work to do today, but I am legit readjusting my plans now. I will delay my work in order to smoke a joint (or 2), drink some java and spend some time with these girls for this long anticipated episode. Sometimes, you must push work aside and just have some fun... lets go. ❤️
Oh well, Marlo wins again! Kennard pulled the trigger but Marlo's directives brought Omar out of retirement back to Baltimore. With Marlo's cunning and strategies, I liken him to a CEO of the corner boys. Hmmmm
LMFAOOOO um...hate to break it but Marlo definitely didn't win 😂 His final scene in the series legit cements Omar is the one who won in the end. Even in death Omar is him 👏
Yeah, I know, it hurt to see it happen like that and who did it and to this day I still have my feelings about it. At least Marlo didn't get to claim it and that's what I hold onto.
Funny thing about this episode, the little actor playing Kenard actually thought he shot Michael K Williams and was in shock, stunned & crying after filming. Method man talked about this on a podcast
Not to mention that irl he's such a sweetheart 😂😂😂 Doesn't even remotely remind you of his character on screen. The acting for this series is definitely goated.
he really is a great actor, you really think that he was the worst kid ever lol
I remember the ominous pit on my stomach watching Omar's last robbery. The silence, the grey sidewalk, the discoloured paint of vacant lots, and Omar's voice ringing out like a deafening blast. Not gonna say I knew he was dying, but deep down I felt it.
RIP Michael Kenneth Williams. Performance of a lifetime. Omar gone.
You legit made a break to mourn Omar's death. No other character gets that. Great reaction.
Breaking Bad 5x15 as well.
RIP Omar Little, and RIP Michael K. Williams. One of the greatest characters ever put to screen.
Yep remember when Omar said "just a kid" about Michael back in season 4. He probably thought the same thing when he saw Kenard walk into the store. Its the only way someone was going to get the drop on him. I remember the first time I watched this, had to pause for a while too. 😂
Also, when Omar comes up on Mike, spider and Kenard on a crutch, you hear Kenard say “That’s Omar? Shiit” like he wasn’t impressed. So he took him out
i couldnt even keep watching for like 10 minutes lmao had to process it for a while
That's exactly right
LMFAO imagine watching this in actual real time back in the day. Unreal experience 😂
Dude the FBI profile scene is one of the funniest scenes in the whole show! Makes me laugh every time LMAO “they’re in the ballpark” 💀💀
How Kima didn't slap the cuffs on McNulty right then and there, is a mystery for me.
That Quantico scene coming right on the heels of Omar's death just adds to it imo. It's like a hilariously twisted funeral elegy for McNulty getting read right to his face. He and Omar are consistently mirrored throughout the Wire in terms of their character arcs, and McNulty comes to his own reckoning beginning in this episode just as Omar has his.
I laughed so hard. One of the most unexpectedly funniest scenes of all time
14:40 I really appreciate how good the viewers are at making you take mental note of a character without actually spoiling anything
I watch a lot of reactions and I do gotta give some kudos to the people in the comments here. It can be very hard to discuss this show with the proper depth it deserves without spoiling anything. And it seems to be a thing where there are always some people who just cant seem to help themselves.
But the Wire community has been great with these reactors about filling in details and giving background information, without major spoilers.
@@laurensb1bthey dont read many RUclips comments anymore cuz of other shows that have been spoiled. Its the patreon comments that they read. Especially cuz theyre so far ahead over there. The Wires been done for a few weeks now.
They’re not our first wire reaction we’ve followed. We’re deep in the game
Omar’s death pissed me off when it happened, but it actually ages so we’ll I think. The one moment Omar let his guard down he gets it. Also image is everything. Once Omar was on a broken leg and didn’t look nearly as invincible as he always has, his “shield” was down.
Be a little slow...be a little late...
@@chriss3674 just once
Yeah. You saw Kennard giving him side eye in the previous episode after he braced Michael while using a crutch.
All it took was someone seeing him for what it was.
It's truly one of the most well done moments of the show for me, and it felt not only fitting but as pushback of sorts for the way Omar became glorified, which I believe was never really the intention and rather a consequence of Michael K. Williams just giving the character so much life and personality. In the end, and much like Prop Joe, no one outside the world of the streets knows who he is. But to those that know, he's an urban legend that casts a shadow over even the real man.
I was personally never mad at how Omar went out tbh. I always thought it was a brilliant move on the writers part. Literally *any* other show and Omar would've went out in a blaze of glory or come out on top (which I and I'm willing to bet a few others were expecting as well) but The Wire being The Wire chose the smarter option and subverted all expectations. *Everything* about Omar's death is just spectacular writing. From the realism of how it happens, to the person who ended up doing the deed, to the aftermath of his death and how the world of the streets and the world beyond that responds (the name tag switch up is beautifully tragic symbolism). Easily one of the best fictional deaths ever. It's just simply...perfect.
Omar went out how people go out. Just another body in this pointless and unavoidable “war”.
“He’s just a kid” - Omar’s words from over a season ago.
And then the story about his death is bumped from the newspaper and to top it all off they misidentify his body at the morgue. On one level a totally central, unforgettable character but on another, just another pointless, meaningless death that's all but ignored and quickly forgotten.
I remember reading someone's comment about how Omar is a fan of Greek mythology (When he helps answer a crossword with "Ares" in season 2 right before Bird's trial). Mythological figures in Greek storytelling are full of revenge and die in the most unheroic way. Omar's Achilles heel was kids. Throughout the show Omar is shown for having a soft spot for kids, Bunk lecturing him about kids treating him like a role model, giving away treats when he was living in the Caribbean, when Michael first shows up to ask Marlo for a favor Omar is watching and disregards him as "He's just a kid." And when Kenard follows him into the convenient store Omar sees him and immediately ignores him not seeing him as a threat.
But also remember that Omar becomes a sort of a street myth himself. He became the thing he looked up to.
Wow. Interesting breakdown. I've never made that comparison or connection between Omar and Greek mythology. Love it.
@@monadreher2428 And David Simon always said the institutions are Greek Gods, you can't change them and you can't challenge them.
@@joelwillis2043 Pretty much. The true King is actually the system itself.
the scene with the newspaper choosing not to write about Omars death to write about a fire instead, and then again in the morgue with the wrong body bag tags, were to show that on the streets, in Omar's world, he was a living legend- one of the biggest characters in the game- but past that, he was no one. an interesting juxtaposition of how the streets are an entire universe unto themselves for so many people; meanwhile, most working class and upper class folks have their own world so detached from it.
Same thing as with Prop Joe's death earlier, which also went mostly unnoticed by the officials. There is so much death and suffering to catalogue in a city like Baltimore that these deaths just blend into the scenery. Omar is just one of hundreds they'll have to count in that year alone, and so the newspapers and medical staff and police just become baggage attendants handling bodies on a conveyer belt.
Works both ways. If the Mayor walked down those streets, nobody would know who he is.
@@transformersrevenge9 yup. A tale of two cities.
It was YEARS before someone made the Kennard Season 3 connection - Back in the day when it'd been 3 years since the shootout at the Barksdale stashouse and Kennard was an unnamed character. You weren't meant to make the connection in real-time - The Wire is so full of these full circle moments which makes repeated reviewings so rewarding.
It's kind of amazing how much attention to detail this show has before the internet created a demand for it.
And the crazy thing is is that I'm pretty sure they didn't plan that from jump but still found a way to tie it all together. They definitely had to have some type of info bulletin board up when they were making this series. The attention to detail is insane. The Wire is easily the definition of Rewatch bonus.
29:28 “Sheeit”
Absolutely dying at Lola’s imitation of Clay Davis😂
It was so unexpected too.😂
Been waiting for it, well worth the hours of viewing.
Just starting the video and wanted to say that I’m honestly sad this series is coming to an end. This is the first time I’ve been bummed a reaction series was coming to an end. Wanted to thank you guys for thoughtful reviews and genuine reactions.
Im dreading it. These 2 have become big part of my downtime at home over the last year or so.. (Mr. Robot straight into The Wire). They are the best. I would get withdrawls, but luckily I heard they started Black Sails. At least Ive seen that series so I can keep the streak going for now. And I dont do anime. But this Wire reaction has been the best reaction series Ive ever been a part of by faaaar....
There are many details related to Omar. First, if you look closely at the scene when he is killed, when he enters the store he is not really limping, which means that he probably planned to surprise Marlo and his men by making them believe that he was more injured than he really was. Next, his plan to overthrow Marlo is absolutely brilliant, because he (Omar) has enormous weight in the streets, so what he does is destroy Marlo's name in the streets by shouting and talking bullshit about him so as not to just call his attention but also make people lose the respect they might have for him, which was actually working.
Now the fact that Omar is murdered by Kenard is a genius of writing, because even though Omar sees him enter the store, he does not see him as a threat since he is just a child and in his eyes he always saw children as that. , children. And if you think about it, it was the only way to take down a character like him, he was too cunning and smart, he alone was destroying Marlo's organization.
not only that, but the fact that omar was taken down by a random child that most people didn't recognize, it basically gives marlo no chance to undo the damage that omar has done to his reputation.
this.
Or him not limping was merely a continuity error!
Although I definitely don't think he was pretending to be injured I agree with everything else stated. Omar is a larger than life figure and he gets arguably the most realistic death in the entire show. No dramatic build up or anything. It just...happens. That's literally how the streets are. Pure brilliance regardless of how you personally feel about how he went out.
i’m still not over Omar’s death but he’s arc is so beautifully written
7:39. This is unrelated to The Wire, but I have to say the way Milena has a way of fading a laughter into crying is absolutely adorable.
Possibly the best written character arc of the century, Omar Little's story. I mean, the whole show is written so beautifully and every piece fits in a way that most shows could only imagine of doing. Someone probably mentioned this, but Dominic West actually wanted to leave the show in season 3, but they promised him he could direct in season 5 if he did just a few scenes in season 4. And he chose to stay, to everyone's benefit!
"Just Because You Shot Jesse James, Don't Make You Jesse James"
"Oh Kennard". Even when you two called it, the Omar death still catches you off guard. The Wire , always interesting
Poor Lola - One of her favorite TV shows growing up was 'The West Wing' - with aspirational, good people working around the American President Bartlet. She still wears a 'Bartlet for President' hoodie during her reactions. Getting older, seeing characters like the mayors of Baltimore on 'The Wire' and her own country's politicians have jaded her against politics now for life. Too sad.
The West Wing was always delusional propaganda - presenting the US government and the office of the President as having this glorious radience and goodness which has never been real. Like the delusional worship of the British royals by devout monarchists (there are still a few, but it used to be quite common). Even in contrasting with GW Bush's real world presidency while TWW was being broadcast, it was pumping up the institution with false hopes, false hopes which misguided Obama and the people who worked for him about the non-existent utility of "reaching across the aisle" rather than flexing power to force good changes through because Bartlett had gotten Republicans to make concessions with sweet reason, which can only work in fiction. And it helped Obama to keep deceiving Dem voters that he was going to be transformative and saintly when he was just working for Wall Street and selling out the victims of the 2007/8 financial crash, and attacking Libya and Syria and continuing NATO expansion which has led to such needless tragedy.
Unfortunately, while less hopeful and optimistic, a show like the Wire is necessary to talk about the darker side of things. The West Wing is a well-crafted show, but it has a very rosy, idealistic point of view that comes off as more than a bit naive when watching it today. Part of growing up, as you say, is learning to grapple with the unpleasant reality that real life often looks more like the Wire than the WW.
I appreciate how whenever a main character dies in this show it's just "boom", and then on to the next scene like nothing happened.. it makes sense because unfortunately that's how it goes in that world..
Damn, I never noticed Kenard in season 3 and viewed Omars death kinda like Lord of the Rings "no mortal man" scene. In my mind it was showing that Omar online survived with his reputation and this small kid just wasn't around when Omars name was big, so he wasn't scared and just shot the "paper tiger".
But I guess it was a "don't meet your heroes" moment for Kenard.
Oh and I think Omar lets his guard down there because he doesn't expect a child to harm him.
I remember watching this live back in 2008, I was HEATED. 17 mins in, no pausing, etc. I needed a minute to reflect on what just happened and why! It was extremely controversial back then, but considered exceptional writing/acting today... Love your genuine reactions and commentary!
Wow, I'm so happy! We got an episode early. Thank you ladies for making my day.
The reason they do the death so early in the episode is because it's not about the death itself. Having that as the end of the episode would glorify it. The point is all the little bits that came after, that even though he was this legend on the street, life really didn't really notice nor was it filled with glory. If this show isn't about celebrating an individual, but showing the overall warts of the system/social structure including the down sides attributed to those that try to work outside it. Which is also being mirrored in McNulty and his actions trying to work outside his system but also has it's downsides and criticisms as we see through Kima's eyes.
Symbolically Omar sealed his fate when he took out Savino. He promised Bunk no more bodies, then next ep: boom.
It goes back further. Kenard was influenced by Omar during his shootout with a stash house back in Season 3. His own reputation came back to bite him in the end.
Omar broke his word earlier when Bunk let him out of prison. Bunk not only said 'no more bodies' he also said 'no more comeback or get-evens''. And Omar robbed Marlo the very next episode. A robbery so big that Marlo had to strike back. A robbery that undermined Prop Joe enough that the greeks took on Marlo as a backup plan, leading to Marlo becoming the Baltimore wide menace. Butchie got killed because of that, and that death made Omar drop all of his code. He goes around like a madman, jumping into gunfights, standing out in the open, cursing Marlo's name. It's the breaking of his word and code, that killed Omar.
It goes back to season 1 him thinking he can do whatever he wants without consequences and playing victim when they come Karma came back to collect that debt he built up
10:22 - Yes, Officer Dozerman. He was shot in S3 and Omar recovered the gun for Bunk.
They really did an intermission for Omar’s death. Didn’t expect that.
The FBI profile scene is one of the best in any TV shows ever.... "they are in the ballpark..." :D
i know i will forever miss bodie, but still omar little is my favourite character of all time
Bodie's death had me ugly sobbing fr fr. But Omar's death...I didn't ugly cry like I did with Bodie but omg was the depression real 😂 Could not believe my guy got taken out like that. Rip Michael K. Williams 🙏 Brilliant actor, brilliant character who absolutely deserves to be an icon in the history of television ❤
Reminder that The Wire only got nominated for TWO EMMY'S. T W O.
Since you two finished the show already, I can say this without spoiler, but OMAR WON. He won his conflict with Marlo, on another level. Sure his body got killed, but his legend lives on. Meanwhile Marlo is all about his name, his legend, and all that. And in the end, Omar is a household name in the streets. His legend grows and grows, he becomes the same sort of myth that he loved reading about in school. Meanwhile local thugs don't remember who Marlo is, a few weeks after the power dynamic has changed on the streets. So in a literal sense, Omar lost his quest for revenge. But in a meta sense, Omar remains, Marlo falls. It wouldn't mean so much, if Marlo literally didn't make it a point that his name is his name, and that he cares about that. And Omar overshadows Marlo, even in death.
As much as I would like that to be the case, I have to disagree.
The ending of the show is very clear: The players change, but the game stays the same! In 10 years, hell, in 5 years, Omar will be forgotten by the street and people will instead talk about Mike or whoever else might rise after him as the crazy stickup-guy robbing drug dealers.
Basically everybody who actually knew Omar is gone one way or another, so who should keep the story alive?
Marlo on the other hand is not only alive, but back on the streets. Sure, he's gonna fall sooner or later, too, but for now he can rebuild his name.
In the long run though both will be forgotten completely, because let's be honest: There are no winners in the Game!
Not sure he “won”, more like everyone lost. Omar is dead, he didn’t kill Marlo, and he didn’t get back to Renaldo in wherever they were. Marlo lost because he could easily go to prison at any moment, is too stupid to realize he’s been given a golden ticket, but wants to own the streets (who don’t respect or even know him) and that only ends one way
Avon's words from Season 1 recurring again as a theme:
"See, the thing is, you only got to f*** up once. Be a little slow, be a little late, just once. And how you ain't gonna never be slow? Never be late? You can't plan through no sh*t like this, man. It's life."
Saddest episode in the Wire series, but I never knew Kanard was out there playing Omar on that crime scene, that’s 🔥
The other way in which Jimmy is like a serial killer profile is that he subconsciously wants to get caught. He shouldn't have told Kima and he shouldn't have told Beatie if he doesn't want to get caught, because those are straight arrows who are highly likely to tell on him, and that's an unacceptable risk of the case against Marlo falling apart before it's achieved, like he's seen previous investigations fall apart because the Special Crimes unit got sabotaged by Rawls or whoever. So to me he wouldn't have taken those risks in telling those particular people, if he really doesn't want to get caught. Unlike with real serial killers though, it's because he has a conscience, not having a narcissistic need for attention and the desire to die like real serial killers do when they make deliberate mistakes.
Clay Davis: *appears*
Lola: “Shiiiiiiiiiiiiit.”
I feel your pain over a decade later ❤ it's so, so, so disgusting for him to go out like that. Still.
Lol my friend right after this episode came
out "yooo you gotta watch this scene of this show it's awesome". First scene of this show I ever saw was Omar getting shot. Thanks Randy 😂
in Bodymore - Murderland, nobody goes unnoticed and karma comes full circle! the boy Kenard, who once impersonated Omar playing cops and robbers, had been playing a different game ever since! but just because you shot Jesse James, it doesn't make you Jesse James...
"It's all in the game though " Omar
Be a little slow, be a little late
It was very sudden for me too. Ngl I took a break from the show when it happened.
Imagine if Omar had worn a mask throughout his capers...
The slow nod when Beady slams the door on McNulty 🤌
Kenard appeard a lot more than y'all remember; I think you were just focused on the tragedy of the kids and his age so the comedy of his character and general qualities didn't stick out.
He was in the season 4 finale as well selling drugs so we did see him after Mike beat him
He was also in season three, when those kids were around the stickup that went wrong that Bunk was investigating, and one of the kids says, "It's my turn to be Omar!" That kid was Kenard.
@@JeffKelly03lol. that’s the one that they remember
@@dbfro1 Serves me right for commenting before watching the reaction! Haha
the beauty of The Wire is most shocking scenes doesnt rely on shock factor…no dramatic music nothing..it just happened
I was so excited to see your reaction to the FBI profiler scene.
The newspaper is in danger of getting shut down or bought out by a larger media group at the beginning of the season. Some people were already getting laid off. The bosses at the newspaper want to get a Pulitzer hoping the notoriety might prevent that from happening. This is during the time when more people were getting news online than print media. Today in the US, almost all print newspapers are owned by 1 or 2 companies. If you add local TV news, it all comes from 3 or 4 companies. Add everything on cable and it is like 6. With all the streaming services, probably 10, but that number will decrease over time. This is part of what the showrunners wanted to illustrate with the newspaper storyline in season 5.
Ballpark? Jimmy they hit a home run
RIP Omar Michael K. Williams
You gals are the first reactors to really speak on how Kennard killing Omar cements his legend and foreshadows him being the next Marlo
Lola, Milena, I have a question. Now, that "The Wire" is finished, are you going to react to "THE WIRE - THE MUSICAL." You guys MUST react to this. It's on RUclips.
LMFAOOOOOO I dead watched that! 😂😂😂😂 Surprisingly very funny indeed.
You have no idea how much I thank you for this one! 😂
Omar's death leaked while the 5th season was going on. I saw it way before this ep. I was coming up with all kinds of theories why it wasn't true (mostly "it's a deleted scene"). Then it happened for real and I was speechless. I still have to look away today when I rewatch.
I can respect it now for as a somber statement about "street cred" and how the lives of black men can be worthless. But back then, I didn't like S5 much before this, and this almost made me stop watching. Luckily, the last 2 episodes are really good.
RIP to Michael K Williams. Thank you for this amazing character.
Not worthless, but treated as not mattering.
Wait...Omar's death was leaked back in the day? 😮 Definitely never knew that. I missed that blow up because chileeeeeeee I was shocked AF back when this episode originally aired 😂 Like no words can describe. And yes all the thanks in the world to MKW 🙏
@@monadreher2428 This was before social media, so you had to be on forums heavy to have seen it. It's feasible that most people were surprised, unlike today where a spoiler can hit you even if you're trying not to see it. But I was going crazy back then trying to deny what I saw. Like I said, I respect it now, but DID NOT like it back then.
@@neckinhalf Lmaoooo respectfully. And I remember The Wire forums back in the day. I guess I missed the Omar dies one because yeah when it happened I was shocked beyond all belief. I actually didn't think The Wire would have the guts to kill off a character like Omar. Will forever love this show 💙
It's here...
While Omar's death was done pretty shockingly, I have to say, I didn't feel all too bad for him; he had it coming IMO. You can't run around Baltimore for over a decade robbing people without any initial legitimate beef and be shocked when they go after you and the people close to you. He should've known how Marlo got down before he poked the bear. It's Omar's fault Butchie got shot in the first place and by the time he came back, he was fighting a losing battle and lost himself in the process. We even saw the scene where he flat-out snitched on two people who probably don't even know Marlo personally. While he's not as malevolent as guys like Marlo, his actions are no less destructive, he basically steals drugs and then sells them off again; he's just more of a badass rogue wolf.
Part of me wishes he took out Marlo because he's far worse but the show is cruel like that. All we can do is hope McNulty or Bunk can lock him up. As random as the Kennard thing is, Kennard probably wouldn't have gone after Omar if he didn't idolize him so much as a kid (and if somebody like Kennard idolizes you, you're definitely doing something wrong lol). Kennard himself to me is far more than a product of his environment, he's more like a contributer/cause of the environment bc something about him is just inherently corrupt. Michael and Randy are far more pure hearted individuals that had the life thrown on them for reasons they couldn't control. Kennard on the other hand dove in head first and always had something off about him.
Nah man, Kennard, like Namond, Randy, Michael, Dukie, all of the corner boys, are the same. The only one that sticks out is Michael, but the reason for that is a bit of a spoiler. They are products of their environment. Thinking that Kennard is a purer form of the destructive nature of gang culture is completely missing the point of the show. There is nothing inherently corrupt about Kennard. He could've turned his life around like Namond, but unlike Namond, his father wasn't a lieutenant to the King. The same reason Randy, Dukie, and Michael couldn't get out of the game.
@@MM-vs2etI'm sorry but I just don't buy that with Kennard. Not every future criminal is simply a product of their environment. Kennard has almost zero redeeming qualities and is much worse than any of the corner boys at a younger age with far less justifiable motivation. While it's true that the environment can turn good people with potential into criminals, you still have people like Marlo who are beyond saving. I'm not saying Kennard is corrupt simply bc he's in the game, he's corrupt bc of his behavior in general. This isn't just a kid who sells drugs to make money. He steals from the people he works with, sets cats on fire for fun and is responsible for murdering somebody purely out of curiosity before he even hit puberty. Best case scenario, he's a bully at some private school getting expelled every few months and eventually ending up in jail anyway.
Omar had it coming another way actually. It wasn't about him stealing from drug dealers. It was about him breaking his word. Bunk got him out on a promise of no more get-backs or get-even's. And Omar pulled that big robbery right after that. Which caused Marlo to go after him. Which caused Butchie's death. And after that, Omar was no longer himself. He became more brutal than ever, dropped his good habits and code, got careless and reckless. And in the end he was done in.
His word was his bond, and he broke his word.
all these comments and replies make such good points- it’s true- kenard can’t just be no random kid - can’t say he’s just the product of his environment either- the kid sets cats on fire- but at the same time all u can wonder is if he was placed in a different environment would he have been the same? most likely not considering he did idolise omar at a point in time
@@ss1stt_ hard to say. Kenard is the next generation Bird. A foul mouth murderer, with a bad attitude, and a connection to Omar. He has the ability to bring out the worst in people (seeing as both Bird and Kenard got a one sided beating for their behavior). I think had Kenard grown up in a rich part of town and went to private school, he would have still been a snake and someone who you just want to beat up. Notice also how Kenard always looks for weakness, and then attacks. Like he when Namond was revealed to be a momma's boy, or when Omar was limping. He had no respect for them after that, and he tried them both. I don't think that character trait in a boy that young, just goes away.
Yeah even if you think you're ready you're not ready.
Edit: also I forgot the FBI profile is in this episode, I was cackling the first time I saw that scene and I giggle every time since.
Mayor Carcetti is not a villian in this story. (not an angel either) He's a caught between a city that is broke and has no tax base and Republican State legislature, the other party that refuses to help majority black cities in it's own state without strings attched.
A legislature that will only help if he takes the money and gives half of it to a white county that doesn't need the money. Not to mention the Parting in the state legislature the opposing republican party wants to take over education. and we've seen this in real life with Ron Desantis and teach a sanitized history where you minimize anything about the institutionalized racism, history of racism in america. It's a lie meant to demean blacks and minimize the historical effects of racial inequality.
Such a missed opportunity in terms of story telling. I understand the logic behind it, "all in the game," but it's just so disappointing for the story. Michael K. Williams was an excellent actor and he was the perfect choice to play Omar.
Ion know about all that...if you were expecting or wanting Omar to go out gun to gun with Marlo or Chris or Snoop then I get it but that's just purely subjective. His death and the way it plays out afterwards fits in very much with the story being told. Especially in regards to the themes of Season 5 in general.
Don't think Kennard was the kid from season 3, he was always bad and never looked up to Omar.
No he was
@@Bellamy_Koby If you look at the casting list it actually confirms that it was not the same kid.
However it makes thematically so much sense for the kid that shouted "my turn to be Omar" to eventually go on to be the one that kills him, it's sort of been taken as a fact by most of the Wire community.
Also doesnt help that he does look a lot like Kennard as well lol
I always heard it was at least the same actor, but there’s no confirmation that it is meant to be the same character.
Yeah idk who started this rumor but it's not the same child actor and those kids had 8 seconds of screen time with no names.
@@laurensb1b It was the same actor who plays Kenard he talks about it in a podcast with Maestro (Randy). If you watch the podcast it's around 15 minute mark.
19:41 facts man.
There are some things you just don’t lie about. Even for liars.
Watch True Detective season 1 please
Wonderful review.
Thumbnail LIT 😮
This epidode fels like game of thrones 8 season
Doberman is the cop who got shot in the face and his gun stolen
"look how cute" lmao
My FAVORITE scene in ALL of THE WIRE is in THIS Episode.
Kenard came through for his Crew & in the end one of the members of Marlo's Crew finally caught Omar slippin by underestimating & being overconfident at the same time.
#HeJUSTaKid
#IETVandMovieTalk
#WeJustTalkingTVandMOVIES
#TellemTANKseddit
#TANKTheTVandMovieMaven
boy dropped the gun with his prints and left- he ain’t got the heart
@@ss1stt_I wouldn't say he don't got the heart. I hate Kenard but the little shit is definitely about that life. Him being shook is understandable considering that it's his first body plus his age (at best Kenard is what? 12?). You can bet that the next time he takes a life he won't be making the same mistake.
I was so angry at that scene
Sorry ladies😢
vibe vibe ❤❤
Worst character death ever.
(Also you can tell by the look on Bunk's face, that he does feel sympathy for Omar.)
why do you guys hate carcetti??
Sheeeeit..😂
Please react to solo leveling anime❤❤❤
wow an actual pause. knowing how easy it was to do that, you really should do that a lot more instead of talking over so much stuff
Looking at your comments, I wonder why you still keep watching their content
if they do that everytime they want to say something, the reaction would be 3hours long
This was an unexpected upload. Ive been waiting for this one... I have a ton of work to do today, but I am legit readjusting my plans now. I will delay my work in order to smoke a joint (or 2), drink some java and spend some time with these girls for this long anticipated episode. Sometimes, you must push work aside and just have some fun... lets go. ❤️
Oh well, Marlo wins again! Kennard pulled the trigger but Marlo's directives brought Omar out of retirement back to Baltimore. With Marlo's cunning and strategies, I liken him to a CEO of the corner boys. Hmmmm
LMFAOOOO um...hate to break it but Marlo definitely didn't win 😂 His final scene in the series legit cements Omar is the one who won in the end. Even in death Omar is him 👏
Yeah, I know, it hurt to see it happen like that and who did it and to this day I still have my feelings about it. At least Marlo didn't get to claim it and that's what I hold onto.
Lola, will you marry me?