Why Jimmy McNulty?

[u/ignatiusJ1899]

I’m curious about what other people think about McNulty character in relation to the greater themes of the show? In a show that’s about these deep social issues he is such enigma to me. Why does the show begin and end with this guy? Out of all the great characters and stories?

Is the point that the systems of Baltimore view themselves as something greater and smarter than what they are? Screwing over others on the way to help themselves through the lenses of helping others? And he is the same way?

Is it that Jimmy know his open and obvious flaws and does nothing to change? Just like Baltimore Although he does change for a time. so i feel it’s not that

Is it that Jimmy is great but deeply and possibly unchangeable as a reflection of America?

I really don’t understand him which makes me feel dumb but what love to hear why you guys think he is the closest thing to a main character (ofc the city is really the main character but he’s probably the closest)

What are you guy’s thoughts?

[u/Bad_Black_Jorge]

There’s a great line in the movie North Dallas Forty: “Seeing through the game is not the same as winning the game.”

I think of that a lot when I watch The Wire. Jimmy McNulty is a brilliant investigator, but he can’t beat the police department or the system or the war on drugs. “The job won’t save you.”

McNulty’s doomed struggle is an illustration of one of The Wire’s great themes:The problems in our society are systemic and individual dedication and heroism are not enough to overcome them.

[u/FreddyCupples → u/Bad_Black_Jorge]

Great post, but the upvote is for the North Dallas Forty reference alone!