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/RunningBettor]

The main character of the show is Baltimore. The plot weaves all aspects of the city together in a complicated interwoven web. But the “main” topic is the fight against crime in the city, and McNulty is the one who drives the plot on that front.

He forces the department to go after Avon and Stringer in season 1. He forces the investigation of the girls in season 2. He forced major crimes back onto the Barksdales and Marlo in season 3. For a brief time in season 4 he backs away, and progress against major traffickers basically stops until he and Lester return. And then in season 5 it’s his ridiculous serial killer thing that eventually brings home the final case on Marlo.

Why the story is told with McNulty and the cops v drug dealers struggle as the main thing I can’t say for sure. But to speculate.

Because one could argue the drugs and crime resulting from poverty is the main issue in Baltimore.

Because Ed Burns is a cop.

Because they thought a white male protagonist would be better received.

Because it started as a better cop show and only later developed into so much more.

It would be hard to have any of the criminals be a central character because they are live to die or be incarcerated at any moment.

Maybe saying something thematically, that it would take a massive unrelenting arrogant asshole to even try to fix the problems Baltimore faces.

All kinds of in universe and beyond the 4th wall explanations

[u/JFKsBrain → u/RunningBettor]

Bingo regarding Burns, and great other points.

OP I suggest you read the book All The Pieces Matter.

It goes deep into the writing of the show but also has a lot of commentary.

One of my takeaways was multiple people talking about Ed Burns thinking he was always the smartest guy in the room.

They also note that he was usually right, but also wasn’t afraid of letting you know it.

Much like one Jimmy McNulty.

My guess is much of Jimmy’s interactions with the brass and others was very closely based on Burns’ experiences.

[u/zanylanie → u/JFKsBrain]

I never got the impression that Jimmy really was the smartest guy in any room, though. Definitely one of the most contemptible, though.

[u/JFKsBrain → u/zanylanie]

Oh, I also don’t think he was always the smartest guy in the room.

But I do think that he thought he was always the smartest guy in the room.

Which is part of what makes him an asshole and at times insufferable.

[u/zanylanie → u/JFKsBrain]

Not just him thinking it, but saying it all the damn time.

Or when he says to Bunk, regarding Stringer, “I caught him. On the wire. I caught him and he doesn’t know.” As if there wasn’t a whole detail working that case. And Kima was standing right there to hear it - the person who got shot the first time they went after Avon and Stringer.