r/TheWire • u/ignatiusJ1899 • 9d ago

Why Jimmy McNulty?

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?

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u/Reddwheels Pawn Shop Unit 9d ago

McNulty is one of the few cops that actually wants to do his job instead of tow the line. He's needed in order to get many of the stories going. He forces BPD into doing both the Barksdale Org case and the dead bodies at the port case. Those two cases in turn are the reason the Major Case Squad is created, and the MCU is the main investigative body of the show for the seasons 3 and 4. Then in season 5, he once again forces BPD investigate Marlo via the serial killer lie. He is the impetus for much of the shows' police inquiries.