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The Wire Season 3 Episode 11

Middle Ground

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9.6

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Episode Summary

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AIRED: 12/12/04

"We ain't gotta dream no more, man." - Stringer Bell

The wire begins to yield information about the Barksdale organization, though finding links to the top proves elusive. Stringer and Avon reminisce on how far they've come, with each harboring plans for the future. Tipped by Burrell, Carcetti sees Amsterdam for himself and weighs the benefits against the political reality--an assessment that mirrors Mayor Royce's own struggle with his advisers. Cutty hits upon an unusual benefactor for his boxing gym and continues to reach out to the corner boys. McNulty and D'Agostino find each other again, while at work, McNulty finds the way to a key piece of the puzzle in an unlikely place. Awaiting his fate, Colvin works behind the scenes to shape the outcome of Amsterdam, while protecting his men from possible repercussions. With Johnny in the wind, Bubbles considers a new partner, while Omar and Brother Mouzone encounter each other suddenly.moreless

Fan Episode Reviews (2)

**Spoiler Alert** Yeah, "very special episode" usually means someone dies, and this one is no different. It is a testament to the integrity of this series that they are not afraid to kill off a main character- and not just for shock effect, but for plot.moreless

9.7

By rockin01, Oct 17, 2011

Ok, let me get this out of the way- R.I.P., Stringer! One of the most compelling screen gangsters in recent memory is no more. One of the most inriguing things about Bell was the complexity of his dream, and his very real yearning to leave the street ways of Avon behind him. But it was not to be; the actions he took during his relentless climb to legitimacy came back to haunt him. Ironically, it was his partner, Avon, who ended up dropping a dime on him even as he himself dropped a dime on Avon. As engrossing as the close of Bell's story arc was, it was not all this episode had to offer- not by a long shot. This series routinely packs so much into an episode that it feels like way more than an hour. Classic installment- not to be missed!moreless
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Stringer Bell - The finest episode from the Best show on television.

9.9

By gettford, Oct 17, 2011

Possibly the best episode yet of clearly the best show on TV. [***SPOILER***] It's the mark of an excellent show that it's willing to kill off one of its two main characters before the series finale. Stringer Bell is one of the most appealing, real, flesh-and blood villains I've ever seen in a television series. He's an excellent actor, and I hope to see much more of him. The Avon Barsdale / String Bell relationship is one of the most mature, intriguing, and well developed in the history of television. Why more people aren't watching this show is beyond me.moreless
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Cast & Crew: STARS

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Wendell Pierce	Bunk Moreland
Wood Harris	Avon Barksdale
John Doman	Bill Rawls
Robert Wisdom	Bunny Colvin (Episodes 26-, recurring previously)
Lance Reddick	Cedric Daniels
Deirdre Lovejoy	Ronnie Pearlman

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Cast & Crew: RECURRING AND GUESTS

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Dennis Lehane	Off. Sullivan	Guest Star
Dameion Leslie		Guest Star
Joilet Harris	Caroline Massey	Guest Star
Anwan Glover	Slim Charles	Recurring Role
Brandy Burre	Terri D'Agostino	Recurring Role
Leo Fitzpatrick	Johnny	Recurring Role

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Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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TRIVIA (1)
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- Former real-life Baltimore Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke appears in a meeting with fictional Baltimore Mayor Royce.
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QUOTES (2)
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- Brother Mouzone: I see you favor a 45.
  Omar: Tonight I do.
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- Brother Mouzone: I want to ask you something, brother.
  Omar: Omar listenin'.
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NOTES (3)
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- Although credited, Wendell Pierce, Jim True-Frost, Seth Gilliam, and Domenick Lombardozzi do not appear in this episode.
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- Music: "When We Ride On Our Enemies" by 2Pac; "Locked Up" by Akon; "Little Bit O' Soul" by Music Explosion; "White Tee" by Dem Franchize Boyz
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- George Pelecanos & David Simon received a 2005 Emmy nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series for their work on this episode.
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ALLUSIONS (1)
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- One of the youths at Cutty's boxing gym made a remark about the equipment being from "Bedrock," this being the city featured in the popular stone-age cartoon series The Flintstones.
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