There never was a real “Hamsterdam” police-led de facto drug-legalization experiment, or at least no such situation has ever been made public. But Kurt Schmoke, mayor from 1988 through 1999, entertained the idea of fighting the drug war in Baltimore by decriminalizing narcotics.
Is The Wire a true depiction of Baltimore?
David Simon’s article “No Apologies for ‘The Wire,'” (Jan. 24) is right on point. As a former Baltimore police officer for 11 years, I can attest to the fact that much of what appears in the HBO series “The Wire” is a very accurate depiction of reality both on the street and within the Baltimore Police Department.
Is Avon Barksdale based on a real person?
He has stated on The Wire DVD that Barksdale is a composite of several Baltimore drug dealers. Avon Barksdale is likely based, to some extent, on Melvin Williams (who plays the character of The Deacon) and Nathan Barksdale.
Where was Hamsterdam in The Wire?
Baltimore
This article is about the fictional location in Baltimore. For the episode, see Hamsterdam. Hamsterdam was a legalzied drug zone in Baltimore, established by Major Howard Colvin.
Is The Wire based on a true story?
Nathan “Bodie” Barksdale (1961 – February 13, 2016) was a Baltimore, Maryland, drug dealer dramatized in the HBO series The Wire, although the extent to which any of the show’s characters or plot lines are based on his life is disputed.
Is Stringer Bell based on a real person?
Stringer Bell’s name is a composite of real Baltimore drug lords Stringer Reed and Roland Bell. His story bears many similarities to the life of Kenneth A. Jackson, including his crossover from the illegal drug trade to legitimate business ownership and political contributions.
Is Marlo Stanfield based on a real person?
Marlo Stanfield is a fictional character on the HBO television drama The Wire, played by actor Jamie Hector.
Did The Wire use real drug dealers?
Season 1: “all in the game”
Charismatic drug moguls such as Avon Barksdale and Stringer Bell were based in part on real people, including “Little Melvin” Williams (more on him later). Omar Little, the charismatic stickup man/anti-hero supreme, likewise drew from several actual Baltimoreans.
Who is Jimmy McNulty based on?
James “Jimmy” McNulty is a fictional character and one of the main characters on the HBO drama The Wire, played by Dominic West.
Who is Omar Based on in The Wire?
Larry Donnell “Donnie” Andrews (April 29, 1954 – December 13, 2012) was an American armed robber, murderer, and anti-crime advocate. He was the inspiration for the character Omar Little on the HBO series The Wire.
How much of The Wire was filmed in Baltimore?
This area of East Baltimore, especially Bond St two blocks east, was the actual filming location for much of the whole show, including many locations supposedly in West Baltimore. After about ten blocks, turn left on Chase St, then left on Bond St. Look immediately on the right for Marlo’s Hangout.
Did Baltimore have free zones?
In the show’s third season, the Baltimore PD designates a neighbourhood in the city as a prosecution-free zone for drug use and possession, which comes to be known as “Hamsterdam”.
Why did they call it Hamsterdam?
The name “Hamsterdam” comes from the drug dealers’ mishearing Herc when he refers to Amsterdam, although some viewers have noted that the “Ham” reference may also be a pun based on the dealers’ view of the police as “pigs” as well as a possible reference to hamster wheels and the seemingly continuous cycle of crime,
What city was The Wire based on?
Baltimore, Maryland
Set and produced in Baltimore, Maryland, The Wire introduces a different institution of the city and its relationship to law enforcement in each season, while retaining characters and advancing storylines from previous seasons.
Are characters on The Wire based on real people?
10 Real People That Inspired Characters on “The Wire” Lyrics. The burly Jay Landsman viewers know was inspired by the real-life Landsman, who’s much smaller but no less a character than his fictional counterpart.
What time period is The Wire set in?
The Wire’s dysfunction is all part of the changing politics and technology of the early 21st century. Yes, the War on Terror warped American law enforcement policies, apparent in the first two seasons.
Why was Wallace killed in The Wire?
He betrays his age when he is found playing with toys while supposed to be on lookout duty. After Omar Little robs the pit crew’s stash of drugs, Wallace spots Omar’s accomplice Brandon playing pinball and calls this information in. Stringer Bell grabs Brandon and tortures him to death.
Is Brother Mouzone based on a real person?
Brother Mouzone is a fictional character on the HBO drama The Wire, played by actor Michael Potts.
Where was The Wire filmed in Baltimore?
Where was The Wire Filmed? The Wire was filmed in Baltimore, Carlton C Douglas Funeral Services, Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum, Green Mount Cemetery, McCulloh Homes, Motel 6, Pearson’s Florist, Pennsylvania Station, St. James Episcopal Church, The Brewer’s Art, The Pit, Viva House and W Lexington St & N Fulton Ave.
Why did cheese give up Prop Joe?
However, Joe chooses someone more reliable, thwarting the unit’s efforts inadvertently. Daniels tips his hand when he arrests Cheese, believing he had Cheese on tape discussing a murder. Cheese realizes the tape is of him talking about shooting his injured pet dog, and the police are forced to release him.
Who was butchie to Omar?
A blind barkeep, Butchie serves as Omar’s banker and advisor — one of the few people the stick-up artist can trust.