Omar continues to attack Marlo's drug corners, whilst progress is made on the several police investigations thanks to McNulty's fake serial killer.
This is a classic episode with memorable story and character moments.
There is not much I can say without spoiling, but the plot involving several police investigations moves significantly forward and certain scenes sowing progress feel satisfying but ironic in how they link to McNulty's shenanigans.
McNulty has a lot of screen time and there is plenty of good drama and great black comedy. The exchange with Beadie is powerful and the psychological profile in Quantico is absolutely hilarious. Dominic West is on great form as ever, making you laugh, cringe and frustrated in numerous scenes.
It is a big episode for Omar and related characters. He has several ironic scenes that stay with you after the credits roll. Michael K. Williams is on top form throughout.
The top level political manoeuvring continues to feel quite soul-destroying when you see the likes of Carcetti and Clay Davis putting their own interests above everything. All these scenes feel plausible and one sequence of a certain person watching himself perform once again sums up his character nicely.
David Simon really went to town in his depiction of certain characters at the Baltimore Sun and the arc involving good guy Gus and glory-hunting sensationalist Scott Templeton is getting incredibly tense. Whether or not this is a fair reflection of Simon's previous career, only he and his former colleagues really know.
At this point in the overarching narrative the writers wonderfully lay the foundations to tie up loose ends relating to various characters, particularly the likes of Bubbs, Michael and Dukie, that were so prominent in previous episodes.
