12 Episodes
Short on time? Here's the essentials:
Season 3 of "The Wire" focuses on the shifting power dynamics within Baltimore's drug trade and the police's attempts to combat it. Stringer Bell, a calculating drug kingpin, seeks to legitimize his empire and move beyond street-level dealing. His former partner, Avon Barksdale, recently released from prison, struggles to adapt to Stringer's new business model. Meanwhile, Detective Jimmy McNulty and his unit are determined to bring down Stringer and Avon, facing pressure from superiors and the city's volatile criminal element.
The season's central conflict erupts as Stringer's ambition clashes with Avon's traditional approach, creating internal strife. A controversial police initiative, "Hamsterdam," creates designated drug zones, initially containing crime but leading to unintended consequences and intense backlash. Key turning points include Stringer confessing to Avon that he orchestrated D'Angelo Barksdale's death, leading to a violent confrontation. The season culminates with Stringer Bell being ambushed and killed by Omar and Brother Mouzone, and the dismantling of the Barksdale organization, leading to Avon's arrest.
Season 3 of The Wire covers episodes 1-12. Here's everything that happened:
Season 3, Episode 1: Time After Time - The demolition of the Barksdale housing towers forces the crew to seek new territory. Stringer Bell adopts a new business strategy, aiming to supply other dealers. Meanwhile, McNulty and the detail focus on Proposition Joe's drug ring, hoping to gain intel on Stringer. Cutty Wise is paroled, facing a stark reality outside prison. The episode concludes with the Barksdale organization strategizing their next move amidst the changing landscape.
Season 3, Episode 2: All Due Respect - McNulty investigates D'Angelo Barksdale's death, suspecting homicide due to new evidence. Omar resumes his aggressive heists against Barksdale stash houses. Cheese kills his own dog after a loss, and a drug dealer named Jelly is murdered. The episode concludes with the MCU prematurely revealing their wiretap while arresting Cheese's crew, and Marlo Stanfield solidifies his dangerous presence in the city's drug trade.
Season 3, Episode 3: Dead Soldiers - Omar's crew attempts a heist on a Barksdale stash house, resulting in the accidental death of Tosha Mitchell. Meanwhile, police brass pressures commanders over crime statistics, and Proposition Joe warns Stringer Bell about the police wiretap. The episode concludes with the death of Tank during the crew's escape.
Season 3, Episode 4: Hamsterdam - Major Colvin implements his controversial "Hamsterdam" experiment, creating drug-free zones to contain dealers. Meanwhile, McNulty continues his pursuit of Stringer Bell, discovering Bell's attempts to legitimize his business. Tommy Carcetti launches his mayoral campaign. The episode concludes with Colvin's "Hamsterdam" plan facing immediate backlash and the police department struggling to manage the unintended consequences, while Cutty grapples with his return to the streets.
Season 3, Episode 5: Straight and True - Major Colvin implements his "Hamsterdam" plan, designating free drug zones to contain street crime. Cutty struggles with his desire to go straight, while McNulty investigates Stringer Bell's legitimate business dealings, realizing he's becoming unreachable as a drug target. The episode concludes with Avon Barksdale's return from prison and Stringer Bell solidifying his power by forming the New Day Co-Op, a move that alienates Marlo Stanfield, setting the stage for future conflict.
Season 3, Episode 6: Homecoming - Cutty, unable to commit to violence, lets Fruit escape, signaling his departure from the game. Stringer faces business setbacks, while Omar manipulates a witness to avoid implication in Tosha's murder. Major Colvin resorts to forceful dealer relocation, and Avon, disappointed by Cutty's inaction, ultimately respects his decision. The episode concludes with the police department reassessing their strategies.
Season 3, Episode 7: Back Burners - Herc discovers a blast from his past, leading to revelations about D'Angelo's death. Daniels is furious about his detail's reassignment, while Stringer learns Brianna may contact McNulty. Marlo Stanfield orchestrates a brutal drive-by shooting, and Omar grapples with his conscience after a talk with Bunk. The episode concludes with the police attempting to track burner phones used by Marlo's crew and the Barksdale Organization.
Season 3, Episode 8: Moral Midgetry - As "Hamsterdam" faces increasing scrutiny, Carver and Truck discover a lack of honor among thieves. Prez's phone tracking yields crucial information, leading McNulty and Greggs on a road trip. Stringer Bell grapples with his real estate ambitions, facing pressure from Senator Clay Davis. The episode culminates with Stringer confessing to Avon that he orchestrated D'Angelo's death, leading to a violent confrontation where Stringer overpowers Avon, signifying a major shift in their power dynamic.
Season 3, Episode 9: Slapstick - Responding to a call, McNulty and Prez discover a dead plainclothes officer, Waggoner, shot by a white officer, sparking racial tension. Meanwhile, Barksdale soldiers violate the Sunday truce by shooting at Omar and his grandmother, leading Omar to vow revenge. Cutty faces bureaucratic hurdles for his gym, and Herc tips off the press about Hamsterdam, forcing Colvin's hand. The episode concludes with Prez making a fatal mistake that results in the officer's death.
Season 3, Episode 10: Reformation - Marlo brutally murders Devonne. Colonel Colvin faces pressure regarding his "Hamsterdam" experiment as a reporter begins investigating. Meanwhile, Lester and Jimmy devise a plan to get wiretaps on burner phones, and Cutty opens his boxing gym, offering a glimmer of hope. The episode concludes with Stringer Bell making a desperate call to the police, and Brother Mouzone returning to Baltimore seeking revenge.
Season 3, Episode 11: Middle Ground - Stringer Bell's attempts to legitimize his business and betray Avon backfire spectacularly. Omar and Brother Mouzone ambush and kill Stringer Bell, avenging past wrongs. Meanwhile, the political fallout from Hamsterdam intensifies, forcing Mayor Royce to consider drastic measures. The episode concludes with Avon Barksdale, having betrayed Stringer, preparing for war while unaware of his own impending arrest.
Season 3, Episode 12: Mission Accomplished - The Major Crimes Unit successfully dismantles the Barksdale organization, leading to Avon's arrest. Stringer Bell is killed, and the controversial "Hamsterdam" experiment is shut down amidst media scrutiny. McNulty finds personal peace, while Daniels receives a significant promotion. The episode concludes with a montage reflecting the season's outcomes.
