10 Episodes
Short on time? Here's the essentials:
This season, Detective Jimmy McNulty, frustrated by budget cuts and stalled investigations, fabricates a serial killer case to secure funding for the police department. He enlists Detective Lester Freamon to help him plant evidence and create the illusion of a dangerous killer. Meanwhile, Marlo Stanfield, a powerful drug kingpin, consolidates his control by eliminating rivals, including Proposition Joe.
The fake investigation escalates, consuming police resources and gaining media attention, partly due to fabricated stories by reporter Scott Templeton. McNulty's deception is eventually exposed, leading to his and Freamon's resignations. Omar Little, a legendary stick-up artist, is murdered, and Snoop, a brutal enforcer for Marlo, is killed by Michael Lee, who then flees with his younger relatives. The season ends with Marlo avoiding jail, Chris Partlow imprisoned for murders, and a montage revealing futures, including Templeton winning a Pulitzer and Dukie succumbing to addiction.
Season 5 of The Wire covers episodes 1-10. Here's everything that happened:
Season 5, Episode 1: More with Less - Facing severe budget cuts, Mayor Carcetti disbands the Major Crimes Unit, ending the investigation into the vacant murders. McNulty, disillusioned, returns to his old habits, while detectives Freamon and Sydnor are reassigned to the Clay Davis case. The episode concludes with the Major Crimes Unit officially disbanded, leaving many investigations unresolved.
Season 5, Episode 2: Unconfirmed Reports - McNulty, frustrated by the lack of progress on the Marlo Stanfield case, tamper with a crime scene to create the illusion of a serial killer, hoping to force increased funding for the BPD. Meanwhile, Marlo orders the murders of June Bug and his associates to solidify his control. At the Baltimore Sun, Scott Templeton fabricates a story, which is published despite journalistic concerns. The episode concludes with McNulty's ethically compromised actions and Marlo's violent consolidation of power.
Season 5, Episode 3: Not for Attribution - McNulty escalates his fake serial killer investigation, planting evidence to link homeless victims, but it fails to gain traction. Marlo, seeking to draw Omar out, has his associates brutally torture and execute Butchie, Omar's advisor. Meanwhile, political maneuvering leads to Commissioner Burrell's ousting. The episode concludes with Omar learning of Butchie's death, setting the stage for his return.
Season 5, Episode 4: Transitions - Marlo Stanfield executes Proposition Joe, eliminating a rival and solidifying his control. Meanwhile, the newspaper staff scrambles to break news, and McNulty and Freamon escalate their fake serial killer investigation. The episode concludes with Marlo embracing his new, more ruthless position in the drug trade.
Season 5, Episode 5: React Quotes - Marlo Stanfield solidifies his position by learning new communication tactics from "The Greeks." Meanwhile, Jimmy McNulty's fabricated serial killer case gains media traction, largely due to Scott Templeton's fabricated "react quotes." Omar Little survives a deadly ambush by Chris Partlow and his crew, escaping by leaping from a fourth-story balcony, while Donnie is killed. The episode concludes with the police securing a wiretap on Marlo's phone, fueled by Templeton's manufactured story.
Season 5, Episode 6: The Dickensian Aspect - McNulty, desperate to keep the fake serial killer investigation alive, resorts to kidnapping a homeless man to stage new "murders." Meanwhile, Omar, injured but alive, continues his vendetta against Marlo's crew. Bunk investigates old cases, getting a lead from Michael's mother. The episode concludes with McNulty's fabricated case gaining traction, while Marlo increases the bounty on Omar.
Season 5, Episode 7: Took - McNulty's fake serial killer investigation escalates, consuming police resources. Omar Little executes Savino Bratton to send a message to Marlo. Senator Clay Davis is acquitted of corruption charges due to his charismatic defense. The episode concludes with Kima Greggs sharing a quiet moment with Elijah, reading him a bedtime story.
Season 5, Episode 8: Clarifications - The fabricated serial killer case continues to consume resources, while McNulty confesses the hoax to Beadie. In a shocking turn, Omar Little is murdered by Kenard. Meanwhile, at The Baltimore Sun, Scott Templeton faces scrutiny for his embellished stories, leading to a confrontation with his editor. The episode concludes with the investigation into Marlo's empire gaining traction.
Season 5, Episode 9: Late Editions - The police successfully raid Marlo's warehouse, arresting him and his crew. Michael, realizing Snoop intends to kill him, turns the tables and kills Snoop. He then flees with Dukie and Bug to protect them. Meanwhile, the fabricated serial killer case is exposed as a fraud, leaving McNulty disillusioned.
Season 5, Episode 10: -30- - The fabricated serial killer case is exposed, leading to McNulty and Freamon's resignations. Marlo Stanfield avoids jail time for drug charges due to an illegal wiretap, though Chris Partlow is imprisoned for murders. Michael Lee becomes a stick-up artist, mirroring Omar. The episode concludes with a montage showing characters' futures, including Templeton winning a Pulitzer and Dukie succumbing to addiction.
