The Wire: 5 Most Likeable Characters (& 5 Fans Can’t Stand)

The Wire became one of the most popular shows in TV history thanks to its incredibly diverse and detailed characters, some of whom have developed a cult fan following. Every single member of the cast gave a near-perfect performance, which in turn made the different storylines across different seasons so addictive.

With the series based in Baltimore, there is a lot of mention of crime and corruption, which means The Wire has a lot of characters the viewers just cannot stand, while there are certain characters you can’t help but root for. Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of them.

10 Like: Jay Landsman

Jay Landsman, the Sergeant Of Baltimore Homicide, is a capable police officer who is more of an enforcer than a worker. He loves his clearances and pranks, to say the least, the latter of which makes him really likeable.

And who can forget his moving speeches at Ray Cole and Jimmy McNulty’s wake? Jay comes across as a decent human being, who respects everyone in the department and doesn’t involve himself with any trouble.

9 Can’t Stand: Marlo Stanfield

The new boss in town, Marlo Stanfield took advantage of the downfall of Avon Barksdale’s organization and soon, became one of the most feared people on the streets of Baltimore. He ran the drug business on his own, getting rid of any person who stood in his way. He couldn’t take personal insults, jabs, or even orders, and that’s why he killed whomever he wished to, which made him a particularly unlikeable person in the streets.

8 Like: Jimmy McNulty

What to say about the cop who took the job more seriously than his personal life? Jimmy McNulty looked at himself as a loner, who wanted to be the hero of the town by catching some bad criminals but in trying to achieve that, he gave away the most important thing in his life – family. Still, who doesn’t like a hero? Jimmy is not only a brilliant cop, but he is also a good man who cares more than any police officer in Baltimore.

7 Can’t Stand: Maurice Levy

The lawyer of every big drug trafficker in Baltimore, Maurice Levy embodies the corrupt judicial system. Everything he does, it’s for the money, as he has no interest in providing justice whatsoever.

Moreover, he is really good at his job, so more often than not, he gives his clients the best deal possible. He is partly responsible for the crimes happening in Baltimore, as it is him who helps these criminals get back on the streets.

6 Like: Lester Freamon

There’s no cop quite like him. Lester Freamon is as intelligent as they come in the Baltimore Police Department and if you can get him the wire, more often than not, he can build you a solid case. While he doesn’t like to abide by the rules laid out by the bosses, it doesn’t stop him from doing what he wants.

He is really good at decoding the different patterns criminals are used to, but in doing so, he doesn’t forget he has a life outside the job. Also, he likes a laugh or two at others expense.

5 Can’t Stand: William Rawls

A part of the Deputy Ops, William Rawls is one of those cops who like to play politics overdoing his real job. And if a police officer tries to do his job, he is the first one to come in between him and the case he is working. Also, if someone doesn’t play by his rules, Rawls makes sure that the particular person knows what he thinks about him. His hateful nature, disrespectful conduct, and lack of appreciation for real police work make the viewers despise him.

4 Like: Bunk Moreland

An integral part of Baltimore’s Homicide Department, Bunk Moreland is one of the most entertaining characters in the series, thanks to his happy and prank-loving nature. He is a really good cop, who works his case as it should do and he doesn’t like to play with his bosses.

Give him a drink and he is one of the funniest people you will ever meet. The Bunk is also a good friend to Jimmy and Lester, although he doesn’t like the way both of them operate.

3 Can’t Stand: Clay Davis

Baltimore’s corrupt Senator, Clay Davis, is a politician by profession, but a thief at heart. He can take anyone’s money if they are giving it to him for free, no matter where that money is coming from. He is corrupt to his very core but somehow, he is able to beat the judicial system and the Feds.

He also drained a lot of money out of Stringer Bell by giving him false promises, which should tell you exactly the kind of man he is. Stealing from a drug dealer is what criminals do.

2 Like: Omar Little

The coolest character in the series, Omar Little is a stickup boy, who robs drug dealers and is quite good at it. He is feared in the corners by every criminal. So much so that people get out of his way, even if he is just walking the streets of West Baltimore.

Omar does as he pleases. There’s no one who can give him orders, which makes him a cult hero among the masses. He does right by his people and even though he knows the dangers of the drug game, he is inclined to rob again, and again.

1 Can’t Stand: Ervin Burrell

Ervin Burrel is another cop who the viewers cannot help but hate, thanks to the politics he usually likes to play. He is a part of the Deputy Ops and he doesn’t like any chaos reigning in his department. So he intends to keep everyone happy, even the most corrupt politicians and police officers.

He, almost, never provides the required resources needed by the police department to crack a case. Ervin would rather tell lies to the world than even try to do some police work.

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