The Wire: Every Episode In Season 2, Ranked (According To IMDb)

After an incredibly good opening season, David Simon’s The Wire had to live up to the hype in the second season. With a lot of interwoven storylines on display, the series had to make sure that every popular character from season one got enough screen time.

With Avon Barksdale, D’Angelo Barksdale, and a couple of others in jail, Stringer Bell has the task of rebuilding the Barksdale drug empire, while Jimmy McNulty, Lester Freamon, Kima Greggs, and Cedric Daniels deal with their new positions in the Baltimore Police Department. Without further ado, let’s rank every episode from the second outing of the HBO Original, according to IMDb.

12 “Ebb Tide” (7.9)

The first episode of season 2 lays out the whole map with regard to what the viewers can expect from the season. Jimmy McNulty is with the Baltimore Marine Unit, while Lester has joined Homicide, with Kima on the desk job, and Daniels in the evidence cabinet. The Barksdale organization has begun the rebuilding phase, with Stringer Bell in charge. Also, the viewers are introduced to the dock business and some new characters.

11 “Collateral Damage” (8.2)

In the second episode of season 2, McNulty is all set to take revenge on Rawls, as he makes sure the Jane Doe found in the sea is assigned to his division. Beadie Russell, a patrolling officer at the docks, is still figuring out who will get the thirteen murders that happened inside a cargo container, thanks to The Greek’s organization and the dockworkers’ mishaps.

10 “Hot Shots” (8.2)

In the third episode of season 2, Bunk and Lester investigate the Jane Does found in the cargo container but because none of the crew speaks English, they are left frustrated. McNulty is elated to give this case to Homicide, but when he meets Beadie, one can make out he is interested in the case, even though he wouldn’t admit it.

9 “Hard Cases” (8.2)

In the fourth episode of season 2, Beadie takes the lead as Bunk and Lester make their way to the Dock to find out more about the cargo container. Daniels gets a chance at redemption as Ervin Burrel makes him the head of another detail, this time, it’s into Frank Sobotka. He decides to get the band back together but McNulty cannot be brought on. Meanwhile, Stringer is dealing with a low-quality product.

8 “Undertow” (8.3)

In the fifth episode of season 2, Lester leaves Bunk alone with the Jane Does as he leaves to join Daniels’ unit, investigating the dockworkers union, especially Frank Sobotka.

Despite Frank’s intention to stop dealing with The Greek, he cannot, because of his greed. Donette visits D’Angelo in jail in order to give him strength, while McNulty brings in Omar Little for the William Gant case.

7 “Backwash” (8.4)

In the seventh episode of season 2, Beadie and Bunk ask for more equipment for the Jane Does case, while Jay ponders whether Daniels’ detail will take the murders. While Daniels doesn’t agree first, he makes sure he has all that he requires if he is to take those murders. At the dock, Nick and Ziggy dive deep into the illegal drug business, without knowing the market.

6 “Duck And Cover” (8.5)

In the eighth episode of season 2, McNulty has gone back to his late-night drinking shenanigans with Bunk, suggesting that he needs a case to become sober again. Ziggy isn’t liking all the teasing from his co-workers, while Nick and Frank meet with The Greek to discuss improved terms. Elsewhere, Bodie and Poot struggle for territory, reminiscing the old days.

5 “Stray Rounds” (8.7)

In the ninth episode of season 2, things begin to heat up in the corners as Bodie’s crew has a gunfight with another crew, leaving an innocent boy killed. Meanwhile, Nick continues to do some personal business with Vondas and he doesn’t want Ziggy anywhere near it. McNulty tries to come up with plans to infiltrate a brothel, which is ran by The Greek.

4 “All Prologue” (8.8)

In the sixth episode of season 2, the season begins to find pace as one of the most loved characters in the series is killed, in prison, quite mercilessly. Elsewhere, Daniels wants to bring in Frank, nice and clean, just like Burrell asked him to, which doesn’t suit Lester. Also, Nick, along with Ziggy, begins to deal with The Greek about a different business, behind Frank’s back.

3 “Storm Warnings” (9.0)

In the tenth episode of season 2, Ziggy lets loose after Glekas plays him in a deal. He kills him before surrendering to the police. Frank’s whole life is going in the wrong direction in front of his eyes and he doesn’t have anyone else but himself to blame.

Nick isn’t happy either and the emotional Sobotkas is good news for Daniels and his detail. Also, Proposition Joe sets up a meet between Omar and Stringer.

2 “Port In A Storm” (9.0)

In the season 2 finale, Daniels’ detail is about to end but they have some loose ends to tie up. After Frank’s death, Nick comes forward with the required information about The Greek but it might be too late. Brother Mouzone is recovering from the attack last night and from the looks of it, it seems like he will definitely come back for revenge. Also, McNulty and Greggs see something new on the corners.

1 “Bad Dreams” (9.2)

The penultimate episode of season 2 is one of the most frantic episodes of the entire series. There’s a lot going on, starting with the Baltimore Police’s raid into the illegal organization of The Greek and Frank Sobotka. Next, Omar meets with Stringer and the latter lies about Brother Mouzone, so that Omar can take care of one of Stringer’s problems.

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