All In the Game- Running out the Wire

Finished Season 5 of the Wire recently, folks. Great TV, must be seen to be believed. Throughout the show's run, one character struck me as representative of the strengths of the show's collective talents. Andre Royo as drug fiend Bubbles is undoubtedly one of my favorite characters from any TV show. His evolution through the seasons of the Wire, his homespun wisdom, and his charm and fortitude of character all establish him as the surprising moral center of the show. From the outset, Bubbles is portrayed without apology or whitewash- he scams drug dealers, steals junk that he can hock, shoots up. In the first season, the injury of a friend he has taken under his wing compels him to become a confidential informant for the police. As the show progresses, he struggles to make ends meet through other odd jobs, like by selling junk metal, selling wares on the street from a cart, and working at a fruit stand.

But when tragedy forces him to turn his life around, his struggle to survive becomes entangled with the struggle to get clean. Accompanying him on his journey of self-redemption, we as viewers can't help but root for him, feel for him; he may be down on his luck, but he doesn't pity himself. He doesn't blame others, either. He accepts his lot, not by acquiescing, but by facing reality and fighting the good fight to stay clean, stay off the streets, and stay true to his own principles. Here's actor Andre Royo's take on his character as the fifth season begins.



We loves ya, Bubs. You da man.