The Wire — Season 5

All 10 episodes in airing order, with first-run dates and viewer ratings.

1. 01

   January 6, 2008 · 1h

   More with Less7.8

   Season Five premiere. As McNulty and the detail continue staking out Marlo's crew, recently promoted Sergeant Carver is welcomed by a cauldron of discontent from officers coping with unpaid overtime.

2. 02

   January 13, 2008 · 1h

   Unconfirmed Reports7.9

   Although he tells Sydnor the Davis investigation could be a 'career case,' Freamon keeps a wary eye out for Marlo, who takes care of some unfinished business and strikes a business deal with Barksdale.

3. 03

   January 20, 2008 · 1h

   Not for Attribution8.1

   Carcetti's master plan for the police department is leaked to the press, sending the brass into a panic. Marlo turns to Proposition Joe to help with an enviable problem. Whiting and Klebanow drop a bombshell on the newspaper staff.

4. 04

   January 27, 2008 · 1h

   Transitions8.3

   Campbell tries to smooth out the transitions in the police department. The newspaper scrambles to confirm surprising news from City Hall, but lose out to the TV media in scooping a high-profile Grand Jury appearance.

5. 05

   February 3, 2008 · 1h

   React Quotes8.1

   Marlo forges an alliance with a drug connect, who shows him a new communications trick. McNulty's case gets increased attention from the newspaper, in large part thanks to the addition of Templeton to the reporting team.

6. 06

   February 10, 2008 · 1h

   The Dickensian Aspect8.1

   Mystified by Omar's disappearance, Marlo and Chris ramp up their efforts to locate their nemesis. After a sparsely attended waterfront ceremony, Carcetti fires away at a larger press event--and recasts himself as a champion for the homeless.

7. 07

   February 17, 2008 · 1h

   Took8.2

   An unexpected call puts Templeton back in the spotlight--and gets McNulty more attention than he expected. Bunk bucks at Landsman when ordered to help with the force's most recent red ball.

8. 08

   February 24, 2008 · 1h

   Clarifications8.3

   Baltimore's renewed police commitment brings fresh recruits to Daniels and McNulty, starting with Carver. Facing a new political challenge, Carcetti is forced to make dangerous political deals.

9. 09

   March 2, 2008 · 1h

   Late Editions8.6

   With Steintorf ordering Rawls to initiate 'creative' remedies for the rising crime rate, Freamon's vigilance pays off with a promising lead, sending Sydnor and the department into overdrive.

10. 10

    March 9, 2008 · 1h

    -30-8.7

    Carcetti maps out a damage-control scenario with the police brass in the wake of a startling revelation from Pearlman and Daniels. Their choice: clean up the mess...or hide the dirt.