Getting closer to the Wire...
This week there’s a chat with the creator of the hit US TV show; a mystery thriller starring Rachel Bosnahan, plus short lessons on all manner of fascinating subjects
THE WIRE STRIPPED
Last time the presenters of this podcast met their hero, The Wire creator David Simon, they were in a London pub and he was struggling to contain his shame about being American during Donald Trump’s presidency.
This time, they have pinned him down for a whole two hours and the conversation was so rich that they’ve chopped it into multiple episodes so we barely miss a word.
Judging by the first two, now available, this wasn’t an act of selfindulgence but a smart move.
It means that, along with intelligent insights about the future of cities and the concept of defunding the police, they’ve been able to leave in every little quip and in-joke, which gives you a good sense of his personality.
Another nice touch was fielding questions from actors who starred in the hit TV show about the Baltimore drugs scene and efforts by police to contain it. They include one from Chad Coleman (Dennis “Cutty” Wise), whose voice is so sonorous that Simon wants it to be the last thing he hears on his deathbed.
Where to start: To hear more of Coleman’s dulcet tones, a mid-season bonus episode features an exclusive chat about his own podcast.
LISTENING IN
Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvellous Mrs Maisel) is rather less focused on her dreams as author and wife Julia in this new mystery thriller.
While she is struggling to write her next book or even unpack the many boxes of belongings in her new apartment, Julia discovers the sound system is picking up her neighbours’ conversations.
How the story will play out remains to be seen, but the writing leaves you with a vivid picture of Julia feeling trapped both in her stiflingly hot apartment and in her new life.
Where to start: Listening In is released this week and a trailer is available now.