Ep 5. React Quotes
- TVMA
- February 3, 2008
- 58 min
-
8.6 (4,018)
In season 5, episode 5 of The Wire titled "React Quotes," the focus shifts once again to the world of journalism as Templeton's fabricated stories continue to gain traction in the media.
The episode begins with Alma getting a chance to interview the governor, but her excitement soon turns to frustration when she realizes that the governor has already given the same quotes to another major publication. This leaves her scrambling and desperate to come up with something newsworthy before the deadline.
Meanwhile, Scott continues to plagiarize from other publications, and Gus confronts him about it. Scott, who is now Stringer's protégé, responds with arrogance, insisting that he knows what he's doing and that his methods are getting results.
As Templeton's fake stories continue to make waves, McNulty and Freamon come up with a new plan to catch the killer they've been pursuing. They set up a sting operation by posing as drug dealers and offering a reward for information on the killer. But their plan quickly goes awry when another group of dealers claim to have already caught the killer and demand the reward money.
Back at the Baltimore Sun, Alma becomes increasingly obsessed with getting a scoop and goes off the rails when she suspects that her coworker is holding out on her. She becomes unhinged and starts to scream at her coworker, causing a scene in the newsroom.
As the deadline approaches, Alma realizes that she has been played by her source, and her story falls apart. She's left feeling defeated and disillusioned with the world of journalism.
The episode concludes with a chilling twist, as McNulty and Freamon receive a phone call from the killer they've been pursuing, who taunts them and warns them that he has no intention of stopping.
Overall, season 5, episode 5 of The Wire is a gripping look at the world of journalism and the lengths people will go to in order to get a story. It's also a harrowing reminder of the dangers of becoming too obsessed with an idea and losing sight of the bigger picture.
