Simon has no regrets. He even made a point of exonerating HBO for "The Wire's" shorter run this season by explaining that if they truly needed more time to wrap up their story (which initially included the revelation that Randy is indeed Cheese Wagstaff's son), HBO would have provided it. But he feels the tighter story is stronger for it. In Simon's view, "The Wire," its characters, and to an extent the complex issues plaguing Baltimore itself have ultimately been served.

[link]

Would you believe, if not for David Simon, I'd be aspiring to write chick lit right now? I barely do, but it's true. But his emphasis on the "other America" quite literally changed my life. (Ok, that and maybe having no head for fashion and decorating, so as to put my leading lady in ever more fabulous ensembles and living rooms. I'm better at writing smelly alleys. Mos def.) And I'm gonna have to keep that in mind for some of my assignments(not the Hat...The Hat rules.) but as some of you know, I write for a disability arts and culture 'zine.Sometimes this is very embarrassing to me. Because it's not cool and doesn't get me backstage, and I end up reviewing shit that ain't nobody gonna see no matter what I say about it, and, frankly, it's all about crippled people. But bearing witness is bearing witness, right?

go, mayor of Philadelphia!

[link]

But bearing witness is bearing witness, right?

You got that right.

Simon, Burns, and Pelecanos on the drug war: [link]

Aw, now I feel like my boyfriend got into Time. Because I'm a fangirl idiot. Gloomcookie: An L word question: Does Kit ever date the(drag-king? wannabe tranny? Ivan?) Because it's completely weird relationship they have, but it's kind of sweet and romantic. Ivan is great at the Sweeping Gesture(and completely gorgeous M or F.)

Does Kit ever date the(drag-king? wannabe tranny? Ivan?)

She does, but it doesn't work out. She ends up breaking his/her heart.

So is the preview they showed after the last episode spoily?

I'll presume so and note in whitefont: they showed Marlo out of jail and in a suit. Since they implied that there wouldn't be bail for him that bodes ill for the investigation surviving. However, I have to believe that Lester's shakedown of Clay Davis was more than just for my edification on how lawyers are dirty. Honestly, I can't see how they can throw out the case. Too many people have careers on the line if it's pitched - especially after that public $16 million drug bust. I mean, if Simon's point is the system doesn't work then it shouldn't work because Kima snitched either. The vested interests should exert their powers to protect themselves.

Also, did you see Lester's eyes light up when Clay mentioned Stringer Bell?

I honestly wasn't sure what Lester's reaction was right then. But now I'm hoping that there's something in the collected evidence from the Barksdale wire that'll be useful, maybe against Levy. Or whoever the leak in the courthouse is, I suppose.

The promo that's all edited together scenes of Clay Davis saying "Sheeeeeit" is genius.

After the debacle of the previous preview (it gave away a moment with major HSQ), I'm avoiding the new one for the time being.