I loved it, I just think the sheen's worn off a bit with the benefit of hindsight and far more firsthand reportage about the milieu in which it's set.
Would love to see more shows that adopt the same general approach narratively—one in which a theory of how a system works is advanced through a cast of engaging characters and interesting storylines—while actually delivering truth.
For instance you could argue The West Wing is the same type of show, but clearly its model of politics is a fucking joke. So much so that I couldn't enjoy it even during the era it was wildly popular. The Wire was a success because it made you feel like you were thinking and learning at the same time as enjoying Bunk, McNulty, Griggs, Omar, Lester, Rawls etc.
