The first time Marlo makes an impact is when his underlings are about to punish Bubbles and Johnny for leaning on their car, threatening them with a handgun. Marlo takes in the situation and says simply 'Do it or don't. I've got places to be." He instantly puts himself above trivial concerns; he shows neither anger nor compassion. He has merely sized the situation up, judged there is no threat or benefit to him therein, and leaves it as not worth his time. His decision-making is calibrated to winning "the game".
Marlo's utilitarian analysis is perhaps most marked when he decides Michael's fate. He clearly has a slight fondness for Michael (he chose him after all), and agrees with Chris he's unlikely to be the snitch. "But you willing to bet your life on it?" he asks, and the decision is made. He acknowledges his inability to put human relationships first in his last exchange with Joe, who he clearly also felt some bond with: "I treated you like a son" "I wasn't made to play the son. Close your eyes...it won't hurt none".
with the things I missed.Officer Walker![]()
Because not all of them were a$$holes, cop or crook, people are flawed and this show showed that and the humanity of most of the characters.How did yall like the cops? Hated them bytches wish marlo n Avon crew could've made it out.. but I would say Avon my favorite
When I finished watching it the second time I searched around for a few peoples analysis of the series and came across this dude who the guardian published talking about Marlo. shyt was a good read.
The Wire Re-up: In defence of Marlo
For anyone interested. It had mewith the things I missed.

How did yall like the cops? Hated them bytches wish marlo n Avon crew could've made it out.. but I would say Avon my favorite


; Omar because he was the most interesting character on the show, period; Lt. Daniels because he was very reliable and although he had did some dirt in the past, he changed and became a really good cop; Wallace cuz he had a heart that was too good for his situation, which led to his downfall; Bodie cuz, like Slim, was loyal and fierce; and finally Kenard cuz that nikka got me saying Gump now
and cuz he had a heart and temper too big for his frame