EPISODE

S1E1 · The Target

Homicide detective Jimmy McNulty observes the murder trial of a mid-level drug dealer, D'Angelo Barksdale, and sees the prosecution's star witness recant her testimony. McNulty recognises drug king-pin Stringer Bell in the court room and believes he has manipulated the proceedings, so he circumvents the chain-of-command by talking to the judge, Daniel Phelan, who then places pressure on the police department to investigate the Barksdale drug-dealing organization, which, McNulty claims, has gotten away with ten murders in the last year. D'Angelo is welcomed home by his uncle, Barksdale patriarch, Avon, who is frustrated with him for placing himself in a situation where the police could charge him. Nevertheless, Avon allows him to return to work, but in what D'Angelo sees as a demotion, he is moved to a low-rise housing project known as "the pit." Meanwhile, homeless drug addict Bubbles, acts as mentor to another addict, Johnny Weeks, in an ill-conceived scam with severe consequences.

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THIS ENTRY’S STORY

Plot summary and ending

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Complete story — includes the ending

Epigraph: "...when it's not your turn." - McNulty At the homicide trial of West Baltimore drug kingpin Avon Barksdale 's nephew D'Angelo, underboss Russell "Stringer" Bell intimidates witness Nakeesha Lyles into changing her story, resulting in an acquittal. Homicide detective Jimmy McNulty breaks chain of command by complaining about the BPD's failure to investigate Avon to judge Daniel Phelan, who insists to deputy commissioner Ervin Burrell that something be done. Sergeant Jay Landsman warns McNulty that his behavior may get him reassigned, who admits he gets seasick and dreads the marine unit. Burrell tasks lieutenant Cedric Daniels with creating a detail that will passively investigate Avon. Heroin addict Johnny Weeks is beaten for trying to scam Barksdale dealers, prompting his friend Reginald "Bubbles" Cousins, an informant for detective Kima Greggs, to give her information on them. D'Angelo is demoted to heading the low-rise "Pit" projects, where he finds the body of William Gant, the other murder witness.

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