Ep 10. The Cost

The Cost is the tenth episode of the first season of the television show, The Wire. The episode is directed by Brad Anderson and written by David Simon and Ed Burns. The episode originally aired on August 4, 2002, on HBO.

In this episode, Lieutenant Daniels clashes with his higher-ups in the police department as he faces pressure to solve the increasingly violent drug war going on in Baltimore. He wants to focus on taking down Avon Barksdale, the drug kingpin, but he faces resistance from his superiors who want him to focus on the more lucrative targets. Furthermore, Daniels realizes that his pursuit of Avon Barksdale has put him on the radar of his colleague, Major Rawls who doesn't want him to succeed.

On the other hand, Detective McNulty continues to struggle with his personal life, especially his estranged wife who is seeking a divorce. He seeks solace in another woman, but it's clear that he's uncertain about his future and is searching for some stability in his life. Meanwhile, D'Angelo, Avon's nephew, is struggling after the death of Wallace. He's clearly conflicted about the dangers of the drug game and the loyalty he owes his family.

The episode also introduces us to State Senator Clay Davis. He shows an interest in helping Avon Barksdale behind the scenes, and it's apparent that he has some shady deals going on with many players in the drug game. We get a glimpse of how the drug game is only a small piece of a much larger puzzle involving government officials and politicians who are using it to benefit themselves.

The Cost is a well-written episode that focuses on the tense relationship between law enforcement officials and drug kingpins. We see how the police department is limited in their efforts to curb the drug problem as they face resistance not only from the drug dealers but also from within their own ranks. The episode not only highlights the challenges faced by detectives working to bring down a drug kingpin but also shows the complicated relationship between the drug trade and politics.

The struggles of the individual characters are also well-portrayed in the episode. We see how McNulty is struggling to balance his personal and professional life. We also see how D'Angelo is grappling with the fact that the cost of the drug game is not only measured in terms of money but also in the lives of those around him. Alongside their stories, we get glimpses of characters like Avon Barksdale and his sister Brianna, who are motivated by both loyalty and greed.

Overall, The Cost is a compelling episode that continues to build on the themes explored in the show. It showcases the intricate web of characters, motivations, and alliances that exist in the drug trade and how the efforts of law enforcement officials in Baltimore are affected by these same forces. It's a highlight of the first season and a definite must-see for anyone interested in gritty, realistic crime dramas.