Baltimore's inner-city crime and drug scene, seen through the eyes of every part of the drug "food chain", politicians, police, drug dealers and users.
A Baltimore cop attends a trial that has far-reaching implications for both sides of the law. Strong language/mature themes/flashing images. (S1, ep 1)
The unit steps up surveillance of Barksdale's crew, while an early-hours visit to the towers goes badly wrong for Prez. Strong language/mature themes/flashing images. (S1, ep 2)
The detail finally puts a face to the name Avon, whose gang takes a hit at the hands of a stick-up guy. Strong language/violence/sex/mature themes/flashing images. (S1, ep 3)
Bunk and McNulty investigate an old crime scene in their own inimitable fashion. Stringer and Avon vow to make Omar pay. Strong language/mature themes/flashing images. (S1, ep 4)
As McNulty closes in on D'Angelo, the Barksdale crew gets closer to Omar. The detail gets a boost from Prez. Strong language/mature themes/flashing images. (S1, ep 5)
Barksdale's revenge on Omar is laid out for all to see, while McNulty worries Rawls will blow the case. Strong language/violence/mature themes/flashing images. (S1, ep 6)
The squad busts Barksdale's crew but Stringer smells a rat and orders changes that could put the surveillance back to square one. Strong language/flashing images. (S1, ep 7)
As the war between Omar and the Barksdale crew escalates, the detail is forced to look for a new informant. Strong language/sex/mature themes/flashing images. (S1, ep 8)
Omar and Joe cut a deal that sparks a firefight. A graphic image shows just what Avon's crew is capable of. Strong language/sex/violence/mature themes/flashing images. (S1, ep 9)
Wallace helps the unit in a bid to put his gang days behind him. Meanwhile, Greggs is left exposed. Strong language/violence/sex/mature themes/flashing images. (S1, ep 10)
The commissioner orders raids that threaten to compromise the operation. Barksdale's gang is forced to lay low. Strong language/mature themes/flashing images. (S1, ep 11)
The case yields results when the squad bugs Avon's office. Daniels tussles with his superiors to keep the wire running. Strong language/violence/flashing images. (S1, ep 12)
As the unit rounds up Barksdale gang members, Avon and Stringer plot to stop their world falling apart. Strong language/violence/mature themes/flashing images. (S1, ep 13)