More with Less

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More with Less is the first episode of the Wire’s fifth season. It was written by David Simon (from a story by Simon and Ed Burns) and directed by Joe Chappelle. It first aired on January 6, 2008.

The episode shows Baltimore facing big budget problems that hit both the police and the newspaper. Mayor Tommy Carcetti tries to improve the police department, but education spending cuts block his plan. He and Council President Nerese Campbell meet with a Republican U.S. Attorney who offers to send 12 FBI agents to help the Baltimore Police Department if the city allows a federal case against State Senator Clay Davis. Carcetti fears the move could be used to attack Democrats, while Campbell sees it as a path to her own mayoral rise.

With the money short, the Major Crimes Unit is shut down, ending the investigation into the vacant murders. Detectives Lester Freamon and Leander Sydnor take over the Davis case. Colonel Cedric Daniels is furious that City Hall is prioritizing Davis over 22 unsolved murders.

Detective Jimmy McNulty, back in Homicide, slides back into old habits of drinking and infidelity. In the Western District, Sergeant Ellis Carver struggles to keep up morale after pay cuts. Herc is now working for defense attorney Maurice Levy.

Marlo Stanfield strengthens his control over the drug trade, pressuring rivals and using Chris Partlow to find new suppliers. Partlow goes to the courthouse and, by chance, encounters Daniels, Bond, and Rhonda Pearlman while looking for information. Michael Lee serves as an enforcer for Partlow, while his friend Dukie Weems runs a small drug crew. Dukie struggles to gain respect, and Michael suggests paying him to protect his younger brother Bug.

The Baltimore Sun also faces budget cuts. Editor Gus Haynes remains principled and efficient. The paper runs a story linking Campbell to the relocation of drug dealer “Fat-Face Rick” Hendrix’s strip club to a redeveloping area, a move tied to campaign contributions from Hendrix and Campbell associates. Ambitious reporter Scott Templeton is still chasing bigger scoops, while Alma Gutierrez is pleased with a strong quote she got for the Hendrix story.

Bubbles is living in his sister’s basement and has stopped using drugs. He works as a rush-hour distributor for the Sun, selling newspapers to commuters. He even sells a copy to Campbell, who reacts with anger to the Hendrix story.