Following last week's climactic and emotional episode, -30- was more about closure, about the players we've followed for five seasons exiting the game only to have their vacancies plugged by newcomers. As the show has preached/documented, the inability of institutions to reform leads to this revolving door:. cycles of violence, social reproduction, and on down the line. Michael is the new Omar, Dookie the new Bubbles.
I also liked the Marlo and McNulty parallels, both left in a situation where circumstances have forced them outside of their comfort zone. We knew this was inevitable with McNulty at least, as there was no way the homeless murder thing wouldn't catch up with him. I'm just glad he didn't end up taking himself out ala Brooks in Shawshank Redemption. I also liked the irony in Marlo, the once-upon-a-time new Avon Barksdale, finding himself in the situation Stringer Bell coveted so much. Only difference being he's of the Barksdale mentality and has no use for it.
Following last week's tear-worthy Michael-Dookie fair well scene in the car, this week had its share of great scenes I'll just rapid fire for you. Bubbles making that walk up the steps. Marlo standing solo on the corner taking it in for possibly the last time. Michael and the shotgun- "that's just a knee." And of course, McNulty, Lester, and Kima's moment following the fake wake at the bar.
