Episode list

After a murder trial exposes the reach of a West Baltimore drug empire, Det. Jimmy McNulty prods superiors into launching an investigation -- setting police and dealers on a collision course.

As the new detail comes together, detectives pursue Baltimore's Barksdale drug crew and push for a wiretap, but red tape, clashing egos, and scarce resources complicate the case.

Under pressure for quick results, Daniels' detail attempts an undercover buy with Bubbles to reach Avon and the Barksdale crew. On the corner, D'Angelo's dealers face a new stick-up threat.

Daniels' unit reopens old homicide files looking for a path into the Barksdale organization, while McNulty and Bunk work a stubborn cold case. With pressure mounting, Avon and Stringer adjust crew tactics to stay ahead.

Baltimore's new drug detail scrambles to decipher the Barksdale crew's pager code, testing surveillance and informant work as the organization adapts to stay ahead.

With the court's approval, Daniels' unit launches its first wiretap and learns how tightly Barksdale's crew communicates. As the targets switch tactics, the detail scrambles to keep up on the street.

The wiretap finally delivers leads, and Daniels' detail targets its first major arrest -- forcing Avon and Stringer to tighten security as pressure mounts on both sides.

A chance encounter gives McNulty a key lead on Stringer Bell as the detail's money trail runs into political pressure. On the street, Stringer demands discipline while Omar's feud with the Barksdales escalates.

As the detail traces the Barksdale money trail, Avon and Stringer pour cash and pride into the annual Eastside -- Westside basketball showdown, turning a neighborhood game into a test of power.

With Wallace in custody, McNulty and Daniels must figure out what to do with him in the time before he testifies.

While Greggs' life hangs in the balance, the entire department attempts to hunt down Savino. When Wallace flips, willing to testify that Stringer, Wee-Bey and Bird killed Brandon, Daniels stashes him in his grandmother's house on the outskirts of the city.

Kima slowly recovers in the hospital. Stringer changes operations in the pit and the towers, rendering the wiretaps and clones useless, and prompting Burrell to begin dismantling the detail. Avon and Stringer meet Levy to discuss where their organization is vulnerable.

Due to the camera at Orlando's, the detail gather enough information to arrest Avon and many of his people, but with Wallace dead, they are unable to bring charges against Stringer, who's left on the street. Wee-Bey is arrested and gladly admits to murder after murder.