A lot can be said about the disabilities of this fifth season of “The Wire“: a season that was oddly plot-driven versus previous seasons’ character-driven narratives; Creator David Simon’s caricature’s of the newsroom brass (which always reminded us of some of Spike Lee’s worst); that totally disproportionate homeless serial killer plot-line; Editor Gus’ walk-on-water persona that was so unlike the rest of the great, textured characters Simon had invented before. Oh Season 5, you might have been the weakest link in the chain.

But let it be said that even at its most fallible, “The Wire” was the best dramatic show on television. It was skillfully, artfully pursued, season after season, with tremendous actors and an unparalleled defiance of most television conventions. It also was the most real thing you’ll ever see. The grit and hopelessness of the inner city, the chess moves that come with “the game,” Simon’s ability to show sympathy for the bad guys — it all resonated with a loyal audience weened on graphic street rhymes and larger-than-life personas (um, that means you).

There’s a range of stuff on the internets about the show and the final episode, for the hard-core fanatics. Later today, on mtvnews.com, we’ll have an update on all the projects “The Wire” cast are currently working on, plus an interview with Wendell Pierce, who plays the sublime detective, Bunk.

In the meantime, pour one out for your favorite show. Bmore all day.