Lessons in Leadership: The Wire - Marlo Stanfield

[@stevencoffin328]

One quote from Game of Thrones that reminds me of Marlo is "He would see this country burn if he could become king of the ashes."

[@1chienandalou]

That’s a good summary of him and… burns right through the show generally as well (speaking, from the figurative ashes, looking back these years later, IMO anyway)

[@bmac6136]

And that quote is used to describe a character played by Carcetti's actor lol.

[@terranman4702]

But he needs Chris to start the fire while he would stand around in a bank trying to find out how the ATM works.

[@YOUR_neighbor25]

BIG FACTS

[@yahshuayoungeenthenewwave6445]

@@terranman4702 Yo Marlo don’t need Chris tho. U can tell by the way that someone as ruthless as Chris and Snoop just take his orders without a word that Marlo is way more ruthless than all of em. Even Chris hides stuff from Marlo because he knows what Marlo is capable of

[@conman823]

"Price of the brick goin' up..."

[@mr.beatspt.2969]

Put that on a shirt.😎

[@pvtj0cker]

Then we will build with stone and wood.

[@randsg9372]

...Had enough of this shit

[@baatil10]

😂😂

[@bigricyomamie1182]

Not agin. I'm going to work for the city

[@Joesire]

I disagree with the notion of Marlo being intimated by Michael. I think Marlo was offended with michael not accepting his money, being the person that he is went and stepped to him to see about it. When Michael looked him straight in the eye he was shocked, he was not expecting that. The impressed him, but he definitely was not intimidated.

[@erickinsey7268]

The wire was layers on season 4 . Marlo was not intimidated or offended . marlo recognized michael had potential to be a player . acknowledge him . right then he decided to recruit him because he could have been a rival .avon thepast , marlo the presnt , and Michael the future .

[@MrEwanc]

I actually agree with the video. I think Marlo is a psychotic killer but not a natural leader, or tactician, Chris does most of his thinking for him anyway. He strikes fear in the weak who follow him, but Michael isn’t weak and is a true natural leader which Marlo is not. Michael’ s friends follow him through respect and love not fear, and when Michael looks at Marlo, Marlo can see that Michael does not fear him and is not impressed with him either. You have a situation where a true leader and a false leader stare each other in the face, and it makes Marlo feel uneasy not impressed, but he behaves as though he is impressed to keep his composure. Have you ever seen a man try to push up on another man but finds out his victim actually has bigger, sharper teeth? That’s the situation in that scene with Michael and Marlo. Michael is still a kid but it’s obvious that there is a lion inside. Marlo is not a Lion, he’s more of a Hyena.

[@mutt8553]

Right? Marlo being punked by an eighth grader doesn’t seem very likely

[@stonejackballer482]

This guy miss interprets a lot imo.

[@MarcusLeonard307]

Marlo was intimidated by people who are steadfast in their own beliefs and position, and unfortunately, his only way of dealing with it usually is to kill them if it's a direct threat to him.

[@orionpavlos4479]

Stringer wanted the opportunities Marlo got. And Marlo wanted the respect Omar got. Marlo goes to jail for a few days... By the time he gets out, nobody even knows who he is. Meanwhile they were still talking about Omar.

[@AndyKapp]

Stringer had those opportunities. That caused the rift between him and Avon. I disagree about Marlos name being forgotten. Don’t forget Marlo was on the come up. He was still building his legacy. I believe the the point of that last scene was to demonstrate that the game wasn’t about money and power, but about making a reputation that would last. Just like Avon. It was all about the rep, not the money or a regular life.

[@kingkoko8602]

@@AndyKapp although this is great acting and damn near real. if this was real, mario’s name would not be forgotten like y’all say. he might not have had respect, but he was feared like crazy when he was on top, he was very toxic. ppl don’t forget a demon like that. he was a super villian, he didn’t get love like avon but nothing he did was forgettable. his organization did 25+ murders. and in the street so many stories are altered through word of mouth so no telling what the people in the street think. we KNOW because we watched it happen. the ppl in the street didn’t see all of what we saw

[@ThinkPIONEERing]

Omar ran the streets wayyy longer than Marlo prolly been alive.

[@jimmypinero]

But does the fact that no one was talking about Marlo after he got locked up necessarily make him a bad leader when he was actually in the game?

[@caponenoreaga6028]

@@jimmypinero it's the fact that Marlow wanted to be known and no one cared about him

[@nationalblackaccord494]

Bro I FUCK WITH THESE, NOBODY BREAKS DOWN THESE FIGURES, The wire is The Greatest show ever, this channel about to sky rocket..

[@teacoffee1788]

Amen

[@MentallyDeveloped]

Only series I have watched entirely 5 times.

[@AndyKapp]

@@MentallyDeveloped And every time you watch it, you see something new you never saw before. The writers had a season 6 planned before word came out it was being cancelled. Word was it was going to attack the cartel angle. I did here rumors of a movie based on the series.

[@7Kingsmen]

I’m looking for Avon’s breakdown! 👀

[@jdpbuilder1787]

Dvlpmnt can you tell me where I can watch this total series without it costing a ton of dough?

[@straightletterz2596]

would be interesting to know the backstory of Marlo and Chris' friendship!

[@fredrickjohnson7711]

True

[@TedLeft]

Yes so many good origin stories could be told

[@cleshcaro]

Yeah. Chris is like the perfect psychopath to carry out the often ruthless orders of Marlo. The perfect example is the killing of the security guard. That was so cold. Dude did his best to come at him in a respectful manner and make sure not to upset Marlo. He had that shit done just because he could.

[@straightletterz2596]

@@cleshcaro a psychopath cannot stand to be disrespected or undermined, and when the SG said "I know what you are" that was what got him killed..

[@TedLeft]

@@cleshcaro The man even told him he was working to support a family. That killing was sinister even killing the delivery lady in ole face Andre store. These are working people Omar said he'd never put his gun on a tax paying citizen. One of the reasons I respected his character so much.

[@streetsofsouthphilly]

I used to be a C/O in the Philly prison system. You have to see Marlo from a criminal's mindset. If he had been killed or got locked up, he would have wanted it that way. Being alone and forgotten was hell for him. A law-abiding citizen looks and sees Marlo stayed out of the can and had ten million in cash. A win, right? Criminals don't see it that way.

[@TheLethalIntrospectionCrew]

The game makes sense to them that way. Like Fruit said, “why you gotta go and fuck with the program?”

[@michaelmcfadden396]

The thing I love about The Wire is there are literally no empty characters. Everyone in the seasons no matter if they are only in it for a few minutes have believable inner lives and motivations and you can believe they operate independently of being viewed. Colossal achievement.

[@bmrnvgga133]

“All the pieces matter” That’s why the wire is king

[@LA-cy1zj]

@@bmrnvgga133 yooo I was just gonna comment this !

[@justinlast2lastharder749]

That's because, especially the small characters, DO. Half the Extras are real people in Baltimore. The Pastor that keeps popping up later? Former Baltimore a Drug Kingpin. The grey haired Major with glasses? That's the Real Life Jay Landsman that Fat Man plays in the Show. The guy that played Norris was actually Acting Chief of Baltimore Police for a couple years. Prez's character was based on Ed Burns and he co-authored the Book that David Simon wrote that he turned into The Wire. That shows has an insane amount of Real Baltimore in it. That's why it hits so hard.

[@arthurdurham]

Except for that reporter in season 5. He is just a lazy slimeball

[@andrasszabo1570]

@@justinlast2lastharder749 I like that too, but it doesn't really matter. The characters are real because of what we see of them, what they do, how they speak and how they act. Regardless of whether you know who are they in real life, they are real characters on the screen.

[@flightofthebumblebee9529]

Avon had the love of his streets just ask Cutty. Marlo was black hearted and quickly forgotten.

[@Gettasent]

#Insight

[@professorxaviour3649]

I agree with this. But his name is still feared!

[@jpowers55]

@@professorxaviour3649 not anymore.

[@lordoffaiyum9727]

@@professorxaviour3649 no none knew who he was

[@professorxaviour3649]

@@jpowers55 yes it is! His name will always ring bells!

[@dstarson8000]

"People need to prove there character, before you give them your trust" 100% no matter what.

[@bigricyomamie1182]

Amen

[@tytinanium]

To me Slim Charles was the best character on the wire he was the definition of a stand up dude real solid and loyal him n webay

[@GHOST91141]

Slim did what he was told ask no questions spoke when he only had too real stand up guy

[@BRUISERBROWNBRAND]

I agree. I always bring up Charles in any wire conversation.

[@apsvend]

Hell yeah 🤟☝🏾👏🏾💯

[@bobbydrake07017]

Avon was that Fly ass dude Marlo was the prince of darkness or the black prince 🤴 slim Charles 2.0 of weebay both straight shooter chirs is the grim reaper......but watch out for lil Mike

[@qevansable]

Chris too.

[@louisrich304]

marlo wasn't intimidated by mike.. he recognized that mike had heart at such a young age & was impressed by that

[@tntcrewEJ]

I think he was slightly intimidated and impressed.

[@tayetiwoni]

cityking9ne the guy who made this video actually has many valid points. Marlo never killed anyone except the informant girl, and that was because he was offended. He thought she was with him for him but really only was there to set up him up, which hurt his ego. Marlo was a king no doubt. But wanted to be a king for the wrong reasons, and this was his downfall. His ultimate objective was to be respected and feared in his kingdom, but Barksdale just wanted to live his life and take care of his peoples, which is why he is always in control.

[@jasonwolfe3252]

He saw a lot of himself in Mike

[@mystique666]

@@tayetiwoni marlo had killed more then just that girl he had also killed a witness that homicide had built a case against him and one of the detective described him as "the spawn of the devil"

[@melodramaticplastic7082]

@@tayetiwoni marlo always suspected the woman to be a way that someone was trying to get at him. He wasn't offended. He killed her to send a message.

[@oneofthemostnotorious]

Marlo is steak and potatoes when you were raised on a ramen diet. One aspect you guys forget is Marlo built a team around him that never folded. As a leader, that’s the most important trait of all. Loyalty doesn’t come cheap, and the backstory that is better left untold is the reason why your analysis of Marlo can never be complete.

[@LionsandLegions]

That's a good point. I do like how the writers left a lot of room or interpretation

[@extendedclips]

💯🤞🏽

[@alvinkey3468]

Would rather see a prop joe backstory, omar. Marlo is a garbage human being

[@jeremiahsymonette4781]

@@LionsandLegions the most important aspect you left out of your analysis is that marlo was young which would explain his slight impulsiveness and bravado. Of course he would make mistakes but he seemed remarkable at limiting the impact of those mistakes. And yes upon meeting him, most of the big players didnt respect him and he made some mistakes out of plain ignorance but at the end of the day EVERYONE including the greeks worked with him. Him being young and accomplishing that was all the more impressive. He showed plenty of times that he wasnt just a pawn and was very capable of moving pieces. Also neither snoop nor chris were yes men. As savage as they were they didnt need to be. They both just respected marlo to the utmost because despite his ruthlessness he was a wiz when it came to strategy and leadership

[@nonyobussiness3440]

@@jeremiahsymonette4781 Marlo really wasn’t impulsive. He planned out everything everything had a reason. He was efficient. The big thing was Marlo never had intentions predetermined. He never let his current position known. He watched learned. Absorbed then decided what to do. He didn’t go into things with his mind made up

[@zero1188]

actually marlo always looked to chris for consultation. half the decisions he made he look back at chris to confirm or help him out. he had no problems taking advice

[@Ace_Capone28]

Indeed Sir,b/c Marlow feared Chris low key if you let me tell it,b/c people like him don't have friends,just associates they respect or don't,b/c like in nature a honey badger has no fear or natural predator,he won't be so quick to run up onna nother honey badger that might get on his ass!!!

[@barrettlovett2238]

Chris told Marlo not to go after Omar, and he said Michael is not a rat. He didn't listen then.

[@zero1188]

@@barrettlovett2238 a leader hears advice but makes the final decision. its not about whether he listen or not, its about the consideration. a leader always make the final say so

[@Fier07112]

@@Ace_Capone28 I think he feared Chris too.... I think if not for Chris Marlo wouldn’t have made it a week tryna takeover!!! Chris to me was a boss who didn’t want the boss responsibility.... Marlo is a soldier who wanted to be a boss but didn’t have boss qualities!!!! Also Chris and Omar are almost the same person.... Chris is what Omar would’ve been if he had a friend like Marlo and vice versa!!! Mike Bridges the gap between them and the similarities!!!!

[@stephencooper7459]

@@Fier07112 He was a leader he used prop Joe once he learned what he needed he disposed of him. He took over a Co Op with a lot of older ones that didn't even think of taking him on. Chris was loyal and they genuine to each other. Chris wasn't scared neither was Marlo of nothing.Cautios and smart. He did listen to Chris and he was the only one who would question him but that was the trust they had.

[@garcel1251]

You gotta wonder what someone like Marlo did to gain someone like Chris respect and loyalty

[@dylanlane3787]

Paid him.

[@jonathannagel7427]

I miss The Greek; perfect blend of mystery - as much as I want to know more about him, I’m 51% satisfied not knowing. “And of course, I’m not even Greek,” is perhaps my favorite line of the whole series.

[@Joeri20cm]

I read in a comment on a video about The Greeks that the line "And of course, I'm not even Greek" was added because I believe the Greek community in Baltimore or USA in general felt they were depicted bad. So I believe David Simon was sort of forced to add that line while The Greeks in the show were really Greek.

[@draculasbridekaren1664]

That show was so damn good. Possibly one of the best cast ever assembled. I particularly liked the casting of Idris Elba and Wendell Pierce.

[@dreyward1177]

But low key Marlo always had respect for Slim Charles. Not even knowing that Charlie’s was only a phone reply away for killing him. ( Barksdale was getting arrested at the time and couldn’t give the green light )

[@2025-e4n]

The very fact that the War was already raging.......Slim Charles should've went and made the hit.

[@stonejackballer482]

Everyone did...Slim was my fav chatacter.

[@hybrid1339]

@Randolph Worthington III yooo harrow was my guy frfr...he was solid to the fullest and definitely someone you wanted on your side..quiet and very calculated...aim was on point..

[@selfcreated124]

Great insight. A great leader is always a better follower because they know they're only as wise as their last lesson learned. Be humble, stay helpful, and stay hungry to always move forward.

[@n4STyOWnagS3]

Jesus man this was an excellent essay on the characteristics of a Marlo. You gained my respect because I see the time and effort you put into these videos. You deserve way more support than what you have now, consider me a fan!

[@johndcoffee632]

I always thought Marlo said 'my name is my name' to say 'my name has value on the street'. Same way Brother told Avon 'Business is where you are now, but what got you here is your name and your word'. I loved Marlo's story, to me it felt like a retelling of Avon's. His last scene always reminded me of Avon telling Stringer 'I aint no suit wearing bidnessman man like you. I'm just a gangsta, i suppose... and i want my corners.'

Avon was respected and respectful but marlo is feared and fearful

[@phatnana2379]

Marlos respect for Mike came from Mike immediately being ready to fight Marlo after Marlo insults him. It was a fight that would have resulted in Mike's death 100% but Mike was ready to, essentially, die to protect his name. Marlo respects that sense of self respect above ANYTHING else

No

[@phatnana2379]

@ care to elaborate?? Cuz Marlo was ready to punk Michael big time, but as soon as Marlo called Mike a "punk," Mike turned and gave him a look of "say it again and we have to fight." Mike seems like a regular-ass kid but he's willing to do ANYTHING to stick up for what he values and loves

@@phatnana2379 marlo did not respect Michael nor anyone on his team he only wanted sycophants thats why snoop said he (michael) was never one of them two if he respect Michael he would have at least asked him before jumping the gun with idiotic assumptions. But he only tried to buy Michael and it shows his insecurity because he accused michael of acting superior when it was marlo who is projecting who he is and Michael was not buying that because he been raped before and he wary of older men. But marlo was threated fearful of a person like Michael because he could not control him the rejection and questioning of Michael prove it and marlo was always threatened and he is also delusional of it with his i am the king buying the public shit.

[@phatnana2379]

@ that's def how it turned out over the last couple seasons. But my comment was regarding hat exact moment, on the stoop, when we see Monk and Marlo interact with the boys for the first time... Marlo saw/felt something in Michael that he respected... A true soldier, not just another corner boi

@@phatnana2379 he respect Michael but for his own cause but as i stated he only wanted yes men still and he was insecure because when he was locked up it shows and if he really respect Michael he would not jump to kill him so quickly

[@eastsidereviews727]

Marlo is kind of like the Joker. The establishment didn't really know how to handle him when he came in, the normal "rules" had no meaning to him, and when he finally got power, he didn't know what to do with it.

[@op1240]

Sounds like you're describing Trump.

[@op1240]

@Sleep Go back to sleep.

[@LouieOcean2]

@Sleep I voted for trump lol but what OP said is the truth

[@wa.a.s.nfa.2786]

Marlo was a predator simple and plain. He Used Force to get everything he could get for the time being. He held the crown short-lived as it was. In the end despite all the money he walked away from the game with, he was unable to be happy because the streets is the only Kingdom he felt he could rule.

[@strafer8764]

I don’t think Marlo was intimidated at all by Michael. He saw himself in Michael because Michael wasn’t intimidated by him. He was definitely sizing him up and was pleased that he passed the test. That’s why he smiled the way he did. He was impressed. He knew the other kids were not mature enough. They’d take anything given to them and watch out for themselves. Michael had a coldness and was independent because adults had let him down. Marlo was confident, maybe overly so but I don’t see him as insecure otherwise Chris wouldn’t have respected him. Marlo wasn’t trying to show off, he was looking for recruits. I thought they had established that but I haven’t seen the show in awhile.

[@mr2010GM]

Marlo was force to retire by the district attorney office or face life in prison. He made the decision to sell and sold his connection for $10 million. In the business world he was ahead of the game and very successful despite his full of flaws.

[@cmehustle]

Wow, this was super introspective analyzation of the character Marlo. I enjoyed how you created real world examples of how we all interact with the Marlos of this world. Definitely glad I watched this video!

[@bronxishomenomatterwhereig3149]

Little Finger from games of thrones describes Marlo best. "Chaos is a ladder" And Marlo types live for the climb.

[@formyfour92]

Love how you use the wire characters as a teaching tool for the subject of the different types of leaderships

[@BENNY_MAC]

Ive watched this analysis like 7 times already. Love your work. I supervise 30 people at my job and I always listen to these when I'm doing paperwork. You know your stuff.

[@factsonly6903]

Avon was the Real King and Omar was the most respected Goon.

[@PRAYIMAKET]

Yeah Avon had respect for his boys. Marlow on the other hand.. just use them like pawns

[@straightletterz2596]

wee-bay was a top goon as well, he saved Avons life by hitting Omar in a one on one shoot out!

[@PRAYIMAKET]

@@straightletterz2596 bodie wanted to kick namond off the corner cause he was slacking but cause of weebay and the respect bodie had for him shows he ain't no push over.

[@factsonly6903]

@@straightletterz2596 Yea Weebay was 100% but the reason why I said Omar was TOP goon was because he didn’t have that kind of team behind him when he was in them streets. He hunted Marlo by his lonely...

[@darthkek1953]

Omar was Robin Hood.

[@chukaman]

This is well done. Marlo ran the street off a technicality...not because he was some amazing savant in the game. He just was ruthless over all, and even ruthlessness, is a flaw because it is too predictable.

[@SantomPh]

the last scene on the corner also showed that Marlo is human after all, as one of the boys managed to cut him with a knife and ruined his suit- destroying the businessman facade and also leaving Marlo to lose both street and businessman cred. He is all alone on the corner with no noise, so he has truly lost everything.

[@nathaniel972ful]

Nice. It makes sense.

[@foyboy2013]

What?

[@opgator23]

Man stop it!! Marlo beat the drug game sold his connect and became a millionaire and a businessman everyone that wore the crown are dead or in prison lol marlo beat the game man which is impossible

[@anthonyc2781]

@@opgator23 that’s too simple of a take cuz. No shit Marlo survived and came up on the cash. But what was Marlos motivation? He wanted the crown and the rep that came along with it. Dude had it for a split second but was never respected like Barksdale or Omar’s was. Yea he survived but he’ll live feeling empty his whole life.

[@opgator23]

@@anthonyc2781 I disagree he could’ve stayed and wore the crown he had the ultimate plug and even slim Charles said even when he was locked up he could still run west Baltimore by sitting up in jail lol marlo words he been there and done that I’m tired of this drug game shit Avon is the one who lost everything

[@jeremiahsymonette4781]

Nah marlo was pretty smart, and was definitely capable of bein a big fish his only problem was that he loved street life

[@terrancedavis2740]

That nigga needed therapy. Crazyness and impulsiveness can destroy a smart man.

[@Random-Stranger]

> Nah marlo was pretty smart Smarts is wasted without the discipline and temperance to hold back the heavy hand when it is the more prudent course of action. It's why the streets respected Avon and still remember Omar but quickly moved on from Marlo - his only mark is his violence and ruthlessness.

[@RoDiggity3743]

Marlo had many flaws if the target wasn't on Avon and Stringer they would have EASILY beaten him.

[@jeremiahsymonette4781]

@@RoDiggity3743 that type of conjecture isnt necessary for a television show. Whatever was the case, the showrunners made it so that he beat both the stringer/avon gang and he beat prospect joe while getting his connect. And at the end, after all the dead bodies he still outlived everyone and remained free. None of it was by luck, it was all because of the smart moves he made. I think the showrunner was trying to illustrate that

[@u.sbanban]

and he was still learning too. his numerous meetings with Prop Joe, the few times he was with Vondas and The Greek, even his interactions with Avon. all lessons on what it actually means to have the crown. but he got to the top too early and on the wrong account (Avon getting arrested instead of him winning the war) as well as lost it too early and on the wrong account (Omar, whose name rang loud, dying while making Marlo seem a coward)

[@JMarston1984]

One of my favorite scenes is when Avon surprises Marlo! "SURPRISE". Love Avon.

[@AllPaperTaker-KingG]

I'm loving your analysis on the wire. Very interesting. I'm from Baltimore and there are lots of wannabe Marlo's and Avon barksdales. It's like some spirit some entity has a strong hold and influence on the region. Pray for my city my prayers and respect for your city is in my heart fa sho 💯

[@orderofgrandpuba]

That’s sad, them niggas are in fantasy land if they are taking cues from TV characters

[@AllPaperTaker-KingG]

@@orderofgrandpuba it's difficult trying to put a name on what's going on with the mindset of people out here "lost" just ain't it it's something bigger than any of us can tackle

[@marcuscole1994]

@@orderofgrandpuba dummy the wire was inspired by the people of Baltimore

[@HiPHOPx87]

Marlo give me 50 Cent vibes with the headband lol circa 2003

[@slingshotman7186]

"Marlo never gets his chance for revenge, as Omar is soon murdered by Kenard." LOL KENARD.

[@JLovesCinema_]

The king got murdered by the pawn

[@tjsosa604]

Garbage ending it’s sad the show was getting mad ratings forcing david chase to bring it to a conclusion

[@vonhumboldt1985]

@@tjsosa604 Simon

[@MA-ko2pu]

@@tjsosa604 David chase did the sopranos no wire

[@marcusgilmore5211]

@@tjsosa604 I agree bad ending...

[@edupbeat]

“Y’all go have to pack up yo people...I’m being a gentleman about this” *swings golf club leisurely *

[@jcrb8894]

Lol I always wonder why he had that golf club. It sat shotty in his whip too

[@ZoSlater]

One of my favorite parts lol

[@irwiniba]

Great stuff. Love to see your take on the king, Avon!

[@TA-ht4jo]

Chris was definitely not a yes man. Chris was Marlo’s right hand man and he told him what he needed to hear.

[@zinozee8929]

Chris and Marlo were two dark spirts taming each other. Chris needs someone to give him orders and Marlo maintains loyalty to his soldiers

[@MA-ko2pu]

Also marlo took advice from Chris

[@TheAlphaWavePodcast]

This is the most professionally crafted, well researched, in-depth hate masquerading as objective theory I have ever been honored to bare witness to.

[@kree0101]

Michael may not have taken the money from Marlo due to having PTSD stemming from sexual abuse at the hands of his "stepfather". Michael was reluctant to form close relationships and except favors from older men in general.

[@Wideout4]

Idk though many of these assessments can be true Marlo did leave the show as we know not killed or in jail he was a smart street kid who outlasted what we think were superior street minds he played the “game” and wanted to be the best at it as the rules were set by society didn’t try to go outside the box like String or let personal relationships get in his way like Avon or over strategize things like Joe

[@luvmenow33]

Not to mention the reason he got outta jail was that Chris was so loyal to him , he took all the weight.

[@simplycool2480]

And he has a big stash of money overseas in the bank. If he completely walks away. He ultimately won the game.

[@orionpavlos4479]

Michael was the only one that was smart in the streets. Marlo and the rest of his crew were moving too loudly and too worried about what other people thought. Yes, Marlo lives but that last scene shows he'll never change and either end up in jail for life or dead. That's not smart. Respectfully.

[@godbreeddivinity682]

All y'all made Great Points

[@downtoearthproductions]

Marlo was the best leader on the Wire.

[@maniac50ae14]

This was pretty good! Not sure if i agree with it completely but you made good points

[@OMSbets412]

Same here.

[@AndyKapp]

Ditto

[@blacgyp7538]

Lol you already know you gotta do Omarrrr😩 ! ❤️ it’s all love good video

[@Exzactz]

Marlo exposed the whole game for the lie it was, he showed his cards from the start and still managed to thrive and inspire complete loyalty from everyone around him. He saw in Michael himself, the inevitability that the game will constantly reset and also saw that the legal route was just as snake filled and dangerous as the game.

[@Fier07112]

I agree with the Mike part about already seeing right through Marlo!!!! And the Avon part was my favorite part of the show.... Marlo thought he had it but Barksdale let him know who’s who!!!!!

[@HokeyBugle]

I really like your interpretation of Marlos last scene. I always read that as a sad ending. Marlo realizes his name doesn't carry any weight in the streets. He came out on top but still lost. Are you the king if no one knows your name?

[@BigA678]

Was Benjamin Harrison the president if no one knows? Doesn't sound that black and white to me

[@TradersLair]

Wow.....this was AMAZING!!!!!! Your point of view about Marlo was on point

[@serene1275]

Marlo a character who could teach Ghost the art of war in the hoods. Yeah, I said it The Wire got some of the realest characters who have more street wisdom and figured things out faster before making dumb moves than the characters in Ghost.

[@aspectbkc]

Only flaw in this analysis is the underestimation of the respect Marlo's viciousness garnered. Someones love is easily forgotten when u harm them but their fear still remains even if u are nice to them afterwards.

[@AndyKapp]

It’s better to be feared than loved if one must choose. Forgot who said it, but it fits exactly to what you’re saying.

[@aspectbkc]

@@AndyKapp Machiavelli

[@AndyKapp]

@@aspectbkc Thanks!

[@simlei5475]

It depends on what you desire more in life - love or power. The fear garnered came with a substantial loss of street cred - what I'd see as the hood version of disinterested love.... For Marlo- of course - that tradeoff was desirable, as would have been for good old Machiavelli. But those are just two pairs of ears.

[@aspectbkc]

@@simlei5475 love and power are not exclusive, neither are fear and love. Barksdale was loved by his friends and feared by his enemies. Marlo was feared by both his friends and enemies. It was the love barksdale had and his belief in that love that was his downfall...too much trust. Marlo on the other hand was never betrayed because he never loved or believed he was loved by anyone. Tho thats just 4 eyes

[@ZAKAR777]

Barksdale ran the protects it's when they tore the buildings down barksdale had to go to the corners and that's where Marlo was getting his bread so that's how they beef started but Marlo was already up and coming out it was bound for them to collide with each other

[@ultrastandphoenix1883]

This hole video is str8 facts .well done 👏

[@Dkvizu]

How do this have over 100k views and the sub count so low. Cmon yall give this man credit for his dope content. Using a great show to show how to function in business. I applaud you sir.

[@greg9088]

The voice.

[@blksheep176]

It’s interesting that when Avon lost the basketball game he told the cheating ref to just step up and be a man. But when marlo loses the card game and the security guard steps to him like a man......

[@steelville]

dam i love these leadership lesson videos AND the wire. i came for lore and ended up letting some valuable insight on the work place dynamics which really come in handy for me as i am a very hard worker that was recently promoted to a leadership role. now i can understand the management here at work a little better than they know i do.

[@OcGurl81]

Phenomenal assessment of Marlo 🔥

[@TheStop]

Marlo was no Joffrey, he was putting in the work...marlo also has similarities to Boardwalk Empires Gyp Rosetti

[@SHnotinuse]

This is twenty three minutes of absolute gold. You have found your content lane and this is definitely where you belong. This is an amazing critical analysis of character and personality type. Thank you.

[@bodega294]

This is so good I’ve rewatched it like 5 times

[@peaceispriceless6051]

"I wasn't made to play the son."

[@bryaningle6034]

Marlo was forgotten on the street, but the legend of Chris and Snoop will go on forever.

[@kingssupreme]

Michael turned down the money, cause he didn’t want to owe any favors or be treated like a dependent. If you grew up in the streets, you would know that! He knew marlo was recruiting kids in his organization. Prison and the outside world is different. Although, some in prison run the streets, in this case, Avon ran his cell block, not the streets. Marlo didn’t have a choice but do what was requested of him, cause Sergei held no power on his block.

[@jamiehobson2110]

Just discovered this channel. So v happy some one actually started doing video essays for this show. You are doing god’s work my friend

[@LionsandLegions]

Thank you!

[@blacknationalism1]

He was weak. People use to call me stupid for saying this. Nigga was like a powerful little boy. Marlo was for sure tough, but he woulda lost to avon in the long run.

[@kayp9318]

I totally agree! I absolutely hated his character and quite frankly, I got bored with him very quickly. Nothing like the Barksdale crew who had a system and a code. This guy was just evil and there was nothing else to him.

[@ButtersCCookie]

Loved this channel. Thank you for posting. I wish l had you when starting my working life. Marlo was crazy AF.

[@AmazingJayB51]

I’ve been watching Vikings, that would be a good deep dive into leadership too.

[@yhmglobal8549]

second that

[@jamesmoltres8623]

concise and enlightening summary of 3 seasons of a main character in ten minutes i like it a lot

[@shaunlennon8235]

Marlo just simply saw Michael had heart. It's an old school tactic. If Mike backs down then he's done for. It's a concrete jungle. He stared back into the eyes of a lion and thus, he earned the lion's respect. That's why Chris and Snoop initially approached Mike to join their crew.

[@coolbreeze2.0-mortemadfasc13]

Totally agree. If he isn't afraid of Marlo, who is else would he be afraid of on the streets? That's what Marlo was thinking.

[@drobinson-uo7ic]

Great work on this video. I don't agree with all of your thoughts, but you clearly did a thorough job and this compliments the depth of Marlo and contributes to the greatness of the Wire very well.

[@dcaseng]

Marlo was one of the most one dimensional characters on The Wire. He only understood brute force, and was more like an enforcer who took the top spot and didn't know how things worked.

[@kayp9318]

So true! I found his character/story line so boring and predictable. He was a psychopath that likes killing people for no reason..the end! 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@user-hv6sb3kg9g]

He's like what Sonny woulda been in The GF had he lived ling enough but of course it was that same goon attitude that got him drawn out to his ambush without backup. As far as his quick hot temper anyway

[@bigwilly43729]

Number one thing anyone watching these videos should take away to apply to their world: talk less, listen more. Watch people. People LOVE to tell you what’s on their mind.

[@marvelsProtege]

When he had a dude killed because he believed someone called him a sucka but he didn't get it confirmed I mean wow

[@gioluvs1893]

Dont forget his girl and the muscle. That was a triple homicide

[@drago990]

His crew were real hesitant when Omar was calling him all types bitches though 🐸☕️

[@Joeri20cm]

What I don't see mentioned often is that if Marlo did hear Omar calling him out, Marlo will most defintely have faced him personally. Chris protected him by not telling him.

[@coolpeople4287]

I hated Marlo and his whole crew. They killed that lady in the store for nothing. And he wanted to wipe out a family. He's an enemy to the community.

[@305unleashedgraphix3]

great insight and breakdown ,, the Paper King yes .. STILL THE WINNER of the series , ALIVE .. walked away with 10 million , survived 2 assassination attempts ( Avon in the truck, and Slim waiting for the phone call ) and beat the Baltimore justice system ..

[@tarman8557]

*Lions and Legions* I would love to see your work on *Kenard.* Probably wouldn't be very long but still a very interesting bio none the less I have never seen anyone tackle that one yet but everyone asks. Thanks for all the work your putting in, love the channel!

[@LionsandLegions]

I've started thinking of a Kenard video so I will be definitely doing one on him at some point!

[@tarman8557]

@@LionsandLegions That would be awesome and we (your fans) thank you. *Just a suggestion* but maybe you could add in the relationship between *Kenard and Omar* to stretch the episode. If you've noticed the show actually hints on this relationship during several engagements. Personally I took it to mean, due to Kenard's youth and inexperience he hasn't had the time to absorb the almost mythical stature of *Omar Little* with Kenard only seeing him as a man. For example, after Omar leaped from five stories, later conversating with Michael on the corner and when Omar limps away due to his busted leg we can clearly see everyone was terrified of Omar with only Kenard being the exception and with him even saying, *"That's Omar..."* as if he was unimpressed. *Again just a suggestion* but regardless to which route you may take we (the fans) will enjoy your work as we always do, thanx again.😁👍

[@jesusmolina3031]

"My name is my name", you can't ask for more from these people.

[@Qpoe44]

Actually he said "he dropped one of ours, he gots to fall."

[@Preezy315]

I love how you use Marlo as a supervisor. Dope content💯

[@TheAsSalamAlaikumRevolution]

Nah. He joined the co-op to find out how he got set up in the poker game

[@deaddropholiday]

I'm reminded of that great quote from Jimmy Breslin when asked whether gangsters are as smart and cunning as they are depicted in the movies and on TV, "IQs of 55. They all went to jail. What does that tell you? To be charitable it was an overrated business".

[@terrootti]

Going after omar played a huge part in his downfall. He really was a child with the biggest gun. He couldn't take the L "gracefully". He took everything and anything to heart like a child (junebug, hugryman, the security guard, etc). I wanted everything, when he wanted it if not he would throw "tantrums" (send his crew on a murder-spree)

[@alvinkey3468]

He was garbage, what kind of person would kill someone for speaking there mind. Killing a security guard that makes 10$ an hour.

[@Connect200]

I understand Junebug and hungryman. They were part of "the game" and hungryman should have had shooters with him. I think him being in CoOp made him soft and comfortable. The security guard and the lady was down right evil and unnecessary.

[@Wpfantastic]

Bro it’s crazy how good this series you’re doing is. Keep it up bro

[@stellarhyme3]

I don't think this guy understands that King on the streets isn't the same as being King of a Country. King on the streets isn't about good decision making or banking, it's about power and fear. You need both to be considered King of the streets. Marlo was King because there was no one else that could challenge his power on the streets. He wore the crown and he won the war and didn't end up in a jail cell. That's a King in my book.

[@bombay3201]

Best utube channel love this content!

[@PiffFighting]

Just to remind you again Slim didn’t pay Marlo for the connect he killed cheese and took it

[@lylewagoner5191]

Thank you so much for your brilliant analysis/ insight.

[@Almyt-07]

I think you looking at the character wrong as if he was at the end of his growth. Let's say Bodie on the show was like 17 18 Marlo was probably not much older than that. 25 at the most. But a whole lot younger than Stringer and Avon. His organization was also younger too. In order to compete he would have had to be as ruthless as possible to ascend so quick. An d in something that most people like to think has rules and some form of code when in reality it doesn't he just played it more aggressive than the others. I do agree that he had his insecurities but I feel like that was because of his age like I said not much older than Bodie but way younger than Stringer and Avon that made it worse. Also I feel how he handled Micheal in the beginning would be how anyone older would have looked at a younger person not taking a handout and holding his head up at the sign of aggression. I feel his smirk came out of respect. Remember when Micheal was looking for Chris and it was just snoop and Marlo if Marlo hadn't respected him at that point there would have not been a sit down. I feel like most of his actions came from a lack of maturity stand point as a man and as a leader amongst others more so than anything. His youth and accelerated pace didn't slow for much growth of knowledge just ambition

[@AndyKapp]

Yep

[@Dell7788]

Thats the point. He was to young and a king in his mind. He didn't study the game. Mike did and was the new omar at the end and his name would have been remembered. Even marlo adviser knew marlo was young and dumb but he didn't push cause marlo hot headed. Omar showed more respect for his advisors counsel butchie. Folks want to like Marlo because he sent hits and a lot of Indians want to be chief. A chief know marlo is a Indian. Feel bad for Chris because he was a great hitter on a bad team

[@AndyKapp]

@@Dell7788 Nah. Marlo was a boss. He outplayed the entire Baltimore drug game. People mistake Chris for being submissive. People forget the chess analogy from season 1. Chris was the queen. The queen gets to move how it wants, without the troubles of a king. Just like Stringer who never went to jail. But Stringer couldn’t hold it together like Avon and Marlo. People didn’t realize Marlo was using Chris to reaffirm what he was thinking. It’s a military principle. When a general wants true opinions, he asks for them from the lowest ranking man up. That way the lower ranked man gives his true thoughts, not what he thinks his superiors want to hear. Marlo was a beast, don’t sleep on his quiet style. He was the true brains behind the operation.

[@Dell7788]

@@AndyKapp chris moved when marlo told him. You must don't play chess

[@Dell7788]

@@AndyKapp marlo was a boss of clowns. Thats why he was short lived.

[@Scottd86]

Joe and Stringer only saw money as important. They didn’t see that Marlo cared more for power, rather like Avon. Avon understood the game in ways prop Joe forgot, Stringer didn’t and he knew Marlo couldn’t be controlled the way Stringer and Joe wanted. Cut from the same cloth as they say.

[@ericksantos4555]

Marlo respected power, he respected strength. At his peak, the Stanfield Organization was stronger than the Barksdale Organization, but the way they both did things were different. Avon came up from nothing just like Marlo did, but he formed connections, he took out the competition in order to get to where he was. Marlo did not get rid of Avon because Avon was arrested, which isn't Marlo's fault, but it doesn't matter. When Avon was arrested, there was a void of power in the West Side, which Marlo just took. I liked that an independent was able to establish dominance and strike fear into everyone else. But then when Omar took his stuff, he did the same thing Avon did, with the same results. Marlo takes it too far but then doesn't even get a chance to face Omar because of Chris. It wasn't his fault, but it is how it is. Avon and Marlo played it differently, but like Marlo said about the crown, the point is that they wore it. Damn the consequences.

[@kanarip8798]

Avon didnt come from nothing he came from a family of kingpins did any of you watch the show really? Plus the guy in the video was inaccurate about a lot shit in this video Edit: maybe you all did watch the show but certain important parts went of your head

[@unoonly3069]

Marlo was a king a different type more like a Viking he had muscle , influence on top shooters and money Meanwhile Avon would be considered Royalty which holds more respects and rep plus connections

[@dailydoseofafrica147]

Am I the only one who liked his character, maybe am a psychopath too 😂

[@dizmop]

what did you like about him? I found him one dimensional and badly written, no clear motivation, not one likeable feature just a really boring, weak guy

[@dizmop]

@Loko Strangula I was just telling you why I didn't like him, he was like a cartoon, Chris for example was similar, very 1 dimensional, but there was a hint of a backstory to him and I'm not sure it's a cliché to give a character motivation, most TV villains are 1 dimensional, look at bond villains for example. Anyway, you liked him, I didn't, horses for course I suppose

[@dizmop]

@Loko Strangula so you're saying he's not real but a metaphorical character, ok. that's interesting, I just don't like him I guess

[@dizmop]

@Loko Strangula by motivation I meant what drove him to want all the things you say, to be Top Dog, he was an extreme guy

[@dizmop]

@Loko Strangula well yeah, we live in a society we all do, one that has a moral code which he doesn't adhere to at all. I thought the wire was one of the best TV shows I'd seen, the characters were all solid, even the minor players but then a psychotic, monosyllabic Marlo Mumbles onto the scene, and I personally don't buy it. He doesn't convince me, he seems like a stereotype,I actually laughed at his acting when he got angry about his name being spoken in the streets, I understood why but maybe I need to watch it again, it's been a long time

[@Hillykarma]

Marlo is the most Machiavellian of any character in the show

[@iGotMindCTRL0verDebo]

This isn't kings, castles and dragons. It's about kingpins, abandoned buildings and heroin. There ain't nothing paper about Marlos crown. He's a step ahead of the curve, drug game is treacherous and this is Baltimore and heroin were talking about. He's a true product of his environment...No negotiations, no rules, no mercy... It's his way or the highway and he's the only character in the series, that has a Kings mentality. Stringer knew the moves Marlo was gonna make when he visited him in jesup because he's a second generation kingpin and there's nothing new under the sun. Think of it like this, of all characters they choose to end the series on, they choose him. Because in cities like new Orleans, new jersey, Baltimore where heroin reign, is where you see guys like telly hankton whom mirrors Marlo perfectly.

[@Connect200]

Where is Marlo exactly?

[@akeemjackman9582]

Great analysis...keep posting! A perspective I never thought of.

[@MexichangospiojososMeximuro]

I disagree. You say he picks on weaker people when he feels slighted yet when Lex killed fruit he avoided all out war with that set and only went after Lex when his solders wanted to take them all out. You say the bigger players dont respect him yet they all go into business with him after initially not wanting to. The greeks didn’t want anything to do with him but his persistence eventually won them over. You confuse their hesitant with doing business with a compete stranger with them “not respecting him” . The greeks al most got burned by frank sobotka, so it’s understandable why they would take precautions against some random guy that wants to do business with them . Marlo outmaneuver the ultimate strategic, Prop Joe. He outmaneuvered Omar and got him send to prison. He took the co ops plug and disbanded it . Marlon was stringers cunningness mixed with avons street acumen.

[@Mason42192]

I was thinking the same thing.... Marlo had no fear of no man

[@bobbydrake07017]

Marlo doesn't real care about wacking Bodie n his whole crew but it was Chris that kinda objected to the move....most of the time Marlo was punching down no other team was on his level as far as hitters were concerned with the exception of Avon 1 to 3rd season

[@Inchman7]

Eh. He only got the connect on behalf of Avon’s word and credibility. He put a body on Omar which got Omar put in Jail but that’s not really gangster. He just put a nigga in jail. In which Omar still beat the case. Then Marlo killed butchie which is sorta frowned upon as well because he’s blind. Even Avon didn’t touch butchie. He did take prop joe out which Avon couldn’t do. I agree Marlo reminds me of what maybe young Avon and Stringer was like. Just young, wild, don’t give a fuck.

[@MexichangospiojososMeximuro]

@@Inchman7 Omar only got out of that situation alive by snitching, very frowned upon. Marlo aint get the connect because of Avon, he had to go through Avon to get to Sergei in the pen. Avon just wanted a payout so no biggir

[@Hammerhead547]

Marlo is the prime example of being extremely lucky rather than intelligent, like most criminals he's just smart enough to manipulate the people around him into thinking that he's "smart" when he's really just lucky that his badly thought out plans worked out instead of blowing up in his face like they rightfully should've and rules through fear. He's the nicky scarfo to avon's carlo gambino

[@StringerBell-r1z]

sounds more like stringer