Marlo didn't steal Stringer's dream...Slim Charles did.

[@bullywhispers9544]

Well, what do you think?

[@benmerliss7702]

First tell us where you got the “Slimothy” bit from.

[@profoundbathroomgraffiti]

do you even watch the wire lol?

[@DeenoverDunya215]

Slim paid for the connect because the Greeks wasn't dealing with just anyone...if you ever watch the wire Marlo tried to meet the Greek before and was turned down and he came with money....I don't think this dude ever watch the wire or he didn't understand it.

[@RossDeGrate]

I love this theory. Very well thought out!

[@dawaunsalter5763]

You have it all wrong

[@bena7675]

Slim was the pawn that made it to the other side of the board. Slim stole Bodie's dream, not Stringer's. Marlo is the one who stole Stringer's dream, but the irony is he didn't want it. That's made very clear at the series finale. You made some good points, but the character analysis that Slim is secretly ambitious is not what the show was trying to get across, IMO. Slim made it to the other side because he was smart, loyal, and content with his position, unlike many other characters constantly scheming.

[@tiffoari5304]

The Barksdale Organization had more money than the 10 million marlo made and were in power for longer than Marlo. Stringer was living out his dream. Idk why people keep saying Marlo stole stringers dream when those guys were touching close to 100m by the time their organization collapse. When they had the towers they were bringing in close to 50k a day and they had 3 towers.

[@bena7675]

@@tiffoari5304 The actual amount of $ made isn't the point. Stringer's dream wasn't just about making a lot of money, it was about leaving the criminal life behind and going legit. We see Marlo in the series finale wearing a nice business suit and surrounded by all the developers in Baltimore. This is the life Stringer was aiming for. We clearly see that Marlo doesn't want that life, as he leaves the party early to go back to the streets.

[@mattmolloy636]

You really think Slim Charles was a pawn? In chess terms I’d say he was more of a knight throughout the majority of the show….

[@bena7675]

@@mattmolloy636Throughout the "majority" of the show yes, but at one point he started as a pawn, we just didn't get to see it. You could say the same about Bodie. He was a pawn for most of season 1 until he gained Stringers approval by killing Wallace, then he ranked up. It all goes back to the chess lesson from D, "pawns get capped quick, and never make it to the other side" and Bodie responds "unless you're one smart ass pawn." Slim is that one smart ass pawn.

[@mars3676]

@@bena7675 you right

[@timinoent]

Slim is the definition of a few of the 48 Laws of Power: "Never Outshine the Master", "Conceal Your Intentions", "Always Say Less than Necessary"

[@gwilliams4674]

sounds like its based on the Japanese adage of having 3 hearts, one you show in public, one you show to your friends and one you never show.

[@noevilkhris6422]

Sum of the most important laws if u n the street

[@NateBullock-ow6on]

Slim Charles is way too smart for stupid crap like The laws of power 💯

[@cvvquoell]

Cringe pseud j*wish book

[@crooksupremacy]

Well said

[@number3stunner118]

Slim was just a loyal dude who was wise and fierce. He had honor. When the moment came, he took Cheese out as revenge for Joe, and prevented another dictator stepping in Marlo's place. Slim had way more heart than the others in the co-op, and wasn't power hungry - but it was better for him to take over the co-op than to leave it to someone who would fold to a Marlo type or be a Marlo type. By the end, you could say he was groomed for leadership.

[@VionKaito567]

Even took up for Cudi when he botched the hit

[@samoan_boy23]

Well said my brother. Slim was a straight up soildier loyal to the game. No snake shit, no grimey shit just straight loyal. It just so happens that all the chips fell in his favor. You have to remember he could of got taken out by Omar but Omar knew of slims character and the way he conducted himself that he did not kill him and took slims word when he said that Prop Joe had nothing to do with butchies death. And notice also in that scene he did not beg for his life he just told Omar to get on with it. That's an indication that Slim understands the rules of the game and if he dies so be it. I got mad love for Slims character just a straight up soildier loyal to the game and more that capable to take the top spot alongside Fat face rick.

[@estondawson-baglien9838]

Love The Wire and Harry Potter, so here it goes, don't laugh at me. Slim doing that reminded me of Harry getting the Sorcerer's Stone. Slim knew someone had to get the power, but it couldn't be someone who was going to abuse it.

[@MrNobodee]

Like the dude said though "A true player in the game doesn't really appear to be one until it's time to make that move." - I'm paraphrasing but, you get the point. I always wondered why Slim wasn't around when Marlo showed up to kill Prop Joe, especially since he was supposed to be tailing him....that "bullet" you never see coming will get you every time.

[@dismafuggerhere2753]

like politics it's the guy who DOESN'T want the job that's gonna be better at it and for it.

[@92alpha13]

Slim’s greatest attribute is he understood the politics of the culture. He also never outshined the master.

[@gomezgomez7759]

Word he was the most level headed guy. He was patient n true to himself n the game. N it didnt hirt that he was hella smart n had style

[@QuellyQue]

Laws of power. Art of war style

[@raoulhery]

that's a bona fide comment, you know what's a bona fide comment is?

[@Dungeon_of_Rap]

It's also worth noting that Omar respected Slim. That scene where they interact is so important 💪😤

[@charlesamberwilliams1257]

That moment was so underrated! Omar & Brother M, too

[@Dungeon_of_Rap]

@@charlesamberwilliams1257 faaaacts, people talk about their team up but that alleyway standoff was a top tier moment often forgotten 💯

[@olemcdonald9240]

They ran into each other more than once everybody respected slim

[@siyonqoba4810]

Yep

[@luciousbattlecat2618]

Yeah, when Omar got the drop on him in front of his crib and Slim said "do what you feel". Omar respected that

[@JamesLaserpimpWalsh]

The best man to be in a position of power is a man that is not interested in power.

[@jessmitchell3633]

Slim was a chameleon. Wasn't blindly loyal to West Bmore like Avon. Wasn't caught between worlds like Stringer. Wasn't over ruthless like Marlo. And never overplayed his hand like Prop Joe. Yet was able to be a top soldier for all them, excluding Marlo.

[@samus282]

I think Slim's biggest asset was that he played it straight up - most characters ran games that eventually caught up with them. He also didn't let his ego or pride interfere with his work, so he didn't make many enemies and people saw him as solid. I don't think he had a masterplan, I think he just took it one day at a time and was lucky enough to be that one pawn who made it to the end of the board. In terms of his status by the end of the series, he became the modern day Charlie Sollers. No profile, no street rep, just buy for a dollar, sell for 2.

[@Larry_Sycamore]

Right. Slim Charles had no "master plan" of taking over the organization. He just did what he felt was the correct thing to do based on his principals when he killed Cheese.

[@samus282]

@@Larry_Sycamore Yes exactly. That's the type of guy he is. There are plenty of episodes demonstrating how much Slim dislikes Cheese even before he kills Joe. Eg when Marlo tries to promote him and he says no, so he gives it to Cheese instead and Slim shoots him a look. You know he hates the guy. Cheese is like the polar opposite to Slim - loud mouth, show off, no honour, setup his own flesh and blood for money. Slim couldnt let that go.

[@brandons9027]

You mean "buy a dollar, sell for tcuuuww

[@samus282]

@@brandons9027 What's your name again? Boney... Bidy, something like that?

[@gstacks814]

slim was worked directly under 4 bosses, & at the end of the show he became a co-boss himself

[@Double0Kane]

He stayed alive & free that way....The smarter play😏

[@gi-ant864]

@@Double0Kane Right. He played the long game and was the most patient.

[@millirockxxx3747]

Slim was even trying to become a boss either… him just being a real nigga got him in that spot

[@Double0Kane]

@@millirockxxx3747 nothing to do with being Real....he was smart!

[@millirockxxx3747]

@@Double0Kane I get you… but I think the smart thing was getting out of the game like cutty did

[@breadpirateoverhere]

I think it speaks to the quality of the writing that you could create such a deep theory on a side character.

[@gezai1977]

all the pieces matter.

[@cyrusamaria]

Avon didn’t miss this about Slim at all.. he just knew he wouldn’t go against him and if Slim was CEO elsewhere he could work with him. Slim was also positioned where he well liked so hurting him wasn’t an option either.

[@enricoflamingo]

Slim reminds me of Bruce Lee’s saying “Be like water”. He was always able to adapt and he never outshined his masters, to reference 48 laws. He understood his role well and played to his strengths. His refusal to attack Clay for Stringer and his advice to Body showed his steady head. One of my favorite characters

[@blackmochastout3515]

Nah, remeber that Slim gave warning to everybody before things hit the fan. Most notably... ~ Stringer Bell when Marlo was just small time, then again when he tried to order the hit on the polititian. Stringers incompetence was put on full display in that one scene which is why slim never answered to Stringer after that. ~Avon, for not moving swift enough on Marlo (mostly Stringers fault, but Avon was still the head of the organization). ~Brody, right before he was killed . ~Lastly, Prop Joe. Slim tried to warn Prop Joe about Cheese and Marlo before Joe was killed...Joe ignored his advice because he couldnt bring himself to go against family so he just told Slim to "Watch Cheese" while he went into hiding. Joe seen the betrayal from Cheese coming a mile away but let it happen. Throughout Slims character Arc, Avon was the only character who listened. But by the time he decided to act, it was too late. Marlo became too big and too much heat had came down on the organization for them to bear. One thing I dont understand is that Avon put Slim was in postion to take out Marlo. Why didnt he just do it, instead of waiting for a response? Oh thats right, so season 4 and 5 could happen...

[@mikaahkana160]

Slim Charles didn’t get over on no one. He played his part and climbed. A real man. Slim was portrayed to show was a stand up soldier can become

[@RighBread]

Bodie was also a stand up soldier and he spent the entire show being treated like a nobody.

[@mikaahkana160]

@@RighBread yes and no. Bodie wasn’t muscle. And from a different generation and didn’t know when to bend the knee. I’m sure you agree. This is tough too there my two favorite characters besides Avon and the serga

[@aresjerry]

Chaos is a ladder.

[@The-Canon]

“Not made to be no CEO” Slim recognized being under Stringer & Prop Joe they always have a board (Co-Op) and Investors (The Greek) to answer to. Something Marlo didn’t realize is that the crown really isn’t a crown, no absolute ruling. But being able to play a part in two different orgs he definitely gained a lot of knowledge and prepared unknowingly for the position and learned from Joe’s, Avon’s, Stringer’s and Marlo’s mistakes.

[@Rahim.ali80]

His not cut out to be a C.E.O was because he didn't support Marlo killing Joe with Cheese help. Series finale Slim Charles & Fat Face Rick was at the Diner talking with Spiros & the Greek. He became a C.E.O at the end.

[@The-Canon]

@@Rahim.ali80 that’s all given. You just repeated what the show and video already show you. Point of my comment is to add to the video’s analysis, not just re-state a simple summary of what we already know.

[@anthonyknight3623]

@@Rahim.ali80 didnt fat face get killed before all thst?

[@_RobBanks]

the greeks were the H plug. not investors.

[@The-Canon]

@@_RobBanks no 💩 just like CEO is a metaphor or another term. Just like Slim doesn’t say drug lord or kingpin. It’s clear you didn’t watch the video just wanted to respond lol.

[@benmerliss7702]

In a sense when Slim (not Slimothy) said to Shorty Buise "That was for Joe," it was a reference to the earlier scene where Joe told Slim he wasn't going to move on Cheese (as he was Joe's nephew) until he had more to go on than words, and that Slim was to watch Cheese while Joe was away. Also I don't think Slim being absent when Cheese left Joe to die at Marlo's hands was a calculated move on Slim's part. Joe likely felt he didn't need Slim there when Cheese was ostensibly helping Joe to pack because he did not anticipate the extent of Cheese's betrayal. And neither for that matter did Slim. I can’t picture him giving Cheese that look during the subsequent meeting (and disbanding) of the Co-Op otherwise.

[@zulubeatz1]

Some interesting points here. It shows the quality of the series that decades after its first showing people are still discussing and debating the plot. Incredible.

[@msrnda]

I like how everyone respected Slim. Even Omar. Slim was a wise counsel to everyone and provided encouragement and hope to the young corner boys when Barksdale folded. Slim knew Marlos time would be temporary. Slim represented old school values with the ability to adapt to new trends. The mark of a great leader. Slim used to call Marlo youngin to his face and Marlo never seemed to be offended and often welcomed the wise counsel of his nemesis.

Exactly

[@gritzengraby]

I agree with you that Slim is smarter/more crafty than he appears to be throughout the show, but your suggestion that he was plotting to become 'the guy' is problematic. The fact that he was a mercenary doesn't equate with him being a snake (honor amongst thieves). IMO, you don't hold that position in that line of work without being trustworthy and as smart as Slim is, all of those other cats in the co-op are just as smart. So, it would appear to me that if he was using his position within multiple organizations to gain the top spot, he would have been found out.

[@coolpeople4287]

Not only what you just wrote which I agree with. There are several moving parts which would have to go right. Slim just happened to be in the right place at the right time and he ended up with the package. But, him killing Cheese in front of all those witnesses makes sense now, ( to kill a direct rival ). But no. He couldn't have schemed all this shit up. No way!

[@Blockablofk]

Yea I agree

[@coolpeople4287]

@Badd Newz Interesting statement. So are you saying Slim was a fool or a wise man? You just lobbed a bomb in here. Wut u talkin Willis?

[@thesnailiscoming..5736]

Yeah he was just a loyal soldier . Nothing more nothing less.

[@babytony77]

Facts. Slim was straight up

[@jpa5038]

Correct me if I'm wrong here, but didn't Prop Joe get killed right around the time that Omar jumped Slim in the stairwell while Slim was trying to go into his apartment? That scene ends with Slim on the floor holding onto the back of his bloody head. That could easily explain why he wasn't on Cheese while Cheese was setting up Joe. I really think Slim Charles can be explained as a case of the Last Man Standing. Skilled and intelligent, no doubt, but I think you're forcing the pieces together to fit a narrative.

[@DJ-vk4rp]

That's what I was thinking. Slim was smart enough and fortunate enough to outlast everyone else. I can see Bodie on the same level but Bodie wasn't smart enough nor fortune enough.

[@tw82rone5]

Yeah he is definitely reaching bc the show clearly portrayed slim as one of those rare dudes that you could trust with your $$$ or family. Usually it's one of the two & not both

[@nsahandler]

It's called the survivorship paradox

[@dickydonuts3373]

​@nsahandler really?

[@EclipseCircle]

Slim was an intelligent and well adjusted adult. Thats it. It seems mundane to us, but in the world of The Wire it makes him pretty unique. Everyone around him is either too paranoid, too ruthless, too ambitious, too stupid or too manipulative. Slim understands that there are limits to behavior, and he's in a position to see the consequences of what happens when you cross any of those lines.

[@nelsonjames1799]

Slim was a survivor that stayed true to every organization he was with

[@benmerliss7702]

Remember that Proposition Joe was the one with the connection to the Greeks, not Avon. However due to being King from prison more or less, it’s not especially surprising that Avon would have learned about the relationship between the Greeks and Joe. It’s likely he gave Marlo access to Sergei for the $100K price knowing that Marlo would usurp the connection from Joe and hence give Avon a taste of revenge for Joe’s (implied) manipulation of Stringer Bell in the earlier seasons.

[@martyy3399]

“Fuck all the east side bitches” you’re 100% right! Gotta be! It makes sense!

[@Bigdiego74]

This is exactly wat Avon did

[@dontatme__]

"Fuck them Eastside Bitches!"

[@number3stunner118]

It was literally implied as part of the agreement. "F-ck all them Eastside Bitches!" And Marlo did.

[@solamon77]

@@Bigdiego74 Exactly, he even says it directly in the meeting with Marlo: "Fuck all those East side bitches!"

[@cj-hw3pv]

I think Slim learned from everyone he worked for, and was able to put himself in position

[@rw2382]

The Wire is one of those shows we can analyze for decades. An absolutely great show.

[@theathejtheg9834]

Slim had some of the best lines considering little screen time.

[@NorEEzta]

"If it's a lie, then we fight on that lie. But we gotta fight. "

[@laurenpeterson9510]

Not Slimothy! Lol

[@skycorrigan6511]

Slim-othy

[@vanillathunder3024]

Lmao @ the first mention of “Slimothy”. I had to rewind it, lol

[@freddyvidz]

Man, that was hilarious

[@justinrichardson4456]

Excellent

[@edmadison9573]

Slimothy LMAO

[@Overlorddz]

Interesting proposition. I do now have an incentive to listen.

[@patrickcollins1855]

Slim crossed his T's and dotted his I's. He became the man because all the Kings ignored his warnings. He wasn't trying to become a King. He just wanted to be on winning teams. Slim played his role and moved up when opportunities fell in his lap. Yet, he listen to his own advice and took out Cheese because Cheese was an enemy he couldn't trust.

[@TheLillink]

"a man's world podcast" and you are the only shows I watch that break down the wire 💯💯💯

[@benmerliss7702]

CineRanter has done very good work on The Wire too.

[@TheLillink]

@@benmerliss7702 ight I'll check them out g good looks

[@benmerliss7702]

@@TheLillink His latest (on Avon’s prison sentence) was just posted today.

[@TheLillink]

@@benmerliss7702 yea I seen part of it just subbed 💯💯💯

[@jamaalmoses8821]

Lions and Legions does good Wire breakdowns too.

[@coachc125]

"This sentimental MF just cost us money!" - Shorty Buise #SIP

[@grimgoreironhide9985]

I believe the actor is actually a real former kingpin.

[@misterpotato4245]

slim was not a schemer, he was patient and thoughtful.

[@goldmountainmedia9721]

......in other words a schemer😊

[@pedrogates3189]

Slim knew his position and played his hand well

[@miamcc2663]

Slim was playing chess, he knew when to make certain moves and he knew how to play his position. He knew what moves to make across the board. When Marlo offered him that spot, Marlo was trying to make a move for slim. Slim knew to make his own moves when the time was right all while keeping his morals and integrity staying true to himself and the game. He was in it for the long run. Smart dude.

[@Jimmyfly215]

Slim was most qualified by the end of it all. Knows the business. He was awesome in this show.

[@marcushall6]

I appreciate the fact that you really did your homework. Anwan Big G Glover aka The Ghetto Prince is a well loved and highly respected in the DMV community and his Go-Go Band called Backyard. We were also proud of his portrayal of Slim Charles on The Wire.

[@RiccoVanWilder]

Killing Cheese is also a good move for the organization because Cheese had no loyalty to anyone and was reckless. Slim would've been able to spin it that way to gain the trust of everyone there AND be seen as a power player like you said. Slim always saw the bigger picture when others couldn't

[@dawgboyz24]

Slim character was an example of a pawn becoming king. Marlo bowed down to Avon a soon as he realized he wasn’t really in control at that prison visit. With Slim becoming King , if Avon makes it out or even reach out he could get back in control.

[@zulubeatz1]

Good reference. A 'Smart ass Pawn'

[@s.h.7613]

Absolutely agree with your insights on Slim. You’re one of the few to point this out.

[@stevie8271]

i love that when cheese dies, u can hear "fucker had it comin" in the background

[@a1duzit]

I wish someone got Marlo like that

[@chico9805]

@@a1duzit Nah, Marlo gettin' done like that would just feel wrong. I think the writers wanted to make a point with him, that karma doesn't exist. Just because he's evil and did evil shit, doesn't mean he'll be punished.

[@JayJackson1981]

Fat Face Rick said it

[@yror732]

No way Slim is short for Slimothy 🤣 Great character though!

[@jaygasper4853]

Definitely my favorite character I wish he had more screen time. It feels like the absolute best characters you never got enough. Could've def done with an entire show about Omar

[@ASWashington]

There’s nothing in the show that showed Slim wasn’t a part of the Barksdale org prior to him being shown. It’s likely that he had to step up more as a hitter once Wee Bey and others were down. He also didn’t jump ship until both his bosses were gone. He also didn’t leave the co-op after Joe was killed. He was a solider until there was no one else for him to follow. Lastly, the connect had nothing to do with Avon, he never had it or needed it per se. Avon had the connect to NYC. Joe had a better product but no way to move it to generate what it could. When Avon went down, there was an opportunity for String to generate the excessive profits he needed to go legal. When Marlo got the connect, he needed Avon for access to the people who could help him get to the Greek because they wouldn’t have otherwise spoken to Marlo. They didn’t know him. They knew and respected Avon, but that was never his connect, otherwise, Stringer wouldn’t have needed to partner with Prop Joe for a better product to make more money. So yes, by then, they needed to pay Marlo for access to the connect as Chris was the only one who would know, assuming Monk was still locked or out of the picture.

[@LoneWolf_Cub_Ogami_Itto]

I agree on String wanting the Paul Castellano dream, but for those of us who remember Dec 1985, that dream would only ever be a dream. Street guys came for Big Paul in one of the most famous OC hits ever. String was always going to get taken out.

[@tiffoari5304]

Yup he believed he could outsmart all these street guys. To the point it became insulting in certain scenes when he would reference the stock market or the automotive industry. Avon saw right through that shit and called him out on it when he got taken by Klay Davis. Stringer and Prop Joe died because they were juggling too many plates they believed they were ahead of everyone else. The biggest mistake was they forgot about that “other thing “ Avon told him on the jail visit. The Street is always the street “ this ain’t your motherfucking business class. This aint that part of it. Avon was way smarter than string. He understood that every part of his organization.

[@williamshinault7517]

Slim was the only one not to get murdered or get locked up in the wire series, that was impressive, would love to see another season of the wire, to see how slim maneuver as a drug kingpin, after all the detectives responsible for Barksdale and Stansfield downfall are out the picture!!

[@chillinwithmartin]

While I thought Slim was a smart character I hadn't thought about the fact that all that time he was trying to work away to the top. It was just something that came by because he was smart enough to survive the game for so long and of course new the game well enough that he could step in the rule when needed. But your video made good points and show he may have been playing away to the top all along.

[@DosEquisMan45]

Excellent analysis, I watched this show several times and none of your insights on Slim even occurred to me until I watched this clip.

[@lordofloneliness8336]

if they would’ve kept the show going Slim would’ve been the most ruthless person of them all,because he was quiet & was afraid to put in work & waited his turn…Slim would’ve been a savage

Not really because he was all about money and not war unless necessary remember he tried to reason with stringer about clay Davis

[@tiffoari5304]

This breakdown has a lot of hypotheticals. I think is clear cut that slim was just solid, and understood how to navigate that life.

[@jpVari]

It's hard because with this show I'd say it's just as likely they wanted it to be like 'one chance missed call and the Sunday truce doesn't get broken', but I do like your analysis as well. I prefer to give it meaning than just chance or coincidence.

[@Tyronebigggums]

He missed that call because they don't have phone on him i don't think anyone at the table does it makes sense

[@D00M3R-SK8]

This is great, man. I've watched the wire over 100 times at this point (granted I've slept through a good portion of those viewings, I have this show on all of the time) and I never really picked up on Slim's masterplan.

[@flightofthebumblebee9529]

This is why the show is amazing because as much as I grew to like and respect Slim Charles, he guns down a 14 year old kid with asthma in cold blood. I like that he ends up helping peace reign over the Baltimore drug trade though. He knew Cheese was a snake and Cheese was that last bit of Marlo's term that had to go. He picked the perfect time to do it too.

[@brianmoss9399]

One of my favorite characters. This really does shed some new light on him and will be points to keep in mind on my next rewatch.

[@ZiggyDoom]

Slim got with Prop Joe through Stringer when he was trying to be a part of the Co-op. Once Avon went down and Stringer got killed Slim had no choice but to stay with Prop Joe.

[@soundshape6496]

This is great insight and a creative approach to thinking about some of these characters on a different level. Well done.

[@josephtaylor-kennedy1420]

Wow. I never realized all of that considering Slim. Bravo on your assessment!

[@acenofrontz3435]

Jesus man great breakdown!!! I would love to see you interrogate/interview the writers.

[@terranceshaw5754]

Avon did not have the connect to sell to Marlo, he facilitated the introduction to the Russian so the Russian could facilitate the introduction to the Greek. Avon knew that Marlo's game plan was to back door the Eastside and take the control of the connect which is what Avon would have done, which is why Marlo said "What the fuck I care about east Baltimore" when prop Joe was 1st talking to him, most of the players in the co-op were from.the Eastside. Slim was trying to purchase the connect as part of a group, not individually so he wouldn't have sole control and he wasn't/wouldn't be the most powerful member. No Slim was a loyal and wise soldier who worked his way up the ladder.

[@cs3473]

Here's a novel thought: What if Slim Charles was The Greek's inside man the entire time? - Barksdale wasn't using the Greek's product. He was getting his stuff from New York. That was why Stringer went to Joe and formed the Co-op in season 2. And when he did get out of jail in Season 3. - As you said about Stringer, he wanted to be hands off, but at the same time get the profits as a result (Good pull on the Paul Castellano analogy) - Joe was too scheming and manipulative for his own good. - Marlo was too much of a loose cannon and would be prone to making mistakes. With all of the above out of the way, the one individual who would truly benefit the most is The Greek as his product would essentially face no real outside competition. And Slim even though he was a "Hired Gun" either climbed high enough or gained the respect enough of the individuals above that he had their ear and were taking advice from him at one point or another.

[@HxH2011DRA]

I think Slim wouldn't be willing to take the hit for Cutty if he truly was the manipulative type all along, unless you think he was playing some INSANELY long game like "I'll need Soliders as Loyal and Effective as Cutty (use to be) if I'm to be top dog"

[@timb4248]

Naw, everyone just liked Cutty.

[@andrewalpaugh4608]

That was a great video man. I just discovered you and am looking forward to checking out more of your stuff!

[@DrtyALGreen]

Love Slim...I wish Antwan would've had a bigger role in We Own This City like Marlo, Lansman and Pooh did. RIP Robert Chu(Joe)

[@luciancoard7387]

I think this video analysis is outstanding. You conveyed your point really well because the answers are always in the script.

[@mikehunt9884]

slim was a soldier, plain and simple, and as we learned from that chess scene in season 1, a soldier, a pawn, can get to the other side of the board and become the queen. Bodie messed up but slim was able to get to the end.

[@bullywhispers9544]

but a pawn has no free will. They just do what they are told, when they are told and thats not like people. You should check out the last laws of power episode for the wire. I talk about it a bit. Thanks for watching!

[@kurkkamambusu4063]

I never saw that one. But you got a point. And Slim was a schemer, he put Bodie on Marlo...stonecold...

[@BrutusJrThe3rd]

I was finna say you’re looking into it too much, until you mentioned the missed phone call for the Omar hit. That was a great observation & it makes perfect sense

[@nathaniel972ful]

Slim didn't make any noise and stayed solid the whole time. Him immediately taking the responsibility for Cutty's mishap was a strong proof of leadership. He was loyal to the game and not to the Westside or the Eastside. That shows he was as a business man as much as he was a soldier. When Omar caught him lacking, at no point he tried to ask for mercy. He didn't flinch, he knew what it was and quickly accepted his faith. We should've known a man of such character was going to take over eventually. But he didn't talk much so he stayed under the radar. Letting everybody think he was just a goofy. Slim actually took all of us to school.

[@mathewkeen2356]

1 Avon didn't have the connect. He never did. That's why he had to sell trash and give up territory to Prop. He was only a shot caller in prison. Meaning business has to go through him. That doesn't mean he had Boris giving up the information for free. Marlo had to do a lot to get that from him. Avon would have had to pay the same. Like Slim did. 2nd Slim not answering on Sunday morning makes perfect sense. It's Sunday morning. There is absolutely no reason for him to be on call bc you don't do shit on Sunday morning. Nothing they could say would be reason enough for them to violate the truths and make Avons name dirt. So there's no reason for him to expect such a stupid call or for shit to happen if he didn't answer.

[@111rapton]

that sunday morning call is actually good take from you. No murdering on Sunday. That mean no work for Slim lol

[@CJisthatyou_]

Damn after this breakdown, I so much more respect for Slim. Damn well done!!

[@arenwestney9707]

Damn BYB is of my favorite go-go bands…..didn’t even know that

[@seensay2132]

This was pretty masterful breakdown. It was obvious Slim was chill, the loyal soldier and not ever viewed as a threat to the top. So he always flew under the radar. But what I hadn’t considered was him being sly enough to play the leaders against each other. To make their own shady moves so he didn’t get caught up and fall into a reason to be sacrificed. Like I said, Sly. AND also underrated.

[@pogtuber5146]

This is a solid analysis. There are probably some rebuttals but this is a pretty fresh take that Slim was more cunning than he let on. But you can definitely see his power with those Avon scenes. Slim is in the cut, for instance the scene with Cutty asking for money, Slim knows how little $10k is to Avon, and he has direct access to the cash that Avon asks for. That's a Stringer-level amount of trust in his position. Same with Prop Joe's respect for Slim.

[@daveduncan8638]

Wow!...I consider myself a Wire aficionado, and I never thought of Slim in this way. This video (and many of the comments) are VERY impressive!

[@kirchscomet5767]

In most movies or shows that depict the protagonist being a pawn or muscle and then becoming a kingpin, we never see it from outside of their point of view and we always see all the moves they make that lead them to becoming a kingpin, but with slim we saw his moves from the eyes and ears of those around him, and because of such they were limited. I love it because this is exactly how those types of stories look from the outside, when they’re done correctly that is. We have zero indication that all of this was orchestrated by slim unless we line it all up and even then there’s a still a level uncertainty.

[@550LMS]

Slim was one of my favourite The Wire characters. Didn't see him much, but each scene he was in, was great. Same goes for his character in The Deuce. And the same again goes for Chris' character. Both actors whenever they play a role they play it brilliantly, but you don't see either very much...

[@1frankmademedoit]

Slim Charles became one of the shows best characters.

[@bronxbomerpito7286]

He turned out to be a great leader. He's a Soldier that led by example. He knew all the codes and had honor. So he got nothing but respect

[@Sebadee80]

Some people might say you think too much, but I think you can never think too much, it's about what you deduce from that thinking! And you really got me seeing Slim in a more manipulative light although he was one of my favorites on the show! Great video m8💯👍

[@frankjr.4484]

What's tricky is the power of hindsight can only be used after the fact, we tend to over-complicate when we have time to think about a situation, but sometimes it's just as simple as it looks

[@forcemajeur.5138]

Slim was one of the best characters. All bite no bark. I still don't know why he would have waited on a call from Avon when they had Marlo and Chris coming out of the rim shop. I feel like after all that bath and forth it would have been "go on sight."

[@raphaelblankumsee1722]

He's an effective soldier, he won't be seen undermining the boss's orders

[@forcemajeur.5138]

@@raphaelblankumsee1722 I mean from the shows perspective I get it in fiction, but in real life he makes a move there I'd think. Especially given how long they'd been going after him. Avon wouldn't have been mad.

[@C.ShortsYT]

I don't think he really had a plan I just think he played the game well taking all the opportunities he could. For example when he gets the chance of taking the cut from Hungry Man he realizes that it isn't worth it to be a top player with Marlo as king cause Prop Joe and HM both died because of that, but when saw Cheese at the end chasing also the crown he realized he wont be letting non of that happening again. He also managed to go from pawn to right hand of Avon very quick, and when he got time Slim had no problem on going to Props side. He was just a very good player

[@IAmSamuelTaylor]

Slim knew his role and played it all the way. Avon got closer to Slim because Stringer wasnt around during a time Avon needed a #2. Stringer was around when Avon went to war to get the towers and more than likely fought beside him then, but he chose not to with Marlo which caused a divide. Slim was not only willing to fight, but wanted to win as much as Avon wanted to, which Avon liked and respected. Prop Joe worked with Slim and trusted him with intimate details of their business, and made him his right hand man (Consigliere if you will) because Slim had no ambition to be anything more than what he was. Slim didnt want to work under Marlo, because he didnt want that position under him, and was good where he was at. In the end, he ended up in the same position as every kingpin he worked for, without actually taking that title. He basically was the Queen piece on the chess board. The one with the most power, but not the one in charge.

[@jonathonjohnson1227]

Deep cuts with the gogo nods. Respect B.

[@SimplyKane]

Great take on this bruh! 💯

[@jorgesissoco7257]

Like bran from got or chibbs from soa, His character didn't have the goal to be the top dog. but then again there was no one better for the job. He's smart,liked and above all respected by his peers.

[@outtheguttaentertainment1130]

This episode made me subscribe. Love your analysis!

[@Void7.4.14]

I'm not actually sure Slim ever really wanted to be the boss. I think he liked being just under the boss or just another in the mix like with the New Day Co-Op. He'd always want a little more of the pie but not necessarily as number 1. He also seemed very old school in how he moved and even if those codes weren't genuinely held ethics they served em well since a failed hostile takeover would ruin his name, make em seem a clown to the soldiers and completely untrustworthy by any perspective clients that might hire em on to their organization. So he was always in a weird position of having to carry the support of the rank and file while staying just under a boss, not an easy task really. I think he was smart and he knew number 1 was never gonna last long and the shooters and slingers on the front lines lasted even less time so somewhere high up but not too high was the sweet spot for him. Silvio from The Sopranos was a similar character, definitely turned on the perks of the top spot but also turned off by all the baggage. I always thought it woulda been real interesting to see that low simmering tension between Stringer and Slim come to a slight boil where the rank and file were behind Slim but he in the end let it be known he wasn't the boss and didn't wanna be, especially not like that, and deferred to String. That was one of a few potential plot lines I'd have loved to see expanded on more. Such is life.

[@montist1]

Man, I respect this essay and the character of Slim Charles. I do believe your points are weaker than your delivery and thoughtfulness belies.

[@geordiejones5618]

Slim had some amazing teachers. Avon and Pop showed him two ways to live long with good reputation. Stringer and Marlo were clear warnings about treating the game right. By the end he was someone who everyone respected, because of his word and his action. That's why him and Fat Rick can represent the West and East at the end.

[@Kommunik8Moor]

Slim showed you what he needed to and what you wanted to see about himself. For all looking he was a solid dude more Avon and Marlo than Prop Joe and Stringer. He knew when to push when to pull and how to move in a world full of snakes.

[@brobsty1856]

I never even thought about it, but you're right, where was Slim when Joe got shot? His as shoulda been seeing him on his way.

[@sardonicnihilist5955]

Good insights man, I reckon I need another re-watch and view Slim through this lens.

[@lsporter88]

Now that I hear your analysis.....you're right. You're very good at this. You'd make a good Consiglieri.

[@gomezgomez7759]

😂😂

[@vincentmedley5091]

I like this theory. The best thing a #2 can do is publicly declare, in front of the #1 and their competition that they don't want the top job. You also warn the #1 about snakes you see in the circle, but if that person is family or has conned the #1, you continue to your job and get things lined up in case they are dethroned. The snake won't last when the #1 is gone because the snake believes the obly relationship that is worth building is with the #1. Meanwhile the rest of the organization is loyal to the #2. I'm speaking from experience

[@SmarchitectMann]

He made it to the top because he was a loyal soldier. He couldn't have been working for both proposition Joe and Avon at the same time because he warned both men about cheese and Marlo. He kept his ears and eyes open but still followed orders and protocol. It's not manipulative if you know how to avoid certain conflicts you see coming.

[@Dee24ization]

This analysis has me puzzled. Not answering the phone that Sunday being a strategic move blew my mind into bits.

[@wearetheoriginal7630]

Never looked at it like that good break down

[@Anxietyoffline]

Mario didn't steal Luigis dream, Bowser did. lol jk, awesome video. I can't get enough of The Wire theories and lore.

[@Adamortega_]

Damn your videos are always good 👍