Marlo Stanfield vs Avon Barksdale...Who came out on top?

In this episode we will be determine who came out on top between Marlo and Avon by dividing the conflict into three parts. The street war, when both were on the streets and fighting, the diplomatic phase while Avon was in jail and their positions at the end, which is where we will take into account what their respective goals were.

[@bullywhispers9544]

So lets hear it. Who do you think came out on top?

[@stevehardison8768]

I believe it was a draw, as Marlo gave up the Crown, as Snoop was Dead, as Chris was in Prison, as Micheal went solo. Barksdale was in prison and lost his crew to marlo, but you know he is going to stay in the game and bounce back as Marlo left the game.

[@jamesw7072]

Avon won easily to me. He'll get out jail in a couple of years, his current right hand man (Slim) got the connect and running things and will undoubtedly pledge fealty to Avon once he gets out. If Marlo name touches the streets again he's going away for a much longer time than Avon did. Yeah Marlo got some money but I think about the lottery curse, most people that win it go broke within 3-5 years because they don't understand how money works because they didn't earn it, they got lucky. Marlo may be able to earn money in the streets but as a legal civilian...that hasn't been proven. He was not going legit minded like Stringer. Marlo will likely go broke and become a dope fiend or alcoholic or he'll end up working a bum job like that security guard he had killed. During that time Avon will likely get out jail with an empire waiting for him thanks to his rep and NY connections along with having a line to a good connect that he been waiting years to get and Slim Charles by his side.

[@LabTech41]

I think the whole point of "The Wire" is to demonstrate that in a city that broken and corrupt, NOBODY really wins. That having been said, I think Avon's in the better position, because it's clear from the endgame of all the characters, Marlo's not respecting the fact that he was allowed to get out of the Game unscathed and with a boatload of cash that Levy (out of self interest) will make sure that everything's taken care of. As such, it's just a matter of time before one party or another reminds him of that fact, fatally. Avon, on the other hand, might be in prison, but his people took all the big charges during the police raid, so all he's really looking at, with good behavior, is like a nickel; something he can do easily enough given his attitude and connections both inside and outside prison. His man Slim Charles inherited the connection to the Greeks, so by the time he gets out, he'll be in a prime position to have an endless supply of product that's at the highest quality, from a supplier that's probably the only real winner of the Game. Slim Charles said himself that he's "not cut out to be no CEO", so he'd have no problem returning to the role of Avon's #2, so unless some other kingpin rears his head in the next 5 years or so that rivals Marlo, I'd say that while Avon didn't necessarily win either, he'll be in a good position to outlast.

[@nizarchebbi322]

Vito. He's a come from behind kind of guy

[@aarongoldstein8472]

@@nizarchebbi322 i wouldn't even have the new boat without him

[@TRontheLegacy]

Avon won. He’s still an “authority figure”, his number three is in control of the connect, and his reputation is still intact. And I believe that he only has five years left on his sentence. Season two also showed that Avon still had the ability to get things done from behind bars, he still had the ability to reach out to New York. Avon is definitely still the king

[@Rahim.ali80]

Who was Avon no.3 it's not Slim Charles after Avon went to prison in season 3 Slim was under Prop Joe. "I'm going out of town while Omar is on the prowl, Cheese gonna watch the shop you gonna watch Cheese" Prop Joe to Slim Charles I believe season 5(maybe wrong). Slim was with Prop Joe remember Slim killed Cheese for betraying Prop Joe & working with Marlo.

[@g4boycapo]

Who is his number 3?

[@stevehardison8768]

@@g4boycapo Bodie or Mouzone.

[@The-Dark-Complex]

Boudie is dead and mouzine is muscle from New York. It’s not them.

[@RBURRIS313]

@@Rahim.ali80 stringer was second in command so that makes slim charles no.3 and slim could still be loyal to avon

[@gregorylibra5114]

The winner was " the Greek", who wasn't even Greek.

[@rasheencoleman2000]

Facts

[@bittahxpupil]

My name is not my name 😂😂😂

[@jonathanjones1814]

Real shit

[@openbloke]

"Many names, many passports."

[@JBurnz001]

Ok but that isn’t the question.

[@steez8902]

Avon lost the battle. Marlo lost the war.

[@slimetime3270]

Someone who gets it !

[@elcochino8139]

Exactly. Not only did Avon purge his crew. But he got Marlo to take out his crosstown rival. Avon know now the laws would put the target on Marlo now. Avon just gotta sit out for a nickel and he'll be in prime contention to take his crown back with little to no real opposition

[@ryquelwalker6209]

How did Avon win the war his whole crew did or locked up he sold the connect and he still has time to do in jail Marlo out and is a millionaire

[@steverogers7601]

So back to what Prez said in season 4: “no one really wins. Just one side loses slower than the other”

[@steverogers7601]

@@ryquelwalker6209arlo is a millionaire and has his freedom but it’s not what he wanted. If you watched the show and paid attention, you should be clued in that Marlo being out of the drug game, and never being able to return, is him living his own personal hell.

[@woahblackbettybamalam]

The king stays the king.

[@skycorrigan6511]

Hell yeah

[@Omarley76]

This the 1

[@gilluminati-2042]

Facts

[@number3stunner118]

That line echoes loudly when Marlo goes to the prison and Avon comes out and says "Surprise!"

[@martino_mcfly]

One thing to remember is that Avon doesn’t have a ton of jail time so he could get out and take over again

[@LouieOcean2]

He has to at least do every day left on the 7 year bid and they wanted to give him an additional 15-life

[@blackkev3695]

Marlo got to walk away….rich too

[@laphonz]

@@blackkev3695 allegedly. Marlo didn't care about real estate, he cared about the crown which is why he challenged those corner boys. Most likely he got back in the game and paid for with prison or death

[@blackkev3695]

@@laphonz he sold the connect to Slim Charles n the Co-op for 10Ms

[@laphonz]

@@blackkev3695 ik that, doesnt stop him from going back tho

[@JackB733]

This is a more deeply insightful channel than most I've come across

[@bullywhispers9544]

Thanks! Glad you enjoy

[@tommyshelby8373]

Marlo lost, Marlo did everything so that the streets would remember and respect his name but in the end we see that he was quickly forgotten. Avon on the other hand valued his reputation, his word and the respect he had above all else. Even though he lost everything else he didn’t lose what was most important to him. Dude was running the prison just off the respect he had.

[@juancanalesdelacruz7754]

Marlo’s fate is so good the more you think about it. He wanted his name to ring in the street and for people to fear him. But in the end no one knew who he was. Also they probably thought he was a punk I remember the scene when Omar starts saying he a punk and it becomes word in the street he never got the respect he so much wanted.

[@mrsinister8943]

I agree but Omar called out Marlo and called him a bitch and then he was killed. You would think that alone would elevate Marlos name. Omar was going to be a mythic figure no matter how he died though. Marlos reign was just to short and Omar was already a mythic figure.

[@juancanalesdelacruz7754]

@@mrsinister8943 I still don’t think that elevated his name much at all. Since in the last scene we see him he is asking the corner boys if they know who he is. They don’t have a single clue who he is the streets forgot about him and all he wanted was the respect front that streets.

[@mrsinister8943]

@@juancanalesdelacruz7754 most definitely. The last scene with Marlo showed how Omar is now this iconic legend and Marlo is forgotten about. No matter what would have happened Omar was still going to be this mythic figure. Omar could if died from a heart attack or slip and fall and people would still made stories how he went out guns blazing. Such a great show and Marlo was such a great villain and Omar is one of the best characters ever created.

[@oddballskull1941]

Why didnt marlo take credit for the killing? Would anyone question him? 🤔 only kenard and the store lady saw it, and whoever watched any security tapes. But what i dont get is it seems everyone knew about him and the vacants and his bodies, then omar happened then all of a sudden everyone forgets?

[@blksheep176]

Avon was really playing the long game with prop joe. So when he gets out he has the good connection and slim Charles is in position to set him up nicely.

[@NateBullock-ow6on]

💯💯👑

[@BlackdaPhenomenal1]

D foreshadowed all of this when he was teachin Bodie and Wallace chess. "The king stay the king."

[@lsf9818]

Dynamite analogy! After watching this it opened up new avenues to the brilliance of the Wire! Shows a blueprint for other shows like Top Boy & Snow fall.

[@kkrobertson1]

The moral of the story is..... NO ONE WON!!!! The game is game! Just different players. Clearly slim Charles took over at the end becoming Avon/Joe, Micheal becoming Omar etc.... different players same game!

[@danieljohnson2005]

I’d say the war between the two was basically a push. Marlo only won the war, technically, because Avon and most of his crew got arrested. Overall, though, I’d have to say it was Marlo because at least he was still out on the streets. Both crews got taken apart due to death or the law, and in the end, Marlo was the only person in the whole show who was out of the game and free from prison. If he could really go clean, he’s the only one who made a fortune and had the opportunity to ride off into the sunset. Although, I really don’t think the straight life is for him, as we see in his last scene.

[@mikel488]

Yea but keep in mind avon had to deal with the law and marlo, also he didn’t have any of his main crew, and so on. Many disadvantages, and still managed to win by kill count. Another comment on a different video said marlo only stepped up to avon once he knew wee bey was gone, just imagine if marlo lost chris, had no snoop, and most of his main crew he had to get from eastside. Avons reputation is what got him mouzone

[@itman190]

Bro Marlo was taking everyone out. Avon didn’t make 1 big hit. It was a one sided war

[@danieljohnson2005]

@@mikel488 I’m not debating the fact that Avon had more obstacles in his way. I’m just talking about the outcome of the war. I think you’re right, Avon was definitely handicapped in his fight against Marlo, but he also had a bigger crew with more resources.

[@danieljohnson2005]

@@itman190 Marlo’s crew definitely brought the fight to Avon, but he didn’t really hit any important people. I think the body count was pretty similar on both sides, but Avon’s crew was bigger. Him losing 6 or 7 guys didn’t mean as much as it did to Marlo.

[@jamesw7072]

Avon won easily to me. He'll get out jail in a couple of years, his current right hand man (Slim) got the connect and running things and will undoubtedly pledge fealty to Avon once he gets out. If Marlo name touches the streets again he's going away for a much longer time than Avon did. Yeah Marlo got some money but I think about the lottery curse, most people that win it go broke within 3-5 years because they don't understand how money works because they didn't earn it, they got lucky. Marlo may be able to earn money in the streets but as a legal civilian...that hasn't been proven. He was not going legit minded like Stringer. Marlo will likely go broke and become a dope fiend or alcoholic or he'll end up working a bum job like that security guard he had killed. During that time Avon will likely get out jail with an empire waiting for him thanks to his rep and NY connections along with having a line to a good connect that he been waiting years to get and Slim Charles by his side.

[@1semiauto]

Well Avon definitely beat Prop Joe at his own game. He turned Stringer against Avon and Avon turned Marlo against him.

[@heelspawn8023]

I'm just wondering why nobody recorded the conversation between Avon & Marlo during the visits.. You would think 2 high profile guys wouldn't be able to talk without using codes, but they just spoke normally..

[@jordachejordan90]

Avon never seemed to b bothered by jail the entire series whereas Marlo was introduced as wanting Avon's name even though his killers were more revered than him. Michael became the new Omar in a final twist of fate and symbolic poetry.

[@Cl0ckcl0ck]

He went into the current stretch with 30 years total. I'm sure he'll shave 15 years of that so he gets out still a main player and with a good line to the Greek.

[@frankmathews]

​@@Cl0ckcl0ck he doesn't need the "Greek" when he still has a open line to NY

[@Cl0ckcl0ck]

@@frankmathews It is said somewhere, I believe, that the Greek's product is far superior. Boks!

[@williamwallace7651]

marlo was winning till you seen his final scene🤣🤣 poor guy was in purgatory being legit businessman out da game🤣🤣🤣

[@ChrisGoldie]

Marlo is in the position stringer was trying to get to

[@jamesw7072]

But Marlo is not business savvy as Stringer and will likely go broke like most lottery winners do in a few years and work a bum security job like that guard he had killed.

[@ColCreates]

But with less property but more of a hook up from levy cause the lawyer is what was fucking Stringer on his build permits.

[@jacoboswald4726]

I get why you changed your name from Sopranos St, but I’m uber curious as to why you picked BullyWhispers. I like the name, but I’m just curious like I said

[@bullywhispers9544]

In my early videos, the volume was very low and I got some complaints in the comments. To one of them I replied jokingly, "Thats why they call me Billy Whispers". Also, I have a bulldog (thats him in the logo). Combining the two, I came up with Bully Whispers. Thanks for watching!

[@IhateYourLife]

When Slim killed Cheese they needed a way to make up that money to meet Marlo’s asking price. I can see them going to Avon and asking him if he wants in on the connect to cover the cost.

[@seankeikbusch9404]

They both look more like survivors than winners but with that lifestyle just surviving is a win in itself.

[@Julius29C]

Avon won, because Marlo's name didn't ring out in the streets the way he wanted it too. Hell, the streets have more love for Omar than Marlo. Also remember, Avon had Marlo dead to right if it wasn't for Stringer.

[@athirdwhy9734]

Avon lost to the police because of his beef with Stringer Bell, but he didn't lose to Marlo.

[@johnravens9869]

Marlo was playing checkers on a chess board like D said in the beginning the king stay the king!

[@TwentySeventhLetter]

Right, like he got crowned from getting to the other side but all he can do from there is go backwards

[@GohnwithaG]

Imagine Marlo walking across that baseball field during a game 😂

[@slimetime3270]

Might get smacked by a fastball lol 😂

[@dennisamaniampong4073]

😂😂

[@92plrk]

Love your videos man! Keep these going!!🔥🔥

[@jamierhunt7725]

The goal is to stay free & alive while still keeping it real. Marlo won.

[@mrk4976]

Marlo lost For Marlo the crown is the price not the money

[@slimetime3270]

That’s YOUR goal. Marlo’s goal was to have his name ring & wear the Crown which neither happened..

[@manniking233]

I fully believe the Marlo character was written as a clever troll of 50 Cent and, possibly, Jay Z.

[@domlitt9001]

Ppl forget that Avon and string owned downtown property and since string died they couldn’t seize it. Meaning Avon comes home to all that, plus whatever money he tucked. Plus, “care packages” for doing his bid and coming home. Avon sat in jail with his soldiers multiple times. Marlo basically flipped on his. Marlo can get smoked on random just being outside, especially with Chris in jail and mike still on the streets

[@outsidethabox1443]

Avon doesn't have that much time,Slim got the plug and who did Chris check in with at the end equals Avon is the winner

[@GHOST91141]

Facts

[@allpraisestothemosthigh9418]

You paid attention. Chris definitely did fall in line with WeeBee. I could see if it was because of race in prison but the Northeast cities don't program that way.

[@earhearthush-up5549]

@@allpraisestothemosthigh9418 I’m not sure how it works in Baltimore irl, but I believe the implication in The Wire is that when locked up, Westside crews clique up together against the Eastsiders

[@hubblito]

Prop Joe and String were definitely all about the business. That's what unfortunately led to their downfall

[@bullywhispers9544]

I actually thought about addressing that in the episode but decided not to. I dont think either really are. With Stringer we see it when he wants to have Clay Davis killed, his ego got in the way of good business and if Prop Joe was all about business he woulda killed Cheese before we even got to see him on screen. What do you think?

[@SteadyRoosevelt]

@@bullywhispers9544 True, because when Omar took the shipment Marlo wanted blood pretty much. Prop Joe said I can't give up my nephew so he took family over business. He ended up introducing Marlo to the Greek to ease his mind which ended up being his downfall along with Cheese. Ironic I suppose.

[@mikkyrevelljr7289]

When avon sat down and went "suuuprrissseeee" and started giggling like that I died laughing. Avon won. Marlo had to pay him to get the connect and essentially got his blessing to go over Joe

[@singalongwrudy8690]

One thing all these guys ( plus snoop) had in common is they were all honest with themselves. They KNEW their lot in life and just survived as best they could under the circumstances.

[@cambodianbreastmilk2980]

Its all about perspective. Marlo wanted to be feared and wanted his name to ring out in the streets but the show goes out of it's way to show you the Marlo didn't achieve that. Firstly the Greeks didn't know Marlo existed and he needed Avon to vouch for him, secondly Marlo didn't have an organisation by the end of the show and had no choice but retire from the streets and enter the shady world of business like stringer tried and lastly Marlo was forgotten about instantly and his name didn't mean anything in the streets and while he did get away with his money and sold the connect, he seems like prey for the corrupt lawyers and politicians of Baltimore, Levy was probably playing the long con. Avon on the other hand, was in jail and his organisation was pretty much gone but he was still a name in the streets and still had a lot of pull, he still had the means and respect to rebuild his organisation and given how he himself has a direct link to the plug through Sergei, then I'd say Avon probably won imo.

[@silk3778]

Marlo had a Operation that was Worth Over 10 Million , So if that's Not a business Man than what is ?!" . Also a Win is a Win on the streets...

[@PplsChampion]

looking forward to the laws of power wire series !

[@jerrodlo4449]

Marlo walked away with like 10 million I think, after he sold the connection to the Greeks. Plus, he had an opportunity to live Stringer's dream. He escaped life in prison and he made it to the end. I have to give it to Marlo. Only thing that could bring him down is himself. Not sure he could just walk away from the game like they told him to.

[@josephtaylor-kennedy1420]

Exactly.

[@erickennedy8534]

He went back to the streets

[@mr.perfectcell3236]

@@erickennedy8534 Exactly people not getting the ending scene with Marlo implies he's just going to go back to streets which means he loses. Levy told him if he didnt retire he was going to prison.

[@jerrodlo4449]

@@mr.perfectcell3236 When he just stood on the corner at the end I thought maybe he was just soaking it all in for the last time, knowing that it's over. Could be either or.

[@BigA678]

@@erickennedy8534 no he didnt David Simon said he won because he wasnt in the game anymore. Stop making up shit

[@MAJALIJU]

Whoa 48 Laws & Wire series? Lets go

[@turdferguson2839]

Avon won, he owned the street and could walk through his community in peace with no worry for awhile, Marlow never got there, he was always hiding and nervous of getting taken out. Avon was on top for awhile, Marlow got on top and immediately lost his spot. Avon lost the top spot in his mid 30's, Marlow lost it in his early 20's, Avon won because he had a longer time on top and he's still respected.

[@rnstnt]

Avon is my favourite of the two, but I think Marlo won in the end. I say that because Marlo stayed out of jail and kept his freedom. More importantly, Marlo kept his money and his reputation remains in tact - was the KING of Baltimore and walked away with his freedom, life and money. Since Avon ended up in jail, he forfeited his crown to Marlo by default. In the end, he lost his right hand man (Stringer). His sister who he cared deeply for turned her back on him. Most of his soldiers are dead or gone. Slim is now a shot caller and I don't see him wanting to return to being a soldier for someone else.

[@chrisbarrett8377]

When the corner boys don't know your name, your reputation ain't shit. Marlo lost everything that he valued

[@trevorwhite932]

Slim would definitely give up the crown to Avon, he doesn't like being the boss.

[@openbloke]

"No one wins. One side just loses more slowly."

[@frankmurphy7234]

Okay so listen I haven't even watched the video yet I'm going to say Avon simply because at the end of the series Marlo was out of the fucking way and he had access to the Greek Plus Slim Charles was a boss at that point &I'm glad to see you doing wire stuff

[@bullywhispers9544]

I agree

[@RatherPleasent]

Marlo technically won but by the end was unhappy and didn't have what he thought he wanted. As for Barksdale he lost a lot more than the "game", in terms of Stringer Bell and his freedom. Even so I don't think Barksdale ever sold out or really lost who he was. He stayed true to himself.

[@ErminDedicNT]

Avon had something going on for a long time, had no trouble until D'Angelo's trial and McNulty starting off the process. Marlo wanted everything very quickly with a much smaller crew and didn't have sufficient time to make a name for himself like Avon did. Plus, Marlo got tired to soon, while Avon was old school, and even if he got 20 years of jailtime, he would return to the street life as soon as his sentence was over.

[@Blaqsnake]

Marlo: What y’all sayin I lost ? My name is my name!

[@demetrisqwashington8814]

11:11. Awesome. Well spoken 👌 👏.

[@coopersepulveda9872]

Honestly, its apparent what would've happened if Eggy Mule joined Avons side.

[@positivevibesandmorelife7307]

Avon dropped more bodies than Marlo only by like 1 or 2 on and off screen

[@TheGallant9]

It's crazy how the only reason Marlo was able to trick Avon with the faint retreat was because Slim Charles was his only source of information. We know Avon usually would have several people with their ear to the streets bringing back information before Wee Bey went to prison. And this happen twice to Avon In the story where he was functioning off 1 stream of information and that lead to misjudgement

[@user-if4nx2jn8r]

I think your assessment is mostly accurate, Avon is one of the only people in The Game who actually gets what he wants to any significant extent. Still not totally since he obviously would rather not be in jail, but he definitely seems more content than just about any other street player you could name.

[@BigA678]

If “still not totally” then he didnt win and this yt guy is 100% wrong. You’re contradicting yourself bc of you dont want to admit Marlo won, which David Simon admitted.

[@user-if4nx2jn8r]

@@BigA678 David Simon admitted Marlo won in a way that was complete anathema to what he actually wanted, so you don't know what you're talking about if you think Marlo "won" in the sense we're describing.

[@frankmurphy7234]

I will also say this to add on to my first comment Avon won the streets but Marlo won the. GAME and didn't even want to

[@javonwilliamson6986]

Avon won cause while Marlo got to wear the crown he ended up living his personal hell of nobody knowing who he was in the streets. In the end, Marlo becomes just another young boy who wore the crown

[@laurenpeterson9510]

I think Marlo

[@outsidethabox1443]

Avon didn't have alot of time,Slim got the plug and who did Chris check in with at the end ?

[@lexxtyson2559]

@Bully Whispers you say Marlo couldn't return to the game in consequences of the Baltimore Police and the Players of the game. Do you believe that Marlo isn't capable of relocating elsewhere to rejoin the game but in a different environment where the rules are slightly different?

[@BrokeSpike]

In the end, when Marlo went back to the street and got no respect on that corner. That showed he lost. His only dream was to have his name ringing in the streets but he didnt accomplish it.

[@mikaahkana160]

Avon. Marlo prolly lost his 20 (max) million within 3 years dealing with levy and the waterfront folks. And Avon now has the supreme and dream team with him. Wee bay and Chris. My god

[@number3stunner118]

I disagree that Marlo wore the crown. He was a dictator. He still had to get Avon's blessing to get to the connect. Avon was running things wherever he went.

[@johnnyjay6959]

I felt like he was comparing him to Stringer so he knew how to play him. Knowing he would put down Prop Joe to hold the crown again.

[@charlesdavis3142]

Great analysis

[@joestockton7016]

The correct answer is Slim Charles

[@mikec42]

Marlo may not have cemented his legacy in the Baltimore drug game, but as he gets older he'll likely grow out of it anyway. And once he does, he'll realize its better to keep a low profile and focus on making money as the Greek does. Meanwhile, Avon will still be in prison whether he likes it or not.

[@JohnDoe-vf3qo]

Avon had a short amount of years.

[@12pope]

Did the "teflon don" grow out of it. He is who he is marlo would get killed on the streets trying make the name ring, one to many times.

[@devinmccampbell8110]

They both did

[@TheGallant9]

Avon was clearly playing Mind games with Marlo. He had complete control of the situation. He used Marlo and the "Westside" identity to defeat Joe the King the Eastside. I remember when Avon realized Joe had got in Stringer head. He knew then he had to prepare to take Joe out somehow and when he realized Marlo was a fake business like Stringer.

[@dogecoinbrothermouzone2500]

AVON BARKSDALE THE 1 TRUE KING 👑

[@LouieOcean2]

Avon is in line for the crown when he gets out in 10 years but Marlo got out clean with millions

[@paulfrantizek102]

Marlo didn't really get out clean though. It was clear he was going to end up back in the game.

[@Polostar79]

You’re assuming Slim Charles would just give it back to him. Slim earned the right to be king.

[@hylozoic]

Avon. Still in power, even in prison.

[@jstorm416]

A state prison at that. And now Chris is there under him

[@EpicHashTime]

Poot came out on top. He got a job and left the game

[@Stay-xb9id]

Remember avon was sitting pretty for a while at the top. While marlow was on the come up. When you have it you are more relaxed but you trying to get it you more aggressive

[@rockybullshite927]

Nobody wins, one side just loses more slowly - prez

[@SamBrickell]

The costumers did a good job of making Marlo look out of place: *7:21* look at how starched and unnatural his suit looks compared with Levy's.

[@nick-tristate345]

Pretty sure the battle one bodies was like 7-6 for marlo too so marlo wins battle on bodies Marlo paid 100 racks cash to Avon for a straight line to the connect Marlo sold a straight line to the connect for 10 mill to everyone at the end cuz he was gettin out marlo wins the war too this jus my opinion

[@dontatme__]

The only answer is Marlo. Being the king isn't just about going head to head. Its about how you deal with your competition, impact on the street, how you run your organization and how you handle law enforcement. Avon was in prison for a very legitimate reason, Marlo wasn't. Barksdales were sloppy, from Bird, to Dangelo B, Avon, Orlando, Stringer to Wallace. Every single level they had someone cooperating with police, from corner boy, to lieutenant, to under boss. It was only a matter of time until snitching dropped that crew. Marlo on the other hand? A dirty lawyer gives his number up, which is a legit pitfall, but the police had to manufacture an illegal wire tap AND a serial killer in order to bring him down. Along with Randy snitching about bodies in the vacants so he doesn't get expelled because he played lookout while a schoolgirl gave it up...that's a bit farfetched. Marlos impact on the street FAR exceeded Avons, Baltimore was scared shitless of Chris and Snoop, hell they even scared off NYers and had Avon bunkered down. Anybody whisper about Marlo and he get a whiff of it, they got dealt with. Swiftly. Lastly, the city of Baltimore cannot be overlooked. Avon going down was just another "drug bust", Marlo was national headlines with all the bodies in the vacants. What does this mean? Marlo forever changed the city of Baltimore. The streets are now operating differently, law enforcement is now operating differently, the co-op is thriving, and that was never Avons style. He wasnt supposed to be a boss he was supposed to be an enforcer. He not gon take too kindly to working with Eastside bitches.

[@ryanbesco8067]

Subjectivity cannot be quantified generally. Isaac Newton

[@rece5232]

What’s the point, when there was a clear winner?

[@sethbrundels]

Dee Said " the king stay the king aight"

[@paulcaskey]

The flower guy is the real King. People are dying to give him money.

[@tayouneherron589]

They Both Won If You Look At It

[@raymondm764]

Avon won once he got out of jail he trained Wallace who faked his death and changed his named to Adonis Creed. Avon gets to do what he always loved and train boxers for a living.

[@rickb6021]

I’d say Marlo but only bcuz he never said he wanted to keep the crown 👑. He was aware of the short life span but still just wanted to wear it and he did without getting killed or going to prison. Quitting while on top ain’t really quitting, it’s called winning!

[@lifeiswonderful22]

I'd say the guy who didn't end up in prison came out ahead.

[@dylanstack8710]

I always thought the west side symbol from Avon seemed very patronizing.

[@Stay-xb9id]

Avon was in control for a longer period of time.

[@americanwelder9865]

As long as Avon is alive, Marlo is never truly the king. No doubt Marlo was a force to be reckoned with. He just did not have the name recognition that Avon had. Marlo was only feared. Avon was feared, and respected.

[@juniorfortune5873]

On Mafia status Avon, business it's Marlo straight Gangsterism Omar

[@oshin_aykaz6889]

If Avon and co didn’t get busted at the end of season 3 in that warehouse they would have destroyed Marlo and everyone w him. They had enough guns and explosives for a small army in that damn warehouse

[@lorenzoramirez3063]

If the cops didn’t rush the spot they would have had Chris snoop and Marlo at the Rim shop” Marlo got saved by Mcnulty

[@HO-vt5pk]

at the end marlo may not have gotten what he wanted but he def won. bro is not only free but also has millions to spend. but he was luckier than avon was, for ex: during his reign the city was inna middle of an election so homicide couldn’t afford looking for more bodies till the new mayor gets elected

[@gioluvs1893]

But hes miserable. Him having the riches without the crown means nothing to him. He's basically dead inside. To us his outcome is a win but in his heart he feels lost. He lost.

[@brandonbates9259]

That don't make any sense if you don't get what you want then from that point of view that person didn't win lol Marlo's point of view he didn't win

[@quiveringmoist7558]

Avon won, he had the power longer, his family name carries more weight. He still has the connection with NY for good product and more of his soldiers stayed out of jail or lived. And his relationships with the other players in the game was more amiable.

[@nemoschemo5395]

Avon was a meal made in the oven while Marlo was a meal made in the microwave he go to where avon was faster but his heat didnt last as long

[@DonSeriously-is9lb]

Avon. I mean Marlo needed avon in the end for the connection,”. And who we see in the montage with the Greek? Slam Charles baby…where’s Slim originated from?? We was Westside originally. Now if you think we was traitor?? Not how I see it. How’s that saying go? Keep your enemies close. I think it was a play to learn more about Joe, the connection, and inner workings of his organization. At the of day tho Baltimore is too difficult to hold the crown for very long….

[@game382]

Avon was sincere but he let him know he’s a boss and he calling shots still n he needs him to make a move

[@blackkev3695]

Marlo kept outsmarting Avon n String

[@illmatic1026]

Magnificent

[@matiasevans23]

Avon won. Marlo went back to the corners after Slim Charles already took control

[@chrisbarrett8377]

Avon won for sure. He was the king for a lot longer than Marlo and presided over a more stable regime. His legend and legacy will never fade. Marlo was a boogeyman, he has no legacy. And any clout or fear that he managed to garner was stolen from him. Marlo lost 100%

[@laquintongarvin471]

That was a good break dowm

[@richardlegrand4697]

6:56 So true...

[@jamaalmoses8821]

Marlo didn't last long after the Finale..No Snoop,Chris,or Monk..he had zero goodwill to get muscle like Avon did after Season 1. And depending on Herc's mood..he still could be easily targeted by BPD.

[@Mr.Memphis10]

"The King stay the King."

[@josephtaylor-kennedy1420]

Without even watching this I'll put it this way - one ended up with his freedom...the other with his "respect" behind prison walls. The other schemed his way over ALL of Baltimore...the other was in CONSTANT battle with the Eastside until the former's muscle almost blew his head off in a truck. One had loyal muscle to the end...the other's second hand man snitched on him. Wtf why is this even still a discussion?