The Smartest *and* Best Show on TV 

I've just finished watching the season finale of the The Wire on HBO. If that episode turns out to be the season finale, I really do think that it will be the finale to the greatest three season run in television history.

Better than Buffy Seasons 1.5-4.5 (it's hard to pick a 3 season stretch of Buffy that was completely solid).
Better than Angel Seasons 2-4.
Better than Farscape Seasons 2-4.
Better than The West Wing Seasons 1-3.

I can't explain the show's greatness. If you watch it and give it a couple of episodes, you generally get it.

So, just in case HBO is checking the blogosphere for reactions on the show and whether they should renew it, let me add my piece:

Dear HBO,

If you cancel The Wire, I will burn your house down.

Love,
Ryan