Didn’t See That Coming George
Beautiful and complicated characters, rich writing, spot on casting, brutality, humour, the city of Baltimore and all of the stories within ‘the game’. My husband and I watched 5 seasons of The Wire in three months and each episode was like watching a great film. Our evenings went something like this: “Ok, you clean the kitchen while I wash the kids. Best of 3 crazy eights, we split up to read stories, and have them in bed by 8pm. GO!”
We were spent at the end of this insanity and completely heartbroken on many levels. This is what a love affair with The Wire does to people, in the best possible way.
Literally every single character draws you in, but Omar Little was special. Thief of thieves. Poet. Patient observer in the shadows. Ominous whistler. Openly gay. BAD-ASS. A man must have a code, Bunk said. Indeed. Michael K. Williams portrayed this character with grit and sensitivity.
Last April he tweeted this:
BKBMG Michael K Williams
This is on a wall in the west side of Toronto...Thanks for ALL the love...keep sending the artwork... http://fb.me/LSZ3nhma
On a whim, I tweeted and invited him to our fair city, specifically to the George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight show. I know what a fan of The Wire George is, so it could only result in a great interview and a terrific experience for everyone concerned. Lo and behold, Michael K. Williams tweeted me BACK. He’d love to come and told me who to contact. Score!
A few weeks ago, George announced that ‘Omar comin’!’ His crack booking team had done it. I had to get to this taping if it killed me.
phylmmm Phyl
Setting the tone for my entire day, because TODAY, @bkbmg comin, to @strombo. #Indeed. Down in the Hole http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ow-KeRFClg&feature=share
Retweet by Michael K. Williams! This day was starting off with a BANG.
Arriving at the CBC, sporting my B&B Enterprises t-shirt, I see George and I can tell he’s psyched. The doors to studio 43 open and my friend Barbara and I are escorted to the front row. I’m over the moon about this primo vantage point.
George pulls out all of the stops for this interview and his guest responds in kind. He’s open and cool, funny, grateful and a little sly. He’s everything I’d hoped for and more. Generally guests are whisked away post interview but this day George points at me and before I know it, ‘Omar’ and his beautiful scar, is standing in front of me with his hand outstretched. “Hi, I’m Michael”.
I have little recollection of what was said but it included “I love your work” (cue eye roll) and that I was SO glad that he had come to the show and also that “I AM FREAKING OUT”. He laughed his hearty laugh and gave me a great big hug. Yup, that happened. To ME!
First phone call was to my dude. “Sheeeeeit, have I got a story for you. Wait till I get home!” Bragging rights are underrated. Half the fun was telling my friends about my surreal celebrity encounter.
I look forward to watching Michael K. Williams in Boardwalk Empire, Community and anything else he appears in. I’m a forever fan.
I look forward to watching Michael K. Williams in Boardwalk Empire, Community and anything else he appears in. I’m a forever fan.
A great big thank you goes to our boyfriend George for introducing my guy and me to The Wire, and for having such a generous and fun spirit. He was the architect of my little odyssey and gave me my Best Story Ever!
Phyl
Spoiler alert: The Wire – 100 Greatest Quotes – http://youtu.be/-Sgj78QG9Bg
