History Recap / TheWireS02E06AllPrologue

* {{Foreshadowing}}: D'Angelo's murder will have *major* consequences the next two seasons, while Nick's decision to take a payment in drugs, and sell those drugs, will be important over the next few episodes.

* FramingTheGuiltyParty: Omar's perjured testimony - along with his own ill-advised outburst - pin the murder of Gant on Bird, the actuall killer.

In a waiting room, Omar sits with a Baltimore sheriff, who's struggling with a crossword puzzle. Omar asks about it, and the sheriff confesses while he knows [[Myth/ClassicalMythology Mars is the Roman god of war]], he doesn't know who the Greek one is. Omar supplies the answer; "Ares". The sheriff thanks him, and Omar accepts the compliment. A court officer comes to tell Omar he's up; Omar, who's wearing his old high school jacket (black with a red collar), pulls out a tie from his jacket pocket, puts it on, and walks out.

Omar walks into the courtroom, as Stringer (whom Omar shoots a finger-gun at), Nathan and Judge Phelan look at him balefully. After the bailiff swears Omar in, and Nathan asks for his full name (Omar Devon Little), his age (about 29), and where he lives (as he puts it, not exactly homeless, but "in the wind, so to speak"), she asks Omar what he does for a living.

->'''Omar:''' I rip and run.
->'''Nathan:''' You...
->'''Omar:''' [[MuggingTheMonster I robs drug dealers.]]
->'''Nathan:''' And exactly how long has this been your occupation, Mr. Little?
->'''Omar:''' I don't know, exactly. I venture to say maybe about eight or nine years.
->'''Nathan:''' Mr. Little, how does a man rob drug dealers for eight or nine years and live to tell about it?
->'''Omar:''' (''leaning back in the witness chair'') [[CrowningMomentOfFunny Day at a time, I suppose!]]

In the detail office, Lester and Prez say Frank's union doesn't have much money, and thanks to [[Recap/TheWireS02E05Undertow the Justice Department going after them for years]], all of their records are public. Prez says the only money they're showing is from their lobbyist, who's paid a lot of money to various [=PAC's=] and Democratic Party organizations over the last several months. Daniels asks if they're selling drugs, but Kima says while Herc has been making hand-to-hands in the areas near the port, they haven't gotten any connection to the port so far. Beadie wonders if maybe they're smuggling things in, or allowing things to be smuggled in, like the dead women. Lester asks Kima and Prez to look into that, while Carver and Herc continue to work the drug angle, and Lester continues with the paper trail. Daniels adds that Beadie and Bunk will be working in conjunction with the detail, though again they're working the murders separately. The meeting breaks up, and Herc, who's been staring at Beadie most of the meeting, introduces himself to her, asking if she wants to get coffee later. She holds up the cup she's holding, says she's good, and leaves, whereupon Carver makes fun of Herc.

[=McNulty=] enters the courtroom and sits behind Stringer just as Nathan is asking Omar if he can see the person who shot Gant. Omar points to Bird and identifies him (Nathan, of course, calls him "Mr. Hilton", though [[OnlyKnownByTheirNickname Omar says it's just "Bird" to him]]). Nathan asks if Omar knew Bird before the shooting, and Omar is starting to say he knew Bird from jail when Levy objects, and asks to approach, which Phelan grants. As the two of them and Nathan confer, [=McNulty=] leans up to Stringer and whispers, "Quite a witness, ain't he?" Stringer, unruffled, turns around and says the word on the street is Omar was actually in the east side sticking up another crew. [=McNulty=] points out they're not on the street, but in a court of law, and leans back, happy. Back at the bench, Levy is once again trying to object to Omar's entire testimony, but Phelan tells him to move on. Phelan then informs the jurors Levy's original objection (about how Omar knew Bird) is sustained, and they are to disregard Omar's remarks. Nathan again asks the question, and Omar says he and Bird weren't close, but knew each other, and would have no problem recognizing him from a distance as he was about to shoot someone. Omar also recognizes Bird's gun (which Nathan has in an evidence bag) as the one he used to shoot Gant. Omar then provokes Bird by saying he covets "them shiny little pistols"; Levy objects, but before Phelan can rule, Omar adds, "And the boy too triflin' to throw it off even after a daytime murder." Bird, furious, leaps up, calls Omar a "lying cocksucker", and starts to threaten Omar until two guards pull him back into the chair. Phelan, angry, tells Bird he'll be put in restraints if he does that again and he'll clear the courtroom as well, and tells the court reporter to strike Omar's last answer from the record, along with telling the jury to disregard it. Stringer marches out as [=McNulty=], grinning, continues to watch.

Nick greets Vondas at Little Johnny's, and Spiros introduces him to Eton (Lev Gorens), an Israeli who works with them. Vondas asks about [[Recap/TheWireS02E04HardCases the chemicals]], and Nick says he has access, but there's a problem, and he tells them about [[Recap/TheWireS02E05Undertow Ziggy's problem with Cheese]], including the fact Cheese asked for double the amount Ziggy owed him. Vondas offers to have him killed, but Nick says it's not a good idea, because (a) Ziggy did legitimately screw up, and (b) if they kill Cheese, it could come back on Nick and Ziggy. Vondas compliments Nick on his smarts, and agrees to give him the muscle to help with the problem.

Back in the courtroom, Levy is cross-examining Omar. After establishing Omar isn't here because of a deal he made with police in exchange for his testimony, Levy asks how many times he's been arrested. Omar admits it's so many he doesn't remember, though he doesn't take them personally. Levy starts reading Omar's rap sheet, and Omar is fine until Levy reads off an "attempted murder" charge, and claims it wasn't attempted murder; "I shot that boy Mike-Mike in his hind parts." As [[ActuallyPrettyFunny the jurors and even Judge Phelan chuckle]], Levy asks why, and Omar said he merely was looking to rob the man of his stash. Levy does his best to ignore this and continues calling Omar's character into question in an attempt to win over the jury. He makes clear Omar robs drug dealers (which Omar agrees with), and then calls him the kind of person who would, without provocation, kill someone like Gant and try to pin the blame on someone else for it. Omar protests [[NeverHurtAnInnocent he's never put his gun on no citizen]], but Levy is just getting warmed up:

->'''Levy:''' You are amoral, are you not? You are feeding off the violence and the despair of the drug trade. You are stealing from those who themselves are stealing the lifeblood from our city. You are a parasite who leeches off-
->'''Omar:''' (''interrupting'') [[ShutUpHannibal Just like you, man.]]
->'''Levy:''' -the culture of drugs- (''the crowd murmurs, and Levy does a DoubleTake'') Excuse me, what?
->'''Omar:''' [[NotSoDifferent I got the shotgun, you got the briefcase.]] [[ArcWords It's all in the game, though, right?]]

Levy looks at Phelan, who shrugs at him.

Elena is pitching a home to prospective buyers when [=McNulty=] walks into her office. While she tries to talk to her clients, [=McNulty=] pretends to cop a feel from the female mannequin. Trying not to laugh, Elena dismisses her clients, and calls [=McNulty=] a child, though not unkindly. She asks what he wants, and he wants to take her out to dinner and a movie. She resists at first, but when he reminds her he [[Recap/TheWireS02E05Undertow signed the papers she wanted him to sign]], she relents.

Stringer is parked in a car when a man from Washington D.C., wearing a blue tracksuit, gets in. Stringer gives him an envelope of cash, and warns the man he can't go through his own people, so whatever the D.C. man needs, he has to get himself. The D.C. contact says his "cousin" will take care of it.

Kima is with [[TheBusCameBack Shardene]] at Lester's, and after they make small talk (Shardene is now going to nursing school, and Kima congratulates her on that), Shardene says she'll be happy, on Kima and Lester's behalf, to call up an old friend of hers, who dances at a place called "Nightshift" where some Russian women danced.

Nathan finishes her examination of Bunk, and Phelan recesses the court for 10 minutes, adding he wants closing arguments so that tomorrow, he can begin jury instructions. [=McNulty=] comes in at this, and asks Nathan how Omar did, clarifying he missed Levy's cross-examination. Nathan, in a very good mood, indicates Levy, who's grumpily putting his papers in his briefcase and slamming it shut.

That night, Nick is in the back of a car, watching Sergei stand up to Cheese. The two of them eventually go their separate ways, and Sergei comes back to the car, telling Nick they now only owe the original principal, and it will come from value of the car. Sergei adds they know Cheese's boss.

Cheryl, upset, is sitting on her couch as Kima prepares to go out. Kima is incredulous that Cheryl is [[GreenEyedMonster jealous]], and tells her, "I know you don't think I'm going down to that club just to look at pussy." Cheryl, in turn, reminds Kima of [[Recap/TheWireS02E01EbbTide her promise not to do street work anymore]]. Kima says [[Recap/TheWireS02E04HardCases they talked about this already]], but Cheryl, shooting Kima a DeathGlare, says Kima did all the talking. Kima says nothing and puts her gun flap on, whereupon Cheryl decides she's going with Kima.

Frank's running a meeting of the stevedores at the hall, and tells them the grain pier is in the budget, but they weren't able to get the canal drained yet. One of them asks Frank where he has the money to lobby, and Frank says, "[[DeadpanSnarker I been robbing liquor stores, two a week.]]" After everyone laughs, Frank seriously says the national office has been helping them, and they also received some donations from "a few friends". Nick says the grain pier should be up next year, and they should get more business. Nat says it's a big if, and Frank concedes it depends on whether [[Recap/TheWireS02E02CollateralDamage Andy Krawczyk gets his condos built there first]]. Nat reminds everyone they need to make some noise with the legislature, and everyone gives a hearty cheer to that. As the meeting breaks up, Nat asks Frank about those "donations", and tells him to watch himself.

At the detail office, Beadie, Bunk, Daniels and Lester are gathered round a computer, and Beadie shows everyone the can the dead women were in, and disputes Frank's claim about cans getting lost in the system all the time. Lester suggests they look for a pattern of cans disappearing.

Cheryl, Kima, and Prez walk through Nightshift, and Cheryl and Kima are amused at how discomfited Prez is, and Prez admits while he's been to strip clubs before, it's never been with women, which also amuses them. In a dressing room, Kima and Prez asks Shardene's friend about the Russian women; Shardene's friend says the last batch was there about six months ago, replacing most of the other dancers (except for her, because she had clientele); she adds they couldn't speak English, were basically kept under lock and key, a madam was there to make sure they didn't step out of line (one was tasered just for going across the street for dinner), and if one got too close to the johns, all of the women would be moved. Another dancer tells Shardene's friend (who's been making herself up all this time) she's on, and Kima says she'll say hello to Shardene for her. Shardene's friend, excited, wonders if Shardene landed a "rich one". She notices Cheryl, who's looking sullen again, and when she confirms Cheryl and Kima are together, adds, "I wouldn't let mine come in here either without me. These bitches are no joke." She leaves, and Cheryl continues to glare.

D'Angelo is in his cell, looking at his books and a picture of his son. He then takes the drugs he has left, and flushes them down the toilet.

In the detail office, Lester looks through a printout while Beadie, yawning, stares at the computer screen.

Kima has taken Cheryl to part of the waterfront where crates are stored, and describes what conditions the women who died were living under. Cheryl is in no mood to hear, and takes off.

The next day the jury finds Bird guilty, and as Bunk, [=McNulty=] and Omar watch from the back, Judge Phelan says he'll schedule a sentencing hearing for next month. As Bunk, [=McNulty=] and Omar file out, Levy tries to say he has grounds for appeal, given that Omar perjured himself, and asks for an appeal bond so Bird will be out of jail to "cooperate with his appeal", but Judge Phelan is having none of it:

->'''Judge Phelan:''' An appeal bond on a conviction of first degree murder?! Mr. Levy, get a grip on yourself! Not only will there be no bond pending sentencing, but as far as I'm concerned, the pre-sentencing report is a mere formality. Mr. Hilton has been found guilty of [[Recap/TheWireS01E01TheTarget killing a state's witness who testified in this very courtroom.]] He did so in cold blood, and for pay. Unless the pre-sentence report indicates that he is, in fact, the Messiah come again, he will very likely be sentenced to life, no parole, by a Baltimore judge who, for once in his life, gets to leave his office feeling that his job actually matters. Mr. Hilton, are you the [[SecondComing second coming]] of our savior?
->'''Bird:''' Excuse me?
->'''Judge Phelan:''' Are you Jesus Christ come back to earth?
->'''Bird:''' (''confused'') Um...
->'''Judge Phelan:''' (''bangs his gavel'') See you at sentencing.

As Levy stalks off, Bird, still confused, gets escorted out.

Outside the courtroom, Nathan happily greets Bunk and [=McNulty=], and offers Omar a GetOutOfJailFreeCard, which will work for anything up to aggravated assault. Omar thanks her, and Nathan says it was her pleasure. As she takes off, [=McNulty=] sees Bird being led away by a bailiff, and tells the others it's time for the "ceremonial eyefuck." As Bird is being led past them, Omar wags his tie at him, Bird yells at what he'll do to Omar if Omar gets in prison, and Omar reminds him about [[Recap/TheWireS01E06TheWire Brandon]]. [=McNulty=] comes up behind Omar, and asks, "You really see him shoot the man?", to which Omar replies, "You really asking?"

In the prison library, a group of cons, including D'Angelo, are discussing ''Literature/TheGreatGatsby''. D'Angelo says he thinks what Fitzgerald meant by "there are no second acts in life" is that the past is always with them, and "what came first is who you really are, and what happened before is what really happened." He adds Gatsby pretended to have read all the books he owned, but probably didn't read any of them, and because he wasn't ready to get real with his story, "that shit caught up to him."

Beadie, Bunk and Lester are still at the computer, but nothing's happening.

[=McNulty=]'s on the boat, which is docked, staring at the picture of his floater. Diggins comes up and asks him if court is done for him. [=McNulty=] says it is, but he has one last piece of business, and then he's "retired". Diggins shakes his head.

In front of a store called John's Radio and Television, Sergei cautions Nick, "Talk when I say, not before." They walk into the store, and Proposition Joe is sitting in back, surrounded by henchmen. He and Sergei greet each other warmly, and after some small talk (Sergei flatters Proposition Joe by claiming he lost weight, and says he worries about him because American supermarkets "are cathedrals", while Proposition Joe says he can get behind "that other thing" in a big way, and Sergei promises they'll talk about that later), they get down to business. Proposition Joe summarizes that Cheese is still owed money; Nick says he'll pay the money, but adds again [[Recap/TheWireS02E05Undertow Ziggy's car was burned]], and the worth of the car is more than enough to pay Cheese's debt. Proposition Joe doesn't look happy, but at a nod from Sergei, he agrees to the deal, though he tells Nick and Ziggy to keep their distance from Cheese. Nick thanks him for being straight, but Proposition Joe scoffs, "If it wasn't for Sergei here, you and your cuz would both be cadaverous motherfuckers." Nick leaves.

At the morgue, Frazier tells a despondent [=McNulty=] that he did all he could, but his floater now has to go to the Anatomy Board the next morning. [=McNulty=] says it isn't right, and Frazier responds, "What the fuck ever is?"

Brianna is visiting D'Angelo in prison, letting him know Avon is working to have D'Angelo's sentence reduced, but D'Angelo doesn't care. He brings up [[Recap/TheWireS02E03HotShots Avon having the drugs spiked]], and also reminds her [[Recap/TheWireS01E13Sentencing she told him to carry the years]], so that's what he's doing. Brianna says she wants him home, and is upset he's not listening to her, and D'Angelo reminds her of when he was six or seven, getting threatened by bullies, and instead of letting him into the house, she told him to fight them, and she remembers he got his ass kicked. D'Angelo tells her to tell Avon, Donette and Stringer to leave him alone, and he'll take the years. Brianna cries a single tear as D'Angelo stands up, hangs up the phone, and leaves, while another prisoner watches.

At the detail office, Lester is playing with the same tennis ball Bunk was earlier, although it keeps heading towards Bunk. Bunk decides he's had enough for the day, and says he needs a drink.

At the Clement Street bar, Frank enters, orders a round for the bar, and chuckles when Horseface starts the story of a checker with a harelip who got hurt on the job. All the older stevedores, along with Delores, laugh at the story, while Ziggy sits at the bar, brooding. Nick comes up and gives him money. Ziggy complains it's less than the car is worth, but Nick tells him to cram it. Changing moods, Ziggy orders a round for the bar, saying if Frank can do it, he can. Frank is none too happy about this, especially when he sees Ziggy light a cigarette with a $100 bill, and leaves.

Beadie and Lester are still at the detail office, and Beadie says she's located 22 questionable containers with one thing in common; Horseface was working on the ship. Lester says they can tell Bunk tomorrow, and he's indisposed...

...[[DescriptionCut and Bunk is with [=McNulty=] by the tracks again]], and they're both drunk, but Bunk especially. Bunk confirms he's with Daniels' detail, but all of the homicides are on him, and he can't take it. He pulls out his revolver, and [=McNulty=] is afraid he'll shoot something or someone, but Bunk only pretends to do so. He asks after [=McNulty=], who tells him he's getting back with Elena, and he's done fucking himself up. He's also not sure why he even bothered with his floater, except to try and prove he was still real police. He tells Bunk they should go home.

Ziggy walks out of the bar, only to find Frank waiting for him. Frank notices [[Recap/TheWireS02E05Undertow Ziggy's bruises from being beat up by Cheese]], and asks about them, but Ziggy doesn't respond. Frank makes Ziggy walk with him, and angrily asks what's up with Ziggy lighting $100 bills like they were nothing. Ziggy says it was a joke, and tells Frank to go ahead and [[Recap/TheWireS02E04HardCases hit him again]]. Frank apologizes for Ziggy not getting more days, but Ziggy says he understands, and he remembers Frank and other relatives arguing about which crew was better, as well as some of the actions they took. Frank grins at the memory, asks what they're still doing out with the wharf rats, and says they should get home.

At the detail office the next day, Beadie and Lester tell Daniels what they learned; Bunk tries to contribute, but is concentrating more on [[CantHoldHisLiquor trying to keep from throwing up]], and Daniels, in disgust, gives him a waste basket. Lester tries to get Daniels to take on the murders, but Daniels is having none of it, though he's receptive to Beadie and Lester's idea of cloning a computer.

In a prison hallway, Avon passes D'Angelo, and turns to him, but D'Angelo ignores him. Avon calls D'Angelo's name, and D'Angelo does turn around, but looks at him coldly, and Avon in turn stares in shock as D'Angelo walks away.

[=McNulty=] and Elena are having dinner at a nice restaurant, and Elena notes he's just drinking wine. [=McNulty=] says again he wants to turn his life around, cutting down on drinking, letting the job get to him, and even screwing around. Elena admits she no longer wants to be angry with him, but when [=McNulty=] asks for another chance, offers him a "fuck for the road instead"...

...[[DescriptionCut which they do sometime later.]]

At the loading dock, Vondas and Eton inspect the merchandise, and are satisfied. Nick tells Vondas they need to make it look like the place was hijacked, which Vondas agrees to. Vondas in turn offers Nick a choice; he can either get paid entirely in cash, or in heroin, which Nick can sell off. Johnny Fifty, who's with them, says he's out if the latter happens, but Ziggy excitedly says they can make a lot of money selling the drugs. Nick [[TakeAThirdOption says he'll take his payment half in cash, and half in drugs]]. Vondas nods, and Ziggy looks excited, but as he and Nick walk off, Nick tells Ziggy in no uncertain terms he's handling the drugs, and Ziggy can stay out of it. Ziggy looks upset.

The next morning, [=McNulty=]'s in Elena's kitchen, reading the paper. Elena comes down, and [=McNulty=] thinks they can be together for the day, even with the kids, but Elena says she wants [=McNulty=] to leave, and doesn't even want the kids to know he was there. [=McNulty=]'s face falls as Elena goes back upstairs.

In the prison library, D'Angelo is re-shelving books with another inmate, who points out the cover is torn off of a book. D'Angelo says he'll fix it in the back room. The inmate who was in the visitor's lounge when Briana was visiting watches D'Angelo go into the back room, and follows. Once inside, he asks for D'Angelo's help. D'Angelo says if he goes back outside, and waits, D'Angelo would be happy to help. Once D'Angelo turns around, the other inmate comes up behind D'Angelo and starts to strangle him with a belt. D'Angelo struggles, but to no avail, and collapses. The other inmate drags D'Angelo over to the door, tightens the belt around D'Angelo's neck, and ties the other part to the doorknob to make it look like suicide. He then leaves, and D'Angelo slumps over, dead.

This episode contains examples of:

* WhamEpisode: Thanks to D'Angelo's murder.

Back in the courtroom, Levy is cross-examining Omar. After establishing Omar isn't here because of a deal he made with police in exchange for his testimony, Levy asks how many times he's been arrested. Omar admits it's so many he doesn't remember, though he doesn't take them personally. Levy starts reading Omar's rap sheet, and Omar is fine until Levy reads off an "attempted murder" charge, and claims it wasn't attempted murder; "I shot that boy Mike-Mike in his hind parts." As [[ActuallyPrettyFunny the jurors and even Judge Phelan chuckle]], Levy asks why, and Omar said he merely was looking to rob the man of his stash. Levy makes clear Omar robs drug dealers (which Omar agrees with), and calls him the kind of person who would, without provocation, kill someone like Gant. Omar protests [[NeverHurtAnInnocent he's never put his gun on no citizen]], but Levy is just getting warmed up:

The next day, in the courtroom, as Bunk, [=McNulty=] and Omar watch from the back, Judge Phelan says he'll schedule a sentencing hearing the next month. As Bunk, [=McNulty=] and Omar file out, Levy tries to say he has grounds for appeal, given that Omar perjured himself, and asks for an appeal bond, but Judge Phelan is having none of it:

->'''Judge Phelan:''' Not only will there be no bond pending sentencing, but as far as I'm concerned, the pre-sentencing report is a mere formality. Mr. Hilton has been found guilty of [[Recap/TheWireS01E01TheTarget killing a state's witness who testified in this very courtroom.]] He did so in cold blood, and for pay. Unless the pre-sentence report indicates that he is, in fact, the Messiah come again, he will very likely be sentenced to life, no parole, by a Baltimore judge who, for once in his life, gets to leave his office feeling that his job actually matters. Mr. Hilton, are you the [[SecondComing second coming]] of our savior?

Outside the courtroom, Nathan happily greets Bunk and [=McNulty=], and offers Omar a GetOutOfJailFreeCard, which will work for anything up to aggravated assault. Omar thanks her, and Nathan says it was her pleasure. As she takes off, [=McNulty=] sees Bird being led, and tells the others it's time for the "ceremonial eyefuck." As Bird is being led past them, Omar wags his tie at him, Bird yells at what he'll do to Omar if Omar gets in prison, and Omar reminds him of [[Recap/TheWireS01E06TheWire Brandon]]. [=McNulty=] comes up behind Omar, and asks, "You really see him shoot the man?", to which Omar replies, "You really asking?"

* OutOfCharacterMoment: The normally crude Herc actually being polite and shy when asking Beadie if she'd like to get a cup of coffee with him.
-->'''Carver:''' "[[SarcasmMode Yo, I'm Thomas. You want a coffee?]]"

->'''Omar:''' I robs drug dealers.

At the loading dock, Vondas and Eton inspect the merchandise, and are satisfied. Nick tells Vondas [[GenreSavvy they need to make it look like the place was hijacked]], which Vondas agrees to. Vondas in turn offers Nick a choice; he can either get paid entirely in cash, or in heroin, which Nick can sell off. Johnny Fifty, who's with them, says he's out if the latter happens, but Ziggy excitedly says they can make a lot of money selling the drugs. Nick [[TakeAThirdOption says he'll take his payment half in cash, and half in drugs]]. Vondas nods, and Ziggy looks excited, but as he and Nick walk off, Nick tells Ziggy in no uncertain terms he's handling the drugs, and Ziggy can stay out of it. Ziggy looks upset.

In a waiting room, Omar sits with a Baltimore sheriff, who's struggling with a crossword puzzle. Omar asks about it, and the sheriff confesses while he knows [[ClassicalMythology Mars is the Roman god of war]], he doesn't know who the Greek one is. Omar supplies the answer; "Ares". The sheriff thanks him, and Omar accepts the compliment. A court officer comes to tell Omar he's up; Omar, who's wearing his old high school jacket (black with a red collar), pulls out a tie from his jacket pocket, puts it on, and walks out.

* HiddenDepths: ClassicalMythology was one of Omar's favorite subjects in school.

Cheryl, upset, is sitting on her couch as Kima prepares to go out. Kima is incredulous that Cheryl is [[GreenEyedMonster jealous]], and tells her, "I know you don't think I'm going down to that club just to look at pussy." Cheryl, in turn, reminds Kima of [[Recap/TheWireS02E01EbbTide not to do street work anymore]]. Kima says [[Recap/TheWireS02E04HardCases they talked about this already]], but Cheryl, shooting Kima a DeathGlare, says Kima did all the talking. Kima says nothing and puts her gun flap on, whereupon Cheryl decides she's going with Kima.

->'''Omar:''' (''interrupting'') [[CrowningMomentOfAwesome Just like you, man.]]

->'''Judge Phelan:''' Not only will there be no bond pending sentencing, but as far as I'm concerned, the pre-sentencing report is a mere formality. Mr. Hilton has been found guilty of [[Recap/TheWireS01E01TheTarget killing a state's witness who testified in this very courtroom.]] He did so in cold blood, and for pay. Unless the pre-sentence report indicates that he is, in fact, the Messiah come again, he will very likely be sentenced to life, no parole, by a Baltimore judge who, for once in his life, gets to leave his office feeling that his job actually matters. Mr. Hilton, are you the second coming of our savior?

Nick greets Spiros at Little Johnny's, and Spiros introduces him to Eton (Lev Gorens), an Israeli who works with them. Spiros asks about [[Recap/TheWireS02E04HardCases the chemicals]], and Nick says he has access, but there's a problem, and he tells them about [[Recap/TheWireS02E05Undertow Ziggy's problem with Cheese]], including the fact Cheese asked for double the amount Ziggy owed him. Spiros offers to have him killed, but Nick says it's not a good idea, because (a) Ziggy did legitimately screw up, and (b) if they kill Cheese, it could come back on Nick and Ziggy. Spiros compliments Nick on his smarts, and agrees to give him the muscle to help with the problem.

->'''Omar:''' (''interrupting'') Just like you, man.

At the loading dock, Spiros and Eton inspect the merchandise, and are satisfied. Nick tells Spiros they need to make it look like the place was hijacked, which Spiros agrees to. Spiros in turn offers Nick a choice; he can either get paid entirely in cash, or in heroin, which Nick can sell off. Johnny Fifty, who's with them, says he's out if the latter happens, but Ziggy excitedly says they can make a lot of money selling the drugs. Nick [[TakeAThirdOption says he'll take his payment half in cash, and half in drugs]]. Spiros nods, and Ziggy looks excited, but as he and Nick walk off, Nick tells Ziggy in no uncertain terms he's handling the drugs, and Ziggy can stay out of it. Ziggy looks upset.

* BilingualBonus: Spiros calls Ziggy a ''malaka'', which is Greek for "wanker". Nick recognizes the word, and agrees with the assessment.

Back in the courtroom, Levy is cross-examining Omar. After establishing Omar isn't here because of a deal he made with police in exchange for his testimony, Levy asks how many times he's been arrested. Omar admits it's so many he doesn't remember, though he doesn't take them personally. Levy starts reading Omar's rap sheet, and Omar is fine until Levy reads off an "attempted murder" charge, and claims it wasn't attempted murder; "I shot that boy Mike-Mike in his hind parts." As [[ActuallyPrettyFunny the jurors and even Judge Phelan chuckle]], Levy asks why, and Omar said he merely was looking to rob the man of his stash. Levy makes clear Omar robs drug dealers (which Omar agrees with), and calls him the kind of person who would, without provocation, kill someone like Gant. Omar protests [[NeverHurtAnInnocent he's never put his gun on no citizen", but Levy is just getting warmed up:

** Bunk says, "[[Film/GoneWithTheWind Tomorrow is another goddamn day, right?]]"

* {{Foreshadowing}}: Nick's decision to take a payment in drugs, and sell those drugs.

** One of the books D'Angelo has in his cell is ''Literature/{{Frankenstein}}''.

In the prison library, a group of cons, including D'Angelo, are discussing ''Literature/TheGreatGatsby''.

* {[Foreshadowing}}: Nick's decision to take a payment in drugs, and sell those drugs.

* ShoutOut: The D.C. contact Stringer meets says D.C. is now known as "Drama City". George Pelecanos, a staff writer on ''Series/TheWire'', lives in D.C. and has written several novels set there, including one called ''Drama City''.

Cheryl, upset, is sitting on her couch as Kima prepares to go out.

Back in the courtroom, Levy is cross-examining Omar. After establishing Omar isn't here because of a deal he made with police in exchange for his testimony, Levy asks how many times he's been arrested. Omar admits it's so many he doesn't remember, though he doesn't take them personally. Levy starts reading Omar's rap sheet, and Omar is fine until Levy reads off an "attempted murder" charge, and claims it wasn't attempted murder; "I shot that boy Mike-Mike in his hind parts." As the jurors and even Judge Phelan chuckle, Levy asks why, and Omar said he merely was looking to rob the man of his stash. Levy makes clear Omar robs drug dealers (which Omar agrees with), and calls him the kind of person who would, without provocation, kill someone like Gant. Omar protests [[NeverHurtAnInnocent he's never put his gun on no citizen", but Levy is just getting warmed up:

* CutHisHeartOutWithASpoon: Bird threatens to "rip your (Omar's) heart out (his) goddamn chest!"

->'''Omar:''' [[NotSoDifferent I got the shotgun, you got the briefcase.]] [[ArcWords It's all in the game, though, right?

[=McNulty=] enters the courtroom and sits behind Stringer just as Nathan is asking Omar if he can see the person who shot Gant. Omar points to Bird and identifies him (Nathan, of course, calls him "Mr. Hilton", though [[OnlyKnownByTheirNickname Omar says it's just "Bird" to him]]). Nathan asks if Omar knew Bird before the shooting, and Omar is starting to say he knew Bird from jail when Levy objects, and asks to approach, which Phelan grants. As the two of them and Nathan confer, [=McNulty=] leans up to Stringer and whispers, "Quite a witness, ain't he?" Stringer, unruffled, turns around and says the word on the street is Omar was actually in the east side sticking up another crew. [=McNulty=] points out they're not on the street, but in a court of law, and leans back, happy.