David Simon's legendary status in Baltimore continues to open doors for creators. On SmartLess, actor Jon Bernthal recounted how Simon's reputation granted him unprecedented access while filming the follow-up series We Own This City. Bernthal explained that entering the city with "the street cred of, of David Simon" was an instant icebreaker.
According to Bernthal, The Wire is "required watching" for everyone on the ground, including local law enforcement. "Like the cops that I know in Baltimore, they watch that every year to remind them that it's not personal, it's business," Bernthal shared, highlighting how Simon's nuanced writing bridges deep cultural divides.
Co-host Will Arnett pushed the conversation toward the moral ambiguity that defines Simon's projects, focusing on Bernthal's portrayal of corrupt cop Wayne Jenkins. Arnett observed that Jenkins is "a very compromised character" who likely started out believing he was doing the right thing before going rogue.
As Simon's body of work continues to serve as both a cultural touchstone and an educational tool for real-world police, his legacy as television's premier chronicler of American decay remains unchallenged. Future productions aiming for Baltimore's gritty realism will inevitably have to reckon with the massive shadow he still casts over the city.