In Kinder’s article, “Re-Wiring Baltimore: The Emotive Power of Systemics, Seriality, and the City,” discusses how The Wire’s systemic analysis strengthens the emotional effect it has, creating a great television series. Essentially, Kinder argues that systemic analysis is the best way to fully use the narrative power in television and deliver the most emotionally compelling performance. Although I agree with Kinder’s statement, I wonder whether an emotionally gripping piece is really enough to enact change in Baltimore and other cities.
A systemic analysis paired with an emotionally driving force does cause the audience to react, but does it effect the change Simon wants? I feel that Simon evokes emotion, but because it is driven by deep pessimism, I would argue that the audience is left feeling there is nothing they can do to fight this. Simon delivers truth, but not enough hope to drive the audience to enact change. I question whether this is the most effective way to compel viewers to help eliminate this corruption that affects Baltimore and many other cities across the country.
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