The interview I saw with Simon, they asked him what did he consider to be unrealistic about The Wire. His response was that they needed to simplify the organization on the drug side. The reality was more complex, and groups were usually much, much smaller, but to make it work for the show they simplified into larger cartels the audience would be able to remember.
As for the non-drug side, well, let me say this. I went to college with a number of people from the DC political circuit, and they would get together each week to watch The Wire and drink and laugh. The reason for their laughter? They personally knew the people in the show that the characters were quietly depicting, and would find their portrayals accurate or hilarious. There were more than a few articles that came out when the series first aired of local noteworthies accusing The Wire of slander, to which The Wire's writing team would respond: "What made you think you were this character?"
But yes, ultimately I agree with you. The Wire is a fiction intended to be very close to reality, to make a point about the state of that reality. I think one of the major points, is the one I wrote above.
As for the non-drug side, well, let me say this. I went to college with a number of people from the DC political circuit, and they would get together each week to watch The Wire and drink and laugh. The reason for their laughter? They personally knew the people in the show that the characters were quietly depicting, and would find their portrayals accurate or hilarious. There were more than a few articles that came out when the series first aired of local noteworthies accusing The Wire of slander, to which The Wire's writing team would respond: "What made you think you were this character?"
But yes, ultimately I agree with you. The Wire is a fiction intended to be very close to reality, to make a point about the state of that reality. I think one of the major points, is the one I wrote above.