A tribute to one of the smartest TV shows of all time — Bay Area artist Elliot Lim's new take on The Wire's intro reminds us the show is still as relevant as ever.

Missing HBO’s The Wire? Check out this quick animation Elliot Lim designed and edited for his favourite show.

Featuring a bluesy version of the show’s opening theme ‘Way Down in the Hole‘, sung by The Blind Boys of Alabama, the video takes you through the tough streets of Baltimore. It’s full of angular lines and weird perspective flips.

The Wire aired 2002-2008 and was written by David Simon. The show centres on the War on Drugs in the U.S., with each season looking at a different institution and its connection to crime, law enforcement and the drug trade.

With an eye to police corruption, race, and political spin, the show has taken on a new life since Black Lives Matter, the death of Freddie Gray, and mass protests in Baltimore.

Check out more of Elliot Lim’s work.

Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Latest on Huck

“I refuse to accept child poverty is a normal part of our society”: Apsana Begum MP on voting to scrap the cap
Activism

“I refuse to accept child poverty is a normal part of our society”: Apsana Begum MP on voting to scrap the cap

After seeking to “enhance” the King’s Speech by voting for the scrapping of the controversial two child benefit cap, the MP for Poplar and Limehouse lost the Labour Whip.

Written by: Apsana Begum

Is skateboarding really a subculture anymore?
Outdoors

Is skateboarding really a subculture anymore?

With skate’s inclusion in the Olympics, Kyle Beachy asks what it means for the culture around the sport, and whether it’s possible to institutionalise an artform.

Written by: Kyle Beachy

Autism cannot be cured — stop trying
Activism

Autism cannot be cured — stop trying

A questionable study into the ‘reversal’ of autism does nothing but reinforce damaging stereotypes and harm, argues autistic author Jodie Hare.

Written by: Jodie Hare

Bristol Photo Festival returns for second edition
Photography

Bristol Photo Festival returns for second edition

After the success of it’s inaugural run, the festival returns this autumn with exhibitions, education and community programmes exploring a world in constant motion through still image.

Written by: Ben Smoke

Documenting the life of a New York gang leader paralysed by gun violence
Photography

Documenting the life of a New York gang leader paralysed by gun violence

New photobook ‘Say Less’ is a complex yet humanising look into a life wrecked by gun violence and organised crime.

Written by: Isaac Muk

The woman who defined 80s Hip Hop photography
Photography

The woman who defined 80s Hip Hop photography

A new exhibition brings together Janette Beckman’s visionary and boundary pushing images of an era of cultural change and moral panic.

Written by: Miss Rosen

Sign up to our newsletter

Issue 80: The Ziwe issue

Buy it now