Q: I cried when Dukie gives Prez that little smile from behind the new computer. I guess I'm too invested.
I know you're going to break my heart. I hate you and your ex-cop, ex-teacher partner. [Sandee]A: Don't hate the writers. Hate the actor. That was Jermaine's smile, after all.
Q: Are Marlo and Chris based upon real-life characters? Were they that cold? What about De'Londa and Brianna? Is there a real 'Bunny'? Is that Snoop's sister in class? [Pu, R.G., Linda in Florida, T. Turner]
A: There was one particularly sociopathic dealer that Mr. Burns prosecuted who was regarded by even his contemporaries as too ruthless, too calculating to be trusted in certain situations. He was like a rare, unstable element that could not bond with allies for any length of time -- a prideful, cold player who valued his reputation even more than wealth or creature comforts. So yes, there is a model. But he is not all of Marlo -- and that man's chief lieutenant and enforcer, though lethal, is not all of Chris. Those characters are informed by other Baltimore players, by fiction, and of course, by the talents and choices of Jamie and Gbenga.
I will say this though: The murder of the security guard actually happened at a store on W. North Avenue and involved the very crew described above. Over disrespect and little more. So, yes, they could be cold.
Same logic with De'Londa and Brianna. They are based on aspects of several real-life people, adding in fiction and the work of two fine actresses as well. All of these performances are a composite -- a reflection of real Baltimoreans, wholesale fictions and the talents of the people portraying the characters.
There was a popular BPD lieutenant with the nickname of Bunny. He was white, though. In some respects, Bunny Colvin reflects Ed Burns' affection for his first commander, Capt. Dennis Mello, who was commander of the Western when Ed was assigned there as a patrolman in 1972. But again, Robert Wisdom has as much to say as Ed's memories and the intentions of various writers.
Snoop's sister may or may not be in Namond's class. The reason that Namond uttered that line about her sister being in class, using Snoop's name, as well as the previous line of "Sure, Chris, we'll bump" was to affirm to the gangsters that they were known to all the boys, thereby discouraging them from doing anything to Michael. In leaving Michael, Namond was calling out Chris and Snoop and saying: "If something bad happens to Mike, we know you." It's for that reason that Michael, on rejoining Namond later, thanks him: "Good looking out."
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