[It] dealt with issues that are systematic and problematic in the real world.
Here are some things even die-hard fans may not know about the series.
Dominic West sat out most of season 4 for his daughter
West, who played Det.
Crown Archetype
When I looked at my hand I had a little vial of some drugs, says Royo.
I call it my street Oscar.
Idris Elba was the drinking-game king
J.D.
Paul Schiraldi/HBO
We poured a couple bottles of Henny and started doing shots, says Elba.
I dont remember how he got under the table.
Confirms West: Idris is a big man.
Paul Schiraldi/HBO
He can drink his drink.
They were on us about the words, man, says Wendell Pierce, who portrayed wisecracking Det.
All the pieces matter was the mantra.
Deadline/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock
[David Simon] was very exact about the dialogue.
It never offered answers, but it urged us to at least pay attention."
Larrt Riley/HBO
Paul Schiraldi/HBO
