It is fun being a member of a cult. In the summer of 2002, while enjoying a beer with some friends, discussion turned to a new television series on HBO called “The Wire.” This police drama set in Baltimore, Maryland, was described as a realistic and gritty portrayal of the drug war fought on the streets of that city. I gave it a look and initially was unimpressed. It was entertaining, but other than some on-air sex and foul language, there was little to distinguish it from many other shows. Then came the fourth episode.

Detectives “Bunk” Moreland and Jimmy McNulty, portrayed by actors Wendell Pierce and Dominic West, return to a murder scene, where a woman tangentially involved in drugs was shot and killed. It was believed to be a random shooting. Armed only with crime scene reports and photos, the detectives recreate the crime. For five minutes, the only word uttered as they do their work is a four-letter epithet that can only be spoken on cable television. Yet the word is accompanied by knowing looks, facial expressions and inflections that speak volumes. At the end of the scene, I knew that I had seen a performance the likes of which I had not previously witnessed. I was now hooked on “The Wire.”

"Since the conclusion of the series, fans have been clamoring for one more season. In many respects, by reminding us how this rich and elaborate show came to be, ALL THE PIECES MATTER helps fill that void."

The show would run for five seasons, each covering different parts of Baltimore life, but returning to themes related to the social, political and economic life of an American city. The series concluded in 2008. Cable television allows it to remain on HBO, and “Wire” cultists are everywhere. Spotting a “Wire” alum on television or in a movie recalls his or her previous role in the Baltimore drama. On a daily basis, “Wire” references are made on radio and television. A Chicago White Sox baseball announcer proudly slips them into his play-by-play broadcasts. Even if you have never seen a single episode, you might have a connection. Phrases like “true dat” and “feel me” have become a part of everyday urban slang.

Jonathan Abrams’ ALL THE PIECES MATTER is a comprehensive oral biography of what many would argue is the greatest television show in history. But the book is not only for “Wire” devotees. Abrams uses an interview process with every major player in the creation and production of the show to provide readers with remarkable insight into the art and business of television. Not only do the actors tell us what went into the creation of their characters, the directors, producers and writers offer insight into assembling this masterpiece of entertainment. Bringing “The Wire” to the small screen was almost as complex and difficult as the episodes presented to viewers. And the same descriptions for those episodes --- relentless, painstaking and often quite humorous --- also can be applied to this biography.

The actors themselves paint the most vivid portrait of the show, its meaning and the reason why it is taught in colleges across the nation on subjects ranging from film theory to criminal justice and urban government. Dominic West, who portrayed Jimmy McNulty and gave up his English accent to play the role, recalls how the show struggled to gain a foothold with viewers. When he would visit England, he would tell his friends, “I’m doing this little show that you wouldn’t have heard of, and sure enough, they hadn’t.” But a few years later, Andre Royo, who played Bubbles, went to a store for donuts. “I see in the paper we’re known as one of the greatest shows ever. I’m like holy sh--. When did that happen?”

Drugs and crime were the common themes of “The Wire,” but other issues were focused upon throughout its run. There was a political campaign for mayor of Baltimore where the white candidate split the African-American vote. An episode featured four young actors, who barely seemed to be acting, playing young disadvantaged boys attempting to beat the odds that point to adult lives of violence and prison. Every season is about despair and loss, but there remains some hope and a refusal to surrender.

Since the conclusion of the series, fans have been clamoring for one more season. In many respects, by reminding us how this rich and elaborate show came to be, ALL THE PIECES MATTER helps fill that void.