urbanism

I don't know, I'd push back on that a little. While Herc, Carver, and the other ones that Daniels immediately points out as being thumbs are all portrayed as incompetent, negligent, etc. McNulty is portrayed as a POS/egomaniac but "good police" regardless. Then you have to admit the show definitely glorifies Greggs, the only negative bit about her (by season 2) is how she risks herself too much for her partner's liking, which is just heroism propaganda by another name. I know I'm only 1 season in, but as of yet the show goes more in the "cops are a necessary evil that need some reform" direction than something more radical, leaving itself some space to criticize other institutions like the FBI and criminal justice system but not pressing too hard on cops as the footsoldiers of white supremacy and capital. It portrays all of the higher-ups as corrupt self-serving cynics, but that's how small government CHUDS already think things are like in all cities, it's not a radical view at all.

It's still a good show regardless btw (so far), and moralizing via media discourse is insane, obviously there's more value to engaging with media that you disagree with actively and critically rather than mindlessly watching video essays you 100% agree with. Treats delenda est etc etc.