McNulty decides it is time to reassess his pursuit of Stringer Bell and what to do with his life. Carcetti realizes that Gray knows about his plans to run for Mayor. Avon gets ready to go to war against Marlo.

original airdate--December 19,2004

music--Theme song--"Way Down In the Hole" by Domaje

1. Ride of the Valkyries by Wagner
2. Fast Train by Solomon Burke
3. Drop It Like It's Hot by Snoop Dogg & Pharrell Williams

Epigraph--"...we fight on that lie". - Slim Charles 

Slim Charles uses this phrase to convince Avon Barksdale of the need to see their war with Marlo Stanfield through to the finish now that it is underway.