The finale of any TV series tends to spark controversy, and even beloved shows like Friends faced criticism for their endings. While The Wire may not have received the same level of controversy as shows like The Sopranos or Game of Thrones, it still left the fanbase divided when it aired in 2008. However, the cast of The Wire has shared their true feelings about the final episode in a recent interview with GQ.

Wendell Pierce, who played William 'Bunk' Moreland, believed the show was something truly remarkable from the start.

On the last day of shooting, each cast member shot their final lines and felt a sense of pride in their work. They knew they had created something special that would stay with them forever.

The night before the finale shoot, Dominic West, who portrayed Jimmy McNulty, and the rest of the cast celebrated with a 100-year-old bottle of cognac. That day, emotions were running high, and Wendell was the first to address the crew, delivering a moving speech. Dominic admitted that his own speech was less than stellar, eventually leading to a cathartic moment among the cast.

Unlike other shows, The Wire's cast was kept in the dark about their characters' fates until the release of each new script.

This led to suspense and a sense of Russian Roulette for the actors. Jamie Hector, who played Marlo Stanfield, had no idea how his character's story would end. While he expected a tragic fate, the show's writer, Ed Burns, assured him that Marlo would be all right. Though initially skeptical, Jamie was pleasantly surprised when his character survived, realizing that The Wire often defied expectations.

Andre Royo, who portrayed Bubbles, was surprised by his character's longevity. He expected Bubbles to die at some point, given that the character was loosely based on a real person. Andre even approached show creator David Simon, requesting a girlfriend for Bubbles, but his request was denied.

However, when he read the script and saw Bubbles' chance to sit down with his family, he realized the simplicity and authenticity of the moment and praised David Simon for capturing it.

One of the most memorable scenes in the finale was Jimmy McNulty's faux-wake, a moment where characters honor those who have passed away. In reality, McNulty was retiring, but the scene was significant for both the characters and the show. However, filming the scene proved challenging as the cast was intoxicated and couldn't remember the lyrics to "The Body Of An American." Despite the setback, the genuine joy captured in the moment made it all the more authentic.

In conclusion, The Wire's finale may have left the fanbase divided, but for the cast, it was a culmination of hard work and dedication. The actors shared their thoughts and experiences, reflecting on the impact the show had on their lives. The Wire's finale may not have been as controversial as others, but it will always hold a special place in the hearts of those involved.