I am – Hercules!!

Son of a bitch! At Wednesday’s “Deadwood” event I specifically asked HBO Entertainment president Carolyn Stauss if there was any word on “The Wire’s” renewal, or even on when a decision might be made, and she told me no.

So guess what HBO issues Thursday afternoon:

For Immediate Release
HBO RENEWS THE WIRE,
ACCLAIMED DRAMA SERIES FROM DAVID SIMON,
WITH FOURTH SEASON TO AIR IN 2006

LOS ANGELES, March 17, 2005 – The critically acclaimed, Peabody Award-winning HBO drama series THE WIRE has been renewed for a fourth season, it was announced today by Carolyn Strauss, president, HBO Entertainment. The 12-episode fourth season will begin shooting in late 2005, with debut set for 2006. “THE WIRE just keeps getting better, so we’re delighted that David Simon and his team will be returning for another provocative season,” said Strauss. “We share the critics’ enthusiasm for this unique and challenging series, and eagerly await the new episodes.”

Created by David Simon, THE WIRE wrapped its third season last December. The first season looked at the national drug war through the microcosm of a West Baltimore housing project, and the second season focused on a longshoremen’s union and its struggle to survive. In its third season, the drama developed its portrait of a fictional Baltimore by exploring the place of the political leadership in addressing a city’s problems.

I am – Hercules!!