The Wire

The sad, unconscious bigotry of the liberal enclaves of Los Angeles.

• By Tamara Shayne Kagel

Critics who champion TV's high-quality renaissance elevate the status of niche shows at the expense of those appreciated by "mass," lower-class audiences.

• By Noah Berlatsky

An old American obsession—the rogue detective's urge to crack the case—finds a new outlet.

• By Peter C. Baker

Public health wonks have figured out how to influence Hollywood writers: Don't call them, they'll call you.

• By Maggie Gram

Expanding on the Situational Crime Prevention theory that making crimes harder or less appealing to commit will make them less likely to occur, two criminologists make the case for "providing opportunities" for would-be criminals to commit their acts legally and safely.

• By Lauren Kirchner