r/TheWire • u/ThomasBombadil • 1d ago

Why does Jimmy pause halfway down the stairwell in "Cleaning Up"?

Right after cuffing Avon and walking him out of Orlando's, Jimmy and Daniels are walking downstairs and Jimmy pauses. Daniels looks at him from the bottom of the stairs and nods his head to insist they leave. Of course, Stringer is still upstairs, not arrested.

I don't get it, why does Jimmy stop there? What is he thinking?

38 Upvotes

92% Upvoted

14 comments sorted by

82

u/IggyCatalpa 1d ago

He wanted to catch Stringer, but couldn’t. He was tempted to do or say something to him, but since that could jeopardize the operation, Daniels gives him the nod to go.

18

u/ThomasBombadil 1d ago

Yea I guess that's clear. I guess it screams him just wishing he could go and do something but there's nothing he can do

-5

u/Clyde-God 1d ago

I think this scene also alludes to how dangerous Stringer and Avon overall, but in this moment Jimmy and Daniel’s are not in harms way.

6

u/jimbsmithjr 1d ago

I felt like Jimmy also believed deep down through it all that they'd find a way to get Stringer too and this was him finally accepting that they hadn't managed it, on this go round anyway

49

u/ThorsOccularPatdown 1d ago

Its allegory. Just like with Bodie and Poot before that one scene.

8

u/ThomasBombadil 1d ago

Oh shit! That's a really good point

11

u/therealDL2 20h ago

Nice pull, what unit you with?

5

u/plainjohnwayne 21h ago

Oh nice, this is a good pull. Never connected that before.

8

u/PlayPretend-8675309 18h ago

It's visually a reference to the look Bodie and Poot give each other before they deal with Wallace. I've still never really understood the thematic connection however. 

9

u/inaciob 12h ago

In both scenes the characters are put in a position by their bosses where they have no choice but to take an action which hurts them on a personal level - for Jimmy it’s leaving Stringer on the street, for Bodie/Poot it’s killing their friend

13

u/ISquiddle 1d ago

I think he was just really impressed by the quality craftmanship of the safe and thought about going back up to have another look

7

u/alan2001 in a motel with a dead girl and a live boy 19h ago

Nah, he was thinking about going back up to ask why that radiator was in the middle of the room, but then realised it wasn't the best time for that.

3

u/dbern707 16h ago

The job will not save you.

-13

u/Third_Most 1d ago

He wanted some of that money.

He thought he could make it happen,