I feel sad that it's coming to an end—it's a good piece of cinema. We feel like actors on a mission, telling stories that need to be told. Over the years, we've formed a company that could go anywhere and do anything, any time. I think that's what we're going to miss more than anything else—being with each other. After work, we'll go to dinner together, do things together. That's unusual. That makes it hard to just walk away.
When did you realize “The Wire” was going to be something out of the ordinary, and not just another job?
I had worked on "The Corner" with David Simon, so I knew from the quality of creative team that it was going to be something special. I didn't expect the show to run this long, but I'm glad it did.
What lies ahead for Lester Freamon in season five?
When we left him in season four, Freamon was finding all these bodies. That continues in season five, and we find out who did it. And we follow the money. All I can tell you is that I find the money.
Where did the idea for Freamon's character originate?
From what I understand, most of it came from Ed Burns—and from another cop who used to work with Ed in real life on wiretaps.
Freamon is a complex and mysterious character…he makes dollhouse furniture on the side, for example. Any insight?
Lester is a widower, but you never get to see how he brought up three boys on his own after his wife died. You don't see that the dollhouse furnishings might have been something that was originally her hobby, that he later built into a business in her memory. He still wears his wedding ring.
With a lot of loose ends being tied up, what can you reveal about the final episodes of the series?
It's got a good ending. It has to be an open ending, because the life of the city is continuing. The city is Baltimore, but it could have been Detroit or Philadelphia—any city that suffers when industry goes and the working class is left behind.
What will you miss most about playing Freamon?
The detail room, learning about all that technology. And the chase. I think I'll just miss Lester period. I've learned a lot from him, like patience and observation. Lester Freamon is the man I'd like to be when I grow up.
The fifth and final season of “The Wire” premieres Sunday, Jan. 6 at 9 p.m./8c on HBO.
