[Albion Wilde]

The Wire. Great show. Gives a scary look at B’more.

I read a news story years ago that attributed, to the first TV run of "Seinfeld" show ('89 - '98), a lower crime rate and more confidence among the New York City public for going out at night. The show displayed people of all ages enjoying the sidewalks, theaters, stores, restaurants, etc -- the city was a positive character in the show. Giuliani's tenure ('94 - '01) was responsible for a huge improvement; but the article implied that the improvements began earlier.

Other studies have shown, and it's only logical, that negative media images also breed more fear and crime. Most shows in which the city is a character are horrifying.

Cold Case = Philadelphia
CSI New York
CSI Miami (it has become terribly violent)
Flashpoint = Toronto
Law and Order = NY
Southland = LA
Sopranos = Northern NJ

[fleagle]

That's interesting. I lived in NYC during much of Rudy's time and I'll tell ya, the man accomplished some remarkable things in that city. It was a pleasure to live there at that time.

And I can see how a show like Seinfeld would help. It was a great show and made people interested not just in the characters, but in the city as well. After watching way too many episodes of The Wire, I'd consider moving to Baltimore about at much as I'd consider moving to Trenton...or Camden...or North Philly...so I can also see how shows like that may be chock full of gritty realism, but there is a price the city pays for that.