What Happens When Avon Gets Out Of Prison? The Wire Explained 

Avon: I was the king back in the old days... Slim: Thing about the old days is...

Slim ain't cut out to be no CEO

“Slim is the clear winner” My thought, “Now” The wheel is always turning and Slim is still in the game.

Wish we got one more season of the wire

Its a great day when CR drops a video!!!

Love how you use the words "flip" and "the can" showing that even though you're now discussing the wire you're still heavily influenced by the sopranos! Haha

Avon would become the Junior Soprano of The Wire.

Never clicked on something so fast in my life

"You need a Day of the Jackal type dude for that, not a rumble and tumble type dude like Slim."

End montage shows Slim talking with the greeks and fat faced rick. Ostensibly hes working as muscle for rick. When Stringer is talking to Bunny the stipulation for Stringers info was Avon only serving the remainder of his sentence. With Marlos crew gone Avon still has the connections and respect to start up his operation again.

Good points. I could see him being like Butchie or Vincent. Something like an advisor to the current players. Imagine: The Lester Freamon of the streets.

Slim is the perfect mix of String, Prop Joe and Avon. He learned from all three of them. I think Slim may be cordial to Avon out of respect but he won’t put him in any pivotal positions. The Co-Op learned their lesson from Marlo.

Avon knew his empire fell. Charles is now the plug. He's the new prop Joe. This vid makes no sense. Joe is not Avon.

The prisons run the streets. If you have power in prison you will have power on the streets

Damm i miss this show! I think i might have to binge watch it for the3rd time.

Avon is going to get the same line from Slim that Bodie got; "see the thing about the old days...is that they the old days" When Avon gets out, it'll be his turn to be "a man without a country".

Avon wouldn't want to take it off of Slim, he would understand that everyone has their time and his has ended. He would be humble about it judging by what we know about his character. Avon will survive somehow anyway, he is a bona fide hustler and would adapt as Slim did to the senior role that he previously thought was above him.

Avon will rise again.

Thais Video Made really made me Wang to rewatch the wire, i will start tomorrow !!!! Thanks

You have to remember, when Avon got busted on season 1, he has NEVER been to prison before. But when he got locked up, he instantly became the king in there.. They never showed Avon fighting anybody in Jessup to become "king", he just had it automatically 🤷🏽‍♂️.. So if killers that's serving life can step aside for Avon to be "king", why can't Slim Charles do the same??.. Avon is the king of Baltimore no matter where he goes..

Considering that Avon was influential in Jessup, what's to say that don't extend to the streets? I'm sure Avon knowing that his old crew is gone could rebuild a new crew consisting of prisoners going home. He could give them orders to go out and plant their flags on the different corners. I heard of prison gangs expanding to the outside. It's not out of the realm of possibility for Avon to do the same.

Slim Charles is loyal and would never take the lead role unless he truly inherited it. Enough said. “If it’s a lie then we fight on the lie”

The King is the King regardless, Slim would welcome him home, bring him up to speed and the two would be like the original Avon and String.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned watching The Wire it’s that life goes on, and I don’t see a scenario where the writers would have Avon exit prison only to go back to the beginning. I can see an attempt made at reestablishing himself, but the way the show is written, it’d be more interesting and realistic to see how Avon survives in a world that’s moved past him. Maybe we see what kind of man Avon truly is when he has no crown to go back to.

If Avon was released, I could see him in an advisory role to anyone (smart enough) to listen. He would still have connections in/outside of prison and his name lives/legacy on. I could see him having some type of involvement with the game, because it's all he knows and he will likely do it until his last breath. Live by the sword die by the sword etc. Just my opinion, have a good day reader :)

Slim would be smart to give the crown back to Avon. That's how he stays low key

He might think about it, but ultimately it's improbable Slim would just step aside because Avon was out. Maybe if he was already thinking about retiring, and maybe if he didn't have any captains he trusted to take over, and maybe if Avon's resources and connections outside were still powerful...but that's a lot of maybes. Unless he was desperate for something Avon could offer I don't even think Slim would want Avon in his organization in any kind of position of power. Also I think Avon would be in real danger of getting killed by somebody looking for notoriety or somebody with a grudge. Even if he has some respect, there's no way that matters to as many people when he gets out, moreso the longer he was in the can. And if the time served ends up being on the shorter side instead, there's no way he doesn't still have a few enemies.

You missed one of the key morals of the story. THE KING STAYS THE KING. Avon would more than likely be needed by the co-op to secure the Greek connect like Marlo had to do with Sergei and he would ascend to the top because it’s his connect. After rewatching season 5, I caught more context in the jail scenes between Avon and Marlo. Avon is clearly bluffing Marlo. He was notified that Marlo had been sending canteen money to Sergei and it caught his attention to who Sergei may be. He likely sat down with Sergei who then told him he doesn’t know Marlo and so Avon does some digging and finds out who Sergei is and why Marlo would be so interested in him. Then he sees Marlo is trying to set up a visit and tells Sergei to sit this one out and let him see what’s what (of course to flex and remind him who is really on top). I figure Marlo also peeps Avon’s bluff by how he looks and replies “oh really?” when Avon says Sergei’s been coming to him asking him who Marlo is. But because he knows Avon has the upper hand at the moment he concedes and takes the time to see what he can read about Avon like he did Stringer in their first meet up, but he can quickly deduce Avon is far from Stringer and was actually just chatting him up to size HIM up. And that 100K he charged was just the slap in the face, basically Avon telling Marlo he ain’t that impressed but he’ll work with him for a fee. And the fact he told Marlo to give it to Breonna tells this, he didn’t even need it. Breonna doesn’t mess with him so it’s not for her to hold it’s for her to have. lol. Now remember, Sergei is more familiar with Avon because they’re in jail together and he sees how Avon basically runs the prison. He’ll likely let the Greeks know that Avon is a big deal and they’d want to work with him off that merit. Also notice how Sergei was very standoffish with Marlo and did not care what he had to say until Marlo mentioned Avon was backing him, then Sergei’s *entire* demeanor changed and he looks a bit nervous then became more submissive in the conversation. Showing that Avon has left an impression on him. And Sergei is a hardened hitman for the mafia. In more ways than one those scenes were showing us THE KING STAYS THE KING. I don’t remember the show ever stating or showing that Rick and Slim Charles actually were able to secure the connect, just them speaking with the Greeks (to show who’s in charge now? I’m assuming lol). And given how much they just had to go through after losing Joe and then Marlo, I doubt the Greeks would be too keen to do any business with them right away but by the time Avon is released that may change so they’ll need Avon to secure the best connect (the Greeks). That’s how I’m thinking it would go given what the show’s shown us lol that it would likely play out the same way Marlo had to play it to get the Greek connect because just like him they’re essentially all just smart ass pawns and without a king you can’t play I can’t believe I didn’t catch everything that scene was telling us before. Or I could be looking too far into it. lol. But knowing the writers I think they intentionally showed that dynamic and left the state of the other drug dealers rather ambiguous to allude to that. Either way, damn this show is amazing 😮‍💨

I feel like Avon would get out and help cutty run the gym.

Avon Barksdale could end up cleaning his whole ack up

The king stays the king if the other king isn't really the king. If Slim stayed in contact & was making moves on behalf of Avon, he'd move over to the #2 spot. If they didn't stay in contact, then Avon would either leave the game or start a new crew. Avon has never lost respect like Marlo & Stringer.

Some people are better at being number two’s

Avon getting back in the game is more than likely because he’s the most respected out of the kingpins. People didn’t like Prop Joe because of his treachery and people didn’t like Marlo because of how much they feared him. Avon was much more respected and still feared to a degree. Honestly, it’s Avon’s choice

Well Avon would end up making a show about it once he gets out

Need the final chapter.

Can’t forget that in that montage Marlo was back in the streets

The last thing Avon is going to want to do is try to take the top spot after he'd get out. He paid very close attention when Cutty basically went through the same thing and Avon totally respected him for feeling like that. Almost like he knows deep down if it were him, that that is what he hopes he'd do.

Thing i always wonder about Avon is he's a gangster but Stringer put so much property in his and Avon's name it was prime real estate. Maybe I always hoped that Avon being very wise in the criminal sense would know his time has come and gone and his reputation is in tact. He would take all that legal money and real estate and retire out the game. Becoming like Frank Costello a mediator to listen and mentor younger players in the game.

I think Slim wouldn’t mind sharing the crown with Avon

I think Slim would keep his place at the top but I think Slim would throw Avon a lifeline of some sort out of loyalty. Slim and Avon were like minds they didn't clash like Avon did with String.

Remember that The Wire is cyclical. The war broke Avon like the joint broke Cutty. The game has to have someone willing to run the risks and Avon isn't that guy anymore. I believe he would become an OG and pass the game to the younger generation. Avon, in a way, becomes Cutty and Slim elevates to kingpin.

Things that you shared can definitely be noted. Avon might have indeed changed. After word got out that Stringer was killed and Slim sat down with him, Viewers saw Avon finally looking at the game from another perspective. Yet the one thing that makes me think it is possible that Avon at least had a hand in it all was his connection to the Greeks with the Russian Sergei. I felt it was very believable that after Slim took out Cheese, he went to Avon who arranged a meeting with the Greeks through Sergei on behalf of the Co-op. Aside from Slim, the other person whom Avon seem to be on cordial terms with in the Co-op was Fat Face Rick (whom I believe was Westside Baltimore as well). I think it is believable that Avon did what Slim suggested to Marlo that he could do. Avon along with Sergei just laid back after setting things up for Slim and Rick to sit and meet with the Greek and distribute everything to the rest of the Co-op. All of the previous definitely makes more sense when you consider how all of a sudden Slim was very inquisitive with Marlo when he said he was out of the game and how willingly and easily he took out Cheese who otherwise was the Co-op's way into getting connected with the Greeks with the money he was willing to put up. Avon was the Co-op's connection to the Greeks after Marlo got out out the game and Slim Charles help to set it up. #anothermansopinion

3:35 I feel it’s pretty obvious based on his first stint in prison that Avon would work another plan to get out in a year or 2. The level of thinking ahead he had to use in that situation shows he will get out sooner with another plan! If he gets out in less than 2 years he still will be the king as he still has brother mouzone on his side and he still has his name… in that world and that life rep and name are nearly everything. Also Slim would respect him and I feel like they could come to an agreement of sorts as they are both reasonable people… I could see Slim taking the East side and Avon taking the West I find it hard to believe Avon would be down and out if only given a couple of years. Now if he would have gone to prison for 7-15 years or something like that then there’s little chance he would be able to reclaim anything quickly or even at all… he would probably resemble Cutty

The guy that Avon was based on plays the Deacon

As soon as Avon comes back from jail he will either retain his title or pass it to Slim permanently and exit outta the game

Avon would have been a useful asset to the co-op but only if he would have been willing to fall into line and accept that violence was not always the answer.

6:00 "Up in this bitch here, he's what you might call an authority figure" 😂😂😂😂 I almost crashed

I can’t see slim turning OP to Avon, when he told bodie “respect dawg respect u don’t even know who u talking to” ..with cutty, slim has a healthy respect for the game and honorable players in it…🤴🏾✊🏾

Slim would NEVER go against Avon PERIOD!

remember slim charles said I'm not cut out to be a ceo when marlo tried to give him a top spot, so yes slim is a straight soldier peace

Maybe a turn of events leads to Avon someday joining Cutty, helping train kids to box!

Marlo and Avon are the only two kingpins that didn’t want no part in the New Day Co Op

I don't think Slim wants to be on top. That's just how things worked out.

At the very least, Avon would have to get a new crew while dodging the police, rival gangsters, and stick-up crews. Slim has own kingdom to run, he wouldn't just hand it over to Avon.

B&B didn’t have their properties confiscated from what I remember.

Slim only said he wasn’t cut out to be the CEO was to not work directly under Marlo. Slim is now the King. Slim learned from Avon and Prop Joe, and he actually was the smartest pawn. Avon will likely be like Vince or Butch once he got out.

I'd like to believe that a much older Avon, gets out of the can, and starts to fly straight. Maybe teaming up with Gus and McNulty, to make a TV series about the state of Baltimore, where Avon gets to play a wise preacher man. Also, the game is very intense, and Slim can either catch a bullet or a case, in the next 5-10 years. Even smart characters on the Wire, eventually find themselves cornered, with no option out. And Slim ain't even the begging type. Do what you feel, is all he would say to a gunman. It's very optimistic to think that any of the same faces will be in the game, once Avon does his decades.

I think that the co-op would give him a package. If he could still do his thing, he could become a senior member

The king stay the king. Avon takes the crown, no questions asked.

He goes to get a pit sanwich..lotta horse radish(medium rare) and proceeds to give it to weebey. Followed by a voucher for exotic fish

Cudnt Avon be able to cut off the co-op link from the greeks from poison if he knows he is coming out and use that as leverage over said co-op to become king again?

Avon still had connections in New York. He gave up Stringer and didn't snitch . He has a reputation. His name still means something

Sad trivia, the nephew Nathan "Bodie" Barksdale, the inspiration for Avon, Dante Barksdale was killed a few years back in Baltimore while working as a violence interrupter.. His killer was found not guilty by a jury. This ties into the comment about people not respecting what happened yesterday.

I always said a movie could be made of what happens when Avon got out. It should have happened 8 years ago

Yeah, no.. Avon was someone b4 anyone else became someone. Also, from someone who’s been outside since I was 10yrs old, Avon coming home would change the landscape & he’d ABSOLUTELY be the man!!!! Comparing Bodie to Avon is disgusting as well. Your worse take yet 7:35

I was expecting you to explain why the idea of Avon becoming king again is ridiculous and to not go beyond that. But you surprised me with some original takes. Avon becomes the deacon? That never would’ve occurred to me because I didn’t know the actor who played the deacon was Avon’s irl counter part. It’s nice to learn something new.

The king stays the king. Till he dies or gets locked up forever.

The thing about the old days, they the old days

Honestly, the king does really stay the king, because the Greek is the actual king of Baltimore not even Avon. Also, Avon still has a whole lot of influence from New York, from New Orleans, and from I believe Atlanta as well.

I could picture a scenario where the Greeks eventually get shut down, and Avon uses his connects from the joint to maintain a new source..Even the Greeks have a smaller and upcoming replacement for themselves as The Wire has shown us constantly?

Prison controls the street my guy. I still love the channel though. Most people think prison is the end when its actually Harvard on steroids.

How the hell did Avon run an organization that big and not have any money left? If I was in his position I would have thought of hard times in the good times 💯

I always find it so strange that this guy starts his videos with an in depth description of the series. Would anyone not already super familiar with The Wire watch a video about "What happens when Avon gets out of prison?"?

Na man it was clear that slim became the number 2 to Avon when the beef started with stringer he was just holding it down till Avon came home... the king stay the king

Anybody catch that dope photo of older Avon?

After Marlo I don't think their would be another "King" it seems like the coop would be in control.

Avon would have nothing to come back to when he gets out. When Avon went in the first time, Stringer was sitting in for him, keeping the seat warm, but when he went in this time, his organization on the streets was disbanded, it would be to difficult for him to rebuild his organization.

the show hints at things being cyclical, maybe he becomes the new Cutty as they share boxing roots

It makes no sense for Avon to have power inside prison or out. His crew and money are gone. The best he's got is influence. He still knows a few people, and some still give respect even though the power is gone.

Avon would play it smart, remember a man like that who is basically a king of the streets in jail, king in jail. Hes going to run into guys pissed off, people killed or people associated with that has been messed with, all unhappy. plenty of plays like that. Avon would kill the top before he gets out, if charles is in the way charles will have to be moved, business is business. Only reason why he didnt in season 3 was his boy stringer was out and supposed to be running things. Avon on his own he wouldve dealt with marlo before he wouldve been a problem, if stringer was loyal marlo wouldve been in the ground. Charles could be holding avons place at that table, joe being gone was the real person holding it all together. marlo had it and it almost blew up.

The only throne Avon is going to have when he gets out is the kind that flushes. No people, no infrastructure, no special connect. Honestly, I think the only way he has any real relevance when he gets out is if he finds some other gig, like Cutty.

Avon is too smart to think he could just come back and take over. He would’ve been like a Consigli give wise words and fall back

When Avon gets out Slim is gonna tell him to go get his shinebox

I gotta disagree with your theory. If and when Avon got home he's immediately going back for the top spot. This idea he could've been broken and accepted being a solider and possible access to the co-op would weaken his character way too much. I would expect Avon at a minimum to come and play a #2 type role with always the idea of becoming the King again even if it meant cutting off his nose to spite his face. This is a man whose business was running smoothly but he wanted "his corners". No way ever works for another dealer ever. Would never happen.

Avon is west side prop joe was east side,slim went to work for joe and in the end was co-running east side so there’s no way Avon could just get out and run the east side especially since he’s west side to the heart

He'd probably start his own RU-vid channel on podcast. lol

I think you missed a possibility: he simply becomes part of the Co-op, with the same standing as Slim Charles, Fat Face Rick, Prop Joe, and Stringer. They let Marlo in - why wouldn't they let Avon in, if he had enough pull when he came out?

I dont think Avon would even want to get back into the game. I see him in a Butchie type role for sure.

Avon didn't want any part of the co-op before, he wouldn't after he got out of prison either. If he decided to get back into the game, he would have just started fresh, same as Marlo was after giving up the crown. "I'm just a gansta I suppose, and I want my corners."

The only winner in the wire was Lester Freamon retired with his pension making big money on the side doing a hobby he loved and a beautiful younger woman on his arm

If the show remained true to IRL which I imagine it would, Avon would be released and step back from the throne. At least publically. You never seen prominent gangsters come back to their roles in middle/old age.

Better question iz will Slim even be in charge when Avon come back…

The King stays the King and those are Avons streets. Slim Charles was brought up and learned from his crew. He was never on the thrown until there was no other option and is not a natural leader as much as he is likable. Avon is legitimately the only gang member in whole show who has had power the entire time. Even making moves on Marlo and Joe in jail. He gets out and guys would follow.

The king stays the king - and if his Kingdom falls so does he. Stringer destroyed the kingdom. Slim was a knight in Joe's co-op. The ain't cut out to ge ceo wae true of his earlier days. At the point he popped Cheese he took a CEO decision with no consultation with the rest of the co-op. He judged right - despite worries about access to the connect, the board were all happy he did what they wanted done all along. If Avon came out he'd start his own small scale thing, possibly with good relationship with Slim and might grow and flourish but he wouldn't become an employee by his own code and by smart decision making by slim & the co-op.

I just don't see Avon going back to what he was doing before. Maybe a senior advisory role for Slim or someone else. Maybe out of the game. Slim's "CEO" comment wasn't a true view of himself, just a way to politely decline getting too close with Marlo. Slim clearly *is* cut out to be a CEO - we see him doing it in the end.

The greater question is was Marlo able to keep himself out of the game.

Avon would be red hot. Wouldn't be good to have him near the CO op Avon has no crew . He would have to build a crew and negotiate product starting again.

The Decon is played by Little Melvin. He was a well know top level drug Kingpin in Baltimore.

I think they could partner up together they would be a force Avon would need him to survive it would be up to Slim

Ironically that very guy that it was based on was still in the street before he passed lol. So slim is right king is still the king