The Wire: Predictions

Three days to go before the series finale of The Wire and a co-worker (the one who loaned me Seasons 1-3 on DVD) challenges me to come up with at least three predictions. Come Monday we'll see who got what right. I'm no Dennis Lehane, so here are my predictions guesses.

The Red Ribbon Serial Killer
Greggs spills all to Daniels. Recall Season 1, when Prez blinded a kid in one eye during a misguided visit to the Projects, Daniels coached him, Herc, and Carver on what to say to IID. Daniels would also know what to do in this situation. McNulty plants evidence that would allow the Baltimore PD to conclude that the Red Ribbon killer is no longer a threat. Daniels informs Carcetti that McNulty is responsible for the successful $16M drug bust. He brokers a deal so that McNulty will be forced into a quiet retirement. McNulty gets drunk one last time and hangs himself. Following tradition, there's a wake for McNulty in the Irish bar.

The Sun
Fletcher finishes a lengthy, compelling piece on Bubbles. Gus arranges to have it run in a three-part series on the front pages of the Sun. Meanwhile, the London reporter goes through Templeton's bylined stories with fresh eyes. He confirms what Gus suspects: that quotes and characters were fabricated. But Templeton's stories on the homeless are nominated for a Pulitzer. Gus presents the tape recording of the Iraq vet to Whiting who, at this point, doesn't care. Gus quits on the spot. As he leaves the newsroom, he glares at Templeton. Klebanow, the managing editor, kills the story on Bubbles as a favor to Whiting.

Vendettas
Levy deduces that Herc fed Marlo's cell number to the police. He shares this theory with Marlo who orders a hit on Herc. Michael is given the responsibility. Michael's told that if he kills Herc, Marlo will not avenge Snoop's murder. Herc is gunned down.

Miscellaneous
Carcetti becomes more and more skilled at politicking and secures his destiny as the next governor of Maryland... Marla bitterly watches the ceremony where her ex-husband Daniels is named Police Commissioner with Rhonnie at his side... Chris Partlow cuts a deal and confesses about the vacant housing murders. Bunk gets the credit for closing these cases... Rawls gets a boyfriend...

In a world where Burrell can get a higher-paying job and Clay Davis can get acquitted, somehow Levy will get a new and wealthier drug dealer client to represent and The Greek will find another drug boss to buy his imports...

My wildest guess that I don't want to see:
Rhonnie prosecutes the case against Marlo, Monk, Cheese, et al with Judge Phelan presiding. The "source of information" isn't enough and the case is thrown out. In little time, Marlo is back on the streets and the drug trade continues.