Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.
The Major Case Unit’s wiretap is running out of useful conversations. Cheese keeps his business off the phone, so McNulty, Greggs and Freamon arrest his supplier, Lavelle Mann, hoping the less cautious Drac will inherit the job. The plan fails when Cheese receives the promotion instead. Daniels wants evidence that justifies keeping the investigation alive; McNulty remains determined to reach Stringer Bell. Meanwhile, City Hall demands lower crime figures. At ComStat, Colvin questions how commanders can manipulate the numbers when the figures involve murder victims, and Burrell threatens to replace officers who fail to deliver the reductions the mayor wants.
The demolition of Franklin Terrace removes the Barksdales’ main territory. Bodie proposes taking new corners by force, but Stringer argues for supplying other dealers rather than fighting them. Cutty leaves prison with an offer of work from Avon and collects a drug package through Shamrock. He gives it to Fruit to sell, expecting a share of the proceeds. When Cutty returns, Fruit claims police seized the drugs and drives him away at gunpoint. Across town, Daniels supports Marla’s political plans despite their separation; after her guests leave their home, he returns to the office to sleep rather than staying with her.