Warning! Contains spoilers for Apple TV+’s “The Instigators.”

A new Matt Damon Film on AppleTV+ contains a subtle allusion to TheWirewhich hilariously breaks the HBO show’s most memorable rule. TheWire is often touted as one of the best series of the 21st century, and rightly so. Although more than two decades have passed since it first aired, the series’ reputation has only gotten better and its influence in the world of television remains as profound as ever. For obvious reasons, the series’ lasting influence has inspired many filmmakers and showrunners to adopt its storytelling style, ideas, running gags, and even dialogue.

Matt Damon’s new comedy thriller on Apple TV+ doesn’t have much in common with TheWire when it comes to storytelling and character traits. However, it contains a subtle allusion to the HBO series. Although this reference to TheWire in the Apple TV+ film, it offers a delightful wink to audiences familiar with a memorable rule from the show.

Related

The 10 films Ben Affleck and Matt Damon have made together in 35 years

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon have one of Hollywood’s most famous bromances. Here are all their film collaborations, chronologically from 1989 to 2023.

Matt Damon’s Rory in “The Instigators” breaks Stringer Bell’s rule from “The Wire”

He takes notes on a criminal conspiracy

Matt Damon plays a goofy character named Rory in Apple TV+’s The instigatorswho, despite being a former Marine, is having trouble understanding his role in a simple robbery. After being hired to pull off a high-risk robbery with two other men, Rory can’t help but ask a lot of stupid questions about what he would have to do in various scenarios. The man leading the robbery, Scalvo, patiently answers all of his questions while Matt Damon’s character takes notes for the future.

Even when Scalvo tells Rory to show his gun as a warning in case anyone refuses to obey him during the robbery, he writes it down in his notebook as a reminder. The fact that Rory writes down every little detail surrounding the central robbery in the film is a hilarious violation of TheWireStringer Bell Rule: Don’t take notes on a criminal conspiracyLike Edris Elba’s Stringer Bell from TheWireScalvo from The instigators even asks him why he is taking notes about a criminal conspiracy. Edris Alba’s presentation of the rule is far more sophisticated and memorable, but The instigators‘ nod to TheWire is still contemporary and funny.

The instigators’ allusion to “The Wire” proves the unbroken influence of the HBO series

It shows how the show’s story beats and quotes will remain relevant forever

The instigators‘ subtle callback to one of the most iconic quotes from TheWire perfectly captures how the HBO show’s influence resonates in modern films and shows. With the brief but clearly perceptible reference to Stringer’s best line from TheWire, The instigators recognizes the lasting influence of the series on the crime genre. When it comes to critical reviews, The instigators does not even come close to the recognition as TheWire. Nevertheless, it is difficult not to see how the Matt Damon Apple TV+ The film subtly underlines how TheWire changed police series and cable dramas.

The Instigators (2024)

3.0

The Instigators revolves around the complex dynamics of a group of individuals who find themselves entangled in a web of intrigue and deception. As alliances are formed and trust is broken, the true motives of each character are slowly revealed, leading to a crescendo of tension and suspense.

director

Doug Liman

Release date

2 August 2024

Studio(s)

Artists Equity, The Walsh Company, Apple Studios, Studio 8

Authors

Chuck MacLean, Casey Affleck, Jeff Robinov, John Graham

Expand