Ervin Burrell quotes from The Wire

Burrell

[to Daniels] You're not wrong, Lieutenant. In this state, there's a thin line between campaign posters and photo arrays.

Burrell

If the Gods are fucking you, you find a way to fuck them back. It's Baltimore, gentlemen; the Gods will not save you.

Burrell

You might think it'll be different... when you sit here... but it won't. You will eat their shit. Daniels, too, when he gets here.

Clay Davis

Erv, will you explain to this motherfucker just what the fuck it is he's doing here?

Burrell

Lieutenant Dan-...

Daniels

[interrupting] Excuse me, sir, but it's pretty basic. If the senator isn't involved in anything illegal, then he doesn't need to worry. I can't be any clearer than that.

Clay Davis

Fool, what do you think? That we know anything about who gives money? That we give a damn about who they are or what they want? We have no way of running down them or their stories. We don't care. We just cash the damn cheques, count the votes and move on.

Daniels

[stands] Anything else, Deputy Burrell? [leaves]

Burrell

You came into a lot of money quick. You can go to jail just as quick if I start asking the right questions. This case ends, or you are done. Hell, I don't even need you to lock up Barksdale. I can have your major debrief the detectives and type the warrants himself. This case is done.

Daniels

You do what you feel. You wanna pull Avon in on half a case, you go ahead. You wanna put my shit in the street, feel free. But the Eastern had a lot of stories - mine ain't the only one. A lot of people came through that district. If you were gonna do me, I'd already be done. But there ain't nothin' you fear more than a bad headline, is there? You'd rather live in shit than let the world see you work a shovel. You can order warrants, and I'll serve 'em. But as long as I have days left on those dead wires, this case goes on.

Burrell

What makes you think they'll promote the wrong man?

Daniels

We do it all the time.