While continuing the series' central themes of dysfunctional institutions and the societal effects of the drug trade, the second season also explores the decline of the American working class, and the hardship its members endure during the transition from an industrial to post-industrial society.

The returning cast included Dominic West as detective Jimmy McNulty,[1] whose insubordinate tendencies and personal problems continued to overshadow his ability.

[2] Lance Reddick reprised his role as Lieutenant Cedric Daniels, who was sidelined because of his placement of case over career, but used his political acumen to regain some status.

[15][16] The police were overseen by two commanding officers who are concerned with politics and promoting their own careers: Colonel William Rawls (John Doman) and Acting Commissioner Ervin Burrell (Frankie Faison).

[23][24] The new season also introduced a further group of characters working in the Baltimore port area, including Spiros "Vondas" Vondopoulos (Paul Ben-Victor),[25] Beadie Russell (Amy Ryan),[26] and Frank Sobotka (Chris Bauer).

[35][36] Returning guest stars included: Jim True-Frost as Detective Roland "Prez" Pryzbylewski;[37] Seth Gilliam as newly promoted Sergeant Ellis Carver;[38][39] Domenick Lombardozzi as errant Detective Thomas "Herc" Hauk;[40][41] J. D. Williams as Barksdale crew chief Bodie Broadus;[42][43] and Michael K. Williams as renowned stick-up man Omar Little.

The website's critical consensus reads, "An ambitious introduction to a new network of characters allows The Wire to expand its focus on societal ills.