Wiseguy is an American crime drama television series that aired on CBS from 1987 to 1990. Created by Stephen J. Cannell and Frank Lupo, the show stood out for its serialized format, deep character development, and complex storytelling. It follows the life of Vincent “Vinnie” Terranova, an undercover agent working for the FBI’s Organized Crime Bureau. Portrayed by Ken Wahl, Vinnie infiltrates various criminal organizations in order to bring them down from within, but his dangerous assignments blur the lines between his personal identity and his undercover persona.
The series broke new ground by featuring multi-episode story arcs, known as “storylines,” each lasting several episodes or even an entire season. These arcs allowed for more in-depth plots and richer character exploration than the typical procedural format of most crime dramas at the time. The show’s mix of crime, politics, and personal drama, along with its gripping exploration of moral ambiguity, helped Wiseguy become a highly respected series in its genre.
The Premise of Wiseguy
The story centers on Vinnie Terranova, an Italian-American FBI agent who works undercover to take down major criminal organizations. Vinnie is recruited into the Organized Crime Bureau after serving 18 months in prison to establish his credibility with the criminal underworld. His work involves long-term undercover assignments in which he infiltrates powerful criminal enterprises, gaining the trust of mobsters, corrupt businessmen, and drug lords. Vinnie’s missions are assigned and overseen by his handler, Frank McPike, played by Jonathan Banks, who ensures Vinnie stays on course while also providing support when things get dangerous.
The series is known for its complex narrative arcs, with each storyline focusing on a different criminal organization or operation. Vinnie’s deep involvement in the underworld often forces him to adopt the moral code of the criminals he is trying to take down, leading to inner conflict and personal struggles. His commitment to the job places immense strain on his personal life, including his relationships with family and friends, particularly his mother, who believes he is still a criminal.
Wiseguy explores the psychological toll of Vinnie’s undercover work, as he is constantly forced to deceive those around him, including the very people he comes to know and sometimes even respect. The show also examines how Vinnie’s undercover work affects his sense of self, as his time spent living as a criminal threatens to compromise his integrity and emotional well-being.
Main Characters
The characters in Wiseguy are central to the show’s success, with their development and relationships forming the backbone of the series. Each character brings a unique perspective to the moral complexities at the heart of the story.
- Vinnie Terranova (Ken Wahl): Vinnie is the show’s central character, an undercover FBI agent who walks the fine line between his professional duties and his personal ethics. Vinnie’s strength lies in his ability to immerse himself in the criminal world, gaining the trust of dangerous individuals while maintaining his loyalty to the FBI. However, his undercover life often takes a toll on his mental health and personal relationships, as he struggles with the duality of his existence. Ken Wahl’s portrayal of Vinnie brought depth and vulnerability to the character, making him one of the most compelling figures in 1980s television.
- Frank McPike (Jonathan Banks): Frank McPike is Vinnie’s handler and mentor, overseeing his undercover operations and serving as his main point of contact within the FBI. McPike is a no-nonsense figure, often torn between his duty to the bureau and his concern for Vinnie’s well-being. Despite his tough exterior, Frank cares deeply about Vinnie and frequently goes to great lengths to protect him. Jonathan Banks’ portrayal of McPike added a layer of humanity to the show, balancing the professional demands of the job with the emotional bond he shares with Vinnie.
- Lifeguard (Jim Byrnes): Lifeguard, also known as Daniel Burroughs, is Vinnie’s anonymous contact within the FBI. He provides Vinnie with critical information and intelligence, helping him navigate the complexities of his undercover work. Lifeguard’s role is essential to Vinnie’s success, as he often helps Vinnie stay one step ahead of the criminals he’s targeting. Jim Byrnes’ character added a sense of mystery to the show, as Lifeguard remained an unseen presence for much of the series.
- Roger Lococco (William Russ): Roger is one of the most complex characters introduced during the “Mel Profitt” arc, one of the show’s most famous storylines. A former soldier turned hitman, Roger initially appears to be a cold-blooded criminal, but as the storyline unfolds, his depth and motivations are explored in ways that make him a more sympathetic figure. His relationship with Vinnie is marked by both tension and mutual respect, illustrating the complicated dynamics of Vinnie’s undercover work.
The Story Arcs
One of the defining features of Wiseguy is its use of extended story arcs, allowing for more intricate plots and character development. Each arc lasts several episodes, sometimes spanning an entire season, giving the show a unique serialized structure. This approach sets Wiseguy apart from other crime dramas, which often resolved cases within a single episode.
- The Steelgrave Arc: The first major storyline of the series follows Vinnie as he infiltrates the Mafia family of Sonny Steelgrave (played by Ray Sharkey). Vinnie works his way up the organization, eventually becoming a trusted confidant of Sonny. However, as Vinnie grows closer to Sonny, he struggles with his loyalty to the FBI and the genuine friendship he develops with Sonny. This arc highlights Vinnie’s internal conflict and introduces the show’s central theme of blurred moral lines.
- The Mel Profitt Arc: One of the most famous storylines in the series, this arc sees Vinnie going undercover to bring down Mel Profitt (played by Kevin Spacey), a powerful international arms dealer. Mel is mentally unstable and deeply intertwined with his sister, Susan (Joan Severance), who controls much of his business. This arc delves into themes of psychological manipulation and family dynamics, with Vinnie getting caught in the dangerous relationship between Mel and Susan. The performances of Spacey and Severance in this arc are widely regarded as some of the best in the series.
- The Washington Arc: In this storyline, Vinnie finds himself embroiled in political intrigue as he investigates corruption within the U.S. government. This arc takes the show in a different direction, moving away from organized crime and into the world of politics, while still maintaining the tension and moral ambiguity that defines the series.
- The Vinnie Terranova Arc: This arc marks a turning point in the series, as Vinnie begins to question his role within the FBI and the cost of his undercover work. After years of living a double life, Vinnie experiences a personal crisis that forces him to re-evaluate his commitment to the bureau and his own sense of identity.
Themes and Legacy
Wiseguy is known for its exploration of themes like identity, loyalty, and the moral complexities of law enforcement. Vinnie’s constant struggle with his dual identity—undercover agent versus criminal persona—forms the crux of the series. His deep involvement in the criminal world often leads him to question his own morality, as he becomes emotionally entangled with the people he’s supposed to betray.
The show also tackles larger social and political issues, including corruption, power, and the blurred lines between good and evil. By focusing on long-term undercover assignments, Wiseguy delves into the psychological toll of living a double life, making it one of the first crime dramas to emphasize character development and internal conflict over action-packed cases of the week.
Wiseguy has left a lasting legacy as one of the most innovative and influential crime dramas of the late 1980s. Its serialized format, complex characters, and exploration of moral ambiguity paved the way for future shows that pushed the boundaries of traditional crime television. Despite its relatively short run, Wiseguy is remembered for its groundbreaking approach to storytelling and remains a significant piece of television history.
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