Wiseguy (1987–1990)

Vinnie Terranova does time in a New Jersey penitentiary to set up his undercover role as an agent for the OCB (Organized Crime Bureau) of the United States. His roots in a traditional ... See full summary »

Creators:

Stephen J. Cannell, Frank Lupo

Stars:

Jonathan Banks, Jim Byrnes, Ken Wahl

Won 1 Golden Globe. Another 3 wins & 15 nominations.

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
Jonathan Banks	...	Frank McPike (74 episodes, 1987-1990)
Jim Byrnes	...	Daniel Benjamin 'Lifeguard' Burroughs (74 episodes, 1987-1990)
Ken Wahl	...	Vinnie Terranova (65 episodes, 1987-1990)

Storyline

Vinnie Terranova does time in a New Jersey penitentiary to set up his undercover role as an agent for the OCB (Organized Crime Bureau) of the United States. His roots in a traditional Italian city neighborhood form the underlying dramatic base throughout the series, bringing him into conflict with his conservative mother and other family members while acting undercover as syndicate enforcer. The segments, which ran several shows each, included in-depth and empathetic characterizations of the players on both sides of the law. Scenarios include the underbelly of the recording industry, protection rackets, international arms dealing, foiling white supremacist plotters, uncovering a government conspiracy to set up a compliant new head of state in a third-world country, and Vinnie's final reconciliation with his Italian mother and her new husband, the purely legendary Mafia figure Don Aiupo.

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Plot Keywords:

organized crime | mafia | music industry | femme fatale | undercover agent | 

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Taglines:

His first wrong move will be his last.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 September 1987 (USA)

Also Known As:

Büyük Tuzak

Filming Locations:

North Shore Studios, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

Stephen J. Cannell Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

4:3

Did You Know?

Trivia

In the episode "New Blood", Sonny unintentionally causes an explosion, and then says, "Did I do that?" - Steve Urkle's line from Family Matters every time he breaks something.

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Quotes

Vinnie: How fast can you get me $10,000?
Uncle Mike: It would amaze even you.

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Connections

Referenced in Bullets Over Hollywood (2005)

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Soundtracks

"Bright Side"
Deborah Harry sung title track for 3 episodes

User Reviews

TV doesn't get any better than this

Thank God for those reruns, allowing those of us who weren't smart enough to tape it at the time to do so now! There isn't anything I don't like about this series, other than the fact that it ended. Great acting, great scripts, great production values - this is a production everyone involved with can be proud of. It was unique and ahead of its time in that watching it now I don't think it looks or feels dated at all. There are some great contemporary crime dramas on TV now, but none with the arc structure that made Wiseguy so compelling. Even though the story lines ran in arcs, each episode is eminently watchable in and of itself. Gosh, I miss it, and I sure miss Ken Wahl.