Wiseguy
Posted on August 27, 2009 at 8:00 am
“Wiseguy” was a tough, smart 1980’s television series about a cop (Ken Wahl) who goes deep undercover, starting with 18 months in prison to establish his criminal credentials. In this first season, just out on DVD, he infiltrates the organization of a volatile crime boss played by Ray Sharkey. The second season co-starred a very young Kevin Spacey. Warning: the producers of the DVD set did not secure the original music rights, so the soundtrack does not include “Knights in White Satin” and some of the other striking songs that gave extra power to the original broadcast. But it is still a sharp crime drama with excellent performances. I hope the second season is released. It featured a mesmerizing performance from a very young Kevin Spacey.
This was a great series! Because of this show I pay special attention to current programs that feature some of the same actors. One of the especially interesting aspects of the show was the way they included pop singers like Debbie Harry or Glen Frey. But nothing tops Kevin Spacey’s performance as one of the great TV villains of the decade, if not all time.
Agreed, jestrfyl! I really hope they release the second season with Spacey — and that they spend the money for the music rights as those songs were essential to the atmosphere of the show. Thank goodness for DVDs! It is a real pleasure to be able to see these shows again and to re-introduce them to a new generation.
Hey, I remember this show! My girl used to love it! Have you heard anything about the show Movin’ On (about a couple of truck drivers) coming out on DVD? I’d love to get that for her.
That was a great show, iorek! I hope it gets released, too.