Ep 6. Il Canto de Malavita
- TVMA
- November 3, 2019
- 54 min
-
8.0 (557)
After a brief hiatus, Godfather of Harlem returns with an exciting new episode. In Il Canto de Malavita, Bumpy continues his efforts to unite the disparate criminal factions of Harlem under his leadership. Buoyed by his successful drug trade with the Italian Cosa Nostra, Bumpy begins to expand his operations into other areas of criminal enterprise.
However, a new threat emerges in the form of an old nemesis: Dutch Schultz. Schultz, one of the most notorious mobsters of the early 20th century, is determined to expand his own power base into Harlem. With his own connections to the Italian mafia, Schultz poses a serious threat to Bumpy's attempts to consolidate power.
Meanwhile, the social and political climate in Harlem is becoming increasingly volatile. The show depicts the profound changes taking place in New York City during the 1960s, as civil rights activism and black nationalism begin to take hold. Against this backdrop, Bumpy must navigate a complex web of competing interests and allegiances, including those within his own community.
At the same time, Bumpy is plagued by personal demons. The death of his daughter, a tragedy that occurred before the events of the series, continues to haunt him. His relationship with his wife, Mayme, is also strained, as she begins to tire of his criminal activities and the danger they entail.
As always, Forest Whitaker delivers a commanding performance in the role of Bumpy Johnson. His portrayal of the legendary gangster is nuanced and complex, capturing both his ruthless ambition and his deep sense of loyalty to his community. He is ably supported by an accomplished cast that includes Vincent D'Onofrio as Dutch Schultz and Ilfenesh Hadera as Mayme Johnson.
Overall, Il Canto de Malavita is another strong entry in what has been an excellent debut season for Godfather of Harlem. The show continues to impress with its nuanced depiction of New York City's criminal underworld and its exploration of broader social and political issues. For fans of crime dramas and historical fiction, Godfather of Harlem is a must-see.