Ep 1. Stayin' Alive In The '70s

Inside the American Mob is a captivating documentary series that delves deep into the intricate world of the American Mafia. The first episode of the series is called "Stayin' Alive In The '70s" and it explores the rise of gangsters during that tumultuous era.

The episode begins by providing some historical context of the 1970s. The decade was marked by social and political upheaval, with protests against the Vietnam War, the Watergate scandal, and the civil rights movement. It was also a time of economic uncertainty, with rising inflation and high unemployment rates.

Against this backdrop, the American Mafia was thriving. The episode takes us back to the 1970s to show us how organized crime was able to flourish during this time. We are introduced to some notorious gangsters of the era, including John Gotti, Sammy "The Bull" Gravano, and Anthony "Gaspipe" Casso.

The episode provides some background on each of these men and shows how they rose through the ranks of the Mafia. We learn about the different Mafia families, their territories, and their business ventures. We also see how the Mafia was able to exert influence over various industries, including construction and labor unions.

One of the key themes of the episode is the Mafia's relationship with law enforcement. We see how the FBI and other law enforcement agencies were working to take down organized crime, but the Mafia was able to stay one step ahead. We see how the Mafia used bribery, intimidation, and violence to keep law enforcement at bay.

Another important aspect of the episode is the Mafia's relationship with the public. We see how the media covered organized crime during this time, and how the Mafia was able to cultivate an image of themselves as "outlaws" and rebels against the establishment. We also see how the Mafia was able to gain support from some segments of the public, especially in the Italian-American community.

Throughout the episode, we hear from experts and historians, who provide insightful commentary about the era and the Mafia's role in it. We also see archival footage and photographs that help bring the era to life.

Overall, "Stayin' Alive In The '70s" is a fascinating look at the rise of the American Mafia during a tumultuous era in American history. The episode is well-researched and does an excellent job of showing how the Mafia was able to thrive despite the challenges of the time. It sets the stage for the rest of the series and provides a great starting point for anyone interested in learning more about the American Mafia.