Ep 2. Operation Donnie Brasco

In this episode of Inside the American Mob, titled "Operation Donnie Brasco," viewers are taken on a journey through the life of Joseph D. Pistone, a former FBI agent who went undercover with the Bonanno crime family in New York City during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Pistone, who used the name "Donnie Brasco" during his undercover work, spent almost six years infiltrating the mob, gaining the trust of high-ranking members and eventually helping to bring down the organization.

The episode begins with a look at Pistone's early days with the FBI, as he trained for undercover work and then began his first assignment in the Bronx. Over time, he became frustrated with the limited impact he was having on local crime, and he requested to be assigned to a larger case. In 1976, he was given the opportunity to work undercover with the Bonanno family, one of the most powerful and feared crime organizations in the country.

As "Donnie Brasco," Pistone spent months ingratiating himself with members of the Bonanno organization. He went to bars, attended parties, and even went on a few gambling trips with his targets. Over time, he gained the trust of several high-ranking members, including Nicholas "Nicky" Santora, a capo who became like a father figure to Pistone. Santora and others introduced Pistone to more members of the organization, and over time he was able to gain access to sensitive information and conversations.

One of the most memorable scenes in the episode is when Pistone is asked to take part in a meeting with several Bonanno members, including boss Joseph "Big Joe" Massino. Pistone is wired for sound, and the FBI is able to record the entire meeting, which is filled with talk of murder, extortion, and other criminal activities. The recording becomes a key piece of evidence in the eventual prosecution of many of the Bonanno members.

As Pistone continued to work his way into the organization, he began to see the dark side of the mob lifestyle. He witnessed beatings, murders, and other violent acts. He also became close to several members, including Santo "Sonny Black" Napolitano, who ultimately became his sponsor for full membership into the Bonanno family. Pistone struggled with the knowledge that he was betraying these men, many of whom had become his friends.

The episode also explores the toll that Pistone's undercover work took on his personal life. He was unable to see his family for months at a time, and he had to maintain his cover 24/7, even when he was alone. This isolation and stress eventually led to him developing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, and he had to undergo therapy after his work with the Bonanno family was over.

Overall, "Operation Donnie Brasco" is an engaging and informative episode of Inside the American Mob. It provides a unique look into the workings of the mafia and the lives of those who risked everything to bring them to justice. It also raises important questions about the use of undercover police work and the personal cost of such dangerous work.