Ep 1. Becoming Boss

Inside the American Mob is a documentary television series that explores the rise and fall of organized crime in the United States. The second season follows some of the most notorious Mafia families in the country and their intricate web of power, loyalty, and violence. In the first episode of the season, titled "Becoming Boss," the show delves into the process of becoming a leader of a Mafia family or crew.

The episode begins with a brief history of the American Mafia and the various ways it has evolved over the decades. From the 1920s to the 1960s, the Mafia was heavily involved in illegal activities such as bootlegging, gambling, and prostitution. In the 1980s and 1990s, the Mafia shifted its focus to drug trafficking, money laundering, and white-collar crime. The show emphasizes that the Mafia's power stems from its ability to create a sense of community among its members and to maintain strict codes of silence and loyalty.

The episode then introduces several Mafia insiders, including former hitman Anthony Russo and former Gambino family member John Alite. Both men provide firsthand accounts of the inner workings of the Mafia and the process of becoming a boss. They discuss the importance of loyalty and earning the respect of other members, as well as the dangers of betraying the Mafia's code.

The show also features interviews with law enforcement officials and experts in organized crime, who provide context and analysis of the Mafia's operations. They explain how the Mafia has adapted to changing times and technology, and how law enforcement has responded with more sophisticated methods of surveillance and prosecution.

Throughout the episode, the show follows the stories of several Mafia bosses and aspirants. One storyline follows John Gotti Jr. as he navigates the aftermath of his father's death and tries to establish himself as the new leader of the Gambino family. Another storyline follows Michael Franzese, a former Colombo family captain who left the Mafia and has since become a motivational speaker and author.

The episode emphasizes the high stakes involved in becoming a Mafia boss, as well as the constant danger of betrayal from within the organization. It also shows how the Mafia's power has waned in recent years, as law enforcement crackdowns and internal conflicts have weakened its influence.

Overall, "Becoming Boss" provides a compelling look at the inner workings of the American Mafia and the complex process of rising through the ranks to become a leader. The episode is informative and engaging, with a mix of interviews, historical footage, and dramatic reenactments. It sets the stage for the rest of the season, which promises to examine the Mafia's continued relevance in modern-day America.