Ep 5. Roll of the Dice

In the thrilling episode "Roll of the Dice," from the first season of Tropical Heat, the tropical paradise of Key Mariah becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of high-stakes gambling and deceit. With its picturesque beaches and lush landscapes, Key Mariah may seem like an idyllic haven, but beneath its surface lies a dark underbelly of corruption and crime.

As the episode begins, we find the show's protagonist, Nick Slaughter, a former Chicago homicide detective turned private investigator, enjoying a peaceful day on the beach with his partner Sylvie Girard. Their tranquility is abruptly shattered when a beautiful woman named Lacey Farrow approaches them, seeking their help. Lacey explains that she has fallen victim to a ruthless casino owner by the name of Michael Cronin, who has been cheating his patrons out of their winnings.

Intrigued by the potential scandal, Nick and Sylvie decide to investigate further. They pay a visit to the luxury casino owned by Cronin, hoping to gather evidence against him. Inside the opulent establishment, they are met with glitz and glamour, but also a palpable sense of danger lurking behind the croupier's smiles.

Nick, known for his quick wit and sharp instincts, begins to uncover a complex web of deception. He discovers that Cronin's cheating scheme involves tampering with the roulette wheels, ensuring that the casino always maintains the upper hand. Determined to bring justice to the victims, Nick devises a plan to expose the corrupt casino owner.

To infiltrate Cronin's operation, Nick decides to go undercover as a high-stakes gambler. The charismatic detective puts on his finest suit and adopts a suave demeanor, ready to test his luck against Cronin's rigged games. Through a series of intense poker matches and nerve-wracking roulette spins, Nick manages to catch Cronin's attention and gain his trust.

As Nick delves deeper into the dark world of Key Mariah's underground gambling scene, he encounters a colorful cast of characters, each with their own motives and secrets. Among them is Franco Alphini, an Italian mobster with a penchant for designer suits and a ruthless reputation. Franco senses an opportunity for profit and decides to play his own game, blurring the lines between ally and adversary.

Meanwhile, Sylvie tirelessly assists Nick from the sidelines, gathering evidence and providing crucial support. Her expertise in technology proves invaluable as she hacks into the casino's surveillance system, uncovering hidden cameras and secret passageways.

As the tension mounts, Nick finds himself entangled in a treacherous game of cat and mouse. With each passing moment, the stakes rise higher, and the odds of success diminish. To succeed, Nick must rely not only on his investigative skills but also on his ability to outsmart cronies and anticipate the next move of his adversaries.

"Roll of the Dice" takes viewers on a thrilling journey through the dangerous world of illegal gambling and deceit. With its breathtaking scenery juxtaposed against a backdrop of crime and corruption, this episode encapsulates the essence of Tropical Heat's unique blend of mystery and adventure. Packed with unexpected twists and turns, it keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, eager to discover the final outcome of Nick's dangerous game with Michael Cronin.

Note: Tropical Heat (also known as Sweating Bullets) is a Canadian action-adventure series that aired from 1991 to 1993.