Watch Wiseguy

In the late 1980s, CBS introduced viewers to a gritty, complex crime drama called Wiseguy. The show starred Ken Wahl as Vinnie Terranova, an undercover agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigations. Terranova is tasked with infiltrating and bringing down organized crime syndicates throughout the country. Throughout the course of the show's run, he works with and against various criminals and law enforcement officials, navigating the dangerous world of organized crime while trying to keep his own identity and allegiances intact.

One of the show's most compelling elements was its deep, nuanced character development. While Terranova is at the center of the show, Wiseguy introduces viewers to a whole host of fascinating and complex characters. There's Frank McPike (Jonathan Banks), Vinnie's handler and his closest friend in law enforcement. McPike is the voice of reason in Terranova's often-chaotic world and works constantly to maintain their cover identities while also keeping Vinnie from being consumed by the criminal underworld. Jim Byrnes plays Lifeguard, McPike's colleague at the FBI who provides additional support and assistance throughout the show's narrative.

On the criminal side, Wiseguy boasts villains that are just as complex and multifaceted as the protagonists. One of the most notable bad guys is Mel Profitt, played by the excellent Maximilian Schell. Profitt is a high-powered drug dealer with a vast network of connections and a penchant for playing mind games with his enemies. While he's undoubtedly ruthless and frightening, Schell's performance brings a level of complexity to Profitt that makes him one of the most compelling and memorable villains in television history.

Steven Bauer rounds out the main cast as Michael Santana, a character who is initially introduced as an antagonist in the show's second season. Santana is a rival drug dealer who, like Vinnie, is constantly working behind the scenes to outsmart and battle his enemies. As the show progresses, however, Santana evolves into a key ally and friend to Vinnie, adding another layer to the show's intricate web of alliances and rivalries.

Another factor that sets Wiseguy apart from other crime dramas of its era is its commitment to authenticity. The show wasn't afraid to delve deep into the world of organized crime, examining the inner workings of various syndicates with an almost documentary-like approach. The writing is sharp and realistic, with dialogue that feels authentic to the people and situations it's depicting.

Wiseguy also tackled more serious and controversial topics than most crime dramas of its time. In one memorable episode, the show explores the issue of police brutality and corruption, forcing viewers to confront the ugly realities of law enforcement's darker side. In another, Vinnie poses as an anti-Semitic neo-Nazi sympathizer in order to infiltrate a white supremacist group. The show's willingness to delve into these issues and tell stories that were often difficult to watch made it one of the most groundbreaking crime dramas of its era.

All of these elements combined to make Wiseguy one of the most beloved and influential crime dramas of its time. Even now, more than thirty years after its initial airing, the show remains a benchmark of quality storytelling in the crime genre. With its complex characters, authentic depictions of organized crime, and willingness to tackle tough issues head-on, Wiseguy set the standard for what a truly great crime drama can and should be.

Wiseguy is a series that ran for 4 seasons (77 episodes) between September 16, 1987 and on CBS