Ep 1. Going Home
- TV-14
- October 26, 1988
- 49 min
Wiseguy, a crime drama television series, premiered its second season with an episode titled "Going Home." The episode is set against the backdrop of the Italian mafia and follows the complex life of Vinnie Terranova, an undercover FBI agent who infiltrates criminal organizations at great risk to his own life.
In this episode, Vinnie finds himself torn between his loyalty to the FBI and his love for his estranged father, who is in juvenile detention for murder. After 17 years of silence, his father reaches out to him, and Vinnie decides to leave the safety of his undercover identity to visit him. Vinnie must navigate his complicated relationship with his father while also protecting his cover and continuing his work as an FBI agent.
The episode weaves flashbacks of Vinnie's childhood and his difficult relationship with his father with present-day scenes as he reconnects with him. We see Vinnie grapple with his emotions as he confronts his father's crime and the toll it took on their family. Meanwhile, Vinnie also continues to work with his FBI handlers, trying to gather information on the mafia's plans to smuggle drugs into the country.
Throughout the episode, tension mounts as Vinnie navigates the delicate balance between his personal and professional lives, keeping his cover intact while trying to unravel the mafia's drug-smuggling operation. His father's influence on his life is apparent as Vinnie grapples with his own morality and doubts about the FBI's tactics.
The episode is packed with action, suspense, and unexpected twists as Vinnie tries to balance his dual identities and keep both his father and the FBI satisfied. The strong performances from the cast, particularly Ken Wahl as Vinnie and John P. Ryan as his father, bring depth and complexity to the story, elevating it beyond your typical crime drama fare.
"Going Home" sets up the second season of Wiseguy with an intriguing premise that promises to explore the complex relationships between family, loyalty, and morality. It establishes the themes that will run throughout the season and takes the time to develop the characters in a way that makes their actions and motivations feel grounded and relatable.
Overall, "Going Home" is a strong opening to the second season of Wiseguy, showcasing the show's ability to tell compelling stories that resonate with audiences. The episode provides a solid foundation for the season's overarching plot while also delivering a satisfying standalone story. It's a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and anyone looking for a riveting and engaging television experience.