Ep 16. A One Horse Town
- TV-14
- February 14, 1990
- 47 min
Anthony John "Tony" Romano is a former cop turned deep undercover operative for the Organized Crime Bureau (OCB), tasked with infiltrating various criminal organizations to gather evidence and bring down their leaders. In episode 16 of season 3 of Wiseguy, titled "A One Horse Town," Tony finds himself immersed in a small, seemingly peaceful town in Idaho.
The episode begins with Tony taking on the identity of Dexter McCallum, a horse trainer with a dubious past. His mission is to infiltrate a group of suspected horse breeders involved in illegal activities. Tony's cover story is that he has come to town to work for Oliver Purcell, the wealthy and influential owner of a horse ranch.
Immediately upon arriving, Tony realizes that this town, named Clearview, is not as idyllic as it seems. Behind its charming facade lies a web of corruption, deceit, and cruelty. He quickly discovers that Oliver Purcell is not just a wealthy rancher; he is also the town's unofficial kingpin and controls almost every aspect of life in Clearview.
As Tony settles into his new role, he begins to gather information about the illicit activities occurring in Clearview. He befriends local horse trainers, stable hands, and jockeys, using his charm and skills in gaining their trust. With each conversation, Tony uncovers a different piece of the puzzle, slowly unraveling the operation that Oliver Purcell has carefully built.
One particular stable hand, named Billy, catches Tony's attention. Billy is a troubled young man who seems to be caught up in something more sinister than just his job at the horse ranch. Tony senses an opportunity to exploit Billy's vulnerability to gain further insight into the illegal activities happening in Clearview.
In the meantime, Tony becomes acquainted with Oliver Purcell's wife, Laura. Laura is a beautiful and sophisticated woman trapped in a loveless marriage. Tony uses his charm to get closer to her, hoping to gather more information and potentially exploit her influence over Oliver Purcell.
As Tony digs deeper, he discovers that the horse breeders are involved in a dangerous operation involving drug trafficking. The horses are being used as a cover for smuggling drugs from one location to another. This revelation shocks Tony, as the operation is far more extensive than he initially anticipated.
However, Tony's cover is not foolproof, and suspicion begins to arise among some of the townspeople. He must constantly navigate the delicate balance of maintaining his cover while uncovering crucial evidence to bring down the operation. With each passing day, the stakes get higher, and Tony's life becomes increasingly endangered.
As the episode progresses, Tony's investigation intensifies, and he realizes that he must make difficult choices to protect his true identity and the mission at hand. He faces multiple obstacles, including an unexpected betrayal that jeopardizes both his cover and the lives of those he has grown fond of in Clearview.
"A One Horse Town" is an intense and gripping episode that highlights the intricate and dangerous world of undercover work. Tony Romano's journey through the underbelly of Clearview exposes the town's secrets while testing his resolve and cunning. With the fate of his investigation hanging in the balance, Tony must outsmart the criminal masterminds and bring justice to a seemingly innocent town.
With its thrilling storyline, complex characters, and high-stakes situations, this episode of Wiseguy keeps viewers on the edge of their seats as they witness Tony Romano navigate the treacherous world of organized crime in a seemingly tranquil small-town setting.