Wiseguy (1987)

In the shadowy underworld of the American justice system, Vinnie Terranova (Ken Wahl), a dedicated agent for the Organized Crime Bureau (O.C.B.), willingly descends into the depths of deception. To infiltrate the impenetrable fortress of organized crime, he undergoes an 18-month imprisonment in a New Jersey penitentiary, effectively severing his ties with the world and staining his reputation, even in the eyes of his traditional Italian mother, Carlotta (Elsa Raven). This bold sacrifice sets the stage for a gripping tale of secrecy, loyalty, and danger. Vinnie, now seen as a syndicate enforcer, navigates the treacherous underbelly of the criminal world, from the dark corners of the recording industry to the unforgiving realm of international arms dealing. Throughout his perilous journey, he encounters diverse characters, each with their unique motivations and narratives, blurring the lines between good and evil. Guided by his boss, Frank McPike (Jonathan Banks), and his counselor, Daniel Benjamin "Lifeguard" Burroughs (Jim Byrnes), Vinnie skirts the edge of the law, his every move a dance on the razor's edge. The drama intensifies when Vinnie mysteriously disappears, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions. In his absence, U.S. Attorney Michael Santana (Steven Bauer) - the very man who helped imprison Vinnie for his cover, before falling from grace due to a costly mistake - is pulled into the vortex of intrigue. Frank, desperate to find Vinnie, turns to Michael, paving the way for a new alliance within the O.C.B. "Wiseguy" offers a riveting exploration of organized crime’s formidable stronghold, the government's relentless pursuit of justice, and the personal sacrifices made in the name of duty. As the series unfolds, Vinnie's harrowing journey takes him back to his roots, stirring up old familial conflicts, and leading to an unexpected reunion with his mother and her enigmatic new husband, the legendary Mafia figure Don Rudy Aiuppo (George Petrie). Each twist and turn unravels a new layer of depth, making this series a compelling study of the human condition in a world dominated by crime and deceit.

Wiseguy is an action show featuring Ken Wahl and created by Stephen J. Cannell.

Wiseguy is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on FILMRISE, Freevee, Peacock, Peacock Premium, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Tubi TV and VUDU Free.

It is also possible to buy Wiseguy on Amazon Video.