Crime, you know, always works on TV. That of epoch even more, because it possesses that criminal charm of the mafia of the past. This is why Chris Brancato (not new to the genre after Narcos and Godfather of Harlem) and Michael Panes return with The Westies. The story of a criminal gang really existed from the 1960s onwards in the Big Apple. The series, consisting of 8 episodes, is available with the first two episodes on Sunday, July 12, followed by a weekly release on MGM+ (Channel paid by Prime Video and Infinity).
The characteristic “distinctive” is that in this case it is Irish (for this we recommend the original language vision to grasp all the linguistic nuances and their typical spoken) transplanted to New York. We are in the 1980s when all sorts of crime – rackets, drugs, murder on commission – was in their hands. This despite the interference of the Italian Mafia and the FBI, who stood at him.
The construction of the Jacob Javits Convention Center in the district of Hell’s Kitchen – home of the Westies – promises a huge financial gain. Despite the huge numerical disadvantage compared to the Five Families of the Italian Mafia (which exceed 50 to 1), the legendary brutality and cunning of the Westies guarantee them the necessary strength to divide the proceeds through a fragile truce. However, the internal conflicts between the new generation and the leadership of the old school are likely to explode this duster, dragging the band into the sight of the increasingly tight investigations of the FBI on organized crime.
There is not only the cat’s game with the mouse between the two sides of the Law – but they mix continuously. In the game there is also the generational battle that cyclically invests gangs/families criminals (Gomorrah and all genre cinema teach). The goal is always the same: the conquest and above all the maintenance of hegemony and power: something that triggered the events also in series like Gangs of London and MobLand. It also highlights the ferocity needed to do so, which does not look in the face to anyone, even to its “family”. In the background an irresistible New York to sound music (the soundtrack is amazing) and soft lights.
The serial thus became the constriction of Godfather of Harlem with another neighborhood and its black soul in the mafia.
The Westies: J.K. Simmons guida un ottimo cast
The Academy Award J.K. Simmons is obviously the diamond tip of a rich and varied ensemble, as the ruthless “boss” Eamon Sweeney. Among others we mention Tom Brittney as Jimmy Roarke, the boss’ “pupillo” and also the one who would like to eliminate the old generation. Then a found Sarah Bolger in the role of Bridget Walsh as her fiancée with a dark past behind her, linked to the Irish Liberation Movement.
Finally, the former of the latter, Brendan Cahill, interpreted by the former driver enriched by Downton Abbey Allen Leech who here interprets the opposite diametrically. How not to mention – always among the known serial faces – Titus Welliver as Glenn Keenan, Sweeney’s constriction at the FBI. A corrupt cop for years that maybe now that his son is involved with his old friend rethinks us, also because they have long taken different paths.
The Westies will like lovers of the genre who do not seek something substantially different or innovative, but which remains of quality.
The TV series of 2026
L’articolo The Westies review: the usual solfa crime with J.K. Simmons, but of quality comes from Dituttounpop.it.
