Ep 4. 1986-87: Secrets & Lies

In episode 4 of Empires of New York, viewers are transported to the year 1986-87, a time of tumultuous change and rampant corruption in the city. This episode delves into the secrets and lies surrounding some of the city's most powerful players, including infamous Wall Street broker Ivan Boesky, who played a pivotal role in the insider trading scandal that rocked the financial world.

Through interviews with experts and insiders, as well as archival footage and reenactments, the episode explores how Boesky and others like him were able to amass immense wealth and power through illegal means. It also delves into the role that the government and law enforcement played in allowing these crimes to occur, highlighting the complicity and corruption that permeated many sectors of society at the time.

But the episode doesn't just focus on the negative aspects of this era. It also profiles entrepreneurs and trailblazers who were able to achieve success through hard work and determination, despite facing significant obstacles. Viewers will meet figures like Jayson Williams, a former NBA player who overcame his troubled past to launch a successful wine business, and Al Sharpton, a civil rights leader who made waves with his activism and outspoken style.

As with previous episodes, "1986-87: Secrets & Lies" provides a nuanced and multifaceted look into the complex and often contradictory nature of New York City's history and culture. Viewers will come away with a deeper understanding of the forces that drove the city's growth and development, as well as the challenges and risks that came with that growth.