The Making of The Mob Season 1 Episode 3 King of New York
- TV-14
- June 29, 2015
- 42 min
-
7.9 (99)
In episode three, titled "King of New York," of the docudrama television series The Making of the Mob: New York, viewers delve further into the rise of crime boss Charles "Lucky" Luciano in the early years of the Prohibition era. The episode traces Luciano's dealings with rival mobsters and his quest to become the most powerful figure in organized crime in New York City.
First, the episode looks at Luciano's early days as a low-level member of the mafia, working his way up the ranks by carrying out hits and earning the trust of his superiors. We see how his ambition and cunning make him stand out among his peers, and how he cultivates relationships with other mafia members in order to gain greater influence within the organization.
As the episode progresses, we see Luciano's rivalry with fellow gangster Joe Masseria begin to escalate. Both men have their eyes on the coveted title of "boss of all bosses," but Luciano's more innovative approach to organized crime soon sets him apart from Masseria and other traditional mobsters. Using his connections in the bootlegging and narcotics trades, Luciano begins to build a vast criminal empire that extends far beyond New York City.
Throughout the episode, viewers also get a glimpse of the wider social and political landscape of the era, including the effects of Prohibition on the economy and society at large. We see how the illegal trade in alcohol opens up new opportunities for organized crime, and how politicians and police are often powerless to stop the rising tide of criminal activity.
Finally, the episode culminates in a dramatic confrontation between Luciano and Masseria, as the two men face off in a battle for control of the city's underworld. With each side vying to be the dominant force in New York, the stakes are high, and the episode builds to a tense and violent climax.
Overall, "King of New York" is a compelling and immersive look at one of the most notorious figures in American organized crime history. Through a combination of archival footage, dramatic reenactments, and expert analysis, the episode offers a fascinating glimpse of the colorful and dangerous world of the mafia in the early 20th century.