Ep 1. Wiseguy

In the first episode of Wiseguy's first season, appropriately titled "Wiseguy", the audience is quickly introduced to Vincent Terranova, our protagonist. Terranova is a federal agent who has been recruited by a top-secret organization known only as the OCB. He is tasked with infiltrating the world of organized crime and gathering evidence while taking down various high-level targets.

The episode is action-packed and starts off with Terranova arriving in Newark, New Jersey under the watchful eye of his OCB handler, Frank McPike. Frank is a seasoned agent who has known Terranova since he was a young boy. Terranova may have the skills to take down the mob, but he still has much to learn and Frank is his mentor.

The first episode jumps right into the action with Terranova being tasked with taking down a local crime lord. In order to do so, he must first gain the trust of a rising star in the organization, Sonny Steelgrave. Terranova quickly ingratiates himself with Steelgrave and manages to gain entry into a high-stakes poker game.

The audience is quickly introduced to the many characters that populate the world of organized crime. From the low-level grunts to the stylish and sophisticated crime lords, Wiseguy creates a world that is both realistic and compelling. The poker game scene is a great example of this. Played with tension and an eye for detail, it feels like a real game, and the stakes feel real too.

As Terranova's investigation deepens, he becomes more and more conflicted. He must keep up appearances and make Steelgrave believe he is loyal to him, but he must also act as an informant for the OCB. The audience is privy to his inner thoughts and struggles. It becomes clear that the morality of what he's doing isn't always black and white.

One of the most interesting aspects of this episode is the relationship between Terranova and McPike. The two have a complicated history, and there is clearly tension between them. The episode does a great job of dropping hints about their past without revealing too much too soon. We see that McPike is wary of Terranova and that he's not sure if he can trust him completely.

The tension in the episode is palpable. As Terranova gets more involved with the crime organization, the danger becomes more real. When he's tasked with killing an enemy of the organization, the episode reaches its climax. The final scene is filled with suspense and shows that Wiseguy is not afraid to take risks with its storytelling.

Overall, the first season of Wiseguy is a great start for the series. The writing is sharp, the acting is great, and the pacing is excellent. There's a sense of realism to the show that is often lacking in other crime dramas. The first episode sets up the season well and leaves the audience wanting more. It's a great introduction to the world of Wiseguy and the dangers that come with trying to take down the mob.