Ep 13. Smokey Mountain Requiem

In the thirteenth episode of season one of Wiseguy, titled Smokey Mountain Requiem, Vinnie Terranova (Ken Wahl) is sent to the Philippines on a mission to bust a drug smuggling operation. The plot follows Vinnie who is sent to Manila and meets his contact person, Julianna, whom he tends to protect from what seems to be a cultivated mood of adversity.

The episode starts with Vinnie being briefed about the case by his boss, Frank McPike (Jonathan Banks), who informs him that the cartel is planning to smuggle high-quality heroin through the sea to the United States. Vinnie is assigned the task of stopping the operation and gathering evidence about the criminal network responsible for the drug trafficking. Vinnie agrees to take on the mission, knowing how significant it is, but getting a sense of paranoia from the local authorities.

In Manila, Vinnie finds himself in a country and among people completely foreign to his American eyes. He begins making his way through the labyrinthine streets to meet Julianna (Liza Snyder), whose husband, an American businessman, has died under mysterious circumstances. As Vinnie reaches Julianna, he finds out that the husband was involved in the same drug-trafficking operation he's investigating and that she's now in danger too. Vinnie becomes increasingly suspicious that everyone he encounters is somehow connected to the drug cartel, including the local authorities, and his commitment to the assignment is now personal.

As Vinnie and Julianna try to gather intel on the drug network, they're also trying to stay ahead of an attempt on Julianna's life, which she believes to have been orchestrated by the guilty parties. The episode provides some insight into the workings of the drug trade and the close ties between organized crime and the local elites. The story is made even more compelling by the fact that Vinnie's investigation is taking place in a foreign country where he is unfamiliar with the culture and the people. The mix of action, suspense, and cultural shock makes for an edge-of-your-seat experience that highlights the quality of the writing.

Throughout the episode, Ken Wahl delivers an excellent performance as Vinnie Terranova. He's intense, focused, and determined, and his chemistry with Liza Snyder is palpable. The two actors work well together and have a real chemistry that makes the romantic subplot of this episode feel genuine and authentic. Snyder's characterization of Julianna is both vulnerable and resilient as she adapts to the dangers presented by her husband's shady past, and she finds in Vinnie a true ally.

Wiseguy season one episode thirteen is a perfect example of how a crime series can mix up character development and suspense with a foreign setting. The tension never wanes, and the viewer is never quite sure who to trust, making it a thrilling ride from start to finish. Smokey Mountain Requiem is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a good action–drama with solid performances and an international angle.