A gripping new period crime drama, "The Westies," is set to premiere on MGM+ this Sunday, plunging viewers into the volatile underworld of 1980s New York City. The series promises a deep dive into the brutal territorial disputes and power struggles between the formidable Irish mob, known as the "Westies," and the established Mafia clans, most notably the Gambino family. At the heart of the narrative is Eamon Sweeney, portrayed by Oscar-winning actor J.K. Simmons, the steely leader of the Hell’s Kitchen-based Westies. The series meticulously reconstructs a pivotal era of organized crime, focusing on the intense clashes that erupted over control and illicit gains stemming from the construction of the Javits Convention Center.
The Genesis of Conflict: Westies vs. The Mafia
The narrative of "The Westies" is rooted in a real and often violent chapter of New York’s criminal history. The Westies, an Irish-American gang operating primarily out of Hell’s Kitchen, gained a fearsome reputation for their ruthlessness and ambition. Unlike the more traditional Italian-American Mafia families, the Westies carved out their own niche, often employing brutal tactics to assert their dominance. The construction of the Javits Convention Center in the late 1970s and early 1980s represented a massive influx of money and opportunity, becoming a focal point for organized crime to vie for lucrative contracts and kickbacks.
Eamon Sweeney, as depicted by J.K. Simmons, is presented as a pragmatic yet formidable leader. His directive to his crew to "keep our eyes on the big picture" underscores his strategic thinking, recognizing the immense potential for corruption and profit the Javits Center project offered. However, the inherent nature of organized crime—marked by greed, ambition, and a constant struggle for power—makes conflict not just inevitable, but a central driving force of the series. The series will likely explore the intricate web of alliances, betrayals, and violent confrontations that defined this era.
Key Players and Their Roles
The series boasts a strong ensemble cast, bringing to life the complex characters embroiled in this criminal saga. Tom Brittney, known for his role in "Grantchester," stars as Jimmy Roarke, Sweeney’s trusted associate. Roarke’s position is precarious, as he is tasked with managing the volatile Mickey, played by Stanley Morgan. Mickey, a Vietnam War veteran recently released from Bellevue psychiatric hospital, represents the instability and unpredictable element within the Westies’ ranks. His struggles with mental health and potential for violence add a layer of internal tension and personal drama to the overarching criminal enterprise.
Adding another layer of complexity, Titus Welliver, familiar to audiences from "Bosch," portrays Glenn Keenan, a corrupt police officer entangled in the mob’s operations. Keenan’s arc takes a significant turn when he is recruited into an FBI task force dedicated to investigating the very criminal elements he has been a part of. This puts him in a dangerous position, caught between his former allegiances and his new role as an informant, potentially facing severe repercussions from both sides of the law. The inclusion of an FBI investigation highlights the escalating efforts by law enforcement to combat the pervasive influence of organized crime in the city.
Expanding the Universe: "Interview With the Vampire" and "Grantchester"
Beyond the gritty realism of "The Westies," the weekend’s television landscape offers a diverse array of programming. On Sunday, AMC’s "Interview With the Vampire" returns with its penultimate episode, promising a rekindling of the intense emotional core that has captivated audiences. The episode focuses on the reunion of Lestat (Sam Reid) and Louis (Jacob Anderson), a pivotal moment designed to remind viewers of the franchise’s foundational appeal. The narrative is set against the backdrop of a massive vampire gathering in Montreal, an event poised to be the largest in history. This unprecedented assembly raises questions about its potential consequences, with Louis’s wry query, "What could go wrong?" hinting at the foreboding atmosphere.
The episode also introduces Jennifer Ehle as Sofia, also known as Gabrielle, Louis’s former lover. The encounter promises to be emotionally charged. In a significant crossover element, the series will then venture into the realm of the Mayfair witches, enlisting the powerful Merrick Mayfair, portrayed by Sarah Afful, to address a personal matter. This cross-franchise collaboration suggests a deepening of the supernatural lore and potentially unforeseen consequences for the characters involved.
Meanwhile, PBS’s beloved pastoral crime drama "Grantchester" also airs on Sunday, offering a unique crossover with another Masterpiece franchise, "All Creatures Great and Small." Nicholas Ralph guest-stars as a vicar who has recently returned from Africa. He encounters Alphy (Rishi Nair) at a spiritual retreat that is disrupted by the discovery of a homeless man’s drowning. Alphy’s presence at the retreat, which he wasn’t officially invited to, adds to his ongoing spiritual crisis, suggesting a period of introspection and doubt for the character. Concurrently, at the local police precinct, Geordie (Robson Green) and Miss Scott (Melissa Johns) are grappling with secrets they are reluctant to share, hinting at personal subplots and character development.
Sporting Spectacles: Wimbledon and World Cup Quarterfinals
The weekend’s sporting calendar is equally packed, featuring the thrilling conclusion of two major international events. Wimbledon, the prestigious Grand Slam tennis tournament, culminates on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday’s women’s championship match pits two formidable Czech players against each other: No. 9 seed Linda Nosková and No. 10 Karolína Muchová. Sunday’s men’s final is a highly anticipated showdown between the top two seeds, No. 1 Jannik Sinner and No. 2 Alexander Zverev. For those who prefer a delayed viewing, ABC will be replaying each championship match at 3 pm ET/2 pm CT on their respective days.
In the world of soccer, the FIFA World Cup, which has already garnered record-breaking ratings this summer, reaches its intense quarterfinal stage on Fox. Saturday will feature two compelling matchups: Norway against England in Miami at 5 pm ET, followed by Argentina facing Switzerland in Kansas City at 9 pm ET. The winners of these matches will advance to the semifinals, scheduled to air on Fox on Tuesday and Wednesday, setting the stage for the tournament’s ultimate conclusion. The global viewership for these events underscores the immense popularity and cultural impact of both tennis and soccer on an international scale.
"House of the Dragon": Targaryen Power Plays Intensify
HBO’s highly anticipated prequel series, "House of the Dragon," continues its dramatic trajectory on Sunday. The series delves deeper into the Targaryen civil war, with James Norton’s character, Lord Ormund Hightower, emerging as a significant antagonist. Norton, known for his roles in "Grantchester" and "Happy Valley," brings a formidable presence to the role. Hightower’s recent actions, including seizing the stronghold of Tumbleton and deceiving Queen Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) by sending an imposter to pose as the hostage Prince Daeron, demonstrate his ruthless ambition to place his ward on the Iron Throne.
Meanwhile, Queen Rhaenyra’s uncle and husband, Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith), embarks on a mission to the Vale to replenish the kingdom’s coffers. His journey, however, leads to a disturbing discovery, hinting at further complications and potential threats to the Targaryen dynasty. The intricate political maneuvering and escalating conflicts within the Targaryen family promise to keep viewers on the edge of their seats as the pre-"Game of Thrones" saga unfolds. The casting of a prominent actor like James Norton in a pivotal antagonist role signifies the high stakes and the narrative depth the series is aiming for, building upon the established lore of Westeros.
The weekend’s television offerings present a rich tapestry of genres, from the raw intensity of organized crime dramas and the gothic allure of supernatural tales to the comforting familiarity of pastoral mysteries and the global excitement of major sporting events. Each program, in its own way, explores themes of power, ambition, loyalty, and the human condition, providing viewers with diverse and compelling narratives to engage with. The strategic placement of these high-profile series and events across different networks and streaming platforms reflects a deliberate effort to capture a wide audience and cater to a variety of viewing preferences throughout the weekend.
