We're All Marathon Men

[Jeb]

Originally Posted by matches

I've never seen Wiseguy, and I'm trying to think if I've even heard about it before. But from the way you described it, it certainly sounds like something I need to check out.

Wiseguy (the story of a Fed who goes undercover in mob-related businesses) was definitely above average for the day; like Crime Story, it's a key transitional series between, say, Hill Street Blues and The Sopranos. The star, Ken Wahl, was wooden at the best of times, but it had some great performers, including Ray Sharkey and Kevin Spacey.

One memorable story arc was set in the garment trade, and featured Jerry Lewis and Ron Silver as businessmen being menaced by mobster Stanley Tucci.

My favorite run, though, featured guest star Glenn Frey (!) in a storyline that went "behind the scenes" of the music business, which (being employed by a major record label at the time), I found deliciously snarky and fun. And Frey was a much more entertaining actor than songwriter or singer. Tim Curry chewed scenery as the bad guy, and Debbie Harry has a small role.

Wiseguy, by the way, was also the title of Nicholas Pileggi's book about Henry Hill; when Scorsese went to film it, the title was changed to Goodfellas to avoid confusion.

[gobblox]

2 weeks ago I let curiousity get the best of me and marathoned Jersey Shore. It's time I will never get back, but it was total junk food guilty pleasure entertainment and I enjoyed watching it. Episode 6 was the climax, for me. There are 9 episodes and a reunion show.