“Only the toes knows…” Stephen J. Cannell has been responsible for a large number of successful television shows over the years, but one of my favorites was “Wiseguy.” This was a show I followed through its entire run, and one that I had always wished I had recorded. The show’s central character during its initial seasons was Vinnie Terranova (Ken Wahl), who was an undercover FBI Agent. Though it might seem that shows that feature cops or FBI agents are pretty much done to death, occasionally some originality slips through. Such was the case when Cannell envisioned “Wiseguy.” Up until recently, most series of this type pretty much ran their plotlines on an episode-by-episode basis, with little real character development. When “Wiseguy” premiered in 1987, viewers were treated to a whole lot more.

The series was made up of ‘story arcs’, where each one of Terranova’s assignments would take up several episodes. This allowed more complex plotting and strong character development.

For example the first story arc, “The Steelgrave Arc,” Terranova had to infiltrate a branch of the mob controlled by Sonny Steelgrave (the late Ray Sharkey). During the course of those ten episodes, Terranova did indeed get himself ‘inside’ but also formed a strong relationship with Steelgrave, much like that of a brother. So as the arc came to a close, the emotional impact was much stronger than what you might normally have in a one-episode type sting operation.

The series was further enhanced by the ‘see-sawing’ of the characters. Wahl’s portrayal of Terranova painted him as a somewhat tortured figure. The secret he was keeping had a strong effect on his psyche, as there were temptations to do the wrong thing. He actually had to be kept in line by his boss, Frank McPike (Jonathan Banks), and his ‘lifeline’ within the bureau “Uncle Mike” (“Highlander’s” Jim Byrnes).

It was a real treat re-visiting the series earlier this year with the release of this first story arc on DVD by Studio Works Entertainment. The four-disc set offered up all ten episodes of the “Steelgrave Arc”, and even included a couple of bonus episodes that bridge the gap between this arc and the next. These two episodes also allow a look into the lives of a couple of the peripheral characters.

After checking out the first set, I was ready for more. Fortunately, the wait turned out to be shorter than I had hoped. The new DVD release of “Wiseguy: Mel Profitt” hits stores this month, and let me tell you, it nearly eclipses the first arc in terms of intensity. One of the reasons for the arc ended up being so good was the actor playing Profitt, Kevin Spacey. Even back then, you could see the potential for stardom Spacey carried into each and every scene. He is as intense an actor as they get.

In order to come up with a storyline that would equal, if not surpass what audiences had already seen, Cannell turned to a book called ‘The Underground Empire’ which delved into the world of criminal organizations that generated obscene amounts of money. Cannell based the characters of Mel and Susan Proffitt on one particular gun dealer who was always able to operate just outside of the law. Where he took the story even further was by taking these characters, which were brother and sister, and making them psychotic geniuses with a relationship of a near incestuous nature. Putting Terranova into the middle of this relationship, and having him deal with Joan Severance’s seductive portrayal of Susan, made for one truly bizarre love triangle.

The new 4-disc DVD set offers up all 11 episodes of this second half of the first season, as well as a number of extremely worthwhile interviews. All of the interviews are new, and I assume shot for this DVD release. My favorite had to be the one with Kevin Spacey. It runs nearly 20 minutes and he tells the story of how he got involved with the series, reluctant though he was to do so. His confidence as an actor comes through almost as much in the interview as it does in his performance. The rest of the interviews include Stephen Cannell and writer David Burke. Each interview lasts almost 15 minutes, but then there is an additional 7 minute piece where they are interviewed together.

We also hear from the drop-dead gorgeous Joan Severance, whose interview runs just under 10 minutes, as well as Elsa Raven (Momma Terranova) whose interview comes in at around 11 minutes. Last, but not least there is a 7 minute interview with William Russ. Russ played Roger Lococco, a wanted assassin, or so it would seem.

This second half of the first season of “Wiseguy” took what was already a terrific show, and propelled it into areas that were then unknown on network television. This was a ‘cop’ show that relied more on good writing and acting than car chases and shoot-outs.

“Wiseguy” was a great series when it aired, and still is even by today’s standard. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to catch these first two story arcs on DVD, and am now clamoring for the next one. As it is, I’m hoping that Studio Works will release the entire series and then follow it up with the 1996 reunion TV movie. I guarantee I’ll be watching them if they do.

Episodes:
Independent Operator
Fascination for the Flame
Smokey Mountain Requiem
Player to Be Names Now
Merchant of Death
Not for Nothing
The Squeeze
Blood Dance
Phantom Pain
Dirty Little Wars
Date with an Angel
Bonus Episode: Aria for Don Auippo

Starring: Ken Wahl, Kevin Spacey, Joan Severance, William Russ
Extras: Audio Commentary by Ken Wahl on “Player to Be Named Now”, Interviews with – Stephen J Cannell, David Burke, Kevin Spacey, Joan Severance, Elsa Raven, William Russ
Specifications: Full Screen
Studio: Studio Works
Release Date: 12/30/2003
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
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We'll give Wiseguy: Mel Profitt an A.