MGM+ is set to release "The Westies," a new crime drama set in the turbulent landscape of Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen during the early 1980s. The series features Oscar winner J.K. Simmons as Eamon Sweeney, the formidable boss of an Irish-American crime organization.
Central Conflicts and Characters
The narrative kicks off with a tense confrontation in a warehouse, introducing Davey O’Brien, a foot soldier for the Westies, and Vincent Siccaro, a capo in the rival Gambino crime family. Sweeney intervenes to prevent a mob war, emphasizing a new working relationship with the Italian mob. However, he later eliminates Davey, deeming him a volatile element.
The Westies face pressure from the Italian mafia, particularly the Gambino family, as a major construction project, the Javits Center, is being developed on their home turf. To secure a share of the lucrative racketeering opportunities associated with the project, Sweeney must comply with the demands of Gambino underboss John Gotti. Gotti tasks Sweeney with silencing a union leader popular within the Irish community.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Roarke, Sweeney’s right-hand man, grapples with the release of his unpredictable friend Mickey Flanagan from Bellvue. Roarke's girlfriend, Bridget Walsh, is approached by an ex-colleague from the IRA, Brendan Cahill, who has smuggled a rocket launcher into New York for an undisclosed plan.
On the law enforcement side, beat cop Glenn Keenan is recruited by FBI Special Agent in Charge Birdie Polk to a task force aimed at dismantling the Gambinos. Polk is unaware that Keenan, who grew up with Sweeney, is on the Westies' payroll and is being encouraged by Sweeney to feed information back to him. Keenan's primary concern is to keep his estranged son, Danny, away from the Westies' influence.
Thematic Elements and Performances
"The Westies" explores familiar tropes of Irish-American mob stories, including pub scenes, Irish music, and stereotypical attire. However, the series is distinguished by its cast, particularly the performances of J.K. Simmons as the ruthless yet seemingly regretful Sweeney, and Titus Welliver as the world-weary, corrupt cop Glenn Keenan. The complex dynamic between Sweeney and Keenan, former associates from the same neighborhood, offers a compelling narrative thread.
Other storylines, such as Jimmy’s efforts to manage Mickey and Bridget’s entanglement with her IRA past, have potential but are described as somewhat generic. Sarah Bolger's portrayal of Bridget and Jessica Frances Dukes as Agent Birdie Polk have also been highlighted for their performances.
The series is created by Chris Brancato and Michael Panes, and is compared to similar crime dramas like "Brotherhood" and "The Black Donnellys."