Network TV trying to compete with HBO or even basic cable like FX. Miguel is the new family 'kingpin' after the previous one dies and the next in line, his son, is killed. He must run the illegal business while trying to keep his 8 year-old son out of it. The FBI are looking to shut his operations down. Meanwhile Brian Benben as a plastic surgeon entangled with the 'family' acts to much like Martin Tupper. Dranny Trejo in a bit part is one of the highlights. Anyone expecting this series that lasted 6 episodes to be a mini-series will be sadly disappointed by the lack of a real ending. And after 6 hours (with commercials, less if you are watching the DVD set) one can't help but feel somewhat ripped off. Especially when it takes a few episodes to really get going. It's not that Kingpin is necessarily bad, just that it's not really all the memorable. The Producer's cut on DVD is peppered with some nudity and cussing.My Grade: C-

As a fan of "The Sopranos," I was perhaps a little reluctant to watch "Kingpin," since I felt that nothing could really surpass "The Sopranos" in my affections. Nonetheless, a friend had bought me the miniseries DVD for my birthday, so with no other excuse at hand, I watched it.And I loved it. There are only six episodes, each an hour long, but it took me only 'til about the second before I was hooked. The acting is excellent, and I'm left wondering why I haven't heard of or seen these actors before. Each character was sympathetic and interesting; even the ones you're probably "supposed" to hate, and it was difficult deciding who exactly to root for. I especially liked the relationship between Miguel and his brother, Chato -- one of trust and closeness instead of the deceit and backstabbing that's all too common in shows along the same lines.Agent Flores and Miguel's wife, Marlene, were also both very appealing, as strong, independent female characters who have their own complexities and motivations, rather than being overshadowed by the male characters. And I can't forget the particularly comic relationship between the doctor played by Benben, and his "thug" friend, Junie. The show provided a number of unexpected and unique twists on an old theme.Unfortunately, for whatever reason, the show never took off. Maybe it was too expensive to produce, maybe it didn't get enough support from NBC, or maybe (and I hope this isn't the case), it slipped because it was not a predominantly white cast; most of the characters were Hispanic/Latino. That seems a particular shame, if it is the reason "Kingpin" never succeeded, since its cast was truly talented and I would have liked to see some of those actors get a definite career boost.Still, at least it's available to rent, and I highly recommend giving it a shot. Even if you're a hardcore "Sopranos" lover, like I am, don't let the comparison deter you! They're similar in that they're about criminal families, but they each have a very different feel and flavor, and you'll only be robbing yourself of something new to enjoy.I just wish there were /more/ of it to enjoy!

This series deserves to become a regular next season or at least a regular mini-series. The great plot points for the family and extended relatives have all been laid out. There was a surprising amount of depth to the episodes, ranging from the thoughtful to the hilarious. One thoughful point was the class snobbery, prevalant in Mexico, played out between the Senator and Miguel Cadenas. There were some laugh out loud moments, from Jacob Vargas' entire character of Ernesto (killed too early) to Dr. Klein's (Brian Benben) realization that he had been mispronouncing Romolo's name all along. "It's not Romuulo, it's Rrrromolo!" The only negative can be that we're asked to root for a drug kingpin. I thought perhaps America was not ready for that, but after seeing the "admirable" qualities of the beloved Sopranos I now ask-Why not?

I don't understand why if you are going to do something based on Mexicans and Mexico, why don't do it REAL...with MEXICANS and in Mexican Spanish and REAL Mexican Music...when you see the Sopranos, they look and are Italians...when you see Kingpin...is a joke,languaje is wrong, casting is wrong,music is wrong...