There is a lot wrong with this but there's also a lot right... I'm a big Edward Burns fan and I like what he did with this but you cannot compete with the other television shows now days without cliffhangers. The story was good, acting (from most) was good but there just wasn't enough to keep the viewer wanting more. Which would be th reason why it was renewed for a second season. It also copped a lot of criticism for its authenticity, though I had no problem with it I thought the set, clothes and cars seemed all pretty legit. This show isn't for everyone but if a 1960 tough, corrupt cop show appeals to you give this one a try.

Although I have to agree with another review that the authenticity of the series is quite good, from the locations, to the clothes, to the interiors, and even to the smoking (whew.. I was 12 in 1965, but I do remember a lot of people smoking). The acting also is good/very good, with a few over-the-top actors (and accents...). But I have an issue where there is no clear 'good' guy(s) here, and so there is really no one to cheer for. The cops are almost as crooked as the gangsters, and they rationalize what they do by saying that the crimes are 'victimless', and that people will participate in gambling, prostitution anyway. Bad rationalization there, and it's been used before. I can't believe that all the cops were assholes, as depicted in this series, and also can't believe that were that many on the take. Cops are depicted badly here, regardless of why they are doing what they're doing. Some would say they are only human... I think is also a rationalization. Anyway, I will keep watching for a while to see where the series goes. Hopefully, one of the cops will come along that we can root for, that at least becomes conflicted what he/she is doing. For the most part, this series seems like a vanity project for Ed Burns.

I wanted to love this series. I was even an extra in three of the episodes and I love era pieces. I binge watched the entire series on TNT over Labor Day when all episodes were made available and I was truly disappointed. Had all the episodes not been available I probably would have quit after the third episode. Some really great character actors and some great set design and wardrobe but the story line did not interest me. perhaps Ed Burns should have focused on either directing or acting and perhaps employed some professional screenwriters who know how to carry episodic television. The actors were great, Brian Dennehy, Michael Rappaport, Kevin Corrigan, Keith Nobbs. Tim Hutton, Elizabeth Mascucci but the lines they delivered were just not interesting or even that believable. On an ecoomic level for NYC and for some BG acting days, A second season would be nice I just wont be watching.

OK, I'm not saying this is the best show on TV but it does have potential. As with all TV shows first episode it's setting the scene. This is 1960's new york... there is corruption which in my eyes can lead to thrilling story lines. Let us hope this show can deliver.I vow to give this show at least another two episodes before considering ditching. I don't think it's fair to write off any TV show after the first episode unless it's about something you have absolutely no interest in.On the down side I do think the "fight" scenes could have been better done. They looked too fake.