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Before becoming a renowned screenwriter, Nicholas Pileggi was a seasoned journalist who spent decades covering the New York City mafia. His deep understanding of organized crime led him to author notable books such as Wiseguy: Life in a Mafia Family and Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas. These works were famously adapted into the acclaimed films Goodfellas (1990) and Casino (1995) under the direction of Martin Scorsese. In 2012, Pileggi took his exploration of mob culture to television with the CBS series Vegas.
Dennis Quaid and Michael Chiklis on Opposite Sides of the Law
Instead of revisiting the well-trodden narratives of the ’70s and ’80s, when organized crime flourished in Las Vegas, Pileggi opted for a fresh perspective by setting his series in the 1960s. This choice allows for a vivid depiction of Las Vegas’s evolution from a modest desert town to a bustling hub of mob activity.
Dennis Quaid stars in Vegas, marking his inaugural substantial role on television. He takes on the character of Ralph Lamb, the former rancher turned Clark County Sheriff, who faces the challenge of rising crime as mobsters establish their presence in the city. Cast opposite Quaid is Michael Chiklis, best known for his roles as law enforcement characters in series such as The Shield and Hotel Cocaine. Chiklis plays Vincent Savino, a casino and hotel owner closely tied to organized crime, and serves as Sheriff Lamb’s primary adversary. The cast also includes Jason O’Mara as Lamb’s brother, Carrie-Anne Moss as the Assistant District Attorney, and Taylor Handley as Lamb’s headstrong son.
‘Vegas’ Highlights Two Clashing Worlds
While Vegas features procedural elements typical of crime series, the central focus is the relationship and conflict between Sheriff Lamb and Vincent Savino, representing two starkly different worlds. They serve as foils to one another, embodying contrasting sides of a power struggle steeped in historical significance. In the pilot episode, Quaid’s character spends notable time confronting individuals who disrupt his cattle ranch operations by aiding the mafia, drawing parallels to a mobster’s violent retribution in a betrayal scenario.
The struggle between Lamb and Savino transcends a mere rivalry; they symbolize the drastic changes Las Vegas underwent during a transformative era. By situating the show in the 1960s, Pileggi distinguishes this project from contemporary mob narratives, shifting the focus from notorious figures to the broader story and cultural context. This approach allows for a meaningful exploration of character motivations and the lifestyles they embody.
Pileggi elaborated to The Guardian on the reasoning behind highlighting the 1960s, stating: “In 1959 and 1960 Las Vegas was still really a western town… and here it was — the fedoras were starting to come in against the cowboy hats.” He described Ralph Lamb as a cowboy sheriff facing the influx of mafia figures, likening it to a classic showdown of heroes and villains.
Authenticity Is Important in ‘Vegas’
For Nicholas Pileggi, crafting Vegas was particularly cathartic following the passing of his wife, celebrated filmmaker Nora Ephron. Known for her beloved romantic comedies such as When Harry Met Sally… and Sleepless in Seattle, Ephron encouraged Pileggi to ensure the show reflected true authenticity. Just before her death, she reminded him, “This one is for real — you can’t just phone it in.”
The genuine portrayal of events within Vegas stems from Pileggi’s dedication to accuracy. He conducted extensive research, including time spent with the actual Ralph Lamb, which granted him unique insights crucial to the storytelling. This direct engagement helped solidify the narrative, lending depth to the characters and their experiences. Quaid, tasked with embodying Lamb, formed a notable rapport with the sheriff, navigating the challenge of bringing a living historical figure to life on screen. Following this project, Quaid’s career significantly expanded, leading to various noteworthy roles, including that of a notorious serial killer in Netflix’s Happy Face.
Though Vegas was ultimately canceled after its first season, it remains a celebrated series characterized by strong performances and compelling writing, capturing a pivotal moment in American history. Its unique blend of western motifs and organized crime sets it apart from others in its genre. Fans of the show can also look forward to Pileggi’s upcoming project, The Alto Knights (2025), which features Robert De Niro in yet another portrayal of a mob leader.
Source
movieweb.com