MGM+'s New Crime Drama Could Be a True Genre Gem, but Even J.K. Simmons Couldn't Save It

In the 1980s, Hell's Kitchen, one of New York City's most turbulent yet cinematic neighborhoods, became home to the Irish crime syndicate known as the Westies.

The MGM+ series of the same name tells the story of the gang and its leader, Eamon Sweeney. However, despite its stellar cast and ambitious setting, The Westies risks being overshadowed by more flamboyant crime dramas.

What Is 'The Westies' About?

The story is set in Hell's Kitchen, New York, in the 1980s. Irish mob boss Eamon Sweeney is a savvy diplomat and peacemaker who negotiates a truce with the Italian mob during the construction of the Jacob Javits Convention Center.

Both syndicates stand to make a fortune without conflict, but the truce proves fragile – a ticking time bomb that both the FBI and the IRA group are trying to undermine.

The plot also centers on police detective Glenn Keenan, a longtime friend of Sweeney's who now finds himself on the other side of the fence.

'The Westies' Lacks a Distinct Identity and Its Own Face

The main problem with The Westies is its derivative nature – it's as if the creators mashed up every known Mafia plot, motif, and quotation. There are corrupt unions, post-traumatic stress disorder from Vietnam, and John Gotti in a key role.

The series is reminiscent of Paramount+'s MobLand, but it noticeably lacks freshness and energy. At first glance, the two projects seem similar, but they differ in setting, cast, and dramaturgy – unfortunately, not in The Westies' favor.

The first episode's plot starts strong, but then the familiar tropes begin: the kidnapping of a gang member, attempts to bribe the police, and a return to the mafia after a prison sentence.

Coppola, Leone, Scorsese, and dozens of others have all done this before, but The Westies offers nothing new.

The Only Reason to Watch 'The Westies' Is the Duo of J.K. Simmons & Titus Welliver

The only captivating aspect of The Westies is the performances of two actors: J.K. Simmons and Titus Welliver.

Their characters – a mob boss and a detective who used to work together but are now on opposite sides – are far more engaging than the other storylines. Playing a central role in a crime drama for the first time, Simmons performs as if he's in a Scorsese project.

Welliver, a television veteran known for Deadwood and Bosch, plays a detective who tries to maintain a friendship despite his duty.

However, even their charisma can't save the TV series from its mediocre script and lack of fresh ideas. The Westies is a run-of-the-mill project for genre fans – a great way to pass the time, but unlikely to leave a lasting impression.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'The Westies'?

• The Westies has 71% from critics and 68% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the series has a score of 7.1/10.

Where to Watch 'The Westies'?

The Westies is available to stream on MGM+.