Titus Welliver will once more adopt the role of a law enforcement official, albeit with a dubious morality this time. He has recently been selected to feature alongside J.K. Simmons in the forthcoming MGM+ crime drama series, The Westies. This period drama, dreamed up by creative minds Chris Brancato and Michael Panes, unfolds during the early 1980s. The plot, brutal and relentless, takes place amid the notorious Irish mafia of Hell’s Kitchen, simultaneous to the construction phase of the Jacob Javits Center, setting up fresh opportunities and previously unseen adversaries.
In The Westies, Welliver brings to life Glenn Keenan, an NYPD officer riddled with conflict, who grew up in the shadow of the Westies crew. He epitomizes a classic dilemma deeply ingrained in crime chronicles worldwide: a constant tussle between lawfulness and loyalty to family and old friendships. His dedication to the police force sees rigorous trials due to his strong connections within the gang, and the emotional upheaval caused by his son who is progressively succumbing to a darker existence.
This character seems to be an intriguing addition to Welliver’s portfolio. It presents a thrilling opportunity to watch him exchange dialogues with Simmons, who takes on the role of Eamon Sweeney, the charming yet ruthless leader of the Westies. Despite being considerably outnumbered by the Five Families of the Italian mafia, the legendary ferocity and sharp-witted stratagem of the Westies have equipped them to secure a portion of the spoils, maintained through a delicate balance.
However, an internal scuffle is brewing within the Westies between the audacious new generation and the traditionalist old guard. This fraction could potentially ignite the already explosive atmosphere, dragging the Westies deep into the rapidly expanding FBI probe targeted at the Italian mafia.
Welliver’s predilection towards crime narratives does not come as a shock. Following seven seasons as LAPD detective Harry Bosch, he recently wrapped up shooting a pilot for The Equalizer, a spinoff on CBS, and also put forth a commendable performance in the Sundance indie, Ricky.
This forthcoming drama series, The Westies, appears to be a promising proposition, especially for aficionados of crime drama. Its distinct fusion of historical setting, gritty underworld tones, and street-level power dynamics makes it an enticing prospect. The production works are set to commence in July in the Canadian city of Toronto.