Crime Story (1986 — 1988)

The American crime drama TV series, Crime Story (1986–1988), was created by Chuck Adamson and Gustave Reininger, and produced by Michael Mann. It aired on NBC for two seasons from September 18, 1986 to May 10, 1988. The show debuted with a two-hour pilot that had previously been shown in theaters and garnered a viewership of over 30 million. Originally airing on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. opposite ABC’s Moonlighting, it was later moved to Fridays at 10 p.m. before eventually settling on Tuesdays at 10 p.m. during the fall of 1987. Despite its popularity, the show was cancelled after two seasons. Set in Chicago in 1963, the plot follows Lieutenant Michael Torello, who leads the city’s Major Crime Unit as they tackle some of the most dangerous criminals. Among them is Ray Luca, an ambitious young street hood whose thirst for power and wealth drives him to resort to theft, threats, extortion, and murder. As Luca’s criminal empire grows and his list of victims increases, Torello becomes more determined than ever to take him down.

Season 1 (1986–1987). The debut season tracks Chicago Police Detective Lieutenant Mike Torello as he chases organized crime from the Windy City to Sin City in the early 1960s. Leading the crew of rough and tough detectives known as the Major Crimes Unit (MCU) are Detective Sgt. Danny Krychek, Det. Walter Clemmons, Det. Nate Grossman, and Det. Joey Indelli. Torello’s main target is up-and-coming mobster Ray Luca, who starts off as a freelance thief and murderer with a team that includes Pauli Taglia and Frank Holman, experts in robberies, burglaries, and invasions of homes. With ties to Chicago mob boss Phil Bartoli, Luca catches the eye of national crime boss Manny Weisbord, loosely based on infamous gangster Meyer Lansky. Impressed by Luca’s ambition to climb the ranks of organized crime rather than stay on the streets, Weisbord appoints one of his men, Max Goldman, as an intermediary between himself and Luca.

Season 2 (1987–1988). In the second season, Torello and his team are taken aback by the reappearance of Ray Luca and Pauli Taglia in Las Vegas, seemingly unscathed. Their shock only increases when they discover that the U.S. government has struck a secret agreement with Luca, offering him immunity in exchange for his cooperation. Assistant Attorney General Hallahan discloses that certain individuals within the government have formed an alliance with Luca for their own political gain. Pursuing Luca further would mean operating outside of official channels. Despite putting up a facade of respectability, Torello remains convinced that Luca is deeply involved in criminal activities. As Torello’s squad begins to surveil Luca, he takes legal action to obtain a restraining order. Although David Abrams argues for continued surveillance based on Luca’s violent history, it becomes apparent that he also harbors a personal vendetta against the gangster due to his father’s death. After hearing both sides, the judge grants the injunction.