J.K. Simmons Crime Drama 'The Westies' Earns Flat TV Review

The MGM+ crime drama "The Westies," starring J.K. Simmons, has received a critical review that describes it as a flat portrayal of the New York Irish mob's activities. The series focuses on the gang's efforts to profit from the construction of the Javits Center, a plotline that the review suggests fails to generate compelling television.

The narrative of "The Westies" delves into the historical operations of the Irish mob in Hell's Kitchen, specifically their entanglement with the development of the Javits Center in the 1970s and 1980s. The series aims to depict the power dynamics and criminal enterprises that characterized this era of New York's organized crime.

Despite the presence of veteran actor J.K. Simmons, the series is critiqued for its uninspired storytelling and lack of dramatic tension. The review highlights that the subject matter, while potentially rich with intrigue, is not effectively translated into an engaging viewing experience. The construction of the Javits Center, a central element of the plot, is noted as a particularly uninspiring backdrop for the unfolding criminal drama.

"The Westies" is available for streaming on MGM+. The series joins a growing number of crime dramas that explore the history of American organized crime, but this particular entry is noted for its perceived shortcomings in execution and narrative impact.