Fear City is Netflix’s latest hot docuseries and tells the story of 1970’s New York, the Mafia’s Five Families and the law enforcement effort to bring them to justice. Consisting of only three episodes – short in comparison to similar Netflix series – Fear City often feels like an overview of a much deeper subject. Have no doubt, though, it certainly packs a punch.
Interviews with aged “wise-guys” and FBI agents, coupled with dramatic reconstructions, help to create a cinematic feeling common in this oft-mythologised genre. There’s a familiarity in this that will no doubt contribute to the series’ success and will work well in holding the interest of any newcomers. It is, however, a missed opportunity to explore the complexities of the events and characters involved and to give an insight into the ‘real’ Mafia.
Fear City: Cops and The Five Families
The series lends its hand in building the mystique of the Five Families, but the perspective is primarily that of the FBI and the prosecutors who worked to catch them. The legal process involved in this, and the loopholes that allowed the Mafia to flourish, are explained excellently. RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations Act) laws and their effective implementation are handed most of the credit here, with wiretapping being the star of the show. Some of Fear City’s best moments come when the FBI agents nonchalantly explain how they gained entry to Mafia hotbeds and planted bugs right under their noses. It’s ingenious, almost unbelievable, work. And the creators were right to focus on this frequently overlooked yet fascinating part of the Mafia story.
The Five Families, for those unfamiliar, are the Gambino, Colombo, Bonanno, Lucchese, and Genovese crime families. Each are their own entity supported by a complex organisational structure. At the top is a Boss, below him is an Underboss. Underneath are the Captains – like the line managers – and then the Soldiers. Lastly, there are Associates – the lowest rank. The series gives considerable weight to this established hierarchy and visualises it well. Unfortunately, it doesn’t adequately explain the power that can be wielded at each level (Soldiers can have more influence than it’d initially have you believe) until it’s too late and jarring to be covered in any meaningful way. Detail on promotion and eligibility (see “made men”) is also scarce, as is the history of each family’s foundation.
Fear City: The Story of the Mob
As is common with Netflix docuseries, considerable effort is made in constructing a serialised dramatic narrative complete with twists and turns. The reason for this is obvious. It hooks you in and entices you to binge watch the whole thing. In doing this, Fear City conceals its most interesting revelation – The Commission – until late in the game. Despite each family being their own organisation, they sit under the jurisdiction of this governing body, each represented by their respective bosses. This worked well – as a viewer, you learn as the FBI learn. It’s both exciting and intriguing. When The Commission is finally revealed, the true genius of RICO comes to light thanks to the well-established role of legislators and law enforcement in previous episodes.
The true scope of The Commission is, however, under-explored. For example, Al Capone had a seat as the boss of the Chicago Outfit. For some reason, this isn’t mentioned, despite Capone being one of the most famous mafiosos of all time. Similarly, certain bosses, and their respective families receive substantially less focus than others.
Fear City portrays Anthony “Tony Ducks” Corallo (boss of the Luchesse family), Paul Castellano (Gambino family) and Anthony “Fat Tony” Salerno (Genovese family) as the main power players. These three are given considerable backstories and characterisation. What’s more, they’re presented as the primary subjects of the FBI’s operations. Their stories in the context of The Commission trials are more-or-less concluded, whereas the others are barely introduced. Oddly, “Fat Tony”, who’s perhaps made out to be the most significant boss of all, was never actually the boss of the Genovese family. He was merely a front for Vincent “the Chin” Gigante. The fact this didn’t get so much as a mention is baffling.
Even more confusing is the decision to overlook such facts in favour of a Donald Trump cameo. While his status as a construction mogul (an industry the Mafia were heavily involved in) might barely justify his inclusion, the lack of further exploration exposes it as an unnecessary effort to make a link to present-day controversies. Whatever your opinion is of Trump, his inclusion in all these Netflix docuseries, often based on tenuous links alone, is beginning to feel forced. Either include him properly by detailing his involvement and the evidence, or spend the time focussing on more pertinent aspects of the story.
Fear City: Verdict
Fear City has an incredibly interesting premise. After all, the real-life Mafia was just as dramatic and insane as that portrayed in films. As a result, the story being told here practically writes itself – all the creators had to do was frame it in a new light and give an honest, detailed, and balanced account. The approach was certainly unique. Ultimately, though, the context was lacking. With more time, the missing details could’ve been filled in. Before watching, three episodes seemed oddly short – and it was. An episode dedicated to each boss and a finale tying it all together would’ve done better.
It’s a shame the necessary detail was missing, but it doesn’t stop the series from being an exhilarating whistle-stop tour through 1970’s New York and the terrifying characters that controlled its streets.
Overall Rating: 7/10
Fear City: New York vs. The Mafia is now streaming on Netflix.
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