Wiseguy (1987-1990) was a U.S. television program about Vincent "Vinnie" Terranova, an undercover agent of the OCB (Organized Crime Bureau), a fictional division of the FBI. Produced by Stephen J. Cannell, the show differed from previous crime dramas in its use of "story arcs", and in its focusing as much on the sometimes unpleasant consequences of the protagonist's actions, as on the mechanics of the detective work. It was filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia to avoid the higher studio costs associated with filming in Los Angeles."Wiseguy" (1987)

Characters

Vincent Terranova (Ken Wahl)

Vincent Michael "Vinnie" Terranova is an undercover agent in his late 20s to mid-30s. His job is to infiltrate criminal organizations, gather evidence, and then destroy the organization and bring the guilty parties to justice. At the beginning of the show, he is estranged from his family because of an eighteen-month prison sentence (meant to establish his "wiseguy" credentials with the criminal underworld) and continued ties to criminals. His Italian-born mother, Carlotta (Elsa Raven) calls him "Vincenzo" but we are given to understand that his legal name is Vincent. Vinnie was often seen wearing Fordham University sweatshirts and hats so by inference he is a Fordham graduate.