Review - Vegas S01E05

The chemistry between Quaid and Chiklis, and the men they portray, is no doubt the driving force behind Vegas. For both of them, folding is not on the cards.

Vegas. A world of greed, girls and guns. The show depicts Sin City in the early sixties, when it was just on the cusp of turning into what it is today. Filled with spectacularly styled sets, period-accurate costumes and riveting narrative, Vegas keeps getting better and better. The period-matched yet subtle soundtrack works well to create atmosphere in key scenes.

In ‘Solid Citizens’ Dennis Quaid’s Sheriff Ralph Lamb and his entourage investigate the kidnapping of a local boy. Of course, Lamb suspects Vincent Savino (portrayed by Michael Chiklis) is involved, or knows someone who is.

This week we start to see main characters evolve as their storylines allow them more dimension. Family dynamics play out among the Lamb family, and we’re introduced to Savino’s wife. We also get a glimpse of new characters that promise to influence future storylines.

At times the dialogue is cheesy but it’s delivered in a way that somehow just works. In this episode’s final scene, Savino tells Lamb, “We all end up in the ground some day.” “But how we get there counts for something. [Pause for effect.] Chew on that,” drawls the sheriff.

The chemistry between Quaid and Chiklis, and the men they portray, is no doubt the driving force behind Vegas. For both of them, folding is not on the cards.

The great thing about Chiklis’s character is that he’s complex, not a straight-out villain. Quaid’s depiction of a raspy, lovable rogue of a lawman is modeled closely on the real Ralph Lamb (right down to his swagger), a man unafraid to use unorthodox methods (read ‘his fists’) to keep things clean, and the mob at bay.

Carrie Anne Moss’s cool and classy Katherine O’Connell holds her own in a man’s world. We’re yet to see her given a substantial chunk of the action but we’re betting there’s plenty in store for her.

‘Solid Citizens’ is a solid spectacle. We’re looking forward to upcoming storylines showcasing more of its A-list ensemble.


Review by Catherine Jones