Network: TNT
Episodes: 10 (hour)
Seasons: One
TV show dates: August 25, 2015 — October 20, 2015
Series status: Cancelled
Performers include: Edward Burns, Michael Rapaport, Elizabeth Masucci, Katrina Bowden, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Wass Stevens, Keith Nobbs, Austin Stowell, Patrick Murney, Lyndon Smith, Brian Wiles, and Cormac Cullinane.
TV show description:
Set in the Early 1960s New York, this crime drama revolves around the members of the Public Morals Division. It’s a plainclothes unit of the NYPD whose job it is to police vice crimes such as gambling and prostitution — laws on the books that no one wants enforced but that curb all kinds of sin and vice. These cops do what’s been done for the last hundred years — they manage it for the city. This all might come to an end when a war between two factions of the Irish Mob breaks out in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood.
As the patriarch of two families — his own household, as well as the Public Morals division — Officer Terry Muldoon (Edward Burns) faces a number of challenges as he tries to maintain control over his tightly ordered world. Christine Muldoon (Elizabeith Masucci) is his wife. She is an independent, attractive and tough mother of three. She is very loving but doesn’t take any crap from anyone, even her husband.
Muldoon’s partner is seasoned veteran Charlie Bullman (Michael Rapaport). He’s a dedicated family man who goes against his better judgment and this lands him in a difficult relationship with a high-end call girl named Fortune (Katrina Bowden).
Vince Latucci (Wass Stevens) is a dapper and cocky plainclothesman, who enjoys all the perks of the public morals division, which usually gets him into hot water with his wife. Sean O’Bannon (Austin Stowell) is Muldoon’s hot-headed and handsome cousin who enjoys attention from the ladies and also likes the benefits of being a Public Morals officer.
Petey Mac (Patrick Murney) is the most easy-going and affable member of the division. He loves his job and lives in constant fear he will be bounced from the unit. Jimmy Shea (Brian Wiles) is a handsome, clean-cut cop and the newest member of the team. His arrival in the office puts everyone else on edge.
Lieutenant Lonnie King (Ruben Santiago-Hudson) is a smart and stylish lieutenant who also happens to moonlight as the leader of a group of vigilante cops.
Pat Duffy (Keith Nobbs) is a fast-taking street urchin. Recently released from prison, he finds himself working as a stool pigeon for Muldoon. Deirdre (Lyndon Smith) is Duffy’s independent and strong-willed sister. She is attracted to O’Bannon, and they develop a complicated relationship.
Mr. O (Timothy Hutton) is the head bookmaker for Joe Patton. A nasty, and abusive drunk, Mr. O is married to Muldoon’s aunt, and the father of young cop Sean O’Bannon. Mr. O’s right hand man is Smitty (Kevin Corrigan), a veteran player in the illegal gambling world in Manhattan. Richie Kane (Aaron Dean Eisenberg) is Mr. O’s dangerous and charismatic soldier.
Joe Patton (Brian Dennehy) is the aging head of the West Side Irish Mob, who is trying to maintain control of his empire. His volatile son Rusty (Neal McDonough) starts to cause big trouble in Hell’s Kitchen. Recently out of prison, sociopathic Rusty’s impulsive behavior starts a war within two factions of the West Side Irish Mob.
Episode #10 — A Thought and a Soul
The streets of Hell’s Kitchen run red with the blood of the Irish Mafia, as the west side war comes to a head. Muldoon treats Christine to a night on the town, and makes a decision. Duffy gets surprising news from Deirdre. As Bullman’s feelings for Fortune intensify, he’s forced to make a decision about their relationship.
First aired: October 20, 2015.
What do you think? Do you like the Public Morals TV show? Do you think it should have been cancelled or renewed for a second season?
Hey Bags the moose … We need more people like you ! People that know when they DON’T like a show and quit watching on their own instead complaining about “it’s garbage . My opinion, thanks …
Complete garbage. One-dimensional caricatures with terrible dialogue. “one way ticket to palooka-ville”? Whoo-res instead of whores. I self-canceled it.
Well Marilyn welcome to the real world. People really do talk like that. You have obviously never been part of a large closely knit group of people engaged in dangerous activities. Like being on a sports team or a fireman or in the military, to name a few. It’s a way to let off steam and “communal cursing” also helps in the bonding of the group membership … Not entirely “my opinion” some measure of fact has been included … Thanks
We started to watch the first episode and thought the story line is exciting. We like the shows that are set in the time before everybody gets shot or beat up but we both object to the language we really don’t believe that curse words come, or came, out every five words. No one really speaks using as many curse words as they use in one program. It kinds turns us off but we try to give it a chance that maybe the language will be toned down somewhat. Is it really necessary to say “GD” of curse so much.… Read more »
I binge watched 10 episodes in two days. I love the premise of the show : laws vs morals. the questionable duties and complex role of being a police officer in the 60 s in New York City is exposed sensitively and accurately. The settings and costumes are impeccablly created and the music punctuates the storyline beautifully. The acting iIs spot on and the characters are all believable. I look forward to the rest of the series and hope that it finds its audience.
Criticism: Kevin Corrigan and Kevin Kash killed off too soon
The show gets better and better with every episode. The acting is great and the attention to detail is superb. It really captures old New York. It is a wonderful mix of police drama and the family dynamic. Ed Burns deserves a lot of credit for writing, directing and starring in this one of a kind new series.
EXACTLY THIS! 😉
Cancel it!!!! We don’t need a show about corrupt cops!
So, I have watched the remainder of the 1st 4 episodes available on demand, and I am hooked! And can I say I just say I REALLY LOVE the clothes from this time SOOO much! They were so tasteful and sophisticated – even the casual clothes. Same thing on Astronaut wives. More, more, more! 🙂
I thought the Pilot was great. It reminds me of the New Orleans Police department. Had to add it too my DVR so I wont miss any episodes.
Recorded this show last night, I am looking forward to liking it. I’ll let y’all know …
I really enjoyed the show – I think it has great potential. Good acting, some humor added in, good representation of the time period. The story-line is intriguing. These characters are already building – keep it going!
Watched the show last night. I grew up in NYC during the 60’s and I can’t say that this is how I remembered it. I couldn’t stand all of the smoking. I was quite disappointed by the loose morals of the police officers. I will try to look past my own prejudices and will give the show another look. I so enjoyed Proof that had broadcast at this same time for the prior 10 weeks. I hope TNT renews Proof.
I agree, I also grew up in NYC during the 60’s, this is exactly how NYC was then. I loved it! Bring it back!
Watched the pilot episode last night – I liked it! Some really good actors in this cast, too (love Ed Burns and Mike Rappaport, to name a couple)! When it was being advertised, I thought it was going to be some hardcore crime drama, but now I see it’s more of a dramedy? I had some good laugh-out-loud moments last night with this one! 🙂
I loved it. Thought it was a very realistic depiction of both the 60’s AND NYC. I hope TNT runs all 10 episodes – I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I would say it will be a good show; only saw one episode but appears to be like I remember the 60’s to be. Please renew.