Vegas: The DVD Edition

This cops-and-gangsters drama, co-created by Nicholas Pileggi (writer of Goodfellas), takes a network TV stab at the popular strain of period shows that are finding success on paid cable networks. The hook here is the collision of a cowboy lawman and urban mobsters in the wild days of early 1960s Las Vegas. Dennis Quaid is Ralph Lamb, a maverick rancher turned frontier-style sheriff of Las Vegas County (the character is loosely based on an actual person of the same name), who is brought in to run herd over the growing mob presence. Michael Chiklis (The Shield) costars as Vincent Savino, a Chicago gangster who takes over a hotel/casino and has aspirations to control the entire town. Both are larger-than-life personalities—in a series full of flashing lights, lavish sets, and dazzling costumes—whose days are taken up with murders, mob hits, shady deals, compromised politicians, and a city government torn between keeping crime off the streets and making sure the gambling establishments thrive. But while the re-creation is impressive, the tug-of-war between these rivals never matches either the grit or the novelistic sweep of its cable inspirations (the sex and violence here are also definitely toned down), and Vegas was cancelled after a single season. Costars include Carrie-Anne Moss as assistant DA Katherine O'Connell; Jason O'Mara as Ralph's brother and deputy; Taylor Handley as Ralph's son; and Sarah Jones as a hotel exec. Compiling all 21 episodes aired in 2012–13, DVD extras include episode audio commentaries, behind-the-scenes featurettes, deleted scenes, and a gag reel. Optional, at best. (S. Axmaker)