60-minutes – Series, Drama, Crime, Mafia
First Broadcast: September 21, 2017
Originating Networks: CITY-TV, FX, Radio-Canada
2017: 6 episodes
2018: 8 episodes
Based on the book Business or Blood: Mafia Boss Vito Rizzuto’s Last War by organised crime experts Peter Edwards and Antonio Nicaso, Bad Blood began as a 6-part mini-series costarring Anthony LaPaglia (Riviera, Without a Trace) and Kim Coates (Sons of Anarchy) to tell the true story of notorious Montreal Mafia boss, Vito Rizzuto. Written by Simon Barry (Van Helsing, Continuum) and Michael Konyves (Barney’s Version), Bad Blood is directed by Alain Desrochers (Security, Nitro Rush). Before Vito Rizzuto was jailed for the murders of three Bonanno crime family members in 2006, he ruled the Port of Montreal — the northern gateway to America’s drugs market. A master diplomat, he won the respect of rival Mafia clans and street gangs. Ably supported by his first lieutenant Declan (Coates), his criminal business thrived on his turf, his family prospered and his empire grew until he found himself behind bars. This drama follows the incredible story of his incarceration and release. Languishing in prison, Rizzuto (LaPaglia) watches on helplessly as the burgeoning criminal empire he built slowly begins to crumble and his family and closest friends are mysteriously murdered one by one. Desperate to fight back, Rizzuto can’t wait for his release and when he finally walks free, an epic Shakespearean revenge plays out, which devastating consequences for everyone involved.
Season 2 picks up after the death of Vito Rizzuto and centres of his former right-hand man, Declan (Kim Coates), who has become the reigning king of the Montreal drug trade.
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ISSN 2563 4895