You’re going to be hooked.
That dreaded Irish winter isn’t too far away and with that, you’re going to need a new box set addiction to get stuck into.
Here’s why Magic City on Virgin Media could be just the thing for you.
1) Its influences
If you were to simplify things, imagine a mix of Mad Men and the Sopranos, but set on the beach. It’s the late 1950s in flashy and turbulent Miami Beach, and the Miramar Playa Hotel is the place to be and be seen.
At the center of the action is Ike Evans, a one-time cabana boy and now visionary owner of the hotel. But behind Ike’s charm and easy-going manner are deeply buried secrets, mysteries even to his second wife, Vera, and his three kids.
To finance his dream, Ike went into business years ago with mob boss Ben “The Butcher” Diamond, who doesn’t appreciate Ike’s desperate attempts to end their partnership.
2) The political setting
The ’50s have rarely looked this good as the sharp suits, sultry hotel suites and American muscle cars are all to the fore.
That being said, like Narcos, there’s a political element at play also. Amid the upheaval in Cuba and darker deals closer to home, Ike is intent on protecting his family, and his dream, even as his world in the Magic City threatens to crumble.
As Fidel Castro takes control of Cuba just offshore, wealthy guests crowd the hotel’s main room and the Kennedys, anti-Castro forces, the mob and the CIA hold court in the luxurious lobby.
Let’s take a quick look at what’s in store.
3) Be like Ike
TV fans might remember Jeffery Dean Morgan’s performance as Wally in JAG – yep, we still do – but the versatile actor has since gone on to give memorable performances in Watchmen, Grey’s Anatomy and The Losers. He even manged to squeeze in a visit to Ireland for PS: I Love You.
In Magic City, he uses every inch of his charismatic, old-school leading man charm to great effect. Ike’s world might be the proverbial castle build on sand, but he’ll be damned if he doesn’t look walk, talk and look cooler than the other side of Pirlo’s pillow in the process.
4) A dame to kill for
Magic City unashamedly wears its influences on its sleeve, or in the case of its female leads, their dresses. Bond girl Olga Kurylenko is just one of the many talented actresses involved in Magic City with Jessica Marais, Elena Satine and Kelly Lynch all starring.
5) The tunes
A certain Frank Sinatra is central to the very first episode and the show features songs by the likes of Ray Charles, Bo Diddley and Ella Fitzgerald.
6) Gangsters
Stubborn unions, dodgy deals, shady hitmen, blood-soaked money and impending danger. What’s not to love?
7) Cars
Did we mention that the show features some amazing cars?
Magic City is exclusively available on My Prime from Virgin Media.
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