It seems like for years now both in cinema and in real life mafioso’s have been making the most of the witness protection program. Usually these gangsters are able to strike a deal with the feds, choosing lavish destinations like the Bahamas, Hawaii and the Maldives to be their new home. But it wasn’t until I watched the first episode of the newest Netflix Exclusive Series Lilyhammer did I realize that they were all doing it wrong.
Enter the world of Frank “The Fixer” Tagliano (who you might know as both Silvio from The Sopranos and the guitarist of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band), a member of New York’s Italian Mafia is put in the witness protection program after testifying in a trial in the United States against his enemy and newly appointed mob boss Aldo Delucci. Whilst striking a deal with the authorities he requests to be relocated to the small town of Lillyhammer, Norway (The site of the 94′ winter Olympics). A lover of their Olympic games, calm lifestyle, and of course beautiful blonde broads Frank believes this town will be perfect as no one would suspect an italian would ever willingly choose to live in such a random and offbeat destination.
…Frank is forced to ditch the leisure suit look for a more “traditional” one…
The contrasts between our main character and the new community he must fit into are what make this show such a Joy to watch. Renamed Giovanni Hendricksen by the witness protection program they had a bit of humor when placing him, giving him a tiny house, electric car, and a drivers liscence that only permits him to ride motorized scooters. We don’t want to give any more about the show away so the next time you have some free time, or you’re looking for a show to get into we definantly suggest Lillyhammer. Season 1 is availible exclusively on Netflix and they’ve already signed on for 2 more seasons.
