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Families of The Mafia TV Review

Families of the Mafia TV Review - Written By Cindy Mich

I decided to do a review of this television series in part due to my familiarity with the Gravano family. By this, I mean that I had met and interviewed a few of the cast members of the show Mob Wives. Karen and I have not managed to meet, however, Angela Raiola proved to be such a beautiful blessing in person. She was stunning personality wise, and sharp as a tack professionally. I held great respect for her, and so when given a chance to create a piece that pinpoints one of her friends, I grabbed it.
Prior to the first time I tuned into Families Of The Mafia, I had been hearing such horrid banter. Many fans were furious that Sammy Gravano was not giving up mob secrets during his show appearance. Clusters of other people felt the cast was just capitalizing on the lifestyle. Many made mention that the swearing was significantly excessive. Finally, swarms said this show centers around “spoiled, pampered, ugly mutts.” How discouraging it was to hear such dark and damaging impressions given of strangers, by strangers.  However, unlike a mass majority of other judgmental journalists, I turned on the television on April 10, 2020 to formulate my own feelings.
I did do a small bit of hands on homework pre-premiere. Families Of The Mafia is referred to as a spin-off series of the 2019 program, Made In Staten Island, which aired three episodes. A total of two years was taken to complete the filming of this new show. I tend to believe that some of the best entertainment is made without a set timeline. You cannot dash to get dynamic, so I say. I liked the fact that filming took place in a series of states – not just New York, but also Pennsylvania and Arizona. The season is a set six episodes, which to me works well as to timing. Most importantly, each episode centers around the lives of four families:  The Gravanos, The LaRoccas, The O’Tooles and the Augustines. Armed with this research, I was ready to roll.
In my past history of writing television reviews, I hold a true tendency to find myself favoring particular moments or memorable cast mates. In this case, I could not do so, as I took a liking to the entire ensemble. Hence, let’s look at the reality of our new MTV mini-series.
Throughout time, any story told of the Mafia seems to prettify or panegyrize this “enchanted” way of existence. Far from that is Family Of The Mafia’s take on day-to-day drama. Whether it be the child or the custodian, both are seen having serious legal and other long-term struggles. Incarceration plays a part in the past of incessant cast members, and for some, it is still a current issue. There is a very visible level of trauma that has been heavily imprinted on the hearts of every participant. Many seem haunted by memories, either witnessed or those withheld until recent revelation. Themes of anger, abuse and abandonment are constantly creeping up. Family engagements and expectations across the board are of the strongest significance. Moreover, there appears to be one true theme among the millenials – all are missing a parent’s physical or psychological presence. A somewhat amusing array of alcohol, tattoo art and tank tops are seen on the show. Furthermore, you get a perfect peek into how hard it is to run a business while beneath the shadows of your actual ancestors. I may be going a bit in-depth, but bear with me.
One of the motivating factors for my watching to the finale is not to witness more heartbreak, but to watch the triumph over hardship. Every single person on this show chooses to counterbalance these challenges with a shield of concrete courage. None of these participants asks for pity or popularity. All desire a life of fun and freedom, along with forgiveness. They are unapologetically unique, and all four families possess a powerfully strong sense of loyalty. Although a few infer the impression that they must honor and hold up the path of their parental predecessors – each eventually chose a regular life over racketeering. They long for love, safety and security. Honestly, I see them as humans desirous to live like average guys or gals.
 I have conducted many interviews on and off camera with reality television celebrities. There have been a bunch of times I noticed pure cattiness and conniving between individuals. Families Of The Mafia presents to its public healthy and honest bonds between families, friends, and among the younger adults. Is there an occasional bar brawl or stepping over personal space? Absolutely. However, who do you associate with that never gets into a scrape or shouting match? It is not inundated with continuous screaming, strong hair pulling, or throwing of personal property. You will not hear a gaggle of inappropriate banter about boobs, boning, or anyone’s groins. This is truly a show made by families, for families. Weekly, we also learn a bit of each family’s factual mafioso history. So, to those out there screaming similarities between Mob Wives and Families Of The Mafia: they are two different shows with true selling points for both story lines.
To conclude, Families Of The Mafia is a story of growth and grief; surrender and struggle. Much of what you witness is the same biography beheld by a billion Americans, minus the criminal connections. I hold mad respect to this cast for showcasing their vulnerabilities to a volume audience. Not only do I recommend that the network renew them, but also that YOU, the audience, vow to view them weekly.
Families Of The Mafia is televised Thursday nights at 9pm EST on MTV. To watch previous episodes, visit: https://www.mtv.com/shows/families-of-the-mafia


About the Author:

Cindy Mich is an active media personality and award-winning journalist. She contributes to a cluster of online and offline platforms, and her radio shows, Cin’s Chat Corner and Sons Spotlight, hold a total of 95,000 listeners spread across twenty states with a 12% international following. Cindy prides herself on providing interesting and intriguing interviews on and off red carpets, and to her, every interviewee is a celebrity. Cindy has authored a teaching textbook for CNA’s on the treatment of seizures in elderly patients, co-authored a mentoring manual for filmmakers, and has published three books. She has one feature film and two documentaries due to be released in the next three years. Cindy has taught creative writing, broadcasting and publishing in the public and private sector, and has acted as a professional model in the past. She is also the sole founder and fueling force behind the NYC based independent film festival, Art is Alive, now in its fifth year. Her and her partner, actor Michael Gentile, launched a black and white film festival entitled Bedford Falls Film Festival in 2018. She is often asked to act as a film judge for a variety of fellow festivals, including the illustrious AFI and Tribeca this year. In December of 2019, she launched her own digital publication - The Art is Alive Magazine. Finally, she is launching her independent television streaming network, CIN TV in May of 2020. See below for all of the various ways to find her on social media.
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