Gary Sinise Guest Starred On This Groundbreaking '80s Crime Drama Show
Gary Sinise is no stranger to crime dramas, but years before he was investigated crime in NY, he guest starred on a foundational '80s series.
In 1986, the crime drama series "Crime Story" made its debut and forever changed the landscape of television. Starring Dennis Farina as a Chicago detective, the show focused on taking down a young mobster, played by Tony Denison, who was causing chaos in the city. While the two-season run may not have solidified its place as one of the greatest TV crime dramas, it was one of the first major series to adopt serialized storytelling.
This format, which involved a continuous plot that unfolded over the entire season, set it apart from traditional episodic shows. Guest star Gary Sinise played Howie Dressler, a man who turned to crime due to a desperate medical crisis involving his wife. Sinise returned in the following season to complete Dressler's story. He also directed two episodes in the back half of Season 1.
Although Crime Story didn't become a long-lasting hit, its impact on the television industry was significant. Other shows, like "The Sopranos," adopted its serialized format, as did "Miami Vice" alum Michael Mann, who created the groundbreaking series.
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