J.K. Simmons’ portrayal of Jimmy Coonan in MGM+’s The Westies is the single most compelling reason to watch a series that otherwise struggles to break free from genre conventions. The actor, who won an Oscar for his terrifying turn as jazz instructor Terence Fletcher in Whiplash, now embodies a cold-blooded Irish-American gang leader in 1970s Hell’s Kitchen. This is not a subtle pivot. It is a career-defining descent into pure, unvarnished villainy.
The Guardian calls the show “Peaky Blinders meets The Sopranos,” a label that captures both its stylish violence and its moral ambiguity. The series tracks the rise of the Westies, a real gang that terrorized New York’s West Side. Critics agree: the atmosphere is thick, the period detail is meticulous. But the narrative engine—family power struggles, bloody turf wars—feels familiar. The Hollywood Reporter notes the series is “handsome but generic,” a visually strong production that leans too heavily on its lead.
Simmons’ performance is the magnetic core. He switches between paternal warmth and sociopathic cruelty in the same scene. This is the same controlled authority he deployed in Whiplash, but now weaponized for organized crime. The New York Times frames the show within creator Chris Brancato’s signature “scumbag universe,” a niche where every character is flawed and fascinating. Brancato, the mind behind Narcos and Godfather of Harlem, focuses on a lesser-known gang rather than mafia clichés. This choice gives the series a fresh historical angle.
Yet the script is the weak link. The Hollywood Reporter’s review separates Simmons’ work from the formulaic plot. The Guardian questions whether the show breaks new ground. Early audience buzz on social media is mixed on pacing but unanimous in praise for Simmons’ transformation. He is the reason to watch.
This role marks a shift. Simmons is entering a “villain era” similar to Bryan Cranston or Giancarlo Esposito. Whether The Westies earns him an Emmy or Golden Globe remains to be seen. But his performance alone makes the series a landmark in TV crime drama, even if it doesn’t reinvent the wheel.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What role does J.K. Simmons play in The Westies?
- A: He plays Jimmy Coonan, the cold-blooded leader of an Irish-American gang in 1970s Hell’s Kitchen.
- Q: How does The Westies compare to other crime dramas?
- A: Critics describe it as a mix of Peaky Blinders and The Sopranos, with stylish violence and moral ambiguity, but note it relies heavily on Simmons’ performance.
- Q: Who created The Westies?
- A: The series was created by Chris Brancato, known for Narcos and Godfather of Harlem, focusing on a lesser-known real gang.
Extended Reading
The Guardian review highlights the show’s brutal, stylish aesthetic but questions its originality. The Hollywood Reporter emphasizes Simmons’ performance as the standout element in an otherwise generic drama. The New York Times focuses on Brancato’s narrative ambitions and the show’s place in the crime drama canon.
