Our Family Honor

Launched as a two-hour TV-movie, Our Family Honor is about two New York City families who had known each other since their childhoods and who were involved in competing "family businesses" – the McKay family mostly worked for the New York City Police Department, where Patrick was Commissioner, while the Danzigs were deeply involved in organized crime, with patriarch Vincent filling the role of "godfather". Barbara Stuart played Vincent's wife, Marianne Danzig. Detective Sergeant Frank McKay was Patrick's often hot-headed son, while Vincent's cruel but inept son, Augie, was nonetheless his heir apparent. Liz McKay, Patrick's niece, was a newly-graduated officer now partnered with Officer Ed Santini. She was romantically involved with Vincent's other son, Jerry, who wanted out of his father's business and used the name "Jerry Cole" in order to minimize any connection with his father's family. Another story line involved Vincent's murder of his wife's lover, carried out by Augie; when Frank came to arrest Augie for this crime, Augie died in the ensuing fight. The effect of Augie's death was not revealed.

Directed by Lawrence Gordon, Our Family Honor leans on a strong ensemble — Ray Liotta, Sheree J. Wilson, Michael Madsen — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The series landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1985.