Actor/co-executive producer Michael Chiklis speaks at the “Vegas” discussion panel during the CBS portion of the 2012 Summer Television Critics Association tour at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on July 29, 2012 in Los Angeles, California.
(Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images North America)

As one era ends, another is built anew, transforming the landscape from dusty wilderness to buildings and bright lights, something the shows executive producers were particularly excited about recreating

By Valerie Milano

Beverly Hills, CA (Hollywood Today) 9/26/2012 – “That was certainly part of the attraction, to be the sheriff of Las Vegas for 20 years, and especially this period of time because this is really when Vegas became Vegas as we know it today. And Ralph had a lot to do with shaping that, and he was also part of the landscape before all of this happened. So I think we all have, kind of, a fascination with Las Vegas, and I thought the idea of playing this era would be a lot of fun.” Dennis Quaid on his role as real life personality, Sheriff Ralph Lamb for the new CBS series Vegas. The new drama is set in 1960, a crucial moment that marked a turning point in the history of a great American city. While the Lambs and other families that have called Las Vegas home for generations want to maintain life as ranchers and cowboys, the mob has made their way to town and have big plans for developing the wide open desert lands into a gambling goldmine. The series will tell the epic story of a cities transition from ranch land to a hustling and bustling mecca of adult entertainment and everything delightfully sinful.

Vincent Savino (Michael Chiklis), owner of the world famous Savoy Hotel and Casino knows Las Vegas is on the rise and wants to establish himself as a heavy hitter. Though portrayed as a no nonsense business man more than a criminal, the real life crime boss after whom Savino’s character is based was suspected in more than 10 unsolved homicides, including that of a Cook County Sheriffs Investigator. Glimpses of his dark side can be seen in the series premiere as he bludgeons one of his cronies for getting “too rough” with a detainee, ironically stating to the sidekick who hired him, “This is the way you do business, with animals?” When the governor’s daughter comes up dead, Lamb is imparted with the task of finding her killer, composing a team that consists of his younger brother Jack Lamb (Jason O’Mara) and son Dixon (Taylor Handley). As the investigation ensues and Lamb goes poking around the Savoy for answers, Savino realizes the cowboy turned sheriff is going to be a major thorn in his side. The premise of the show is therefore established near the end of the premiere when the murder has been solved just as another corpse is discovered. Each week, Lamb and his team of roughnecks will get to the bottom of a new case, watching the land they’ve worked and loved become a breeding ground for crime, corruption and greed, while standing united with Vegas natives to fight for their old way of life.

As one era ends, another is built anew, transforming the landscape from dusty wilderness to buildings and bright lights, something the shows executive producers were particularly excited about recreating. “There was nothing there, and our crew has done an incredible job of building it. You’ll see the Golden Nugget right there. It’s an authentic replica of 1960 Fremont Street going all the way down.” Executive Producer Greg Walker on the Vegas set. Though initially I had to convince myself to watch this program, as I’ve never been a huge fan of cowboy show or anything related, I was definitely left wanting to know “What’s going to happen next!?”