Vega$
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Status:
Ended -
Season 3:
Ended on June 10, 1981 -
Watched: 0%
0 of 68 Episodes
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Why Watch
"Discover how this Robert Urich vehicle transformed Las Vegas into a television character and set the stage for the modern procedural aesthetic."
AI Critic Analysis
Series Deep Dive:
Vega$ remains a quintessential snapshot of late-seventies television, capturing the neon-lit transition of Sin City from a mob-controlled desert oasis to a high-stakes corporate playground. Starring Robert Urich as the charismatic Dan Tanna, the series redefined the private investigator archetype by trading gritty back alleys for the polished lobbies of the Desert Inn. Its cultural footprint is marked by its aesthetic influence; it pioneered the use of a vibrant, urban backdrop as a primary character, a technique later perfected by executive producer Michael Mann. The show’s legacy lives on through its portrayal of a bygone era of Vegas glamour, where Tanna’s vintage Thunderbird signaled a shift toward style-heavy procedurals. Keep an eye on streaming schedules and set a reminder for your digital alerts, as the industry’s hunger for classic reboots means a modern Dan Tanna could return to the strip at any moment.
Season: 3
| # | Air Date | Episode Name | Watched? |
|---|---|---|---|
| E1 | Nov 05, 1980 | Aloha, You're Dead (1) | |
| E2 | Nov 05, 1980 | Aloha, You're Dead (2) | |
| E3 | Nov 12, 1980 | Black Cat Killer | |
| E4 | Nov 19, 1980 | Sudden Death | |
| E5 | Nov 26, 1980 | Love Affair | |
| E6 | Dec 03, 1980 | A Deadly Victim | |
| E7 | Dec 10, 1980 | Deadly Blessing | |
| E8 | Dec 17, 1980 | Christmas Story | |
| E9 | Jan 07, 1981 | The Andreas Addiction | |
| E10 | Jan 14, 1981 | Sourdough Suite | |
| E11 | Jan 21, 1981 | Murder by Mirrors | |
| E12 | Feb 18, 1981 | Backlash | |
| E13 | Feb 25, 1981 | Heist | |
| E14 | Mar 04, 1981 | No Way to Treat a Victim | |
| E15 | Mar 11, 1981 | Time Bomb | |
| E16 | Mar 18, 1981 | Out of Sight | |
| E17 | Mar 25, 1981 | Set Up | |
| E18 | Apr 15, 1981 | The Killing | |
| E19 | Apr 22, 1981 | Seek and Destroy | |
| E20 | Apr 29, 1981 | Dead Ringer | |
| E21 | May 06, 1981 | French Twist | |
| E22 | Jun 03, 1981 | Nightmare Come True | |
| E23 | Jun 10, 1981 | Judgement Pronounced |
Series Legacy & Historical Archive
Franchise Status: Ended
Vega$ remains a definitive pillar of crime drama television, having concluded its influential run on ABC. The series is remembered for its atmospheric portrayal of a pre-corporate Las Vegas, blending high-stakes neon glamour with a gritty underworld. As the first major television production to be filmed entirely on location in the city, it captured an era of transition for the desert oasis. Robert Urich provided a blueprint for the modern suave investigator, balancing physical toughness with a charismatic charm that resonated deeply with the audience of the late seventies.
Today, the show serves as a vibrant time capsule for fans of the private eye genre, offering a nostalgic look at vintage casinos and classic automotive culture. Its procedural format, combined with the recurring presence of legendary guest stars and the iconic red Ford Thunderbird, ensures its status as a rewatch staple. The series successfully humanized the city beyond the gambling tables, creating a lasting legacy that paved the way for future location-based crime dramas like CSI.
Technical Details
- Network: ABC (US)
- Seasons: 3
- Years: 1978 - 1981
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Suspense
