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HE HISTORY channel no longer subscribes to the blueprint of documentary-style storytelling. Aside from the narrative boasting a monotone voice, the barrage of information often left viewers overwhelmed.
These days, there is a more palatable entertainment thread running through the content of the shows and the factual-based television drama, Gangland Undercover, is indicative of this changing trend. It also translates to the channel getting more traction with its attractively-packaged content.
Gangland Undercover is adapted from Charles Falco’s novel, Vagos, Mongols, and Outlaws: My Infiltration of America’s Deadliest Biker Gangs.
The drama follows Charles Falco, played by Damon Runyan, as he ingratiates himself into outlaw biker gangs.
The first season was well received, as viewers lapped up the elements of danger and action as Falco, working in conjunction with law enforcement, helped to curtail the gangs’ illegal activities.
The narrative also interweaves biker culture and gang rivalry.
With the second season starting on the channel, Runyan sheds light on what can be expected.
He says: “A gritty drama. It gives you a glimpse into how this other world lives. Also, as an audience member, I think that you get to be a part of the journey through Falco’s eyes.”
In a way, it also serves as a cautionary tale on what could happen, should you fall in with I SPY: Damon Runyan is cast as Charles Falco, who infiltrates three outlaw biker gangs, in History channel’s action drama, this dark crowd.
On being cast to play Falco, he says: “I went through the traditional audition process. I was shooting another show at the time, so the team just sent me a onepage monologue that I could expand on, if I wanted to. They were trying to figure out just who had the essence of the character. I read the book and put myself on tape and then they brought me back for the call-back.
“I was with the showrunner, Stephen Kemp, and he basically interviewed me as if I was Charles Falco.”
Reading the book is one thing, but having to relive Falco’s journey was another story – and came with its own list of demands on an actor.
As for slipping into character, he reveals: “The addiction was really the most interesting part for me. The fact that this guy had fallen so low in his life and that he got so wrapped up in all the materialistic things that he was shrouded in, he was very hollow. He was a meth addict. He was telling me that when you would cook, you would