The film industry has always used casinos as dynamic backdrops for in-depth narratives; the James Bond franchise arguably representing the most well-known example. However, plenty of contemporary series also take advantage of such opportunities. Let's quickly look at five popular programs, and how casinos added to their respective storylines.
Friends: The One in Vegas
Fans of 1990s sitcoms are likely familiar with this first example. The One in Vegas features a host of in-house gambling action; the central theme involving an impromptu marriage between Ross and Rachel. What ensues is classic Friends humour, and one of the most memorable episodes that is still watched by countless fans from around the world.
The Office: Casino Night
The Office was a well-known mockumentary series that aired during the early 2000s, and there are plenty of episodes worth mentioning. Casino Night involves a charity fundraiser being held on the premises of Dundler Mifflin Paper. What manager Michael Scott envisioned as a fun night for employees quickly devolved into a stressful situation when he realises that both Jan and Carol (his two romantic interests) were invited.
However, we also witness characters such as Kevin Malone dominating the felt; adding a unique dimension to an otherwise slow-witted personality. Considering his prowess, we have to wonder whether he may be behind many of the latest online blackjack strategies and tips. Is he a mild-mannered accountant, or something more? The world may never know.
Breaking Bad: Peekaboo
Known for an unpredictable plot and a decidedly dark sense of humour, Breaking Bad still enjoys a cult following. One episode which stands out is "Peekaboo". The main plot involves Jesse Pinkman, and his accidental involvement in a high-stakes game of poker. Not only was this yet another scenario that was difficult to resolve, but actor Aaron Paul was nominated for an Emmy Award due to his performance. In fact, he was so convincing that many fans were led to believe that Paul was a real-life poker aficionado.
Archer: Fugue and Riffs
Archer is a television series that derives its inspiration (at least partially) from other well-known franchises such as The Naked Gun, and Get Smart. This is one of the reasons why it has enjoyed a multi-generational fan base. Another example of how writers chose to capitalise on the world of casinos involves an episode titled "Fugue and Riffs". The cast arrives at a fictional Monaco casino with the intention of pulling off the heist of a lifetime. Staying true to form, very little goes as planned. The fact that Archer is still suffering from amnesia adds yet another unexpected twist to the overall plot.
Readers may have noticed that we purposefully omitted any major spoilers when describing the television series above. Those who wish to learn more are encouraged to stream the individual episodes, or to perform additional online research. Casinos have remained popular themes for decades, and it is already a foregone conclusion that they will continue to provide us with untold hours of entertainment.
