Roland Dalton (played by Peter Weller) is a protagonist in Shakedown.
A burned-out Manhattan public defender representing crack dealer Michael Jones in his final legal aid case. He investigates Officer O'Leary's death, uncovers corruption involving dirty cops and drug lord Nicky Carr, and secretly rekindles a romance with prosecutor Susan Cantrell. His evidence secures Jones's acquittal, after which he returns to his job and dates Susan. Richie Marks (played by Sam Elliott) appears in Shakedown.
A renegade loner NYPD narcotics detective who helps Roland investigate the O'Leary shooting. He assists Roland in retrieving a crucial evidence tape, kills corrupt officers who take Roland hostage, and pursues fugitives to LaGuardia Airport. Marks boards their plane, destroys an engine with a grenade, and jumps into the East River before the explosion. Susan Cantrell (played by Patricia Charbonneau) appears in Shakedown.
The smart and sexy prosecutor handling Roland's final case. She is Roland's former love interest, and they secretly resume their affair during the trial. After Roland clears Jones's name and breaks up with his fiancée, Susan and Roland reunite romantically. Patrick O'Leary (played by Jude Ciccolella) appears in Shakedown.
A police officer killed during a drug transaction. He is revealed to be a corrupt 'Blue Jean Cop' working with drug lord Nicky Carr and dirty cops. His death and alleged corruption serve as the central catalyst for Roland's investigation. Michael Jones (played by Richard Brooks) appears in Shakedown.
A crack dealer accused of shooting police officer Patrick O'Leary in Central Park. He claims self-defense and alleges O'Leary was corrupt. Roland represents him and proves his innocence using a cassette tape recording of the incident, resulting in his jury acquittal.
Shakedown (1988) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.
Characters
Roland Dalton
(played by Peter Weller) — protagonist
A burned-out Manhattan public defender representing crack dealer Michael Jones in his final legal aid case. He investigates Officer O'Leary's death, uncovers corruption involving dirty cops and drug l...
Richie Marks
(played by Sam Elliott) — supporting
A renegade loner NYPD narcotics detective who helps Roland investigate the O'Leary shooting. He assists Roland in retrieving a crucial evidence tape, kills corrupt officers who take Roland hostage, an...
Susan Cantrell
(played by Patricia Charbonneau) — supporting
The smart and sexy prosecutor handling Roland's final case. She is Roland's former love interest, and they secretly resume their affair during the trial. After Roland clears Jones's name and breaks up...
Patrick O'Leary
(played by Jude Ciccolella) — supporting
A police officer killed during a drug transaction. He is revealed to be a corrupt 'Blue Jean Cop' working with drug lord Nicky Carr and dirty cops. His death and alleged corruption serve as the centra...
Michael Jones
(played by Richard Brooks) — supporting
A crack dealer accused of shooting police officer Patrick O'Leary in Central Park. He claims self-defense and alleges O'Leary was corrupt. Roland represents him and proves his innocence using a casset...
Key Relationships
Susan Cantrell → Patrick O'Leary
(Professional Case Prosecutor)
Michael Jones → Patrick O'Leary
(Conflict Shooter And Victim)
Susan Cantrell → Michael Jones
(Professional Prosecutor)
Richie Marks → Susan Cantrell
(Professional Legal Opponent)
Richie Marks → Patrick O'Leary
(Conflict Corrupt Target)
Richie Marks → Michael Jones
(Alliance Case Ally)
Roland Dalton → Patrick O'Leary
(Conflict Case Victim)
Roland Dalton → Susan Cantrell
(Romantic Former Lover)
Roland Dalton → Richie Marks
(Alliance Investigative Partner)
Roland Dalton → Michael Jones
(Professional Attorney)
Story Analysis
A public defender and a renegade cop expose police corruption to free an innocent client.
