Hustling America

Hustling America is an exhilarating factual entertainment series aired on the Channel 5 in 2013. The show is a follow-up to National Geographic's ‘The Real Hustle,' and sees the protagonist, Alexis Conran, take on an entirely new challenge on a different continent – the United States of America.

Alexis Conran is the main ingredient in the show's recipe for success. He is a Greek-British actor, writer, and television presenter, who may be familiar to some viewers from ‘The Real Hustle.’ With his charismatic demeanor and intricate understanding of con games, Alexis lightens up the screen while educating viewers about the art and science of Hustling.

In Hustling America, Alexis abandons his familiar territory to test not just his skills but the very concept of the ‘American Dream’. Espousing the route embarked upon by his late mentor, a famous British gambler named Joe, who made a fortune and reputation in America, Alexis seeks to prove it is still possible today to play and beat the odds in America. He uses his cunningly convincing arsenal of trickery and deceitful tactics to swindle real businessmen, cowboys, gamblers, and hustlers in America, testing to see if these established stratagems still hold power over the folks of the modern world.

As the show journeys through the diverse landscapes of America, it explores an array of con games that have been used throughout history. Each episode of the show involves Alexis experiencing varying facets of American life - interacting with a range of characters from Texas poker players to New Jersey used-car salesmen, from Utah gun-slingers to Montanan rodeo champions. The cultural scenery of the episodes blends well with the cons being played, offering a colourful backdrop to Alexis' intense confrontations and thrilling hustles.

What sets Hustling America apart from other related shows is its aim to reveal the psychology and artistry behind con-games, rather than just showcasing the tricks. It is the methodical nature of Alexis’s plans and the reactions of the unsuspecting victims that make this show so hard to switch off. Viewers get a front-row seat into the action, watching Alexis in action as he uses his keen instincts, psychological insight, and daring audacity to execute his plans.

Central to the program is the exploration of the nature of probability, luck and deception, challenging our perceptions of honesty and trust. It pushes the boundaries of what we think we understand about human nature, particularly when faced with the possibility of a quick fortune or an extraordinary opportunity.

Over the course of the show, Alexis engages the audience with his expert card-handling and friendliness. However, in between the lines, he carefully underscores how honesty and trust can be manipulated in today’s world, while also making a stealthy comment on human nature and its susceptibility to falling for too-good-to-be-true deals.

Despite its seemingly negative premise, the show handles the subject matter with sophistication and a clear lesson: not everything that glitters is gold. Each episode ends with Alexis revealing his tricks and the supposed victims learning they have been fooled. It sheds light on the workings of the hustler's mind, thus educating the audience so they can protect themselves from falling for similar cons in real-life situations.

In terms of production values, Hustling America is first-rate. The camerawork is slick and the editing is tight, delivering a cinematic look and feel to the series. The series is peppered with fascinating historical facts, entertaining anecdotes, and some breathtaking views of varied American landscapes. The storyline is gripping, expertly maintaining the nail-biting suspense throughout the series, leaving viewers intrigued and eagerly waiting for the next episode.

Overall, Hustling America is a unique blend of entertainment and enlightenment, providing an insider’s view into the art, psychology, and history of con-games, all wrapped up in an engaging, fast-paced format. The show is a thrilling journey through the landscapes of America in the company of a charming, intellectual, and daring protagonist. The series can be seen as an eye-opener, showing the darker underside of hustling while still keeping the tone light and the delivery crisp.

In the end, Hustling America is a must-watch for those who enjoy a mix of psychology, strategy, history, and real-life drama. Not only does it depict the thrilling world of gambling and hustling, but it also cleverly teaches audiences about how to avoid becoming victims themselves, making it a truly engaging and informative viewing experience.