The title "Spooks" refers to the literal presence of CIA agents and the metaphorical "ghosts" of past alliances that haunt Bumpy as he navigates the criminal-political underworld.

To bypass Italian mob control, Bumpy blackmails Agent Harvey to secure the cocaine connection and a 25% profit share, while notably refusing to betray his friend Malcolm X to the agency.

An actual program (Task Force W) that used sabotage and paramilitary operations to overthrow Castro. A program to use mobsters to eliminate foreign leaders.

A genuine project Harvey oversaw to recruit underworld figures for political assassinations.

While Bumpy seeks new drug routes, Mayme attempts to build a bridge to legitimate government business, highlighting the dual life of the Johnson family.

She attempts to legitimize the family's standing by applying for a government contract for Palmetto.

A CIA agent who manages illegal mob partnerships for the government.

After being cut out of the heroin trade by Joe Colombo, Bumpy Johnson refuses a sub-par deal and instead leverages José Battle’s connections within the to secure a steady supply of cocaine. This move brings him into direct contact with "Wild" Bill Harvey, a brash CIA agent managing clandestine operations.