many political rivals. Rapper T.I., Grammer said, is "quite engaging" as an ambitious former gang member with sights on City Hall. Returning cast members include Robertson, Connie Nielsen, Hannah Ware, Jeff Hephner, Troy Garity and Rotimi, who are joined by a who's who of Chicago theater actors making guest appearances.

Chicago itself remains a chief player in "Boss." The series calls Cinespace Chicago Film Studios on the Southwest Side its home base, but films all over the city.

"It's a new day in the best city in the world," Grammer, as Kane, said during a May 2 location shoot near Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park. In the scene for the season's fourth episode, Kane ends his daily jog with an impromptu press conference to talk about a shocking event thatrocks the mayor's office and the city.

According to Grammer, he and Safinia couldn't imagine any other setting than Chicago because of its political history and its unique swagger.

"We chose Chicago because it is already the City of the Big Shoulders," Grammer said. "It has that kind of personality where a single man can actually sort of be at the helm and keep his hands on the reins for long periods of time and can have his image reflected in the city itself."

Kane's ability to run the government will be sorely tested in the new season. As Julie Hebert, writer of the fourth episode, said in Grant Park, Kane has to "find new ways to get people to do his bidding."

That no doubt could involve bribery, betrayal, backroom deals,