While working as an intermediary between two rival drug lords, Crockett loses his memory in a boat explosion. Upon awakening he has amnesia, and is led to believe he is Sonny Burnett- a cold blooded, ruthless, menacing killer who now works for Manolo (one of the drug lords he was pursuing). When time passes and Sonny's body is never found, certain clues lead Tubbs to Manolo- and his new right hand man.
Review: The strength of the final two episodes of this season ending cliffhanger almost make the viewer forget how uneven the fourth season of Miami Vice really was. The writers truly saved their best for last as you become immersed in the storyline and all of the events leading up to its stunning conclusion. The "reunion" of sorts between Crockett and Tubbs is probably the most shocking moment of the entire series. There are plenty of plot twists here, but nothing to where you lose sight of what is going on in the story (sometimes a problem in Miami Vice episodes). Miami Vice was always known not only for its A-list of guest stars, but also for its impressive list of future stars. A young Julia Roberts and Chris Cooper (long before their Academy Award wins) highlight the supporting cast. And we can't forget Antonio Fargas (Huggy Bear-Starsky and Hutch) as the two-timing, ruthless Alejandro Gutierrez. It really doesn't get much better than this as far as Miami Vice goes. A MUST SEE episode.
5 out of 5 stars
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Episode 89- Deliver Us From Evil- 4/29/88
When a home invasion leaves three people dead in Miami, Crockett has reason to believe it is the work of Frank Hackman, the murderer of Crockett's former partner who lied about his alibi in order to be released from prison. When Sonny supposedly kills Hackman's girlfriend during a raid, Hackman seeks revenge against Sonny- which brings deadly results.
Review: For fans who were less than satisfied with the fourth season of Miami Vice, you are rewarded here beyond your wildest imagination. "Deliver Us From Evil" is not only one of the season's high points, but for the entire series as well. Miami Vice was always very good at resolving loose ends. Originally seen in "Forgive Us Our Debts" from season three, Frank Hackman was released from prison when a string of lies and false alibis found him removed from death row and back on the street. This was particularly grueling for Crockett due to the fact that supposedly overwhelming evidence led Crockett to believe Hackman in fact did not kill his former partner. As a result, Crockett was the one formally responsible for letting him get out of jail. Irony again is a factor in this episode when the bullet that killed Hackman's girlfriend was not even from Crockett's gun, but with Hackman's. Also ironic was the fact that Caitlin avoided death at the hands of the record executives, but met an untimely end when she was caught in Hackman's crossfire. Finally, Hackman states at the end of the episode that he is an unarmed man to Crockett. However, the scene then shifts to his dead body in which a pistol is held in his hand. This was concealed by the book Hackman was reading.
The writer's definately found a interesting way to kill off Caitlin in the storyline, although Tubbs had reached a similar fate when Calderone's son killed his sister (Tubbs former lover) and (supposedly) his son in "Sons and Lovers." In closing, this is an episode that is essential to every true Miami Vice fan, and sets the stage for the even more dramatic season ending cliffhanger.
5 out of 5 stars
Review: For fans who were less than satisfied with the fourth season of Miami Vice, you are rewarded here beyond your wildest imagination. "Deliver Us From Evil" is not only one of the season's high points, but for the entire series as well. Miami Vice was always very good at resolving loose ends. Originally seen in "Forgive Us Our Debts" from season three, Frank Hackman was released from prison when a string of lies and false alibis found him removed from death row and back on the street. This was particularly grueling for Crockett due to the fact that supposedly overwhelming evidence led Crockett to believe Hackman in fact did not kill his former partner. As a result, Crockett was the one formally responsible for letting him get out of jail. Irony again is a factor in this episode when the bullet that killed Hackman's girlfriend was not even from Crockett's gun, but with Hackman's. Also ironic was the fact that Caitlin avoided death at the hands of the record executives, but met an untimely end when she was caught in Hackman's crossfire. Finally, Hackman states at the end of the episode that he is an unarmed man to Crockett. However, the scene then shifts to his dead body in which a pistol is held in his hand. This was concealed by the book Hackman was reading.
The writer's definately found a interesting way to kill off Caitlin in the storyline, although Tubbs had reached a similar fate when Calderone's son killed his sister (Tubbs former lover) and (supposedly) his son in "Sons and Lovers." In closing, this is an episode that is essential to every true Miami Vice fan, and sets the stage for the even more dramatic season ending cliffhanger.
5 out of 5 stars
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Episode 88- A Bullet For Crockett- 4/15/88
Sonny fights for his life when he is gunned down during a drug bust. As they await the news of his condition, the vice squad recounts their memories of Sonny, and Tubbs helps to track down the woman who shot him with help from Izzy.
Review: When Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight" plays in the background of the opening scene, you may ask yourself "Haven't I seen this episode before?" So it's only fitting that "A Bullet For Crockett" would be filled with flashbacks from Miami Vice's better days (including the pilot episode, in which the song had been previously featured). I then asked myself why would the writer's want to try and recreate a scene and a soundtrack that to this day, has such powerful magnitude with Miami Vice fans and casual viewers alike? I still can't completely put my finger on it, but at the end I'll take a guess.
More than half of the episode includes scenes from other episodes, which usually means that: 1. Writers are really struggling to find story lines at this particular point in the season. 2. The budget is low, so they need an episode of stock footage to fill sixty minutes (almost every long running TV series has an episode where this takes place), or 3. They are saving the budget for an awesome, two-part season finale! If you break it down that way, all three of the above kind of make sense. The episode is worth a look more than anything to really see what once was, and now is no longer.
But anyhow, back to the episode. Yeah, yeah Crockett doesn't die, Tubbs tracks down Angel, and in the end everybody's happy (an oddity for season four). However, all is not well for too long. Come to think of it, the reappearance of Mr. Collins kind of brings the show to the end of an era, and into the the most famous storyline of the entire series. What was an up and down season for Miami Vice will soon end with a bang (or should I say explosion) in the next two episodes. And like it or not, for better or for worse, things will never be the same down in Miami ever again.
3 out of 5 stars
Review: When Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight" plays in the background of the opening scene, you may ask yourself "Haven't I seen this episode before?" So it's only fitting that "A Bullet For Crockett" would be filled with flashbacks from Miami Vice's better days (including the pilot episode, in which the song had been previously featured). I then asked myself why would the writer's want to try and recreate a scene and a soundtrack that to this day, has such powerful magnitude with Miami Vice fans and casual viewers alike? I still can't completely put my finger on it, but at the end I'll take a guess.
More than half of the episode includes scenes from other episodes, which usually means that: 1. Writers are really struggling to find story lines at this particular point in the season. 2. The budget is low, so they need an episode of stock footage to fill sixty minutes (almost every long running TV series has an episode where this takes place), or 3. They are saving the budget for an awesome, two-part season finale! If you break it down that way, all three of the above kind of make sense. The episode is worth a look more than anything to really see what once was, and now is no longer.
But anyhow, back to the episode. Yeah, yeah Crockett doesn't die, Tubbs tracks down Angel, and in the end everybody's happy (an oddity for season four). However, all is not well for too long. Come to think of it, the reappearance of Mr. Collins kind of brings the show to the end of an era, and into the the most famous storyline of the entire series. What was an up and down season for Miami Vice will soon end with a bang (or should I say explosion) in the next two episodes. And like it or not, for better or for worse, things will never be the same down in Miami ever again.
3 out of 5 stars
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Episode 87- Blood And Roses- 4/1/88
Gina encounters Frank Mosca- the mobster who once had Crockett's friend murdered, at a local Miami party. Sensing an opportunity to finally put Mosca away for good, Gina goes undercover and quickly takes to Mosca- much to the chagrin of Sonny.
Review: The sequel to the season opener "Contempt Of Court." Ok, by season four, Gina has slept with four men. Three of them (with the exception of Sonny) wind up dead at the end of each episode with Gina herself pulling the trigger! Talk about bad luck! The Sonny/Gina storyline from season one comes to the surface again (as it does from time to time), and Gina gets her customary story for the season (although she was the focal point of season three's opener and finale). This episode has more of a feel from the previous seasons than that of season four, although this is Stanley Tucci's second appearance this season as Frank Mosca and third overall in the series. Not to fret, there are the customary dead body and a violent death by starngulation here as well. It truly wouldn't be a fourth season episode without it (LOL). Decent episode if only to see the return and demise of Mosca. Would have liked to see a little more intense ending for a bad guy who took up two episodes, but that's Miami Vice for ya. Frank Stallone (Sly's little brother) makes a cameo as one of Mosca's right hand men.
3 out of 5 stars
Review: The sequel to the season opener "Contempt Of Court." Ok, by season four, Gina has slept with four men. Three of them (with the exception of Sonny) wind up dead at the end of each episode with Gina herself pulling the trigger! Talk about bad luck! The Sonny/Gina storyline from season one comes to the surface again (as it does from time to time), and Gina gets her customary story for the season (although she was the focal point of season three's opener and finale). This episode has more of a feel from the previous seasons than that of season four, although this is Stanley Tucci's second appearance this season as Frank Mosca and third overall in the series. Not to fret, there are the customary dead body and a violent death by starngulation here as well. It truly wouldn't be a fourth season episode without it (LOL). Decent episode if only to see the return and demise of Mosca. Would have liked to see a little more intense ending for a bad guy who took up two episodes, but that's Miami Vice for ya. Frank Stallone (Sly's little brother) makes a cameo as one of Mosca's right hand men.
3 out of 5 stars
Monday, November 5, 2007
Episode 86- Badge Of Dishonor- 3/18/88
A series of botched drug deals ending in murder has the vice squad suspecting that there may be a leak involving the department.
Review: Very strong episode in which Philip Michael Thomas gives a solid performance. Except the bloody violence which is a staple of season four, nothing really stands out here. Just strong acting all around and a semi-believable script. The only weak point in the whole episode occurs at the end when the last crooked cop shows up and immediately recognizes Tubbs from the department. I even saw that one coming. He at least could have shaved his beard! I know that's being nit picky, but definitely not an episode to miss.
4 out of 5 stars
Review: Very strong episode in which Philip Michael Thomas gives a solid performance. Except the bloody violence which is a staple of season four, nothing really stands out here. Just strong acting all around and a semi-believable script. The only weak point in the whole episode occurs at the end when the last crooked cop shows up and immediately recognizes Tubbs from the department. I even saw that one coming. He at least could have shaved his beard! I know that's being nit picky, but definitely not an episode to miss.
4 out of 5 stars
Episode 85- Hell Hath No Fury...- 3/11/88
A rape victim who Trudy befriends fears for her life when the man who raped her is released from jail, possibly seeking revenge on his former victim.
Review: This episode could have been much better, but at least Trudy gets a better story line. The viewer is completely convinced that the rapist is indeed out for revenge on Ellen up until the very end of the episode, which once again delivers an ironic twist. If you notice something different in this episode, it is the first episode of Miami Vice to not have featured pop songs from any musical artist. A disappointment comapred to the episodes of the previous weeks, but not unwatchable. Just average.
2.5 out of 5 stars
Review: This episode could have been much better, but at least Trudy gets a better story line. The viewer is completely convinced that the rapist is indeed out for revenge on Ellen up until the very end of the episode, which once again delivers an ironic twist. If you notice something different in this episode, it is the first episode of Miami Vice to not have featured pop songs from any musical artist. A disappointment comapred to the episodes of the previous weeks, but not unwatchable. Just average.
2.5 out of 5 stars
Episode 84- Honor Among Thieves?- 3/4/88
As Crockett and Tubbs go undercover to close in on a local drug lord, teenage girls are found murdered in Miami with the drug lord's coccaine in their body. The cops are reluctant to pursue the case for fear of blowing their operation, but the killer is closer to them than they think.
Review: Creepy, ironic (again), and action packed, "Honor Among Thieves?" is also one of season four's best offerings. Rock and a Hard Place could also be used as the title of this episode, due to the fact that Sonny and Rico's source for their case is the killer himself! Sonny must preside over Delgado's trial because both of them will be killed if he can't get him off the hook. It's also nice to see Tubbs finally lay out an ass whooping on that racist guy from Georgia as well. The only problem with this episode is the ending, which is almost a carbon copy of "Indian Wars," with both antagonists falling to their deaths (in the same fashion), and Vice getting their drug lord unintentionally.
4 out of 5 stars
Review: Creepy, ironic (again), and action packed, "Honor Among Thieves?" is also one of season four's best offerings. Rock and a Hard Place could also be used as the title of this episode, due to the fact that Sonny and Rico's source for their case is the killer himself! Sonny must preside over Delgado's trial because both of them will be killed if he can't get him off the hook. It's also nice to see Tubbs finally lay out an ass whooping on that racist guy from Georgia as well. The only problem with this episode is the ending, which is almost a carbon copy of "Indian Wars," with both antagonists falling to their deaths (in the same fashion), and Vice getting their drug lord unintentionally.
4 out of 5 stars
Episode 83- Indian Wars- 2/26/88
When Castillo uncovers a connection with a local drug kingpin and a drug smuggling operation on an Indian reservation, Tubbs is sent undercover to the reservation to discover the source.
Review: Decent episode, where the recurring theme of irony again makes its presence known. In the end, Vice get who they want, but for all the wrong reasons. As Tubbs digs deeper into the way of life on the reservation, he realizes that the motives of Joe Dan (Patrick Bishop- Magnum P.I.) are not for the betterment of the reservation, but instead are racially motivated for his own personal fulfillment. Seeing Castillo in an undercover role brings a new depth to his personality that is not always shown in the Metro Dade Department.
3.5 out of 5 stars
Review: Decent episode, where the recurring theme of irony again makes its presence known. In the end, Vice get who they want, but for all the wrong reasons. As Tubbs digs deeper into the way of life on the reservation, he realizes that the motives of Joe Dan (Patrick Bishop- Magnum P.I.) are not for the betterment of the reservation, but instead are racially motivated for his own personal fulfillment. Seeing Castillo in an undercover role brings a new depth to his personality that is not always shown in the Metro Dade Department.
3.5 out of 5 stars
Episode 81- Vote Of Confidence- 2/12/88
When Crockett and Tubbs raid a local brothel, they encounter a local politician who is seeking government office. What ensues is a tale of bribery, death, gambling, and corruption as the two cops find out what the world of politics is really like.
Review: Strong episode that has all the elements of the first four seasons wrapped into one. Light humor mixed with some dark moments (the scene leading up to and including Frasier's death in particular) are some of the episodes strong points. The writer's could have built of Frasier's gambling addiction a little better, and sometimes you aren't totally convinced that Pierce is married to his wife let alone her caring about his disappearance. All together, a very good episode and one of the highlights of season four.
4 out of 5 stars
Review: Strong episode that has all the elements of the first four seasons wrapped into one. Light humor mixed with some dark moments (the scene leading up to and including Frasier's death in particular) are some of the episodes strong points. The writer's could have built of Frasier's gambling addiction a little better, and sometimes you aren't totally convinced that Pierce is married to his wife let alone her caring about his disappearance. All together, a very good episode and one of the highlights of season four.
4 out of 5 stars
Episdoe 80- The Cows of October- 2/5/88
A potential drug bust goes awry when a cow breeder is found at the scene claiming that the Cubans stole his canister of bull semen, which could bring disastrous results for The Department of Agriculture.
Review: This premise rivals "Missing Hours" for the DUMBEST premise ever for a Miami Vice Episode. Bull semen? Several scenes of this episode had the actor's laughing. Only problem was, I don't think they were acting! The confusing plot twists don't help matters. What is actually interesting is the fact that not a single person dies in this episode, a rarity for Miami Vice. Watch for the ending when Sonny "thinks" he has Calvin beat at his own game. Not an awful episode, but not a really good one either.
2 out of 5 stars
Review: This premise rivals "Missing Hours" for the DUMBEST premise ever for a Miami Vice Episode. Bull semen? Several scenes of this episode had the actor's laughing. Only problem was, I don't think they were acting! The confusing plot twists don't help matters. What is actually interesting is the fact that not a single person dies in this episode, a rarity for Miami Vice. Watch for the ending when Sonny "thinks" he has Calvin beat at his own game. Not an awful episode, but not a really good one either.
2 out of 5 stars
Episode 79- Rock and A Hard Place- 1/22/88
When Caitlin goes to LA to meet with the record executives and promote her new album, the local papparazzi blows the whistle on Sonny and the moguls soon exploit him- but use Caitlin as bait.
Review: The title for this episode is perfect. Due to legal reasons, Sonny must use his "Burnett" alias when parading about town. There was no way that Sonny's "local doings" in Miami would not be brought to the forefront no matter what happened with Caitlin's career. These problems that ensued in this episode were always a possibility. And as a result, this train wreck of a marriage almost came to a violent end in this episode. The writers do a good job of keeping the viewer guessing what is going to happen and you are left on the edge of your seat. Especially for the ending. In the end Sonny and Caitlin face an uncertain future, but the average viewer is just happy because Caitlin is now starting her "world tour."
4 out of 5 stars
Review: The title for this episode is perfect. Due to legal reasons, Sonny must use his "Burnett" alias when parading about town. There was no way that Sonny's "local doings" in Miami would not be brought to the forefront no matter what happened with Caitlin's career. These problems that ensued in this episode were always a possibility. And as a result, this train wreck of a marriage almost came to a violent end in this episode. The writers do a good job of keeping the viewer guessing what is going to happen and you are left on the edge of your seat. Especially for the ending. In the end Sonny and Caitlin face an uncertain future, but the average viewer is just happy because Caitlin is now starting her "world tour."
4 out of 5 stars
Episode 78- Love At First Sight- 1/15/88
Crockett goes undercover at a Miami dating service to catch a killer who has been murdering male clients.
Synopsis: The prospect of Sonny "getting hurt" much to the chagrin of his new wife Caitlin is milked again. The viewer really doesn't have a clue as to who is killing the clients up until the very end. I mean the VERY end, which although intense, it built up a little too quickly. This is also where the story line gets a little murky. Lois (Iman) dresses up at this guy wearing a wig and a high school varsity jacket to kill Sonny? Who is gonna know what she wore and who cares? It would make sense if she was posing as her brother (whom she told Sonny she had when he looked at the picture in her home). However, according to Tubbs, she didn't have a brother. It just didn't make a whole lot of sense. Suspenseful, but not a classic.
3 out of 5 stars
Synopsis: The prospect of Sonny "getting hurt" much to the chagrin of his new wife Caitlin is milked again. The viewer really doesn't have a clue as to who is killing the clients up until the very end. I mean the VERY end, which although intense, it built up a little too quickly. This is also where the story line gets a little murky. Lois (Iman) dresses up at this guy wearing a wig and a high school varsity jacket to kill Sonny? Who is gonna know what she wore and who cares? It would make sense if she was posing as her brother (whom she told Sonny she had when he looked at the picture in her home). However, according to Tubbs, she didn't have a brother. It just didn't make a whole lot of sense. Suspenseful, but not a classic.
3 out of 5 stars
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Episode 77- Rising Sun Of Death- 12/4/87
When the Yakuza (the Japanese Mafia) set their sites on taking over Miami, Castillo teams up with a Japanese investigator, who has other reasons for wanting their demise.
Review: I was expecting more of the same from the previous episode. Instead I was pleasantly surprised. Any episode featuring Edward James Olmos in the lead role is usually stellar. No exception in this case. As the years go on, the viewer learns more about Castillo and his sometimes cloudy past. Friends as well as adversaries always seem to find him in some capacity. One of the better episodes of season four and as dark as ever, Rising Sun Of Death also gives the viewer a break from the Sonny/Caitlin saga, with only a few minutes of screen time devoted to the two of them. The late Danny Kamekona (Karate Kid Part II) guest stars.
4 out of 5 stars
Review: I was expecting more of the same from the previous episode. Instead I was pleasantly surprised. Any episode featuring Edward James Olmos in the lead role is usually stellar. No exception in this case. As the years go on, the viewer learns more about Castillo and his sometimes cloudy past. Friends as well as adversaries always seem to find him in some capacity. One of the better episodes of season four and as dark as ever, Rising Sun Of Death also gives the viewer a break from the Sonny/Caitlin saga, with only a few minutes of screen time devoted to the two of them. The late Danny Kamekona (Karate Kid Part II) guest stars.
4 out of 5 stars
Episode 76- Like A Hurricane- 11/20/87
Crockett is assigned to protect Caitlin Davies (Sheena Easton), a recording star who is set to testify against record executives. At first, Crockett is reluctant to take the job, but a turn of events quickly leads him to change his mind.
Review: Ah, the Sonny/Caitlin soap opera. I could have put more in the synopsis like: Crockett is assigned to protect a recording star, then saves her life, sleeps with her, then MARRIES HER and MOVES OFF OF HIS BOAT?! all within the span of sixty minutes. Was Miami Vice doing THAT BAD in the ratings to the point where they had to have Sonny get married again? Better yet, couldn't they have built this up over a few weeks to make it just a little bit more realistic? Did anyone actually buy this? Did anyone think that this would end happily? When the two executives were planning "further action" against Caitlin at the end of the episode, you knew this could only end one way: tragically. Too much too fast, and the story line is completely rushed. Sonny without his boat is like Superman without his cape. This didn't work from the start. The whole premise of Crockett being Crockett was explained in the pilot: He is married to his work, and any family he has will always be in harm's way (IE-Calderone). That is why his first marriage failed. Here is what NBC SHOULD have done to get Vice better ratings: Remove it from Dallas' time slot! Not as bad as Missing Hours, and just a notch above The Big Thaw. Not really bad, but just a little too unbelievable.
2.5 out of 5 stars
Review: Ah, the Sonny/Caitlin soap opera. I could have put more in the synopsis like: Crockett is assigned to protect a recording star, then saves her life, sleeps with her, then MARRIES HER and MOVES OFF OF HIS BOAT?! all within the span of sixty minutes. Was Miami Vice doing THAT BAD in the ratings to the point where they had to have Sonny get married again? Better yet, couldn't they have built this up over a few weeks to make it just a little bit more realistic? Did anyone actually buy this? Did anyone think that this would end happily? When the two executives were planning "further action" against Caitlin at the end of the episode, you knew this could only end one way: tragically. Too much too fast, and the story line is completely rushed. Sonny without his boat is like Superman without his cape. This didn't work from the start. The whole premise of Crockett being Crockett was explained in the pilot: He is married to his work, and any family he has will always be in harm's way (IE-Calderone). That is why his first marriage failed. Here is what NBC SHOULD have done to get Vice better ratings: Remove it from Dallas' time slot! Not as bad as Missing Hours, and just a notch above The Big Thaw. Not really bad, but just a little too unbelievable.
2.5 out of 5 stars
Friday, November 2, 2007
Episode 75- Missing Hours- 11/13/87
When a man's body mysteriously disappears from a morgue, Trudy decides to investigate-and claims she sees a U.F.O in the process. James Brown guest stars.
Review: Olivia Brown (Trudy) has gone on record claiming that, when she read the script for this episode, she knew that something was seriously wrong with Miami Vice. I couldn't agree more. Missing Hours is pure CRAP, and probably the worst episode of the whole series. Forget about the writer's missing the boat, they were totally in the wrong ocean!
Don Johnson is barely in this episode. His "diva like" behavior at times on the set is definitely excusable here if it was his choice not to participate. Edward James Olmos (who thought the scripts were awful to begin with) is also noticeably absent as well. While it was once cool for Miami Vice to have interesting guest stars, James Brown has no place whatsoever acting in this show. You can't understand anything he says (look at his lips, the crew definitely had to overdub some of his lines) and as offbeat as he really was, he STILL seems out of place here! It's a shame for Trudy to finally get a story line and have it be THIS bad. U.F.O's have no place in Miami Vice. The ending is almost a direct copy of the excellent "Shadow in the Dark" from season three. However, this is anything but excellent.
0 out of 5 stars
Review: Olivia Brown (Trudy) has gone on record claiming that, when she read the script for this episode, she knew that something was seriously wrong with Miami Vice. I couldn't agree more. Missing Hours is pure CRAP, and probably the worst episode of the whole series. Forget about the writer's missing the boat, they were totally in the wrong ocean!
Don Johnson is barely in this episode. His "diva like" behavior at times on the set is definitely excusable here if it was his choice not to participate. Edward James Olmos (who thought the scripts were awful to begin with) is also noticeably absent as well. While it was once cool for Miami Vice to have interesting guest stars, James Brown has no place whatsoever acting in this show. You can't understand anything he says (look at his lips, the crew definitely had to overdub some of his lines) and as offbeat as he really was, he STILL seems out of place here! It's a shame for Trudy to finally get a story line and have it be THIS bad. U.F.O's have no place in Miami Vice. The ending is almost a direct copy of the excellent "Shadow in the Dark" from season three. However, this is anything but excellent.
0 out of 5 stars
Episode 74- God's Work- 11/6/87
When financial prodigy Felipe Cruz returns from New York to reunite with his family in Miami, Crockett and Tubbs are called to investigate whether he is home for personal reasons, or to help his father-a noted drug kingpin in Miami.
Review: Average episode that ranks higher than "The Big Thaw", but not as high as "Child's Play." A young Esai Morales is convincing as the young son struggling to come to terms with his own personal demons. Not only has he not returned to help with the fmaily "business", but rather to make sure his former lover seeks refuge in the AIDS shelter of his uncle. In looking back, it's interesting that the writer's were bold enough to cover the AIDS epidemic (which was still a touchy subject in 1987), and the murder of a priest (always touchy) in the same episode. Worth a watch.
3 out of 5 stars
Review: Average episode that ranks higher than "The Big Thaw", but not as high as "Child's Play." A young Esai Morales is convincing as the young son struggling to come to terms with his own personal demons. Not only has he not returned to help with the fmaily "business", but rather to make sure his former lover seeks refuge in the AIDS shelter of his uncle. In looking back, it's interesting that the writer's were bold enough to cover the AIDS epidemic (which was still a touchy subject in 1987), and the murder of a priest (always touchy) in the same episode. Worth a watch.
3 out of 5 stars
Episode 73- Child's Play- 10/30/87
Crockett's accidental shooting of a child during a domestic disturbance causes him to reevaluate his relationship with his estranged son Billy. As Sonny makes strides with Billy, it becomes clear that there was more to the shooting of the child than meets the eye.
Review: THIS is why I got into Miami Vice. Though a pre Pulp Fiction Ving Rhames and the late Danitra Vance are strong supporting guest stars, this is Don Johnson's vehicle all the way. By season four, it was obvious that Johnson was the anchor of the show. More apparent than ever is the fact that Miami Vice, though consisting of solid supporting cast members, WAS about Sonny and his constant struggle to grab that brass ring that is always just out of his reach. The appearance of Crockett's estranged wife and his son are reminiscent of season one, and the strong ending is a nice change from the usual dark and dreary episodes of season four. Arguably the best episode of the season.
5 out of 5 stars
Review: THIS is why I got into Miami Vice. Though a pre Pulp Fiction Ving Rhames and the late Danitra Vance are strong supporting guest stars, this is Don Johnson's vehicle all the way. By season four, it was obvious that Johnson was the anchor of the show. More apparent than ever is the fact that Miami Vice, though consisting of solid supporting cast members, WAS about Sonny and his constant struggle to grab that brass ring that is always just out of his reach. The appearance of Crockett's estranged wife and his son are reminiscent of season one, and the strong ending is a nice change from the usual dark and dreary episodes of season four. Arguably the best episode of the season.
5 out of 5 stars
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Episode 72- The Big Thaw- 10/23/87
Crockett, Tubbs, and Switek come across the body of a frozen reggae singer's body during a would-be drug raid, and a battle ensues between the singer's estranged husband and the doctor who put him on ice. As the two parties fight for the frozen body, it is apparent that they both have ulterior motives for doing so.
Review: Yes,everything mentioned above was not a joke. This is only one of several rather ridiculous plot lines that will permeate season four. You can only imagine how quality actors like Don Johnson and Edward James Olmos had to soldier through this episode. Izzy (Martin Ferraro) is always good for a laugh or two, which makes you(only for a split second) forget at times how stupid the story really is. As mentioned earlier, the writer's either hit the boat or missed it with the stories this year. They missed it this time.
1 1/2 out of 5 stars
Review: Yes,everything mentioned above was not a joke. This is only one of several rather ridiculous plot lines that will permeate season four. You can only imagine how quality actors like Don Johnson and Edward James Olmos had to soldier through this episode. Izzy (Martin Ferraro) is always good for a laugh or two, which makes you(only for a split second) forget at times how stupid the story really is. As mentioned earlier, the writer's either hit the boat or missed it with the stories this year. They missed it this time.
1 1/2 out of 5 stars
Episode 71- Death and the Lady- 10/16/87
Crockett and Tubbs look into the possibility that an on-screen murder which took place in an adult film may have been all too real.
Review:The dark and eerie trends of the first two episodes of this season surface again. And despite the plot coming off as a bit far fetched, the episode does hold your interest until the very end. The fact that there are two lookalikes of the same women (both played by Kelly Lynch) is a bit much, but they soon shift the focus to the derranged director. In the end, Crockett (who has reasons of his own for sticking with the case) gives the director (who is found innocent of the murder) a taste of his own bloody medicine. There are no happy endings or bright pastels to liven the mood here. Dark from start to finish.
3 out of 5 stars
Review:The dark and eerie trends of the first two episodes of this season surface again. And despite the plot coming off as a bit far fetched, the episode does hold your interest until the very end. The fact that there are two lookalikes of the same women (both played by Kelly Lynch) is a bit much, but they soon shift the focus to the derranged director. In the end, Crockett (who has reasons of his own for sticking with the case) gives the director (who is found innocent of the murder) a taste of his own bloody medicine. There are no happy endings or bright pastels to liven the mood here. Dark from start to finish.
3 out of 5 stars
Episode 70- Amen....Send Money- 10/2/87
Tubbs finds himself caught between a battle of two television evangelists when the assistant of one of the evangelists accuses him of rape.
Review: Any episode featuring Brian Dennehy (who plays one of the evangelists) is at least worth a look. This episode is a little uneven at times, but Dennehy and the supporting cast keep it together. For the level of seriousness that a rape charge holds, Tubbs is cleared of the matter rather quickly and without any real fanfare. Most of the focus after the accusation concerns the two feauding former partners. The recurring theme of irony surfaces again during this episode as it will for most of the season. You'll have to watch the very end to see.
3 out of 5 stars
Review: Any episode featuring Brian Dennehy (who plays one of the evangelists) is at least worth a look. This episode is a little uneven at times, but Dennehy and the supporting cast keep it together. For the level of seriousness that a rape charge holds, Tubbs is cleared of the matter rather quickly and without any real fanfare. Most of the focus after the accusation concerns the two feauding former partners. The recurring theme of irony surfaces again during this episode as it will for most of the season. You'll have to watch the very end to see.
3 out of 5 stars
Season Four Episode 69- Contempt Of Court- 9/25/87
Sonny and Rico bring a reputed mobster to trial. However, when Crockett refuses to reveal his informant at the trial, he winds up in jail himself.
Review: Overall a solid episode with an ironic twist at the end. Sonny's incarceration for refusing to reveal Keats at Mosca's trial is what ultimately led to the death of Keats. Stanley Tucci is completely convincing as mobster Frank Mosca. So much to the point where you wish that Keats' son would have shot him dead in the end. However, Mosca is rumored to surface again, so stay tuned.
Though not the epic season opener that we're used to from Miami Vice, it still gets the job done.
3 out of 5 stars
Review: Overall a solid episode with an ironic twist at the end. Sonny's incarceration for refusing to reveal Keats at Mosca's trial is what ultimately led to the death of Keats. Stanley Tucci is completely convincing as mobster Frank Mosca. So much to the point where you wish that Keats' son would have shot him dead in the end. However, Mosca is rumored to surface again, so stay tuned.
Though not the epic season opener that we're used to from Miami Vice, it still gets the job done.
3 out of 5 stars
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