Resplendent with authentic 1980's music, fashion and vibe, "Miami Vice" follows two undercover detectives and their extended team through the mean streets of Miami.
A scientist who has created a super helicopter has defected to Libya and taken the machine with him. A secretive government agency hires an ex-Vietnam War pilot to go to Libya, steal the chopper and bring it back.
Director:
Donald P. Bellisario
Stars:
Jan-Michael Vincent,
Ernest Borgnine,
Alex Cord
Stubble-faced detective Crockett lived in a sailboat guarded by his alligator Elvis. His partner Tubbs was a black New York cop looking for his brother's killer. Together they took on the Florida drug world. The show influenced men's fashions toward Italo-casual and interior decor toward the Miami look. Very trendy music and unusual guest performers. Written by
Ed Stephan <stephan@cc.wwu.edu>
Initially, Jeff Bridges and then Nick Nolte were considered for the role of Sonny Crockett. At the time it was not seen as lucrative for movie stars to venture into television. See more »
Goofs
In numerous episodes, the primary characters are involved in career-ending shootings and yet none are terminated as police officers, nor prosecuted for the offense. Some killings are clearly intentional murders, yet the detectives continue in their roles as if nothing happened. See more »
Quotes
Sonny Crockett:
You know what I like about you, Rickles? Not a damn thing - backstroke.
See more »
Crazy Credits
Three episodes of the series have these additional songs playing at the closing credits instead of the show's original theme song: "Calderone's Return": Tina Turner - "What's Love Got to Do With It?"; this song plays over footage of Crockett and Tubbs riding a speedboat, plus flashbacks of Tubbs and Angelina. "Phil the Shill": Phil Collins - "Life is a Rat Race" and "Freefall" (final episode): Terry Kath - "Tell Me"; this song plays over a montage of scenes from the show. See more »
Although made for television this show portrayed a real street presence not often found in the public domain. Having lived through this period and witnessed, first hand, the "drug culture," and its effect on the population, the program stands as a warning to those who want to experiment, the nightmare to the general population, and the ever-present danger and bravery of the police who try to cope with this never-ending misery. The daily antics of Crocket and Tubbs, the characters they meet, the villains and the heroes of their streets,make the reality palatable while at the same time shrouding their discomfort with humor, e.g., Izzy, material breaking down, glitzy surroundings. Well worth watching many times over.
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Although made for television this show portrayed a real street presence not often found in the public domain. Having lived through this period and witnessed, first hand, the "drug culture," and its effect on the population, the program stands as a warning to those who want to experiment, the nightmare to the general population, and the ever-present danger and bravery of the police who try to cope with this never-ending misery. The daily antics of Crocket and Tubbs, the characters they meet, the villains and the heroes of their streets,make the reality palatable while at the same time shrouding their discomfort with humor, e.g., Izzy, material breaking down, glitzy surroundings. Well worth watching many times over.