Forgive Us Our Debts (12 Dec. 1986)

New evidence leads Crockett to fight against the execution of Frank Hackman, put on Death Row for murdering Crockett's old partner.

Director:

Jan Eliasberg

Writers:

Anthony Yerkovich (creator), Gustave Reininger

Stars:

Don Johnson, Philip Michael Thomas, Saundra Santiago

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
Don Johnson	...	Detective James Crockett
Philip Michael Thomas	...	Detective Ricardo Tubbs
Saundra Santiago	...	Detective Gina Calabrese
Michael Talbott	...	Detective Stan Switek
John Diehl	...	Det. Larry Zito
Olivia Brown	...	Detective Trudy Joplin
Edward James Olmos	...	Lieutenant Martin Castillo
Guy Boyd	...	Frank Hackman
Bill Raymond	...	Tommy Barkley
D.W. Moffett	...	Thomas Waldman
Olga Karlatos	...	Carmen Albierro
Lázaro Pérez	...	Father LaFranco (as Lazaro Perez)
Gy Mirano	...	Felicia
Val Bisoglio	...	Gus Albierro
Steve Geng	...	Bierce

Storyline

When a man who was suspected of killing Crockett's partner, who was eventually convicted and sentenced to death, whose about to be executed. A priest calls saying that someone claims that the man is innocent. When the priest refuses to say who it was. Crockett and Tubbs keep an eye on the church. They discover that the person was the key witness at the man's trial who claims he wanted to get back at him for something he did. When they bring to the D.A. who prosecuted the man, he is hesitant to help because, he is planning to run for public office.

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Genres:

Action | Crime | Drama | Thriller

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Japanese

Release Date:

12 December 1986 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Miami, Florida, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Michael Mann Productions, Universal TV

Technical Specs

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Goofs

When Stan is scanning and submitting the pictures, the feedback on the computer screen misspells the word "asynchronous".

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Quotes

Det. James 'Sonny' Crockett: Surprise, surprise.

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Soundtracks

"Morir Son Ando"
(uncredited)
Written by Manuel Pelayo Diaz
Performed by Fernando Villalona

User Reviews

Pefect Perfect Perfect. Amazing stuff

I can't believe nobody has written a review on this masterpiece. So I guess I'll have to do it. I don't know where to start, except that only 3 can make an episode like this. Only 3! The other crappy seasons couldn't make an episode like this in a million years. This episode along with 3 was the only time Vice was a gritty, dark, realistic, and fascinating show. There's nothing special about the other seasons.

Forgive Us Our Debts is one of those many many episodes from 3 that is pure perfection. Just amazing to watch. The episode has such a strong, powerful story, unforgettable characters, slick, film noir cinematography and music that is sizzling as ever. Also two songs that heightens the suspense and atmosphere of the episode. This is the most realistic Vice episode ever. Crockett and Tubbs go against the most ruthless, sleaziest, and just downright dirty characters that's right out of real life.

The performances of Guy Boyd, Val Bisoglio, Bill Raymond, and DW Moffet are so realistic and amazing. Of course 3 has so many episodes that feature powerful performances by many great actors. Episodes such as When Irish Eyes Are Crying, Stone's War, The Good Collar, Shadow in the Dark, Streetwise, Down for the Count Part 1-2, and The Savage. Also many many more. You can't be 3. It's so PERFECT! The other seasons are garbage compared to 3.

This episode is one not to be missed. It's also got the biggest surprise upset I've ever seen in the history of film or television. The cinematography of the episode by Tom Priestley is gritty and very realistic stuff. Watching this episode you keep saying to yourself, " This is amazing stuff. The kind of the thing you don't ever see in the other four crappy seasons. Ever! This episode feels like and looks like a film noir/ murder mystery that deals with our hero's looking for missing evidence of a crime that took place six years before. The accused is also a few hours away from being permanently extincted by the electric chair. Like I said before amazing stuff.

The climax of this episode is the best ever in a Vice episode. Even though every climax in 3 is so great. This episode has the best climax. It starts off with a fade in of the prison and Boyd's character receiving his last meal, head being shaved all while thinking about the chair that waits him. You can feel the tension in him and on yourself watching this masterpiece. I can go on and on, but I don't want to give it all away. The entire climax lasts for a thrilling, pulse pounding 8 minutes. Another thing that makes the climax so perfect is the soundtrack that brings shivers down my spine. The song "Standing on the Outside", by Meatloaf from his Bad Attitude album in 84 is gripping and WOW!!

To sum it all up. This is the real Miami VICE. All of 3 is Miami VICE. The rest of the seasons are a bunch of colorful, kiddish, MTV Cops seasons. Stuff for the kids. 3 are for adults and people who respect stories and characters over cheesy, crappy stories that feature endless and endless of scenes of color and rock starts. That's what the other seasons are about and that's why they SUCK! Stick 3 with and only 3 and you will be shocked at how PERFECT it is, just like Forgive Us Our Debts. Amazing stuff!