This is one episode of many of 3 that features a story that is so realistic and powerful. The previous two seasons and the last two seasons which were very weak in storytelling and characters, were into nothing but style and almost very little to nothing in substance. Not 3 and certainly not this unbelievable very gritty episode Knock Knock Who's There. The episode touches on the subject, "What a mother would go through to save her child from dying". Even if it meant to break the law or sell her soul to the devil. In this case the devil is played by Ian McShane as a drug dealer who indeed has a very devilish grin. The loving caring mother is played by Elizabeth Ashley who does a sensational job and puts so much realistic emotion into her character.
The episode is absolutely perfect. Superb storytelling, character relationships, action, music, cinematography and an incredible sense of realism. The episode sets it's gritty tone in the beginning all the way to the end and never once stops. The man though that steals the show is Internal Affairs Investigator Strohl played with such conviction by James Dybas. Strohl who is seen only in 2 scenes, but those 2 scenes capitalize him as one of the many unforgettable characters of Miami Vice. Strohl in his scenes drives Crockett up the wall and is so threatening towards him. Strohl has two of the best lines in this episode that is aimed at Crockett, but the first one really nails it that this guy might be even way more ruthless than McShane's character.
The line aimed at Crockett: "After all the clothes, cars, and boats are washed away your nothing more than a 32,500 year flatfoot just like the rest of us. If I even think your the lease bit dirty, I'll hold your head underwater until you float". That is just one of many, many great moments of this classic, unbelievable great episode of 3 and of Miami Vice!
