Miami Vice ran for five seasons on NBC from 1984 to 1989, and it remains one of the defining shows of its era. Created by Anthony Yerkovich, the series followed detective Sonny Crockett and his partner Ricardo Tubbs as they fought drug lords and other criminals in Miami. The show was a reinvention of the police procedural, built around fashion, mood, and music rather than pure crime-solving mechanics.
The formula worked. Miami Vice became a cultural phenomenon, influencing everything from fashion to filmmaking. Its influence can still be felt decades later. But the show had flaws too, and a critical assessment requires looking past the glamour to see what actually holds up.
Trailer, via NBC Classics.
The Look That Defined the Era
The visual identity of Miami Vice was its calling card. The show used a soft focus, low light, and neon colors to create a dreamlike atmosphere. The opening titles set the tone, with slow motion shots of the detectives walking through a sunlit street, the camera lingering on their stylish clothes and their cool expressions.
The wardrobe was iconic. Crockett wore tight white shirts and khaki pants, while Tubbs favored sharp suits and sunglasses. The look was copied across America, and the show became a trendsetter in fashion as much as in television. The style was not just a costume choice; it was a statement about the characters and the world they inhabited.
The cars were also a major draw. The detectives drove a pale blue Ferrari Testarossa, which became one of the most recognizable images of the series. The car was a symbol of wealth and power, and it fit perfectly with the show’s aesthetic. The vehicle was not just a prop; it was a character in itself.
The Music That Set the Mood
The score by Jan Hammer was a driving force behind the show’s identity. Hammer’s synthesizer-heavy sound created a tense, atmospheric backdrop that matched the action on screen. The music was not just filler; it was integral to the storytelling.
Hammer’s compositions often featured a repetitive bassline and layered keyboards, creating a hypnotic effect. The score was so distinctive that it became instantly recognizable to viewers. It set the tone for every scene, whether a chase, a confrontation, or a quiet moment of introspection.
The show also used popular songs to punctuate key moments. The most famous example is “Rush” by Phil Collins, which played over the opening credits and became synonymous with the series. Other tracks included “In the Air Tonight” by Genesis and “Take It to the Limit” by the Eagles. These songs added emotional weight to scenes, and they helped make the show feel current and relevant.
Sonny Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs
The central partnership was the heart of the show. Don Johnson played Sonny Crockett, and Philip Michael Thomas played Ricardo Tubbs. Their chemistry was immediate, and their relationship was a mix of professionalism and friendship.
Crockett was the cooler, more confident of the two. He was the one who wore the white shirt and carried himself with ease. His scenes were often the most memorable, especially when he delivered a monologue or a one-liner. Johnson had a natural charisma that made him a star.
Tubbs was the more serious, older detective. He was a Vietnam veteran and a former cop who had seen the worst of humanity. Thomas brought a grounded quality to the role, and his scenes often explored the moral complexities of law enforcement. The two actors balanced each other well, and their partnership remained the anchor of the series throughout its run.
The show also introduced a supporting cast of recurring villains and allies. Among the most notable was James Remar as Norbert “Norby” Van Zandt, a flamboyant drug lord who became a recurring antagonist. Remar brought a campy energy to the role, making Norby a memorable presence whenever he appeared.
The Writing That Fluctuated
The scripts varied in quality. Some episodes were sharp, fast-paced thrillers that captured the energy of the city. Others were slow, talky affairs that leaned on dialogue and introspection. The show was at its best when it balanced action with character development.
The writing often drew on contemporary issues, including drug abuse, corruption, and the excess of the 1980s. The show was not afraid to tackle difficult subjects, even if it sometimes oversimplified them. The result was a show that felt timely but occasionally dated.
The show also had a habit of recycling plots. Certain types of cases kept coming back, and the writers seemed to rely on familiar formulas rather than inventing new ones. This repetition could become tiresome over multiple seasons, and it diluted the impact of the show’s strengths.
The Long-Term Legacy
Miami Vice left an indelible mark on popular culture. Its influence extended far beyond television. The show inspired films, video games, and even fashion lines. The look of the show became a template for future productions, and its aesthetic has been referenced countless times since.
The show’s influence can be seen in later series that borrowed its visual style. Its approach to lighting, color, and mood became a standard for how crime dramas were filmed. The show also influenced the way music was used in television, showing that a score could do more than simply underscore action.
The show’s popularity also led to spin-offs and merchandise. The Ferrari Testarossa became a status symbol, and the show’s image was licensed for clothing, accessories, and other products. The show’s success was not just about its critical reception; it was also about its commercial impact.
The Critical Reception
The show received mixed reviews during its run. Some critics praised its style and its ability to capture the mood of Miami. Others criticized its lack of substance and its reliance on superficial elements. The show was a hit with audiences, but it did not always win over critics.
The show’s reputation has grown in retrospect. Many viewers now look back at it with nostalgia, seeing it as a product of its time. The show’s influence has been acknowledged by critics and fans alike, even if the actual episodes have not aged perfectly.
The show’s legacy is undeniable. It changed the way television looked and sounded, and it helped define a decade of American culture. The show’s influence is a matter of record, even if the individual episodes have not held up uniformly.
The Best Episodes
Not every episode of Miami Vice is worth revisiting. The show had its share of filler, and some episodes are better left forgotten. However, there are standout moments that remain compelling today. Here are the best episodes to watch:
- “Manhunt” (Season 1, Episode 3) — A tense investigation into a serial killer that sets the tone for the season.
- “No One Gets Out Alive” (Season 1, Episode 6) — A gripping case involving a corrupt politician.
- “Havana” (Season 2, Episode 23) — A standalone episode that features a guest star and a twist ending.
- “A Very Special Episode” (Season 3, Episode 11) — A rare dramatic episode that explores Crockett’s personal life.
- “Aftershock” (Season 4, Episode 15) — A strong finale to a season that raises the stakes.
These episodes showcase the show at its best, combining action, drama, and character development. They are the reason the show remains worth watching.
The Final Word
Miami Vice was a landmark show that pushed television forward. Its style, music, and characters defined a generation of viewers. The show’s influence is visible in everything from film to fashion, and it remains a touchstone of 1980s pop culture.
But the show was not perfect. Its scripts varied in quality, and its reliance on recycled plots became noticeable over time. The show’s strengths were its visual identity and its performances, not necessarily its storytelling.
The show is a product of its time, and it shows it. Some of the humor and the politics feel dated, and the pacing can drag in weaker episodes. But the best episodes remain thrilling, and the overall experience is memorable.
Miami Vice deserves its reputation as a classic. It was a bold experiment that paid off, and it set a standard that few shows have matched. The show is a reminder of a time when television was willing to take risks, and it rewards viewers who are willing to look past its flaws.
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