July 26, 2006
Watched the original Miami Vice pilot episode last night (Seasons 1 and 2 were released in a DVD twofer package on Tuesday), and I gotta say, it's still pretty good. The story, about Crockett and Tubbs collaborating in their quest to bring down the Colombian drug lord Calderone, is nicely paced, even if the dialogue is a little ripe. What really struck me is the dual use of flashbacks and pop music. I forgot how the series played with chronology and memory like a chic English crime movie, or a French New Wave film. The cinematography is also first-rate. It was fun being reminded how stylish and new it seemed back in '84. Sure, it's an '80s punchline now. But it got me stoked to see the new movie, which I hear is nothing like the show.
Easy trivia question: What future TV star played Crockett's slain partner?
Posted by Chris Vognar 
at 12:11 PM (E-mail this entry)
Jimmy Smits! Right? I sort of remember a very surprised expression when he got blown up.
Posted by: Ann at July 26, 2006 12:32 PM