Miami Vice: Definitely Miami and ‘Cry’
Note: I’m re-tasking this old song post for the Weekly Writing Challenge: Moved by Music over at The Daily Post.
Miami Vice
Episode Title: Definitely Miami
Episode #: 12
Season: Two
Series #: 34
Original Airdate: January 10, 1986
Written by: Michael Ahnemann & Daniel Pyne
Directed by: Rob Cohen
Song of note: Cry (written by Godley & Creme)
Performed by: Godley & Creme
The groundbreaking, and thoroughly American, Miami Vice was the epitome of the 80s in a television series. For me, anyways. It may seem almost quaint by today’s standards (particularly, if you compare to something as dark and critically acclaimed as Breaking Bad). But back then, it was cutting-edge. The fact that it was produced by Michael Mann and Anthony Yerkovich meant it was no surprise I became hooked on this show when it debuted on NBC in 1984. Mann had hit my radar after I caught his absorbing, gritty, and underrated ABC-TV film, The Jericho Mile, in ’79 (which is, sadly, still not available in the U.S.).
His feature début, Thief (which I highlighted on its 30th anniversary earlier this year) all but guaranteed he’d be one I’d follow in any future film releases afterwards. Plus Yerkovich, as a writer and producer of another of my favorites during this same decade, Hill Street Blues, was going to get my attention, no matter what. Thus, the show Miami Vice impacted like few others on network television. It would go on to exhibit all the touches of both the influential filmmaker and the writer/producer would become known for.
Unlike the police procedurals to that point, nothing like it had come down the pike beforehand. From its very first scene, Miami Vice was in tune with that distinct Florida metro city, its multi-cultural nature (which remains very Casablanca-like), and the reverberation of that decade’s music had on it all. The swagger of style and bravado that became a trait of its cast, and the stories it had to tell (many speaking to the effects and day-to-day ins and outs of the drug-trade back then in that part of the Caribbean), was eye-opening to television viewers.
Between the cars, the people and money, and even the fashion statement this program had on full display, it exhibited a flair no other series could match for years. And its sway ranged far and wide once it landed on to Miami’s shores and TV sets. The echos of which are still being felt — fans can see proof of that in such offerings like Burn Notice, Nip/Tuck, and hell… even CSI: Miami (I’m sorry to say).
Nevertheless, as good as Miami Vice was when it began in the mid-80s, especially for its initial two seasons, sustaining that level quality wasn’t to be. While there were always some good episodes in the subsequent later years, it lost momentum as its uniqueness faded and the quality of other shows caught up. Still, when the show hit on all those notable touchstones that made it uncommon, it could be great actually. And the second season episode, Definitely Miami, was one of those.
This was one of the infrequent installments where Sonny Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs were split up into separate narratives: Crockett becoming involved with a pair of deadly grifters (Arielle Dombasle and Ted Nugent) while Tubbs worked with Lt. Castillo to organize the surrender of a certain crime boss. Obsession complicates both ventures. For Sonny, it’s his emotional involvement with the beautiful femme fatale (understandable as Arielle had one of the best entrances and appearances ever on network TV), and the federal agent (Albert Hall) working with Castillo wants the criminal leader so badly that he’s willing to risk a government-protected witness to get him.
Giving credit to the writers, the character development and superb writing in this went a long way for a short one-hour program. But, when you added the gorgeous scenery, hauntingly shot by Tom Priestly and directed by Rob Cohen (way before his film career started with the likes of Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story, Daylight, The Fast and The Furious, etc.), it separated the show from the standard, less sophisticated fare of the time by a mile. Yet, what really made this episode rise to the top was its proven use of music (key at the beginning and at the end) and how well it was all spliced together.
While Gato Barbieri’s Europa and Nugent’s appropriate Angry Young Man tracks were also featured, ask any fan of the show why this one chapter in the series stands out. They’ll tell you it is due to its singular, tuneful finale. Incorporating Godley & Creme’s 1985 hit, Cry, the episode put that song to its best use ever story-wise, outside of its distinctive and very 80s music video. Nicely re-cut (credit I reckon goes to Jan Hammer and Jerry Cohen) to fit the final sequence, the song does all the talking needed to close both story threads like nothing ever could. When I give thought of the use of music on TV, this is the one I happily recall.
If you’re interested, you can stream this entire episode on NBC.com.
It Rains... You Get Wet 
16 Responses to “Miami Vice: Definitely Miami and ‘Cry’”
Oooh I LOVE this show! You’re right Michael, it’s definitely the epitome of 80s greatness, the clothes, the hair, the vibe, everything. I watched this religiously when I was a teen, it was what every action series should be, campy but fun! 😀 I love Jan Hammer’s theme song too, I think it won a Grammy? Great post!
LikeLike
Certainly, Jan Hammer’s theme song set the tone for this and that decade. And yes, you’re correct about that Grammy (it also hit #1 on the charts, too). Thanks so much, Ruth.
LikeLike
I really look forward to watching Breaking Bad.
I also wanted to mention I LOVE that Godley & Creme track. What a song!
Funny enough my friend, I never watched Miami Vice. I don’t think I’ve seen a sinngle episode and based on your thoughts I must have missed out.
All the best,
sff
LikeLike
Yes, ‘Breaking Bad’ is one the great shows in the last few years. Catch it from the beginning and I think you’ll enjoy it. Great to learn you’re another fan of that Godley & Creme track. Sends me right back to that time when I hear it.
The first two seasons, for sure, of Miami Vice shouldn’t be missed. It got a little inconsistent in later season, but it did finish strong with a great finale. Thanks, Gordon.
LikeLike
Nice post. Having lived in Miami 15 yrs 87-02 this show was always a fav. I had the soundtrack on cassette and would pop it in for effect. We were so cooooool. And young 30 somethings. Whew, those were the days. Its funny about the test of time. The amnesia 2 parter, where Crockett goes bad, somehow I couldn’t get to the tv to see the second part. That bugged me for years until Netflix came along and I rented it. It was so bad, in a really bad kinda way. Hey you know, you can’t go back, for sure. LOL
LikeLike
I thought I remember you mentioned you lived in Florida for a while. Miami, huh? I was only there for a short bit (went there for a cruise with the Mrs. before we had kids), but everywhere I looked, it reminded me of this TV show. And yeah, I think I remember that two-parter (and for the same reason, unfortunately). Thanks so much, Herb.
LikeLike
I watched Miami Vice a lot as a kid, I think it was on right after the A-Team, if memory serves. I probably was too young to really get it, but I loved the music, atmosphere and, yes, outfits. I need to check it out again, or at least the first two seasons, especially now that I am more familiar with Michael Mann and a more mature viewer than I was at the age of nine.
It’s use of music in television is immeasurable, and it predates such other great shows that combined images and pop songs like The Sopranos and Breaking Bad. Speaking of which, glad to hear you’re a fan, just got into it this year, and devoured the first three seasons in record time so I could be caught up for season four. Cannot wait for Sunday’s finale!
LikeLike
Thanks, Kevin. Miami Vice really was a classic 80s series. It’s use of music was influential and Michael Mann packed a lot in episodes.
You and I both for Sunday’s Breaking Bad finale! It’s been a great cable series. My wife and I have been watching since it debuted in ’08 and loved it from the start. Catch Walt’s declaration in the last episode that it’s all happened in only a one year period? I’m sure I’ll go into immediate withdrawal once tomorrow’s show ends. Its final season should be somethin’!
LikeLike
I have never followed blogs before but I found yours very interesting. We seemed to have followed the same life-line; 50’s, 60’s and survived the 70’s. I really found it interesting you picked out the one Miami Vice that my friends and I loved. We called it the “The White Vice”. This was due to the use of Whiting-in and Whiting -out used. Cool show. I’ll be following you from now on.
Paul.
LikeLike
Welcome, Paul :-). Always great to meet those who’ve had similar experiences online. I remember when this episode played and it was topic one come Monday morning at work. Well, at least among the guys when mentioning Arielle’s guest appearance ;-). That’s a great retitle of the show, btw. Many thanks very much for the read, comment, and follow.
LikeLike
[…] Miami Vice: Definitely Miami and ‘Cry’ | It Rains… You Get Wet […]
LikeLike
[…] Miami Vice: Definitely Miami and ‘Cry’ | It Rains… You Get Wet […]
LikeLike
[…] Miami Vice: Definitely Miami and ‘Cry’ | It Rains… You Get Wet […]
LikeLike
[…] Miami Vice: Definitely Miami and ‘Cry’ | It Rains… You Get Wet […]
LikeLike
[…] Miami Vice: Definitely Miami and ‘Cry’ | It Rains… You Get Wet […]
LikeLike
[…] rfljenksy – Practicing SimplicityDance as an expression Wordz on a PageDPchallenge: Moved by Music #2 Nitty Gritty Dirt ManBloomin’ Update 48: The Falling Leaves . . . Dancing with FirefliesCome back and Haunt me. Flickr CommentsSupport Music! Life with TessWeekly Writing Challenge: The Power of Music Wordz on a PageDP Challenge: Moved by Music DEESEESTHINGSMoved by Music vivace con brioWeekly Writing Challenge: Moved by Music My Days In A SongKeeping The Music That Counts Sula1968’s BlogPhil Rickman introduces me to magical music Main Line DadsMy quagmires become your vistas Ruminations & ObservationsWeekly Writing Challenge: Moved by Music cheerios for dinnerFlaws Social Media Student BlogSunspots – By: Carbon Carousel (Eyedea) Dissection for DPchallenge chenoadawnA Song That Speaks True… The Daily PostWeekly Writing Challenge: Moved by Music Crow Arrow, Inc.Moved by Music My random musingsMoved by Music Flickr CommentsAdd your music link Scribblings from the Bluegrass Artsymom’s Balancing ActMoved by Music SoundEagleDynamic Visualization of Music as New Sensations Where The Eagles Fly: Animation in High Definition on Large Screen SoundEagleSoundEagle’s Poetry with Enigma’s Goodbye Milky Way Ramisa the AuthoressOnce Upon A Time, We Were Invincible A’A IN PARADISELeaving Reality and Three Stories You Should Listen To theanonymousqueenMoved by Music DPchallenge writemybrainsoutBrave Just D UsualMy first experience at a residential school A Mourning MomSong for All Seasons Sunshine IntentionsThe Mystery of Rufus Wainwright GLORIOUS METTLEGive Me Time To Wake Up Jackie CangroThe One with the Simple Gifts Wandering VoicelessMoved by Music (Weekly Writing Challenge) Winging itStill Loving Anna Sun Midlife Crisis CrossoverFive Tracks That Got Me Through Young Stupid Adulthood OutreachKrrish 3 – Review of a Bollywood Movie Made with Hollywood Stunts stephanissima createsThe Musical Life SynchronicityW R I T I N G 1 2 IcelandicaThe Ponies Run Spiritual Crossroadsdpchallenge: Moved by Music shitudiwenMemories of the Snow: Sne Engel, Lasse EW BrownSo take a look at me now… The Marmot in My HeadLove Letter to a Song Midwestern PlantsWeekly Writing Challenge: Moved By Music It’s a wonderful F’N lifeYou Better Watch Out … LynnSlyWritesmoved by music reyoflightWeekly Writing Challenge: Moved by Music TunesAugust to December- Washed Out So where DO you go to (my lovely)? It’s a wonderful F’N lifeThe Road to Regionals This is ME, you know.Four notes was all it took [Weekly Writing Challenge: Moved by Music] This is ME, you know.Life-changing [Weekly Writing Challenge: Moved by Music] Inkbelle“Vincent” StuphblogThe Boom Song Mafe RoigMaking this place my home Holoholo GirlsWeekly Writing Challenge: Moved by Music FeelTasteTouchMoved by Music: Yeah Yeah Yeahs Melanie Ryding – Ryding2Health BLOGDaily post: moved by music con Gorro y a lo Loco…de Crisálidas y Capullos Sula1968’s BlogSexy Songs, what music turns you on? Perspective of a WriterThe Character of Theme Music American IndividualThe Analog Kid: Daydreams of personal independence and discovery A Girl DividedThe Golden State celenelambWeekly Writing Challenge: Moved by Music Hotel California – Evelyne Holingue hugatreejadeYou Can’t Fix Everything… Hotel California – Evelyne Holingue Life ConfusionsMy Musical Progression Words from the heartMoved By Music In So Many WordsWeekly Writing Challenge: Moved by Music … imaginationsWeekly Writing Challenge: Moved By Music A Vital RecognitionPulsing Lights – Moved by Music Joyful GirlAll the Snow Melts Away Thoughts of a Southern Girl CombatBabeShe died in a car crash life on wryMoved by Manilow. A Sober Head Full Of ConfusionGood Things Come To Those Who Wait….and Strive Keigh AhrSummers 12B emilykarnMoved By Music: Linkin Park Girl On Green : Greener On The Other SideBreaking Barriers I Didn’t Just Wake Up This Morning with a CravingSong as a Memory Finder Michelle McHattonMusic memories It’s a wonderful F’N lifeI Lift My Eyes Up Eyes to HeartSearching for Music and yadda yadda yadda…i made aliyahOne compulsion leads to another Tish FarrellSongs from an Inland Sea: “On Wenlock Edge” life n me!Weekly Writing Challenge: Moved by Music A Simple Point in TimeThese Times Memoirs of a huskIn paradisum The Metal LibraryTHE MUSIC THAT WILL CHANGE THE WORLD Clara’s Coffee BreakTchaikovsky’s Georgian-Inspired Dance Ramblings of a jerkWeekly Writing Challenge: Moved by Music 思想語言Weekly Writing Challenge: Moved by Music – Mayday 五月天 Duo TellBeads of Jade Duo TellBead of Jade SIMDiscovering Serenity with Gheorghe Zamfir’s “The Lonely Shepherd” melodymoMusic as a Medium for Communication Momma Said There’d Be Days Like ThisAddicted To Love Nola Roots, Texas HeartWeekly Writing Challenge: Moved by Music betweenfearandloveMy love will fly to you each night… Godspeed (Sweet Dreams) Your Smile is PricelessChasing Down My Memory Lane Lori’s Life and Other StuffMusic…and a New Adventure Menomama3’s BlogSongs of Innocence and Experience* Writing CanvasWeekly Writing Challenge: Moved by Music tuckedintoacornerMusic, Inducing Words Ramblings of a Creative Mind1989 The Crone’s ApprenticeWhat a Wonderful World cheri grissomBill Evans and the Real cooking & culture | Jaye’s BrainHow the music sounds: Then and Now (With a nod to The Roches). Kryson’s KreationsMoved by Music My Days In A SongDrown it Out In A Good Tune My Days In A SongWhen You Need to Drown Out The Noise Nitty Gritty Dirt ManReturn To Planet Claire James CleggThe Rain Falls Hard on a Humdrum Town Adshayah’s BlogWeekly Writing Challenge: Moved by Music In Twilight SecretWeekly Writing Challenge: Moved by Music Tales of my MindCarmen – Lana Del Rey Journey To Never Never LandScott Alan – Turns The Truths of Life Into Song dena’s good lifeWeekly Writing Challenge: Moved by Music – He Said my heart’s love songs∙ͽ∙ ϔ ∙ͼ∙ young and beautiful ∙ͽ∙ ϔ ∙ͼ∙ Let me tell U a storyMoved by Music- A different kind of music sayanythingFor Those About To Rock, We Salute You Wait, Conor’s Leaking!It All Food and Everything ElseMoved by Music ~ Someone Like You The River MomThe Voice that will Still be Around Avoiding NeverlandMinefields and Marriage Vows Enjoying This LifeMoved by Music With blackberry wineWe Swing and We Sway (Weekly Writing Challenge) KaitHydeYou were made to fill a purpose that only YOU can do. KatielouiScars Fish Of GoldThe Grudge The SWEET Network, LLCWeekly Writing Challenge: Moved by a Song John, Paul, George and Ringo in My LifeThe Sandwich Lady Wahine WednesdaysWeekly Writing Challenge: Moved By Music Weekly Writing ChallengeAmong the Leaves crookedeyebrowsConqueror of Destiny A mom’s blogDil Dil Pakistan Awl and ScribeWeekly Writing Challenge: Moved by Music Somewhere in Time Knocked over by a featherI feel fine Finale to an EntranceMisunderstood Misogyny: A Country Music Chronicle of One Man’s Love Life Morning PagesDP Challenge: Untouchable Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist)Weekly Writing Challenge: Moved by Music The Seeker’s DungeonLullabying the Wonder Years cognitive reflectionWeekly Writing Challenge: Moved by Music ~xoxo, msLMoving And Music sukies originalWeekly Writing Challenge: Music ArtSoundEagle in Erik Otis’ Sound Colour Vibration (Music Shetall saysSolution is within scribbles in the chocolate boxAlice Anawnimissof leaving standinginthestormMoved By Music MAGGIE’S BLOGWeekly Writing Challenge: Moved By Music Making Life an ArtWeekly Writing Challenge: Music BloodPrincessWeekly Writing Challenge: Moved by Music Write Through LifeWeekly Writing Challenge: Moved by Music Gnome Lover“Hokey Pokey” On My Front PorchWeekly Writing Challenge: Moved by Music Musings of a Bleeding OptimistLost Memories Of Broken Dreams,Faith, Ailments and StrugglesMusic rifeparentThe Gambler SoundEagleTill Eternity… summoning estherone, two, three, four, fiiiiiive, four, three, two, one… When I get back from Hell Again… Transitioning MomUnwritten Proverbs 31 TeenRemind Me Who I Am – Jason Gray Not the Family Business!Dave Takes Five Forever .:Lani’s Summer in RainWhen my mind wanders… Innovation of DeductionsStupid In L.O.V.E thisblogisepicWeekly Writing Challenge: Moved By Music Chasing Rabbit HolesThe Impossible Dream SoundEagleSoundEagle in SoundCloud: Art, Music and Compositions about New Sensations, Love, Life, Country, Nature, Dreaming, Meditation and Spirituality SoundEagleSoundEagle in Art, Music and Compositions about New Sensations, Love, Life, Country, Nature, Dreaming, Meditation and Spirituality Weekly Writing Challenge: Moved By Music » Indigo Spider Rêves MalveillantBeautiful Fantastical Reality The Lifepath DialoguesUnexpected Music Neva SamakiMusic. Love. Joy BumblepuppiesUnchanged Melodies Insult My Intelligence Right The WriterCome Sail Away With Me Melissa Barker-SimpsonBrat Pack MyRomanForumSong To The Pharoah Kings San Diego SoundDaft Punk is giving “life” back to music A chain of thoughts… Confessions of a Try-hardMusic to my ears! The Seminary of Praying MantisTomorrow with The Crowd today…Limited Edition On Colored Vinyl… well it is limited on normal vinyl. Aurora MorealistTriggers: This Man, His Music Motherhood and BeyondWeekly Writing Challenge:Moved by Music A chain of thoughts…“Said I’ll always be your friend, took an oath imma stick it out till the end” lifebeinggirlyMoved By Music: Weekly Writing Challenge Attack of the SpazCan you FEEL it? – Weekly Writing Challenge CrabbyChiqueipod shenanigans ☯ Kingdom of SharksWWC: The Sound of Inspiration Food to FictionWeekly Writing Challenge: Never StationaryWildcat! Wildcat!: Too Underground for You? Perceptive Pot Clueless KettleMusic Is The Soundtrack My Life In EndwoodBeautiful Music. Chronicles of an Anglo SwissWeekly Writing Challenge: Moved by Music Stories From My MindThe Soundtrack of My Life My Daily Prompt BlogWeekly Writing Challenge: How I Have Been Moved By Music dark circles, etc5 Songs That Can Get You Through The Dark Days Lead us from the Unreal to the RealMoved by Music: DPChallenge 97 Life Street“Sit Down”: The Anthem of My Childhood ramblingsthe power of inspiration Kansa MuseMoved by Music Memories Spiritual BiscuitsWeekly Writing Challenge: Moonlight Serenade nanopod: hybrid studiosonic tonic Kat DancingWeekly Writing Challenge: Moved by Music sassy&classyWeekly Writing Challenge- Moved By music K beezy is viralAdolescence band of colormoved by music The Urban Dr. MomMoved by Music Mary J MelangeDriving Through a Hurricane Under the Monkey TreeWeekly Writing Challenge: Moved by Music Stacy’s FlutteringsWake Me Up It Rains… You Get WetMiami Vice: Definitely Miami and ‘Cry’ […]
LikeLiked by 1 person