When Miami Vice first premiered on NBC in 1984, it faced a lot of skepticism from network executives who didn't think it would fly, while others had doubts it would work.
This was due to a very risky premise which has never been done before. The show's unique blend of style and substance, its pastel-colored aesthetic, blended with a neon noir vibe in80’s Florida, composer Jann Hammer's score and its use of rock music as a narrative device - it was all so new, so untested. But the show's creators, Anthony Yerkovich and Michael Mann, were undeterred. They believed in their vision, and they fought tooth and nail to bring it to life.
Despite the initial doubts, Miami Vice quickly found its footing. It attracted a massive audience, an audience that was drawn to its refreshingly realistic portrayal of crime and justice set in a war on drugs landscape. But it wasn't just the show's subject matter that set it apart - it was its style, its vibe, its attitude. Miami Vice was cool; it was hip and viewed as the epitome of 80s chic. And that, more than anything, was its secret weapon.
Of course, with great success comes great pressure, and Miami Vice was no exception. As the show's popularity grew, so did the pressure to maintain its level of quality. The writers, the directors, and actors who gave their all, especially when it came to Don Johnson and Phillip Michael Thomas who were the series' main protagonists. Everyone involved with the show knew they had to keep pushing the envelope, keep innovating, keep surprising the audience and despite some underwhelming or questionable episodes, for the most part, they succeeded. Miami Vice had remained a critical and commercial success throughout its five-season run, a testament to the power of its creators' vision.
The series that was once met with skepticism, became a true pioneer in the world of television. It was one of the first shows to fuse music and visuals in a way that was both stylish and substantive. It tackled tough social issues, issues like police corruption, abuse, and drug abuse, in a way that was both nuanced and unflinching. And it did it all with a sense of style, with a sense of swagger, that was unmatched at the time. The show's influence can be seen in everything from 'The Sopranos' The Shield, ‘Breaking Bad', 'Narcos' to 'True Detective'.
One defining moment in the series that encapsulates its impact is the episode "No Exit", which guest-starred a then-unknown Bruce Willis as a abusive arms dealer. This episode was another game-changer, for its bold, innovative piece of storytelling that pushed the boundaries of what was possible on TV.
The episodes during its first season were a huge success, both critically and commercially, and it cemented Miami Vice's status as a cultural phenomenon.
Vice’s use of music was the first needle drop method adding a recording artist's song as a in-scene layer is often used in television shows and cinema.
Also its use of style and attitude - encapsulated something unique which helped served as an influence that can still be seen today, in everything from music videos to commercials to feature films.
The series third season, however. was polarizing once Dick Wolf had written and co-produced the episodes where the stories took a much darker turn as seen in examples Stone's War, The Good Collar, El Vento, Forgive Us our Sins, Killshot and Down for the Count demonstrated a much grittier approach as shit got real! The stories weren’t the only thing that were considered too brooding, there was disapproval of Sonny's wardrobe like parachute pants and dark jackets replacing the pastel or neon look. Viewers even bitched about Crockett’s hairstyle. With that said, I loved the Testa Rossa which replaced the Daytona Spyder.
After the fourth season which was also polarizing yet compelling especially in regard to Crockett's new dark persona following memory loss, the remainder of the series was less than compelling, a disastrous attempt at a potential 21 Jump Street style spin-off, Crockett's crooked cousin and who can forget "UFO's and James Brown force ghost??
Vice finally regained its traction during its 2-part finale titled Freefall which is arguably one of the best series finales in television history that unlike most canceled shows during thar time, provided a cathartic closure.
In conclusion, Miami Vice was a truly groundbreaking show, a show that redefined the crime drama genre and left an indelible mark on the television landscape. And its legacy continues to be felt to this day, a testament to the power of its creators' vision.
