Oct. 21, 2023
Miami Vice starring Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas
Brace yourselves to be transported back to the sun-soaked streets of Miami in the 80s. Your host, Journey Joe Mitchell, promises an immersive trip into the culture-shaping TV phenomenon that was Miami Vice, as we delve into the pastel fusion of...
Brace yourselves to be transported back to the sun-soaked streets of Miami in the 80s. Your host, Journey Joe Mitchell, promises an immersive trip into the culture-shaping TV phenomenon that was Miami Vice, as we delve into the pastel fusion of high-speed boat chases, impactful storylines, and unforgettable characters that made the series the icon of 80s pop culture. We'll dissect the show's most memorable episodes, each a thrilling adventure into the city's criminal underworld, interleaved with intense action, captivating narratives, and unexpected moments of humor. But our reverie doesn't end there.
The latter half of our escapade is a sonic exploration of how Miami Vice used music as a pivotal character. We'll dissect how Michael Mann, the show's creator, meticulously selected artists and songs, how Jan Hammer's unique sound became intrinsic to the series, and how the integration of electronic music impeccably captured the show's aesthetic. We'll also discuss the series' profound impact on the music video industry and its lasting impression on the fashion world. Tune in as we relive the Miami Vice era from the comfort of our favorite TV spot - the basement. So, get ready to fasten your seatbelts for this blast from the past!
This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5967110/advertisement
WEBVTT
1
00:00:02.040 --> 00:00:05.599
As a child of the eighties,
I'm no stranger to the iconic television show
2
00:00:05.679 --> 00:00:09.960
Miami Vice, I'm Journey, Joe
Mitchell, and I Am Watching TV in
3
00:00:10.000 --> 00:00:14.480
the basement. The show, which
premiered in nineteen eighty four, was a
4
00:00:14.560 --> 00:00:19.399
cultural phenomenon that had a lasting impact
on popular culture. From the fashion to
5
00:00:19.440 --> 00:00:25.079
the music, Miami Vice embodied the
glamour and excess of the decade. Miami
6
00:00:25.160 --> 00:00:30.679
Vice was a revolutionary television show that
aired on NBC from nineteen eighty four to
7
00:00:30.839 --> 00:00:35.880
nineteen ninety. Created by Anthony Yerkovich
and produced by Michael Mann, the show
8
00:00:35.920 --> 00:00:41.520
followed two Miami detectives, James Sonny
Crockett, Don Johnson and Ricardo Tubbs Philip
9
00:00:41.560 --> 00:00:45.719
Michael Thomas, as they worked undercover
to take down drug dealers and other criminals.
10
00:00:46.200 --> 00:00:49.359
The show was known for its use
of pastel colors, high speed boat
11
00:00:49.399 --> 00:00:53.240
chases, and a synth heavy soundtrack
that featured popular songs of the time.
12
00:00:53.960 --> 00:00:58.520
The nineteen eighties were a decade of
excess and glamour. The fashion was bold
13
00:00:58.560 --> 00:01:02.439
and colorful, with power suit for
women and pastel colored T shirts for men.
14
00:01:02.880 --> 00:01:06.599
The music was equally bold, with
the rise of MTV and the popularity
15
00:01:06.640 --> 00:01:11.480
of new wave and synthpop. Miami
Vice embodied this esthetic with its use of
16
00:01:11.519 --> 00:01:15.879
pastel colors and stylish clothing. The
show also had a cultural impact, influencing
17
00:01:15.920 --> 00:01:21.719
fashion, music, and even law
enforcement. One of the reasons Miami Vice
18
00:01:21.840 --> 00:01:26.400
was so popular was its cast of
iconic characters. Don Johnson played James Sonny
19
00:01:26.400 --> 00:01:30.879
Crockett, a tough detective who often
went undercover as a drug dealer. Philip
20
00:01:30.920 --> 00:01:36.799
Michael Thomas played Ricardo Tubbs, Crockett's
partner and a former New York City Police
21
00:01:36.799 --> 00:01:42.159
detective. Other memorable characters included Edward
James Olmos as Lieutenant Martin Castillo, Sndra
22
00:01:42.239 --> 00:01:48.840
Santiago as Detective Gina Calibrazy, and
Olivia Brown as Detective Trudy Joplin. Over
23
00:01:48.879 --> 00:01:53.040
the course of its five season run, Miami Vice delivered countless memorable episodes.
24
00:01:53.840 --> 00:02:00.719
From intense undercover operations to explosive shootouts, each episode took us on a journey
25
00:02:00.760 --> 00:02:05.799
through the seedy underbelly of Miami's criminal
world. While it's difficult to narrow down
26
00:02:05.799 --> 00:02:09.319
the best episodes from such a stellar
series, we've selected a few that truly
27
00:02:09.400 --> 00:02:15.360
stand out. Smuggler's Blues is often
hailed as one of the best episodes of
28
00:02:15.360 --> 00:02:20.960
Miami Vice. This action packed installment
follows Sunny Crockett as he goes undercover to
29
00:02:21.080 --> 00:02:27.199
infiltrate a notorious drug trafficking ring.
The episode not only showcases the show's trademark
30
00:02:27.280 --> 00:02:31.879
style and visual flare, but also
delivers a gripping and suspenseful storyline. From
31
00:02:31.919 --> 00:02:38.439
the pulsating soundtrack to the thrilling car
chases, Smuggler's Blues, epitomizes everything that
32
00:02:38.520 --> 00:02:43.960
made Miami Vice a cultural phenomenon.
In mirror image, Miami Vice explores the
33
00:02:44.000 --> 00:02:47.919
complex world of identity theft and the
devastating impact it can have on its victims.
34
00:02:49.159 --> 00:02:53.879
This episode delves deep into the emotional
turmoil experienced by those whose lives are
35
00:02:53.919 --> 00:02:59.199
shattered by identity theft. As Crockett
and Tubs investigate a ruthless criminal who assumes
36
00:02:59.240 --> 00:03:02.520
the identities of his victims, they
must confront their own vulnerabilities and question the
37
00:03:02.599 --> 00:03:07.759
nature of their own identities. Out
Where the Buses Don't Run takes Miami Vice
38
00:03:07.800 --> 00:03:12.120
to a whole new level of darkness
and grit. This episode sees Crockett and
39
00:03:12.159 --> 00:03:15.840
Tubs investigating the disappearance of a fellow
detective in the Florida Everglades. As they
40
00:03:15.879 --> 00:03:21.360
delve deeper into the case, they
uncover a web of corruption and betrayal that
41
00:03:21.479 --> 00:03:25.280
leads them to question their own loyalties. While Miami Vice is known for its
42
00:03:25.319 --> 00:03:30.039
intense action and gripping storytelling, it
also had its fair share of comedic moments.
43
00:03:30.599 --> 00:03:35.400
Fill the Shill as a prime example
of the show's ability to balance drama
44
00:03:35.439 --> 00:03:39.319
with humor. In this episode,
Crockett and Tubs go undercover to expose a
45
00:03:39.360 --> 00:03:45.080
con artist who praise on unsuspecting tourists. The episode is filled with witty banter,
46
00:03:45.400 --> 00:03:49.919
hilarious disguises, and unexpected twists.
Fill the Shill as a refreshing and
47
00:03:50.000 --> 00:03:54.599
lighthearted episode that showcases the versatility of
Miami Vice. Freefall is a heart pounding
48
00:03:54.639 --> 00:03:59.800
episode that takes the action in Miami
Vice to dizzying heights. In this and
49
00:04:00.000 --> 00:04:02.960
installment, Crockett and Tubbs find themselves
embroiled in a deadly game of cat and
50
00:04:03.000 --> 00:04:08.719
mouse with a group of skydiving drug
smugglers as they freefall through the sky.
51
00:04:09.120 --> 00:04:14.560
The stakes couldn't be higher. With
its breathtaking aerial sequences and adrenaline fueled plot.
52
00:04:15.039 --> 00:04:16.959
Freefall is an episode that will leave
you on the edge of your seat.
53
00:04:17.800 --> 00:04:23.680
Calderon's Return is a pivotal episode in
the Miami Vice storyline. It marks
54
00:04:23.720 --> 00:04:27.600
the return of the ruthless drug lord
Calderone, who seeks revenge against Crockett and
55
00:04:27.680 --> 00:04:31.560
Tubs for bringing down his empire.
This episode is a roller coaster of emotions
56
00:04:31.680 --> 00:04:36.079
as the detectives confront their past mistakes
and face the consequences of their actions.
57
00:04:36.839 --> 00:04:43.759
Calderon's Return is a dramatic and intense
episode that highlights the complex relationship between Crockett
58
00:04:43.800 --> 00:04:49.680
and Tubs. Originally pitched as MTV
Cops, the music in Miami Vice played
59
00:04:49.720 --> 00:04:55.600
a crucial role in shaping the show's
identity and enhancing its storytelling. From the
60
00:04:55.720 --> 00:04:59.319
very first episode, it was clear
that music would be more than just a
61
00:04:59.319 --> 00:05:03.120
background. It became a character in
its own right, driving the narrative and
62
00:05:03.160 --> 00:05:09.600
evoking emotions. The show's creator,
Michael Mann, handpicked artists and songs that
63
00:05:09.680 --> 00:05:14.079
perfectly complimented the mood and atmosphere he
wanted to create. One of the most
64
00:05:14.079 --> 00:05:18.160
notable aspects of Miami Vice's music was
the integration of original score by Jan Hammer.
65
00:05:18.800 --> 00:05:25.560
Hammer's electrifying compositions blended elements of synthpop, and jazz, creating a unique
66
00:05:25.600 --> 00:05:30.160
sound that became synonymous with the show. His iconic theme song, with its
67
00:05:30.199 --> 00:05:35.360
distinctive melody and pulsating rhythm, instantly
transports listeners to the sun soaked streets of
68
00:05:35.399 --> 00:05:41.959
Miami. Hammer's score provided the perfect
backdrop for the fast paced action and gritty
69
00:05:42.040 --> 00:05:46.959
drama of the series. One of
the most prominent genres in Miamivice was electronic
70
00:05:46.079 --> 00:05:50.279
music, which was experiencing a surge
in popularity during the time the show aired.
71
00:05:50.800 --> 00:05:56.079
Artists like New Order, depeche Mode
and Duran Durand provided the soundtrack to
72
00:05:56.120 --> 00:06:01.360
the show's high octane chase scenes and
glamorous party scenes. Their synth driven soundscapes
73
00:06:01.480 --> 00:06:08.160
perfectly captured the futuristic and stylish aesthetic
that Miami Vice embraced. One of the
74
00:06:08.160 --> 00:06:13.079
most memorable musical moments in Miami Vice
was the use of Phil Collins in the
75
00:06:13.120 --> 00:06:17.240
Air Tonight during a pivotal scene in
the pilot episode. The haunting melody and
76
00:06:17.319 --> 00:06:23.639
collins raw vocals perfectly captured the tension
and drama unfolding on screen, leaving a
77
00:06:23.759 --> 00:06:28.639
lasting impression on viewers. Another iconic
song from the series was You Belong to
78
00:06:28.680 --> 00:06:32.360
the City, which featured in several
episodes. Miami Vice also played a significant
79
00:06:32.439 --> 00:06:38.639
role in shaping the music video industry. The show's stylish visuals and groundbreaking use
80
00:06:38.680 --> 00:06:44.079
of music videos within episodes helped elevate
the medium to new heights. Artists saw
81
00:06:44.079 --> 00:06:47.480
the potential of music videos as a
promotional tool, and the success of Miami
82
00:06:47.560 --> 00:06:54.120
Vice's integrated videos inspired them to invest
more in creating visually stunning and narrative driven
83
00:06:54.199 --> 00:06:59.360
music videos. Behind the scenes,
Miami Vice was known for its high production
84
00:06:59.439 --> 00:07:02.000
values in it a time tension to
detail. Perhaps one of the most enduring
85
00:07:02.079 --> 00:07:08.160
legacies of Miami Vice is its influence
on fashion. The show popularized the use
86
00:07:08.199 --> 00:07:12.279
of pastel colors, linen suits,
and T shirts under sports coats. The
87
00:07:12.319 --> 00:07:15.079
fashion was so popular that it even
spawned a line of Miami Vice clothing.
88
00:07:15.600 --> 00:07:20.319
The show also had a significant impact
on law enforcement, with police departments across
89
00:07:20.360 --> 00:07:25.959
the country adopting the Miami Vice style
of undercover work. Until next Time,
90
00:07:26.000 --> 00:07:29.040
I'm Journey, Joe Mitchell and I'll
be watching TV in the basement
1
00:00:02.040 --> 00:00:05.599
As a child of the eighties,
I'm no stranger to the iconic television show
2
00:00:05.679 --> 00:00:09.960
Miami Vice, I'm Journey, Joe
Mitchell, and I Am Watching TV in
3
00:00:10.000 --> 00:00:14.480
the basement. The show, which
premiered in nineteen eighty four, was a
4
00:00:14.560 --> 00:00:19.399
cultural phenomenon that had a lasting impact
on popular culture. From the fashion to
5
00:00:19.440 --> 00:00:25.079
the music, Miami Vice embodied the
glamour and excess of the decade. Miami
6
00:00:25.160 --> 00:00:30.679
Vice was a revolutionary television show that
aired on NBC from nineteen eighty four to
7
00:00:30.839 --> 00:00:35.880
nineteen ninety. Created by Anthony Yerkovich
and produced by Michael Mann, the show
8
00:00:35.920 --> 00:00:41.520
followed two Miami detectives, James Sonny
Crockett, Don Johnson and Ricardo Tubbs Philip
9
00:00:41.560 --> 00:00:45.719
Michael Thomas, as they worked undercover
to take down drug dealers and other criminals.
10
00:00:46.200 --> 00:00:49.359
The show was known for its use
of pastel colors, high speed boat
11
00:00:49.399 --> 00:00:53.240
chases, and a synth heavy soundtrack
that featured popular songs of the time.
12
00:00:53.960 --> 00:00:58.520
The nineteen eighties were a decade of
excess and glamour. The fashion was bold
13
00:00:58.560 --> 00:01:02.439
and colorful, with power suit for
women and pastel colored T shirts for men.
14
00:01:02.880 --> 00:01:06.599
The music was equally bold, with
the rise of MTV and the popularity
15
00:01:06.640 --> 00:01:11.480
of new wave and synthpop. Miami
Vice embodied this esthetic with its use of
16
00:01:11.519 --> 00:01:15.879
pastel colors and stylish clothing. The
show also had a cultural impact, influencing
17
00:01:15.920 --> 00:01:21.719
fashion, music, and even law
enforcement. One of the reasons Miami Vice
18
00:01:21.840 --> 00:01:26.400
was so popular was its cast of
iconic characters. Don Johnson played James Sonny
19
00:01:26.400 --> 00:01:30.879
Crockett, a tough detective who often
went undercover as a drug dealer. Philip
20
00:01:30.920 --> 00:01:36.799
Michael Thomas played Ricardo Tubbs, Crockett's
partner and a former New York City Police
21
00:01:36.799 --> 00:01:42.159
detective. Other memorable characters included Edward
James Olmos as Lieutenant Martin Castillo, Sndra
22
00:01:42.239 --> 00:01:48.840
Santiago as Detective Gina Calibrazy, and
Olivia Brown as Detective Trudy Joplin. Over
23
00:01:48.879 --> 00:01:53.040
the course of its five season run, Miami Vice delivered countless memorable episodes.
24
00:01:53.840 --> 00:02:00.719
From intense undercover operations to explosive shootouts, each episode took us on a journey
25
00:02:00.760 --> 00:02:05.799
through the seedy underbelly of Miami's criminal
world. While it's difficult to narrow down
26
00:02:05.799 --> 00:02:09.319
the best episodes from such a stellar
series, we've selected a few that truly
27
00:02:09.400 --> 00:02:15.360
stand out. Smuggler's Blues is often
hailed as one of the best episodes of
28
00:02:15.360 --> 00:02:20.960
Miami Vice. This action packed installment
follows Sunny Crockett as he goes undercover to
29
00:02:21.080 --> 00:02:27.199
infiltrate a notorious drug trafficking ring.
The episode not only showcases the show's trademark
30
00:02:27.280 --> 00:02:31.879
style and visual flare, but also
delivers a gripping and suspenseful storyline. From
31
00:02:31.919 --> 00:02:38.439
the pulsating soundtrack to the thrilling car
chases, Smuggler's Blues, epitomizes everything that
32
00:02:38.520 --> 00:02:43.960
made Miami Vice a cultural phenomenon.
In mirror image, Miami Vice explores the
33
00:02:44.000 --> 00:02:47.919
complex world of identity theft and the
devastating impact it can have on its victims.
34
00:02:49.159 --> 00:02:53.879
This episode delves deep into the emotional
turmoil experienced by those whose lives are
35
00:02:53.919 --> 00:02:59.199
shattered by identity theft. As Crockett
and Tubs investigate a ruthless criminal who assumes
36
00:02:59.240 --> 00:03:02.520
the identities of his victims, they
must confront their own vulnerabilities and question the
37
00:03:02.599 --> 00:03:07.759
nature of their own identities. Out
Where the Buses Don't Run takes Miami Vice
38
00:03:07.800 --> 00:03:12.120
to a whole new level of darkness
and grit. This episode sees Crockett and
39
00:03:12.159 --> 00:03:15.840
Tubs investigating the disappearance of a fellow
detective in the Florida Everglades. As they
40
00:03:15.879 --> 00:03:21.360
delve deeper into the case, they
uncover a web of corruption and betrayal that
41
00:03:21.479 --> 00:03:25.280
leads them to question their own loyalties. While Miami Vice is known for its
42
00:03:25.319 --> 00:03:30.039
intense action and gripping storytelling, it
also had its fair share of comedic moments.
43
00:03:30.599 --> 00:03:35.400
Fill the Shill as a prime example
of the show's ability to balance drama
44
00:03:35.439 --> 00:03:39.319
with humor. In this episode,
Crockett and Tubs go undercover to expose a
45
00:03:39.360 --> 00:03:45.080
con artist who praise on unsuspecting tourists. The episode is filled with witty banter,
46
00:03:45.400 --> 00:03:49.919
hilarious disguises, and unexpected twists.
Fill the Shill as a refreshing and
47
00:03:50.000 --> 00:03:54.599
lighthearted episode that showcases the versatility of
Miami Vice. Freefall is a heart pounding
48
00:03:54.639 --> 00:03:59.800
episode that takes the action in Miami
Vice to dizzying heights. In this and
49
00:04:00.000 --> 00:04:02.960
installment, Crockett and Tubbs find themselves
embroiled in a deadly game of cat and
50
00:04:03.000 --> 00:04:08.719
mouse with a group of skydiving drug
smugglers as they freefall through the sky.
51
00:04:09.120 --> 00:04:14.560
The stakes couldn't be higher. With
its breathtaking aerial sequences and adrenaline fueled plot.
52
00:04:15.039 --> 00:04:16.959
Freefall is an episode that will leave
you on the edge of your seat.
53
00:04:17.800 --> 00:04:23.680
Calderon's Return is a pivotal episode in
the Miami Vice storyline. It marks
54
00:04:23.720 --> 00:04:27.600
the return of the ruthless drug lord
Calderone, who seeks revenge against Crockett and
55
00:04:27.680 --> 00:04:31.560
Tubs for bringing down his empire.
This episode is a roller coaster of emotions
56
00:04:31.680 --> 00:04:36.079
as the detectives confront their past mistakes
and face the consequences of their actions.
57
00:04:36.839 --> 00:04:43.759
Calderon's Return is a dramatic and intense
episode that highlights the complex relationship between Crockett
58
00:04:43.800 --> 00:04:49.680
and Tubs. Originally pitched as MTV
Cops, the music in Miami Vice played
59
00:04:49.720 --> 00:04:55.600
a crucial role in shaping the show's
identity and enhancing its storytelling. From the
60
00:04:55.720 --> 00:04:59.319
very first episode, it was clear
that music would be more than just a
61
00:04:59.319 --> 00:05:03.120
background. It became a character in
its own right, driving the narrative and
62
00:05:03.160 --> 00:05:09.600
evoking emotions. The show's creator,
Michael Mann, handpicked artists and songs that
63
00:05:09.680 --> 00:05:14.079
perfectly complimented the mood and atmosphere he
wanted to create. One of the most
64
00:05:14.079 --> 00:05:18.160
notable aspects of Miami Vice's music was
the integration of original score by Jan Hammer.
65
00:05:18.800 --> 00:05:25.560
Hammer's electrifying compositions blended elements of synthpop, and jazz, creating a unique
66
00:05:25.600 --> 00:05:30.160
sound that became synonymous with the show. His iconic theme song, with its
67
00:05:30.199 --> 00:05:35.360
distinctive melody and pulsating rhythm, instantly
transports listeners to the sun soaked streets of
68
00:05:35.399 --> 00:05:41.959
Miami. Hammer's score provided the perfect
backdrop for the fast paced action and gritty
69
00:05:42.040 --> 00:05:46.959
drama of the series. One of
the most prominent genres in Miamivice was electronic
70
00:05:46.079 --> 00:05:50.279
music, which was experiencing a surge
in popularity during the time the show aired.
71
00:05:50.800 --> 00:05:56.079
Artists like New Order, depeche Mode
and Duran Durand provided the soundtrack to
72
00:05:56.120 --> 00:06:01.360
the show's high octane chase scenes and
glamorous party scenes. Their synth driven soundscapes
73
00:06:01.480 --> 00:06:08.160
perfectly captured the futuristic and stylish aesthetic
that Miami Vice embraced. One of the
74
00:06:08.160 --> 00:06:13.079
most memorable musical moments in Miami Vice
was the use of Phil Collins in the
75
00:06:13.120 --> 00:06:17.240
Air Tonight during a pivotal scene in
the pilot episode. The haunting melody and
76
00:06:17.319 --> 00:06:23.639
collins raw vocals perfectly captured the tension
and drama unfolding on screen, leaving a
77
00:06:23.759 --> 00:06:28.639
lasting impression on viewers. Another iconic
song from the series was You Belong to
78
00:06:28.680 --> 00:06:32.360
the City, which featured in several
episodes. Miami Vice also played a significant
79
00:06:32.439 --> 00:06:38.639
role in shaping the music video industry. The show's stylish visuals and groundbreaking use
80
00:06:38.680 --> 00:06:44.079
of music videos within episodes helped elevate
the medium to new heights. Artists saw
81
00:06:44.079 --> 00:06:47.480
the potential of music videos as a
promotional tool, and the success of Miami
82
00:06:47.560 --> 00:06:54.120
Vice's integrated videos inspired them to invest
more in creating visually stunning and narrative driven
83
00:06:54.199 --> 00:06:59.360
music videos. Behind the scenes,
Miami Vice was known for its high production
84
00:06:59.439 --> 00:07:02.000
values in it a time tension to
detail. Perhaps one of the most enduring
85
00:07:02.079 --> 00:07:08.160
legacies of Miami Vice is its influence
on fashion. The show popularized the use
86
00:07:08.199 --> 00:07:12.279
of pastel colors, linen suits,
and T shirts under sports coats. The
87
00:07:12.319 --> 00:07:15.079
fashion was so popular that it even
spawned a line of Miami Vice clothing.
88
00:07:15.600 --> 00:07:20.319
The show also had a significant impact
on law enforcement, with police departments across
89
00:07:20.360 --> 00:07:25.959
the country adopting the Miami Vice style
of undercover work. Until next Time,
90
00:07:26.000 --> 00:07:29.040
I'm Journey, Joe Mitchell and I'll
be watching TV in the basement