Haing S. Ngor came to my school just after this episode went to air. After his talk I chased him across the school yard to the teachers staff room just so I could meet him and shake his hand, he was a very nice man.
Great review. I agree with almost everything you said. Even though this episode is quite dark and gruesome, it's entertaining and moves quickly. I've always liked episodes that connect to a main character's past and agree it's a Season 3 standout. One thing that's always bugged me however is the late-episode revelation about Inspector Trahn that you talked about. I don't think it ads anything to the episode and is more "let's tack on a twist just for the hell of it" than a meaningful plot development. The episode's main thread had already resolved by that point, it doesn't change the narrative and I think learning that piece of information so late in the episode just muddled the story. When I first watched this episode (in 1987, at the ripe age of 13), the part of the letter where we find out Catillo's friend assumed Trahn's identity in 1968 (before the two had met) didn't register and misunderstood it to imply that he wasn't actually the man Castillo knew in Saigon, but had taken his identity after Castillo left. I remember thinking, "how could Castillo make that mistake?' It wasn't until years later, on a re-watch, that it became clear. Anyway . . . perhaps if Trahn had come back in a future episode (he doesn't) then it could have led to something worthwhile, but within the context of this episode it just seems superfluous.
Crazy Connection - Helen Bonham Carter will go on to play the Red Queen from 'Alice in Wonderland' (2010). The Red Queen is referred to in the song 'White Rabbit' by Jefferson Airplane which is featured in this episode.
This was a great episode. For some reason, I had it in my mind that this episode was called, "The Savage," so I was looking for your review under that name.
Leather trench coat sounds great in Miami weather. This is probably the worst episode up until this point. I usually like the bad ones, but the Vietnam thing is played out and this one was tough to get through.
For some reason I find it comforting to listen to you talk about 1980's pop culture.
Olivia looked so damned good in this episode and the bad guys were awesome, in the Vice tradition. A brilliant review by Morgan.
Haing S. Ngor came to my school just after this episode went to air. After his talk I chased him across the school yard to the teachers staff room just so I could meet him and shake his hand, he was a very nice man.
gina and trudys wigs in that scene is just 😭😭
Love Helena
Great review. I agree with almost everything you said. Even though this episode is quite dark and gruesome, it's entertaining and moves quickly. I've always liked episodes that connect to a main character's past and agree it's a Season 3 standout. One thing that's always bugged me however is the late-episode revelation about Inspector Trahn that you talked about. I don't think it ads anything to the episode and is more "let's tack on a twist just for the hell of it" than a meaningful plot development. The episode's main thread had already resolved by that point, it doesn't change the narrative and I think learning that piece of information so late in the episode just muddled the story. When I first watched this episode (in 1987, at the ripe age of 13), the part of the letter where we find out Catillo's friend assumed Trahn's identity in 1968 (before the two had met) didn't register and misunderstood it to imply that he wasn't actually the man Castillo knew in Saigon, but had taken his identity after Castillo left. I remember thinking, "how could Castillo make that mistake?' It wasn't until years later, on a re-watch, that it became clear. Anyway . . . perhaps if Trahn had come back in a future episode (he doesn't) then it could have led to something worthwhile, but within the context of this episode it just seems superfluous.
oh shit Michael Wright was in this episode, the guest stars on this series were immaculate.
Love,love,love this one. The car chase was worth the price of admission.
This was an amazing episode
Crazy Connection - Helen Bonham Carter will go on to play the Red Queen from 'Alice in Wonderland' (2010). The Red Queen is referred to in the song 'White Rabbit' by Jefferson Airplane which is featured in this episode.
She’s awesome
Awesome reviews. I’ve been a fan of Miami Vice since I was a kid & it’s nice to see some deep opinions on this classic show.
I love this episode. I cannot overstate that
This was a great episode. For some reason, I had it in my mind that this episode was called, "The Savage," so I was looking for your review under that name.
It was called the savage originally. They changed the name for the dvd/ vhs release
Thank You !
Does anyone know what words Crockett tells Gina to say to The Savage in Vietnamese when she propositions him?
Leather trench coat sounds great in Miami weather. This is probably the worst episode up until this point. I usually like the bad ones, but the Vietnam thing is played out and this one was tough to get through.
Great Episode!