Ep 1. Brother's Keeper

Miami Vice is a hit American television series that was first aired in 1984 and went on for a successful run of five seasons. The show is set in Miami, Florida, and follows the lives of two detectives from the Miami-Dade Police Department's Vice Division - James "Sonny" Crockett (played by Don Johnson) and Ricardo "Rico" Tubbs (played by Philip Michael Thomas). The show is famous for its stylish portrayal of Miami's nightlife, fashion, music, and culture, and its cutting-edge use of popular music from the era.

The first episode of Miami Vice, titled "Brother's Keeper," begins with a group of heavily armed drug-dealers storming a Miami Beach hotel. The scene is chaotic, and the cops are massively outnumbered. In the confusion, a young cop is shot and killed, prompting a massive manhunt for the perpetrators. The Vice Squad is tasked with investigating the case and taking down the drug ring responsible.

Enter Sonny Crockett, an undercover detective who works deep within the criminal underworld. Sonny is a hard-drinking, womanizing loner who is known for his tough-as-nails attitude and no-nonsense approach to policing. He is partnered with Tubbs, a recent transplant to Miami, who has a personal vendetta against the drug ring, having lost his brother to their violence.

Together, the two detectives set out to break the case using their wits, charm, and street smarts. Along the way, they encounter a cast of characters straight out of Miami's diverse and colorful social scene, including drug lords, prostitutes, Cuban refugees, and corrupt politicians. The plot twists and turns as the detectives navigate their way through this murky world, always one step ahead of danger.

The episode's central conflict revolves around the drug lord Manual "Manny" Ortega, a ruthless criminal who controls his operation with an iron fist. Manny is known for his lavish lifestyle and violent tendencies, and he is the primary suspect in the cop's murder. However, the detectives quickly realize that taking him down won't be easy, as he has the entire city's corrupt forces on his side.

As the detectives delve deeper into the case, they uncover a web of corruption and deceit that goes all the way up to the highest levels of Miami's power structure. But despite the odds stacked against them, Sonny and Tubbs stay committed to bringing Manny to justice, even if it means putting their own lives on the line.

The first episode of Miami Vice delivers an adrenaline-fueled ride that sets the tone for the series. It's a world of bright neon lights, fast cars, and beautiful people, but also one of violence, greed, and brutality. The show's catchy soundtrack and stylish visuals give it a unique flair, and the chemistry between its lead actors is undeniable.

"Brother's Keeper" is a classic crime drama with a Miami twist, and it's easy to see why it became such a cultural phenomenon in the 80s. It's a show that has aged well, and its influence can still be felt in modern television and film. For fans of action-packed crime dramas, Miami Vice is a must-watch.