Ep 9. The Great McCarthy

Miami Vice was an American television series that aired from 1984 to 1990. The show follows two Miami police detectives - James "Sonny" Crockett (Don Johnson) and Ricardo "Rico" Tubbs (Philip Michael Thomas) - as they tackle the city's most dangerous criminals, all while living a glamorous lifestyle filled with fast cars, designer clothes, and beautiful women.

In season 1 episode 9, titled "The Great McCarthy," Crockett and Tubbs find themselves in the middle of a high-stakes political scandal. The episode opens with the assassination of a young politician named Jack Gretsky, who was about to expose a corrupt union boss named Ed Delaney (played by Joe Santos). The murder leads Crockett and Tubbs to investigate Delaney, who they suspect may have ordered the hit on Gretsky to cover up his own criminal activities.

As they dig deeper into the case, Crockett and Tubbs discover that Delaney has been involved in a number of shady deals, including embezzlement, bribery, and money laundering. They also learn that Delaney has a powerful ally in the form of State Attorney Arthur McCarthy (played by John P. Ryan), who has been turning a blind eye to Delaney's crimes in exchange for political support.

Despite the danger involved, Crockett and Tubbs decide to take down Delaney and McCarthy once and for all. They team up with an FBI agent named John Stockwell (played by Michael Chiklis) to gather evidence against the corrupt duo, but they face many challenges along the way. They must navigate a web of political corruption, deal with threats from Delaney's associates, and try to stay one step ahead of McCarthy, who seems to be onto their plan.

One of the highlights of the episode is the dynamic between Crockett and Tubbs. The two detectives have very different personalities and backgrounds - Crockett is a flashy, hedonistic playboy, while Tubbs is more reserved and serious - but they work well together as a team. Their banter is both amusing and revealing, and their dedication to justice is inspiring.

Another standout element of the episode is the sleek, stylish direction. Miami Vice was known for its use of music, fashion, and visual flair, and "The Great McCarthy" is no exception. From the opening shot of a neon-lit Miami skyline to the climactic car chase through the city streets, the episode is a feast for the eyes and ears.

Overall, "The Great McCarthy" is a tense, well-crafted episode that showcases Miami Vice at its best. It combines thrilling action, complex characters, and social commentary in a way that feels both entertaining and thought-provoking. Fans of the show and newcomers alike will likely find much to enjoy in this classic installment of 80s television.