Bushido

Captain Castillo (Edward James Olmos) directs this episode and takes center stage trying to protect an old friend's wife and son. The dramatic ending to this episode lasts 10 minutes and is fun to watch.

Dean Stockwell, who I'll always remember as one the crazy characters in a couple of David Lynch movies in this era ("Blue Velvet" and then "Wild At Heart") plays Castillo's old military partner Jack Gretzky. Also featured is another favorite of mine, the star of "Slege Hammer" himself, David Rasche.

This is a solid episode all the way, a bit different in that Crockett and Tubbs plays supporting roles. I kind of like taking a break from those dudes once in awhile. "Castillo" is a strange guy but always interesting to watch even when he says nothing, which is most of the time.

Good to hear another old pay, too, do the opening song: Bryan Ferry ("Boys and Girls."). The ending song is very different for Miami Vice.

"Miami Vice" has a signature brand of intensity. Usually, that belongs to Crockett, but here it's owned by Lt. Castillo. 'Bushido' gives us the biggest glimpse into his past, pitting him against old familiar faces, while excluding pretty much everyone else who can help him. And it's a fascinating story, playing all of this material against a Japanese warrior fable. To get a good idea of what this is really all about, Castillo at one point trades in his revolver for a samurai sword. And it works, especially with the ideal choice of David Rasche as a bad CIA operative.

Not everyone who made it out of Vietnam did so intact, and that really deepens this show's mistrust of geopolitical players.

8/10

From the mysterious stress field opening scene and the surprises it brings. To the continued tension that builds throughout the episode, this as good as television gets. The direction, the story, the shots...all build to an intense bloody climax. "Its snowing on the beach, boys."

Ok let's face it... as soon as Castillo take a walk out of his office, you know, things will become interresting. This is the case in this episode once again. An episode with different aspects and honour. A must see... For me, it is one of the two episodes I remember from when I saw MV when it was aired a long long time ago ^^

"Bushido" has a powerful beginning with an atmospheric stakeout in the humid Miami night.

Castillo is genuinely shaken by the revelation that his old friend, Jack Gretsky (Dean Stockwell), is alive and kicking. The blue touchpaper is lit for an action packed and dramatic episode with Castillo at the centre of the plot.

Edward James Olmos himself directs this episode and it's a solid effort. The cast includes David ("Sledge Hammer!") Rasche as the main baddie, Surf.

Kate Bush's beautifully strange "Hello Earth" is edited for maximum effect in the closing scenes. Bryan Ferry's "Boys & Girls" also features on the soundtrack.

A 9 in "Miami Vice" terms but so much better than anything made thesedays...