Out Where the Buses Don't Run

It's hard to remember a lot of the Miami Vice episodes, all of which I've seen at least twice, but "Out Where the Buses Don't Run" -- a phrase that Crockett uses to describe Hank Weldon's mental acuity -- is an episode I have never forgotten. The moody noirish quality of this script and its cinematography is beyond effective, it is downright exceptional. As is the guest performance by Bruce McGill (who many people will remember as D-Day from Animal House, though he has distinguished himself with dozens of great character roles over the years). Without getting into the area of spoilers, McGill's performance covers the entire gamut of crazy up through crazy like a fox. And, as other reviewers have mentioned, the episode's denouement is as powerful as any in television history. Whenever I hear Mark Knopfler's pensive guitar solo from "Brothers in Arms," I can't help but picture that rain-swept conclusion to "Out Where the Buses Don't Run" with its wild reveal.

Playing insane people has to be fun for most actors. Bruce McGill must have a really good time playing "Hank Weldon," because he is an over-the-top weird guy. He plays an ex-cop who went nuts and is still obsessing over the bad guy who got away. "Arcaro" is that guy, a presumed-dead Jimmy Hoffa guy in that his body was never found. Everyone thinks he's dead but Weldon, who hounds Crockett and Tubbs to help him get the bad guy.

Leery about Weldon for most of the way, and understandably so since the man acts like a complete goof-ball, Crockett and Tubbs finally have no choice but attention. He seems to know a lot of things they don't know, including when an assassination is going to take place at a restaurant. When they witness it, Crockett thinks he must be on it to know in advance it was going to happen.

Anyway, without divulging what happens, whether Weldon's theories hold up, suffice to say it's a strange episode because of McGill's portrayal of this wacko. I doubt anyone would act like that, even if they were nuts, but Bruce - a fine actor - must have had a great time on the set with this role. McGill, by the way, is going strong in his mid '50s with a lot of roles these days.

A very young David Strathairn and the always-weird (for real) Little Richard make guest appearances, as well.

I agree with the other reviewers here that the last five minutes, done with the Dire Straits' song in the background, is outstanding. The ending certainly had a unique twist to it.

There are many 9/10 Miami Vice episodes but this is the classic, Michael Mann masterpiece. The plot / story is so very well done and acting by Bruce McGill is perfect. Add to this the soundtrack and you have the best of the best. 10/10. Cheers.

'Out Where the Buses Don't Run' deserves every bit of its esteem. Simply put, it's "Miami Vice" at its best, packing all of the show's genre signatures (action, mood, shootouts) and also showing the perils of the job and what these cops are up against. It's off-kilter from the very beginning and it builds to an ending that I can only describe as a foregone conclusion . . . but still a major rug-pull.

But it wouldn't have nearly the impact it does without the right casting choice for the unbalanced ex-cop at the center of all of this. That end, Bruce McGill is what makes this episode. He's charismatic, unnerving and memorable in every respect. The guest stars in this entry are all high-caliber but McGill stands as one of the show's very best.

Outstanding.

10/10

ABSOLUTELY one of Best TELEVISION Episodes of All Time.

Hint, WAY Higher than #90 as it was Ranked in 1997.

"Out Where The Buses Don't Run".

Even the "Title" speaks Genius!

How Else to apply a phrase to someone who is Not all there!!?

IE: "Elevator doesn't go all the way to the top?" "Oven doesn't get hot enough?" "All your dogs aren't barking?" Brothers In Arms Track is The cherry on top!!

MAGNIFICENT Episode!!

Top 2 All Time Miami Vice Episode.

HARD to distinguish between this and "El Viejo" as #1.

"Prodigal Son" 1 & 2 as #3.

"Out Where Buses Don't Run".

KEY Reason Why Miami Vice was Such a Great Series!!!