Agreed. I don't think my current idea will work because the protagonist is probably too close to a traditional Noir hero. But I have a character who I think I can use.
Either way, I think I'm going to have fun with this prompt.
IMO, for Miami Vice, the pilot and first two seasons are all must-watch. Season three is good, but not as awesome as one and two. Season four...I'd say don't just ignore it but pretend it doesn't exist, but the four-part arc that comprises the last two episodes of S4 and the first two episodes of S5 is pretty good (though the resolution is VERY convoluted). Season five is hit or miss, mostly miss, but the two-part series finale is one of the show's best episodes.
If nothing else, watch the pilot (Brother's Keeper, Parts 1 and 2). The show found its step and NAILED its vibe right out of the gate.
It's amazing how the loss of Zito in the 3rd season really hurt the show's dynamic but at the same time, this was at the point wher Anthony Yerkovich was starting into the endgame of Sonny's character arc that took a long time to set up. Once Michael Mann stepped out as the overarching creative force and Dick Wolf stepped in to lead the show it was a glide path to the end. The 4th season hurt and I've never gotten through the 5th season, but I will soon enough.
Favorite episodes for me still include:
"Where the Buses Don't Run"
"The Glades"
"Smuggler's Blues"
"Bushido"
"Lend Me an Ear"
Of course anything with The Noog Man and Izzy Moreno is classic side character awesomeness. Like their characters, these petty side hustlers stole every scene they were in.
"When Irish Eyes are Crying" is also a good one. And infamous for the destruction of Crockett's Fauxrari Daytona. I may or may not have lifted some elements of my story idea from that episode...
And for those who need even more immersion, I found the "Complete Collection" on youtube that has pretty much all the music Jan Hammer did for the series. All those pieces in the gaps of the pop music that I fell in love with almost more than the MTV music they pumped in. Perfect for writing. Wait... why am I giving away my tricks?!?
When I'd think of Miami Vice and Sonny Crockett it used to conjure up a S&W Model 645 or 4506. Now all I get is a rash from sand in my jockey shorts. Real noir for me is Spillane, Hammett, Ellroy and Chandler.
Another 80's comics source that might work as inspiration would be Mark Evanier's Crossfire. He did some terrific stories interweaving recent history with his detective/quasi-superhero character. They were published by Eclipse, so they might be hard to find.
Also, good of you, Ian, to mention Jon Sable. That was some of Grell's best work and boy did he write and draw a ton of good work in the 80s.
Well, that just made this whole idea a lot more interesting.
Agreed. I don't think my current idea will work because the protagonist is probably too close to a traditional Noir hero. But I have a character who I think I can use.
Either way, I think I'm going to have fun with this prompt.
No, I can make my idea work if I change up the hero's backstory, which in turn will change his motivation.
IMO, for Miami Vice, the pilot and first two seasons are all must-watch. Season three is good, but not as awesome as one and two. Season four...I'd say don't just ignore it but pretend it doesn't exist, but the four-part arc that comprises the last two episodes of S4 and the first two episodes of S5 is pretty good (though the resolution is VERY convoluted). Season five is hit or miss, mostly miss, but the two-part series finale is one of the show's best episodes.
If nothing else, watch the pilot (Brother's Keeper, Parts 1 and 2). The show found its step and NAILED its vibe right out of the gate.
It's amazing how the loss of Zito in the 3rd season really hurt the show's dynamic but at the same time, this was at the point wher Anthony Yerkovich was starting into the endgame of Sonny's character arc that took a long time to set up. Once Michael Mann stepped out as the overarching creative force and Dick Wolf stepped in to lead the show it was a glide path to the end. The 4th season hurt and I've never gotten through the 5th season, but I will soon enough.
Favorite episodes for me still include:
"Where the Buses Don't Run"
"The Glades"
"Smuggler's Blues"
"Bushido"
"Lend Me an Ear"
Of course anything with The Noog Man and Izzy Moreno is classic side character awesomeness. Like their characters, these petty side hustlers stole every scene they were in.
The Glades is awesome!
"Maybe...you won't even...twitch." *BOOM!"
"When Irish Eyes are Crying" is also a good one. And infamous for the destruction of Crockett's Fauxrari Daytona. I may or may not have lifted some elements of my story idea from that episode...
The old timer with the blunderbuss and the bad frizzen is hilarious.
"It's mah gator-getter!"
And now I have a really good idea for the protagonist's motivations in my sword & sorcery submission. 🙂 Thanks, LawDog. 🫡
QUIT GIVING ME IDEAS!
And for those who need even more immersion, I found the "Complete Collection" on youtube that has pretty much all the music Jan Hammer did for the series. All those pieces in the gaps of the pop music that I fell in love with almost more than the MTV music they pumped in. Perfect for writing. Wait... why am I giving away my tricks?!?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8lVy4UA8Zw&list=PLP5E3f0kgIG3x_zQJe3WDAKTx6hIYzMDh&index=1
When I'd think of Miami Vice and Sonny Crockett it used to conjure up a S&W Model 645 or 4506. Now all I get is a rash from sand in my jockey shorts. Real noir for me is Spillane, Hammett, Ellroy and Chandler.
Which is why most of that entire post I just wrote was differentiating between "classic noir" and "vice noir".
Is Vice Noir a planned anthology?
All of our anthologies for 2025 are planned.https://open.substack.com/pub/raconteurpress/p/open-calls-2025?r=2pggz3&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Only thing I can add to this, I drank Plymouth Gin for years because it was Travis McGee's favorite.
Another 80's comics source that might work as inspiration would be Mark Evanier's Crossfire. He did some terrific stories interweaving recent history with his detective/quasi-superhero character. They were published by Eclipse, so they might be hard to find.
Also, good of you, Ian, to mention Jon Sable. That was some of Grell's best work and boy did he write and draw a ton of good work in the 80s.
Don't forget Scarface and GTA: Vice City