Don Johnson ‘Has a Plan’ to Revive His Influential ’80s Cop Show

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Don Johnson 'Has a Plan' to Revive His Influential '80s Cop Show

As a cinema devotee who grew up in the vibrant and colorful 80s, I can attest to the enduring influence of “Miami Vice.” With its captivating soundtracks, pastel hues, and dynamic duo Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas, it was more than just a TV show – it was an experience.

In the realm of ’80s TV shows, none arguably encapsulated the era better than “Miami Vice.” Masterminded by Michael Mann, each episode was akin to an extended MTV music video, boasting vibrant pastel hues, alluring charm, and a synthesizer-driven theme that could’ve been crafted by Depeche Mode. At the heart of this spectacle were Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas, who breathed life into characters James “Sonny” Crockett and Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs. Fast forward 34 years since its NBC finale, Johnson himself has revealed plans to revive the groundbreaking crime drama, acknowledging that such a task wouldn’t be easy.

During an engaging chat with Collider about numerous subjects, the discussion veered towards “Miami Vice.” Despite Hollywood’s penchant for sequels, remakes, and reboots, a fresh take on this classic series remains absent from our TV screens. Interestingly, Johnson shared that he has a concept for how a contemporary reboot of Miami Vice could succeed. Regrettably, it appears that this project may not materialize in the near future.

Things have changed, making them more challenging. However, it is still achievable. I’ve devised a strategy for this, but with numerous parties involved and multiple adjustments, it’s tough to isolate the true potential amidst all the interference and iterations. Just like we discovered something valuable in the past.

The show, Miami Vice, wasn’t off the mark. It debuted during the early days of cable TV when producers and filmmakers were trying out different styles to see what would resonate with viewers. Remarkably, a series about undercover vice cops found success, appealing particularly to the 18-34 age group. This was due to its contemporary music, action, and cinematography, which made it stand apart from other police dramas like Remington Steele and T.J. Hooker at that time. In essence, Miami Vice was “trendy” while all other shows were “traditional.” If you grasp these terms, it might be a good idea to take your blood pressure medication.

Could Miami Vice Work Today?

16 years have passed since we got a glimpse of what a modern take on the TV series “Miami Vice” might be like, thanks to the 2006 movie starring Jamie Foxx and Colin Farrell. However, times have changed significantly since then. Governments shift policies quickly, public perception of law enforcement evolves, and technology advances at an unprecedented pace. What was effective back then may not resonate today, making it challenging to reimagine “Miami Vice” in 2024, as Johnson rightly pointed out, it wouldn’t be easy.

In essence, the television world has undergone a significant transformation. Shows such as “The Wire”, “The Shield”, and even “Law & Order” have covered a vast array of topics, making it challenging for a series like “Miami Vice” to stand out without appearing to be just another repetition of what’s already been done. The idea of bringing back characters Johnson and Thomas as retired cops taking on one final case (to apprehend the elusive criminal they never caught) might not be entirely necessary or fresh.

On some occasions, it’s wiser to let things be, and in this instance, “Miami Vice” is one of those items. This groundbreaking series played a significant role in shaping modern television, setting the stage for other successful shows. Resurrecting it now might tarnish its legacy, and for what? Merely satisfying nostalgia cravings? We’ve had quite enough of that, we appreciate. Let’s allow Crockett and Tubbs to bask in their well-deserved retirement.

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2024-09-09 18:33