It's been said that Miami Vice wasn't very good at sports episode. Granted, "Florence Italy" didn't have the best guest acting. "Down For the Count" has been widely considered one of the better episodes of the underrated 3rd season of MV. While it was a good episode, I prefer "The Good Collar."
The guest acting mostly fine. Charles S. Dutton, previously seen in "The Prodigal Son" from the previous season, returns as the social worker of a promising young athlete who agrees to help the police bust a teenage drug dealer. The actor playing the athlete turns in a solid sympathetic performance as the boy who wants to do the right thing and earn his way out of the hood.
Other memorable aspects of this episode include a frightening murder about halfway through, and the tragic kick-in-the-gut resolution. I'll never forget the justified fit Crockett throws.
Another noticeable aspect of the episode is the theme of younger people helping their mentors make the community safer. In addition to Archie, the athlete, a Metro Gangs boss is aided by Ramirez, an ill-fated young crimefighter dying to clean up the hood.
If you were in the majority that dropped out of watching Miami Vice during the 3rd season, I say you missed out. Make up your own mind and give it a chance.
Review of The Good Collar
