While not a great fan of Miami Vice, this episode sticks out not only as one of the best for the series, but one of the best episodes of any series in TV history. The plot line of an old retired Miami Vice detective coming back after having to leave for medical/psych reasons really sticks out. He was predicting what would happen while Crocket and Tubbs were only able to go along for the ride as Det. Hank Weldon led them down an interesting path. He was showing up two of the biggest (for the time) characters and totally stole the show. The way that all of the Miami Vice characters were teamed up with the character of Det. Weldon made this an enjoyable ride. Plus the musical score with Dire Striaghts doing Brothers in Arms makes this episode a 9 out of a 10.
19 Reviews
A Strange Episode, Thanks To McGill's Wacked-Out 'Hank Weldon'
ccthemovieman-116 June 2007
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.
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.
Memorable episode with outstanding performance from Bruce McGill
DVD_Connoisseur3 June 2007
"Out Where the Buses Don't Run" is an episode that I must have seen half a dozen times since its original broadcast. As a result, the impact of this tale may have been diminished through repeat viewing but it remains a strong episode nonetheless.
Opening with The Who's "Baba O'Riley" and an appearance by Little Richard as a preacher, the episode hits the ground running and doesn't pause for breath. There are many memorable scenes and the incredibly atmospheric sequence with Sonny's Ferrari roaring through the night streets of Miami accompanied by Dire Straits' "Brothers In Arms" will have hairs standing on end.
Repeat viewings have made me question some plot elements but it remains a solid episode with Bruce McGill delivering a stand-out performance as retired Vice cop Hank Weldon.
8 out of 10. Haunting.
Opening with The Who's "Baba O'Riley" and an appearance by Little Richard as a preacher, the episode hits the ground running and doesn't pause for breath. There are many memorable scenes and the incredibly atmospheric sequence with Sonny's Ferrari roaring through the night streets of Miami accompanied by Dire Straits' "Brothers In Arms" will have hairs standing on end.
Repeat viewings have made me question some plot elements but it remains a solid episode with Bruce McGill delivering a stand-out performance as retired Vice cop Hank Weldon.
8 out of 10. Haunting.
The Perfect "Vice" Episode
AlfredCMartino2 September 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I agree totally with zski34; his comments say it all. First of all, major compliments to the writers of this episode -- this is the best episode in the "Vice" series. It could certainly be held up as one of the best episodes in TV history. Bruce McGill, who is a fine actor, makes the entire story line work with a character clearly brilliant at one time, but who turns increasingly manic as he has been holding onto a secret that is eating away at his sanity. It's one of the few "Vice" episodes where Crockett, Tubbs and the other main characters take a back seat during the entire episode to another character. The last lines of the episode still haunt me (to Crockett) as he stands in disbelief in front of a hidden dead body of a drug dealer: "He was my partner. You understand? My partner."
Superb
amba918 May 2010
One of the best episodes of Miami Vice that I've seen several times... Bruce McGill plays superbly the part of Hank Weldon. Is this ex-Vice a nut job or not? ... The value of what a working partner means to each party is a strong theme that is revealed at the end. How far would each go to protect the other? Certainly Crockett and Tubbs have gone into bat for each other many times in the past..... The ending is fascinating. Tubbs is called by Weldon saying he has found Acarro and he's talking. Sounds like a trap so Crockett and Tubbs go ahead of backup. With great choice of Dire Strait's 'Brothers in Arms', crank up the volume as the ending is not to be missed! . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Favorite Vice episode of all time
johndeckbose27 January 2018
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.
The Vice episode
peterkaz-6156312 October 2019
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.
Miami Vice--Out Where the Buses Don't Run
Scarecrow-8825 February 2011
Warning: Spoilers
A really troubled, highly commendated ex-cop, formerly of Miami Vice, "comes out of retirement" to help Crocket and Tubbs, Hank Weldon(Bruce McGill, totally awesome, impersonations and all), shake down a cocaine drug-lord, seeking the location of an old nemesis, Tony Arcaro, responsible, it seems, for killing his pupil, able to escape prison on a technicality. Crocket and Tubbs, however, are unsure if they can totally trust Weldon, who is clearly off his rocker. David Strathairn, a John Sayles regular, also has a part in this episode as a Fed once the partner of Weldon. While he does show clear signs of lunacy, his information on the assassination of a criminal running a drug operation in the Miami Vice district is legit, not to mention, a possible location where a big drug deal might be going down is offered to Crocket and Tubbs--do they trust that this drug deal is indeed accurate? McGill is the whole show here, his sanity always in question as he careens into impersonating characters when talking about criminals and their activities, referring to his computer as Lorraine, how she is able to provide information the Vice can use. Little Richard has a minor role at the opening of the episode as a flashy street preacher sending out his flock to earn penance for the Lord..this occurs while Crocket and Tubbs are eyeing a pusher in purple shorts, high off "nose candy", nicknamed "Skates" because he likes to roller skate down the sidewalk while looking at the girls in their bikinis and other local color. I think the episode works so well because of how conflicted Crocket and Tubbs are in regards to trusting McGill's questionable Weldon, loose bolts and missing screws, yet the shadows of a damn good cop remain, and we see that Arcaro's ghost still haunts him. Strathairn shows a former partner still shaken by what Weldon went through, not comfortable talking about the past--the reason for this will be revealed at the very end in a powerful finale when Weldon tells Crocket and Tubbs that he has finally found Arcaro. Considered by many to be one of the best episodes of the series.
An outstanding performance by Bruce McGill makes for a great episode
Whitehill29 May 2009
Bruce McGill's outstanding performance makes this episode one of Miami Vice's best. In contrast to another reviewer's posting that this episode "hits the ground running and doesn't pause for breath," what makes this one so special is the pacing--the long sequences of atmospheric INaction and slow movements, coupled with a rich score and and the usual memorable photography that skates you by the bright bikini banquet on the beach, and moves, later on, to a long night drive with the camera (and you) following the dark convertible from above, past the street lights and blinking traffic signals of Miami. With all the characters in the various scenes (the station, a restaurant, the boat house on the water), McGill shines as the ex-Miami Vice crack detective whose comic impersonations (Groucho Marks, Peter Lorre, Boris Karlofff, among others) are in stark contrast to his infrequent rage and his hints of madness.
Chilling
Mr-Fusion8 April 2016
'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
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
Haunting & Archetypal Episode
Jpk1006521 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This is my personal favorite episode. It also conta8ns really everything that people look back fondly on when thinking of Vice. The music in this episode is front and center. "baba o Reilly" and "Brothers in Arms" are perfect bookends for the episode as it descends from mania into atmospheric and haunting. The action sequences are superb and the acting is top notch. But, to me, the ending shot of Tony Arcaro and the unsettling feeling of darkness broken only by neon and Mark Knopfler's signature guitar work is chilling. I get goose bumps thinking of it right now. 10/10.
memorable episode.
mm-392 October 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Out Where the Buses Don't Run is a so so episode with a memorable ending. The series takes the typical surveillance, drug dealers investigations formula. More same old same old, but with a twist. There is an ex cop who just left the psych ward and is following the Vice Boys. Tubbs and Crockett have a new partner. The ex cop keeps the usual Vice formula interesting with a mix of detective brilliance with an unbalanced mind. Every lead just creates more questions an the unbalance ex detective is always right, but can not find the old Cocaine lord of Miami. (the ex detective nemesis) The music, style, big budget action sequences are memorable. When asking the the partner of the ex detective the story hints towards something is just not right. In the end the un-balanced mind of the detective snaps and the old partner spills the beans. A real memorable ending that had to happen in real life. Either the episode is great or not depending if you find the crazed detective annoying or not. 6 out of 10 stars.
Perhaps the very best of the whole series.
por91417 July 2020
I hadn't seen this episode for decades and was explaining to my son about why I liked Mark Knopfler /Dire Straights so much. Amazed that I could remember so clearly the song heading to the climax. I told him about this episode as I remembered it. (I was wrong about quite a lot!) but I just rewatched it and was stuck how well Bruce McGill nailed it. This is an episode that shows people what TV can rise up to.
All Time Episode!
hiltonsmithjr4 July 2019
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!!!
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!!!
I Was His Partner
biorngm11 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This Miami Vice episode was certainly entertaining of the one-hundred eleven total broadcast in the 1980's. The series was one of my very favorite programs. I would never rate any of the episodes lower than a seven as I considered the number equal to a B grade (above average) on a one to ten scale. I first saw this in 1985 as an original broadcast and then a number of times since including yesterday.
The premise being a mobster named Tony Arcarro was released on a technicality in1977 then disappeared while some think he surfaced and is conducting business as usual. There is a new mobster around named Freddy Costanza claimed to be working with Arcarro at least according to retired Detective Hank Weldon who walks into Vice headquarters offering help to Crockett and Tubbs in the hopeful capture of both drug kingpins. The look on Lieutenant Castillo's face when Weldon enters the squad room is priceless; skepticism and distrust are written on his face, especially due to Hank's behavior as being out where the buses don't run. Crockett acknowledges Weldon as being very good at his job when he worked the vice squad. From the start Hank Weldon is a unique individual continually showing signs of mental instability with his quips and actions around the detectives. He does help get the results Crockett and Tubbs were seeking getting Costanza and his cronies.
There are notable confrontations within the episode such as the takedown of the pusher on roller skates knocked to the ground by a woman serving preacher Marvelle Quinn's (Little Richard) efforts to collect cash offerings and the chase of an assassin at lunchtime with Crockett tracking the buffet table heading out of the restaurant. Very little dialogue is expressed by the guest cast members leaving speaking parts to Hank, Sonny and Ricardo for most of the program. Hank had a partner, now FBI agent Marty Lang, who explains to the detectives why Hank is no longer with the force. Hank was institutionalized for two years, his wife relocated changing her name from Lorraine. Hank's obsession with Tony Arcarro forced the detective into the psychiatric lockup after he had built a case with three years work against the mobster only to have him released on a technicality. Weldon named his personal computer after his wife and had a record of the Arcarro case file stored on it.
Weldon is certifiable yet with excellent detective skills predicting Freddy Costanza's demise at the restaurant. Weldon also tipped off Miami Vice of a drug deal going down at a house on stilts or pilings in the off-shore waters; the shootout is noteworthy. Hank also insists Arcarro is behind all this illegal activity but with no evidence to support his claim.
Weldon later calls for Tubbs to meet him at an abandoned house which he insists Arcarro is present. Crockett and Tubbs enter the empty room seeing nothing but graffiti walls until Weldon smashes the drywall revealing Arcarro's corpse entombed since 1977. Crockett confronts Marty Lang about knowing of Arcarro in the wall all along and Lang admits to his assistance because Hank was his partner; Lieutenant Castillo had arrived with Lang witnessing the open wall with Arcarro inside.
Kudos to Bruce McGill for his excellent portrayal of Weldon and a nice touch including preacher Little Richard.
The premise being a mobster named Tony Arcarro was released on a technicality in1977 then disappeared while some think he surfaced and is conducting business as usual. There is a new mobster around named Freddy Costanza claimed to be working with Arcarro at least according to retired Detective Hank Weldon who walks into Vice headquarters offering help to Crockett and Tubbs in the hopeful capture of both drug kingpins. The look on Lieutenant Castillo's face when Weldon enters the squad room is priceless; skepticism and distrust are written on his face, especially due to Hank's behavior as being out where the buses don't run. Crockett acknowledges Weldon as being very good at his job when he worked the vice squad. From the start Hank Weldon is a unique individual continually showing signs of mental instability with his quips and actions around the detectives. He does help get the results Crockett and Tubbs were seeking getting Costanza and his cronies.
There are notable confrontations within the episode such as the takedown of the pusher on roller skates knocked to the ground by a woman serving preacher Marvelle Quinn's (Little Richard) efforts to collect cash offerings and the chase of an assassin at lunchtime with Crockett tracking the buffet table heading out of the restaurant. Very little dialogue is expressed by the guest cast members leaving speaking parts to Hank, Sonny and Ricardo for most of the program. Hank had a partner, now FBI agent Marty Lang, who explains to the detectives why Hank is no longer with the force. Hank was institutionalized for two years, his wife relocated changing her name from Lorraine. Hank's obsession with Tony Arcarro forced the detective into the psychiatric lockup after he had built a case with three years work against the mobster only to have him released on a technicality. Weldon named his personal computer after his wife and had a record of the Arcarro case file stored on it.
Weldon is certifiable yet with excellent detective skills predicting Freddy Costanza's demise at the restaurant. Weldon also tipped off Miami Vice of a drug deal going down at a house on stilts or pilings in the off-shore waters; the shootout is noteworthy. Hank also insists Arcarro is behind all this illegal activity but with no evidence to support his claim.
Weldon later calls for Tubbs to meet him at an abandoned house which he insists Arcarro is present. Crockett and Tubbs enter the empty room seeing nothing but graffiti walls until Weldon smashes the drywall revealing Arcarro's corpse entombed since 1977. Crockett confronts Marty Lang about knowing of Arcarro in the wall all along and Lang admits to his assistance because Hank was his partner; Lieutenant Castillo had arrived with Lang witnessing the open wall with Arcarro inside.
Kudos to Bruce McGill for his excellent portrayal of Weldon and a nice touch including preacher Little Richard.
Bruce McGill killed it...!
nasha7620 May 2022
Warning: Spoilers
... Literally!!!
This was an absolutely outstanding episode of a series that was usually "more of the same" with each episode. It was a phenomenal glimpse into the world of mental illness and the lengths to which our own minds will go to shield us from things about ourselves that are too hard to face.
It really was 'The Hank Weldon Show'. Our two main leads were only along for the ride. The only thing that could possibly have been added to this would have been if it left Crockett or Tubbs (but most likely Crockett, as he seems the more likely of the two to have a total breakdown) wondering about their own future once they recognize this added danger of getting too caught up in their jobs.
This was an absolutely outstanding episode of a series that was usually "more of the same" with each episode. It was a phenomenal glimpse into the world of mental illness and the lengths to which our own minds will go to shield us from things about ourselves that are too hard to face.
It really was 'The Hank Weldon Show'. Our two main leads were only along for the ride. The only thing that could possibly have been added to this would have been if it left Crockett or Tubbs (but most likely Crockett, as he seems the more likely of the two to have a total breakdown) wondering about their own future once they recognize this added danger of getting too caught up in their jobs.
Classic Miami Vice
sstrudell-826-78196315 September 2023
Miami Vice doesn't get much better than this. From the casting, to the balance of the writing, to the perfectly placed songs to add emotional depth, it hits all the right notes.
Up till now, there are many episodes where some of the characters are over acting. Bruce MCGill plays an ex detective on the emotional edge. He seems to be over acting at first but as the episode moves on, you realize it's all part of the story.
It's a solid episode music wise. From The Who's Baba O'Riley at the start, to Dire Straits at the end, both hit their mark emotionally.
Watching this again in 2023, it still hits hard and leaves me with goose bumps just as it did in 1985.
Up till now, there are many episodes where some of the characters are over acting. Bruce MCGill plays an ex detective on the emotional edge. He seems to be over acting at first but as the episode moves on, you realize it's all part of the story.
It's a solid episode music wise. From The Who's Baba O'Riley at the start, to Dire Straits at the end, both hit their mark emotionally.
Watching this again in 2023, it still hits hard and leaves me with goose bumps just as it did in 1985.
Decent "Vice" episode
Tweekums12 November 2009
Warning: Spoilers
After a couple of great episodes I thought this one was a bit weaker... I'm not saying it's bad though it still has plenty of action and a good story, I just wasn't too keen on the over the top "insane" ex-cop who turned up offering to help Crockett and Tubbs arrest Arcaro, a senior drug dealer who had been considered dead for many years.
Bruce McGill plays Hank Weldon, a retired vice cop who was considered one of the best when he was on the force but now appears to be insane claiming that he knows where Arcaro is. While they are initially sceptical he provides information about a hit on a drug dealer and about an major offshore drugs transaction which turns out to to be accurate in both cases.
As others have said the story has a good and suitably downbeat ending which came as a bit of a surprise for me. As with most Miami Vice episodes the music is great, the highlight this time being Dire Straits "Brothers in Arms" which plays as Crockett drives to the final scene.
Bruce McGill plays Hank Weldon, a retired vice cop who was considered one of the best when he was on the force but now appears to be insane claiming that he knows where Arcaro is. While they are initially sceptical he provides information about a hit on a drug dealer and about an major offshore drugs transaction which turns out to to be accurate in both cases.
As others have said the story has a good and suitably downbeat ending which came as a bit of a surprise for me. As with most Miami Vice episodes the music is great, the highlight this time being Dire Straits "Brothers in Arms" which plays as Crockett drives to the final scene.
This had aged horribly.
mrvanin21 February 2024
I sought out this specific episode after listening to "Crockett's Theme"; I searched for "Best Miami Vice Episode" - and this is the one that was rated highest.
Well, I have to say I was mightily disappointed! Rated as best, my own perception was 2/10. This is a rating I give when I find a movie or TV episode as poor as possible - but that I'm still willing to watch to the end.
Obviously, Bruce McGill as the crazy ex-cop, is a major feature. I thought his attempts were ludicrously hammed. Maybe this was from poor directing, but he seems to have had a lot of say in how to exhibit his character's insanity. It was really poorly done.
The storyline is rather dull - so I can't understand the superlatives that have been written about this episode. I suspect it was sheer emotion that viewers felt after listening to the portion of "Brothers in Arms' that was overdubbed toward the end. That doesn't save the episode, in my opinion.
Well, I have to say I was mightily disappointed! Rated as best, my own perception was 2/10. This is a rating I give when I find a movie or TV episode as poor as possible - but that I'm still willing to watch to the end.
Obviously, Bruce McGill as the crazy ex-cop, is a major feature. I thought his attempts were ludicrously hammed. Maybe this was from poor directing, but he seems to have had a lot of say in how to exhibit his character's insanity. It was really poorly done.
The storyline is rather dull - so I can't understand the superlatives that have been written about this episode. I suspect it was sheer emotion that viewers felt after listening to the portion of "Brothers in Arms' that was overdubbed toward the end. That doesn't save the episode, in my opinion.
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