Episode #71 "Death And The Lady"


Ferrariman

Recommended Posts

Love this episode! It's wild" data-date=" bizarre, tragic, eye-opening, captivating, and mesmerizing! :glossy:Ahh...the old urban legend of a "snuff" film turning out to be a [I">

real snuff flick! Several shows have done an episode regarding this idea--Silk Stalkings and CSI to name a couple. But, it always makes for an interesting episode and "MV" does not disappoint! This episode really delved into the seedy, destructive, realistic, and I'll even venture to say evil aspects of porn, and the disgusting lengths some will go to to make a buck. :sick:The acting, especially by Don Johnson, was superb! I love the scene where Crockett really looks at the video of the porn movie, and realizes by the girl's eyes that...she's dead! :eek: I thought guest-star Penelope Ann Miller also did an outstanding, heart-wrenching job! :clap:I loved the wild plot twists, and trying to figure out which girl was the dead one (Laurie Swan, Amy Rider, or Margo), and whether they all were alive...or dead! The bizarre and whacked out announcer at the beginning, with the gold hands sewn on his suit coat, was an eye-popping, majorly perverted, but interesting touch to really draw you in from the start!Guest-start Paul Guilfoyle is a superb actor...and I've seen him in several other things, but he'll always be Capt. Jim Brass on CSI to me. :) But, he is outstanding in this episode as porn producer/artist Milton Glantz! He's perfectly bizarre, sleezy, majorly creepy...even possibly mentally disturbed! But, anyone who agrees to actually have a girl killed (dying of cancer or not) in a sick porn movie is not exactly running on all cylinders. :pThe other guest-stars in this were also awesome...from Miguel Ferrer, Kelly Lynch, Penelope Ann Miller (as I stated earlier above), Michael David Morrison, etc... The colors of the sets, inside rooms, buildings, lighting, neon lights, etc...were all superb!! :clap: I love the colors of Glanz's (Guilfoyle) photography studio...where he took that bum from the outside alley and wrapped him up in plastic, splattering him with red paint to simulate blood. Besides that "twisted" scene, the teal walls/ceiling and pink chair & love seat totally made that room! :cool: I really liked most of the colors and lighting used for this episode--very captivating, wild, and eye-catching.Also, I laughed my butt off at the bag lady in the alley...as Crockett was showing up at Glantz's and his camera people were taking the bum inside. What the heck was up with her walk? She just kind of had this bizarre, spastic-like waddle from side-to-side as she drug this garbage bag behind her. :) The music in this one was outstanding! As always Jan Hammer's themes and songs were awesome and truly "MV"! But the Depeche Mode songs in this were absolutely superb--Never Let Me Down Again and Pleasure, Little Treasure! But, I love Depeche Mode period...so of course I'm going to enjoy those. But, other awesome songs included the "haunting" The Edge of Town by The Truth, Vet For the Insane by Fields of the Nephilim, and The Story Never Ends by Naked Prey. :radio:However, one aspect that didn't set quite right for me was the pastels missing from the fashion or wardrobe. Everyone seems to be dressed in darker tones...and that's just not "MV". But, I think this was around the time that Dick Wolf was changing things--including the colors of the clothes. :evil: But, I do like Crockett's hairstyle better than season 3, and I also like the black Wayfarers he wearing...instead of those other strange black sunglasses from season 3. These shades aren't tortoise shell like seasons 1&2...but at least they're Wayfarers.

Great synopsis . A great episode - dark tone but excellently done. Loved Paul Guilfoyle who of course also popped up as a guest star in Season 5 later on. :D:shout:
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Love this episode! It's wild" data-date=" bizarre, tragic, eye-opening, captivating, and mesmerizing! :glossy:Ahh...the old urban legend of a "snuff" film turning out to be a [I">

real snuff flick! Several shows have done an episode regarding this idea--Silk Stalkings and CSI to name a couple. But, it always makes for an interesting episode and "MV" does not disappoint! This episode really delved into the seedy, destructive, realistic, and I'll even venture to say evil aspects of porn, and the disgusting lengths some will go to to make a buck. :sick:The acting, especially by Don Johnson, was superb! I love the scene where Crockett really looks at the video of the porn movie, and realizes by the girl's eyes that...she's dead! :eek: I thought guest-star Penelope Ann Miller also did an outstanding, heart-wrenching job! :clap:I loved the wild plot twists, and trying to figure out which girl was the dead one (Laurie Swan, Amy Rider, or Margo), and whether they all were alive...or dead! The bizarre and whacked out announcer at the beginning, with the gold hands sewn on his suit coat, was an eye-popping, majorly perverted, but interesting touch to really draw you in from the start!Guest-start Paul Guilfoyle is a superb actor...and I've seen him in several other things, but he'll always be Capt. Jim Brass on CSI to me. :) But, he is outstanding in this episode as porn producer/artist Milton Glantz! He's perfectly bizarre, sleezy, majorly creepy...even possibly mentally disturbed! But, anyone who agrees to actually have a girl killed (dying of cancer or not) in a sick porn movie is not exactly running on all cylinders. :pThe other guest-stars in this were also awesome...from Miguel Ferrer, Kelly Lynch, Penelope Ann Miller (as I stated earlier above), Michael David Morrison, etc... The colors of the sets, inside rooms, buildings, lighting, neon lights, etc...were all superb!! :clap: I love the colors of Glanz's (Guilfoyle) photography studio...where he took that bum from the outside alley and wrapped him up in plastic, splattering him with red paint to simulate blood. Besides that "twisted" scene, the teal walls/ceiling and pink chair & love seat totally made that room! :cool: I really liked most of the colors and lighting used for this episode--very captivating, wild, and eye-catching.Also, I laughed my butt off at the bag lady in the alley...as Crockett was showing up at Glantz's and his camera people were taking the bum inside. What the heck was up with her walk? She just kind of had this bizarre, spastic-like waddle from side-to-side as she drug this garbage bag behind her. :) The music in this one was outstanding! As always Jan Hammer's themes and songs were awesome and truly "MV"! But the Depeche Mode songs in this were absolutely superb--Never Let Me Down Again and Pleasure, Little Treasure! But, I love Depeche Mode period...so of course I'm going to enjoy those. But, other awesome songs included the "haunting" The Edge of Town by The Truth, Vet For the Insane by Fields of the Nephilim, and The Story Never Ends by Naked Prey. :radio:However, one aspect that didn't set quite right for me was the pastels missing from the fashion or wardrobe. Everyone seems to be dressed in darker tones...and that's just not "MV". But, I think this was around the time that Dick Wolf was changing things--including the colors of the clothes. :evil: But, I do like Crockett's hairstyle better than season 3, and I also like the black Wayfarers he wearing...instead of those other strange black sunglasses from season 3. These shades aren't tortoise shell like seasons 1&2...but at least they're Wayfarers. I also thought the end was a little over-the-top and strange. :rolleyes: I mean, of course we all understand why Crockett would want to just show up and beat the "crap" out of Glantz...but really?? Glantz was not some scuzzy, low-life drug dealer that would never press charges because he didn't want to have police attention. He was unfortunately high-society and had tons of high-up connections--from politicians, lawyers, judges, probably the mayor, etc... Crockett would have been arrested, fired from the OCB, and probably sent to prison for assault & battery and intent to do bodily harm. The last scene of him handing the bum (same homeless drunk Glantz used earlier for his plastic wrap project) Glantz's leg porn award was kind of "appropriate" and even humorous. ;)Also...was it ever explained why Gina and Trudy were at the erotic film festival at the beginning? I understood the introduction of Milton Glantz and his snuff film Death and the Lady...but then all of a sudden Gina and Trudy are there. Were they into violent, erotic porn (after all later Gina says she's seen Glantz's film and he as a nice touch) :p ...or were maybe they there to look for drugs or illegal-age porn stuff? Just never quite figured that one out...But, overall this episode was superb and one of my favorites of season 4 & the series! :clap: I gave it a 9 (only reason I held off with a 10 is because of the no-pastel clothes and the strange ending with Glantz's beating).

Great synopsis . A great episode - dark tone but excellently done. Loved Paul Guilfoyle who of course also popped up as a guest star in Season 5 later on.

I enjoyed writing my review and synopsis of this episode...this is a favorite of mine so I had fun creating it. Yes, excellent episode with "dark" tones but wild colors and captivating performances! Yes, Paul Guilfoyle did show up again in season 5--in "Victims of Circumstance".
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yeah one of my favorite things about this episode is how there's not a single shot fired in, its all rigged up around this murder mystery, a what if murder mystery no less.and to see Brass/Paul play such a guy and be so thin and have so much hair is also a treat. It shows you how easily he could have played a villain on CSI. also I like how in the Depeche mode scene they gave Paul Sonny's S3 sunglasses, the persoles as it kinda gives him an extra menace in a funny way.Yes I murdered a woman for a snuff film AND stole your sunglasses out of your car when you werent looking, what'cha gonna do about it crockett?! lol.Bottom line an all around a great episode with a haunting conclusion, one of the greats in a season where they were badly needed.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yeah one of my favorite things about this episode is how there's not a single shot fired in' date=' its all rigged up around this murder mystery, a what if murder mystery no less.and to see Brass/Paul play such a guy and be so thin and have so much hair is also a treat. It shows you how easily he could have played a villain on CSI. also I like how in the Depeche mode scene they gave Paul Sonny's S3 sunglasses, the persoles as it kinda gives him an extra menace in a funny way.Yes I murdered a woman for a snuff film AND stole your sunglasses out of your car when you werent looking, what'cha gonna do about it crockett?! lol.Bottom line an all around a great episode with a haunting conclusion, one of the greats in a season where they were badly needed.[/quote']LOL!! :) Yeah, Paul/Milton seems to have swiped Crockett's S3 shades...but that's okay. I really disliked the Persoles. :evil: It seemed to fit Glantz's creepy look though. ;) Even though overall the episodes in S3 were better than S4...I liked Crockett's haircut and black Wayfarer glasses better in S4 than his hairstyle and glasses in S3.Yeah, Guilfoyle was pretty thin and had a lot more hair. But then Bruce Willis had a lot more hair in his episode too. ;) Referring to another CSI cast member (besides Paul Guilfoyle)...I still can't get over how thin and young Lawrence Fishburne looked in his episode ("Walk Alone"?)!! :eek: Awesome actor but that dude looks old and pretty "beefy" now. He's currently playing Agent Jack Crawford in NBC's new "Hannibal" (based on the Hannibal Lector/Silence of the Lambs books/movies).I agree...this episode "rocked", despite no major gunplay. The riveting and "haunting" plot kept you captivated throughout! :clap: Definitely a superb episode...and one of the best of season 4! This, "Love At First Sight", and "God's Work" are probably my all-time favorites of the season! :thumbsup:
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 year later...

This along with "Shadow In The Dark" is one of my favourite episodes of Miami Vice.  Everything in this episode from storyline and acting to the cinematography and music is just perfect. I'd also like to  hear   'Death and The Lady' theme by Jan Hammer released. Very haunting piece of music.  Another job for Dadrian  Wilson, who has done some excellent covering  of Hammer's music especially in tracks like 'Better Living Through Chemistry' and 'Remission' (from 'Buddies'  and 'Forgive Us Our Debts')10/10  :)

Edited by Castillo71
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 year later...

First off, this episode is not a masterpiece as the administrator indicates. A Vice masterpiece is something like Shadow in the Dark, El Viejo, Forgive Us Our Debts, or Milk Run or the pilot. Those episodes are masterpieces! The story of Death and the Lady is a bit confusing. The episode has its moments, but the writer tries to create a Shadow in the Dark story for season 4, and fails terribly. Shadow in the Dark was an extremely engaging story and intense and exciting and it felt like Miami Vice. This episode to me, did not feel like Miami Vice. It had a very cheap, flimsy look. Example: the drive sequence at the end was taken from Shadow in the Dark. I also did not like the conclusion. It felt rushed and unfinished. The budget for season 4 was reduced drastically from Season 3 and it shows for this episode. The administrator remarked that this episode had not one gun shot fired, but the same goes for the first four episodes of season 4. The first action scene featured of season 4 was in the episode Child's Play. In all I give this episode a 5. Its no Shadow in the Dark!

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 months later...

 

This episode is a classic, one I love very dearly. 

 

There's one scene here that is reminiscent back to season 1's 'Evan'. Where Sonny and Rico are on the boat and he tells Rico about the story when he was in high school that haunted him. "I should have ripped that picture down, but I didn't." This episode's case brought back the past regret and showed a deeper side of Sonny. That climax to the ending where he slaps the guy up the stars "You like that? Does that turn you on!?" and the part where he grabs the trophy and shoves it to some bum outside, was perfect and very symbolic.

 

Season 4 tries really hard to deliver episodes that don't have much action and not much gun shooting, and this is one that came out perfectly that didn't need any use of guns. The only problem I can see with this episode is the cut/paste material they used for the Ferrari driving sequence towards the end, but I didn't find this a problem at all. It fit pretty well with the music. 9 out of 10 for me. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 5 months later...

I've been going back and giving some of my old reviews updated thoughts as my opinions have changed over the years. As I was combing through the reviews I realize I didn't get around to writing my thoughts for a handful of episodes with this one being the biggest oversight as this is still a really strong episode. More a murder mystery/neo-noir in a Brian DePalma's Body Double sort of way (although more complex and morally ambiguous). Very dark and sordid feeling from the get-go with Paul Guilfoyle giving a great performance here as the director Milton Glantz. Also was pleased with the guest stars here from Kelly Lynch (Road House!), Penelope Ann Miller and a younger Miguel Ferrer (Albert Rosenfield in Twin Peaks). Love the more gothic soundtrack the later seasons have especially highlighted here with the opening "Vet For the Insane" plus two songs from Depeche Mode. Overall I'd rate this at a 9/10. 

Also worth pointing out a possible nod to William Friedkin's "To Live and Die in L.A.". Milton Glantz paints and then promptly burns his art after he finishes them much like Willem Dafoe's character did in that film. Not sure how big or small a coincidence that would be but if meant as such was a great nod to the film. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Excellent comparison to Body Double. I don't think I've made that connection before though I should have becasue that movie had a huge impact on me when I saw it as a teen. Beautifully shot, like Vice. There's some great set-ups/scenes in Death and the Lady:  Most of all, the party scene using the rooftop hotel location. Those shots with Miami in the background are very cool. As with so many Vice party scenes, I'd pay all the money I got to have been there.

I also liked that scene where Crockett and Tubbs are walking with the film crew member. I am positive they used the real trailers and trucks for the Vice production. If memory serves, they walk past the "honey wagon." Look it up.  And I think a wardrobe trailer too. The real deal.

And finally, I love to death when Glantz says "...the dead eyes." My friend has an employee who has these eyes that are half-closed and vague all the time. He's expressionless. I told my friend, "Jimmy gots the dead eyes." I explained to him where I got it from. Next thing you know, everyone's calling him "Jimmy Dead Eyes." I felt kind of bad about it, but what the hell, that's the power of VICE!

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I really enjoy Guilfyles's work as an actor - 10/10:D

Hammer's score in this episode is excellent particularly on the boat with a guitar synth similar to used in "Contempt of Court"

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 7 months later...

The masterpiece of S4. One of my favorites.

Every season had a dark episode. S1 had Home Invaders. S2 had Little Miss Dangerous. S3 had Shadow In The Dark. S4 had Death and the Lady. S5 had Asian Cut. It's no coincidence that I consider all these classics.

Anyway, Guilfyles's character is a total slimeball. He was perfect.

I really like the plot. It was something different for MV. I've noticed that the early S4 episodes have greatly improved writing over the last few S3 episodes.

Hammer's score is haunting. Lot of Depeche Mode in this one.

I LOVE the end with The Edge of Town playing. Beautiful song. The bit where Crockett looks at the camera is cheesy but badass at the same time.

One thing I dont get is Crockett leaving his car in the alley at the end. Or was that a different car?

9.5/10

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

10 hours ago, Remington said:

The masterpiece of S4. One of my favorites.

Every season had a dark episode. S1 had Home Invaders. S2 had Little Miss Dangerous. S3 had Shadow In The Dark. S4 had Death and the Lady. S5 had Asian Cut. It's no coincidence that I consider all these classics.

Anyway, Guilfyles's character is a total slimeball. He was perfect.

I really like the plot. It was something different for MV. I've noticed that the early S4 episodes have greatly improved writing over the last few S3 episodes.

Hammer's score is haunting. Lot of Depeche Mode in this one.

I LOVE the end with The Edge of Town playing. Beautiful song. The bit where Crockett looks at the camera is cheesy but badass at the same time.

One thing I dont get is Crockett leaving his car in the alley at the end. Or was that a different car?

9.5/10

Amen...beautifully stated and I agree 110%!! :thumbsup:  Below is my review from a few years ago:

On 5/19/2013 at 0:35 AM, ViceFanMan said:

Love this episode! It's wild, bizarre, tragic, eye-opening, captivating, and mesmerizing!  :glossy:   Ahh...the old urban legend of a "snuff" film turning out to be a real snuff flick! Several shows have done an episode regarding this idea--Silk Stalkings and CSI to name a couple. But, it always makes for an interesting episode and "MV" does not disappoint! This episode really delved into the seedy, destructive, realistic, and I'll even venture to say evil aspects of porn, and the disgusting lengths some will go to to make a buck.  The acting, especially by Don Johnson, was superb! I love the scene where Crockett really looks at the video of the porn movie, and realizes by the girl's eyes that...she's dead! :eek: I thought guest-star Penelope Ann Miller also did an outstanding, heart-wrenching job! :clap:

I loved the wild plot twists, and trying to figure out which girl was the dead one (Laurie Swan, Amy Rider, or Margo), and whether they all were alive...or dead! The bizarre and whacked out announcer at the beginning, with the gold hands sewn on his suit coat, was an eye-popping, majorly perverted :wuerg:, but interesting touch to really draw you in from the start! Guest-star Paul Guilfoyle is a superb actor...and I've seen him in several other things, but he'll always be Capt. Jim Brass on CSI to me. ;) But, he is outstanding in this episode as porn producer/artist Milton Glantz! He's perfectly bizarre, sleezy, majorly creepy...even possibly mentally disturbed! But, anyone who agrees to actually have a girl killed (dying of cancer or not) in a sick porn movie is not exactly running on all cylinders.:p The other guest-stars in this were also awesome...from Miguel Ferrer, Kelly Lynch, Penelope Ann Miller (as I stated earlier above), Michael David Morrison, etc...

The colors of the sets, inside rooms, buildings, lighting, neon lights, etc...were all superb!! :clap: I love the colors of Glanz's (Guilfoyle's) photography studio...where he took that bum from the outside alley and wrapped him up in plastic, splattering him with red paint to simulate blood. Besides that "twisted" scene, the teal walls/ceiling and pink chair & love seat totally made that room! :cool: I really liked most of the colors and lighting used for this episode--very captivating, wild, and eye-catching. Also, I laughed my butt off at the bag lady in the alley...as Crockett was showing up at Glantz's and his camera people were taking the bum inside. What the heck was up with her walk? She just kind of had this bizarre, spastic-like waddle from side-to-side as she drug this garbage bag behind her. :)

The music in this one was outstanding! :radio: As always Jan Hammer's themes and songs were awesome and truly "MV"! But the Depeche Mode songs in this were absolutely superb--Never Let Me Down Again and Pleasure, Little Treasure! But, I love Depeche Mode period...so of course I'm going to enjoy those. But, other awesome songs included the "haunting" The Edge of Town by The Truth, Vet For the Insane by Fields of the Nephilim, and The Story Never Ends by Naked Prey. However, one aspect that didn't set quite right for me was the pastels missing from the fashion or wardrobe. Everyone seems to be dressed in darker tones...and that's just not "MV". But, I think this was around the time that Dick Wolf was changing things--including the colors of the clothes.:evil: But, I do like Crockett's hairstyle better than season 3, and I also like the black Wayfarers he wore...instead of those other strange black sunglasses from season 3. These shades aren't tortoise shell like seasons 1&2...but at least they're Wayfarers. :cool:

I also thought the end was a little over-the-top and strange. ?( I mean, of course we all understand why Crockett would want to just show up and beat the "crap" out of Glantz...but really?? Glantz was not some scuzzy, low-life drug dealer that would never press charges because he didn't want to have police attention. He was unfortunately high-society and had tons of high-up connections--from politicians, lawyers, judges, probably the mayor, etc... Crockett would have been arrested, fired from the OCB, and probably sent to prison for assault & battery and intent to do bodily harm. The last scene of him handing the bum (same homeless drunk Glantz used earlier for his plastic wrap project) Glantz's leg porn award was kind of "appropriate" and even humorous. Also...was it ever explained why Gina and Trudy were at the erotic film festival at the beginning? I understood the introduction of Milton Glantz and his snuff film Death and the Lady...but then all of a sudden Gina and Trudy are there. Were they into violent, erotic porn (after all later Gina says she's seen Glantz's film and he as a nice touch) :p ...or were maybe they there to look for drugs or illegal-age porn stuff? Just never quite figured that one out...But, overall this episode was superb :glossy: and one of my favorites of season 4 & the series! :clap: I gave it a 9 (only reason I held off with a 10 is because of the no-pastel clothes and the strange ending with Glantz's beating).

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

My original review from 2013:

[ Love this episode! It's wild, bizarre, tragic, eye-opening, captivating, and mesmerizing!  :glossy:   Ahh...the old urban legend of a "snuff" film turning out to be a real snuff flick! Several shows have done an episode regarding this idea--Silk Stalkings and CSI to name a couple. But, it always makes for an interesting episode and "MV" does not disappoint! This episode really delved into the seedy, destructive, realistic, and I'll even venture to say evil aspects of porn, and the disgusting lengths some will go to to make a buck.  The acting, especially by Don Johnson, was superb! I love the scene where Crockett really looks at the video of the porn movie, and realizes by the girl's eyes that...she's dead! :eek: I thought guest-star Penelope Ann Miller also did an outstanding, heart-wrenching job! :clap:

I loved the wild plot twists, and trying to figure out which girl was the dead one (Laurie Swan, Amy Rider, or Margo), and whether they all were alive...or dead! The bizarre and whacked out announcer at the beginning, with the gold hands sewn on his suit coat, was an eye-popping, majorly perverted :wuerg:, but interesting touch to really draw you in from the start! Guest-star Paul Guilfoyle is a superb actor...and I've seen him in several other things, but he'll always be Capt. Jim Brass on CSI to me. ;) But, he is outstanding in this episode as porn producer/artist Milton Glantz! He's perfectly bizarre, sleezy, majorly creepy...even possibly mentally disturbed! But, anyone who agrees to actually have a girl killed (dying of cancer or not) in a sick porn movie is not exactly running on all cylinders.:p The other guest-stars in this were also awesome...from Miguel Ferrer, Kelly Lynch, Penelope Ann Miller (as I stated earlier above), Michael David Morrison, etc...

The colors of the sets, inside rooms, buildings, lighting, neon lights, etc...were all superb!! :clap: I love the colors of Glanz's (Guilfoyle's) photography studio...where he took that bum from the outside alley and wrapped him up in plastic, splattering him with red paint to simulate blood. Besides that "twisted" scene, the teal walls/ceiling and pink chair & love seat totally made that room! :cool: I really liked most of the colors and lighting used for this episode--very captivating, wild, and eye-catching. Also, I laughed my butt off at the bag lady in the alley...as Crockett was showing up at Glantz's and his camera people were taking the bum inside. What the heck was up with her walk? She just kind of had this bizarre, spastic-like waddle from side-to-side as she drug this garbage bag behind her. :)

The music in this one was outstanding! :radio: As always Jan Hammer's themes and songs were awesome and truly "MV"! But the Depeche Mode songs in this were absolutely superb--Never Let Me Down Again and Pleasure, Little Treasure! But, I love Depeche Mode period...so of course I'm going to enjoy those. But, other awesome songs included the "haunting" The Edge of Town by The Truth, Vet For the Insane by Fields of the Nephilim, and The Story Never Ends by Naked Prey. However, one aspect that didn't set quite right for me was the pastels missing from the fashion or wardrobe. Everyone seems to be dressed in darker tones...and that's just not "MV". But, I think this was around the time that Dick Wolf was changing things--including the colors of the clothes.:evil: But, I do like Crockett's hairstyle better than season 3, and I also like the black Wayfarers he wore...instead of those other strange black sunglasses from season 3. These shades aren't tortoise shell like seasons 1&2...but at least they're Wayfarers. :cool:

I also thought the end was a little over-the-top and strange. ?( I mean, of course we all understand why Crockett would want to just show up and beat the "crap" out of Glantz...but really?? Glantz was not some scuzzy, low-life drug dealer that would never press charges because he didn't want to have police attention. He was unfortunately high-society and had tons of high-up connections--from politicians, lawyers, judges, probably the mayor, etc... Crockett would have been arrested, fired from the OCB, and probably sent to prison for assault & battery and intent to do bodily harm. The last scene of him handing the bum (same homeless drunk Glantz used earlier for his plastic wrap project) Glantz's leg porn award was kind of "appropriate" and even humorous. Also...was it ever explained why Gina and Trudy were at the erotic film festival at the beginning? I understood the introduction of Milton Glantz and his snuff film Death and the Lady...but then all of a sudden Gina and Trudy are there. Were they into violent, erotic porn (after all later Gina says she's seen Glantz's film and he as a nice touch) :p ...or were maybe they there to look for drugs or illegal-age porn stuff? Just never quite figured that one out...But, overall this episode was superb :glossy: and one of my favorites of season 4 & the series! :clap: I gave it a 9 (only reason I held off with a 10 is because of the no-pastel clothes and the strange ending with Glantz's beating). ]

Present--2017:

I just watched this one again last night, and it still mesmerizes me! This one is very "dark" and disturbing...yet captivates and fascinates you to find out what really happened, and who really died. I've compared another episode a while back to a film noir...but this one truly captures the essence of a noir--MV style of course! ;) By far this could be the best episode of the 4th season. However, I still think the ending was a little too bizarre...and could have been done differently. As I stated before, Crockett would most likely be fired and/or even prosecuted as Glantz was too politically connected...so the assault on him would not have gone un-punished. I thought a different kind of "revenge" or ending should have taken care of Glantz instead of the crazy beating from Crockett.

The snuff-film episode of CSI that I mentioned in my original review above, had it where the girl the film maker killed in the film was HIV positive...and some of her blood splashed in his face while stabbing her, and it seeped into his body through his eyes...yeah, I know, gross!! :wuerg: But, ultimately he got his comeuppance as he ended up getting the same strain of AIDS she had, and was going to die soon himself. I know Amy Rider did not have AIDS in this episode of MV, but I thought maybe her sister Jill could have gotten some kind of revenge...or the father? No biggie though...the episode is superb, just thought the ending could have been different. :thumbsup: 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, ViceFanMan said:

My original review from 2013:

[ Love this episode! It's wild, bizarre, tragic, eye-opening, captivating, and mesmerizing!  :glossy:   Ahh...the old urban legend of a "snuff" film turning out to be a real snuff flick! Several shows have done an episode regarding this idea--Silk Stalkings and CSI to name a couple. But, it always makes for an interesting episode and "MV" does not disappoint! This episode really delved into the seedy, destructive, realistic, and I'll even venture to say evil aspects of porn, and the disgusting lengths some will go to to make a buck.  The acting, especially by Don Johnson, was superb! I love the scene where Crockett really looks at the video of the porn movie, and realizes by the girl's eyes that...she's dead! :eek: I thought guest-star Penelope Ann Miller also did an outstanding, heart-wrenching job! :clap:

I loved the wild plot twists, and trying to figure out which girl was the dead one (Laurie Swan, Amy Rider, or Margo), and whether they all were alive...or dead! The bizarre and whacked out announcer at the beginning, with the gold hands sewn on his suit coat, was an eye-popping, majorly perverted :wuerg:, but interesting touch to really draw you in from the start! Guest-star Paul Guilfoyle is a superb actor...and I've seen him in several other things, but he'll always be Capt. Jim Brass on CSI to me. ;) But, he is outstanding in this episode as porn producer/artist Milton Glantz! He's perfectly bizarre, sleezy, majorly creepy...even possibly mentally disturbed! But, anyone who agrees to actually have a girl killed (dying of cancer or not) in a sick porn movie is not exactly running on all cylinders.:p The other guest-stars in this were also awesome...from Miguel Ferrer, Kelly Lynch, Penelope Ann Miller (as I stated earlier above), Michael David Morrison, etc...

The colors of the sets, inside rooms, buildings, lighting, neon lights, etc...were all superb!! :clap: I love the colors of Glanz's (Guilfoyle's) photography studio...where he took that bum from the outside alley and wrapped him up in plastic, splattering him with red paint to simulate blood. Besides that "twisted" scene, the teal walls/ceiling and pink chair & love seat totally made that room! :cool: I really liked most of the colors and lighting used for this episode--very captivating, wild, and eye-catching. Also, I laughed my butt off at the bag lady in the alley...as Crockett was showing up at Glantz's and his camera people were taking the bum inside. What the heck was up with her walk? She just kind of had this bizarre, spastic-like waddle from side-to-side as she drug this garbage bag behind her. :)

The music in this one was outstanding! :radio: As always Jan Hammer's themes and songs were awesome and truly "MV"! But the Depeche Mode songs in this were absolutely superb--Never Let Me Down Again and Pleasure, Little Treasure! But, I love Depeche Mode period...so of course I'm going to enjoy those. But, other awesome songs included the "haunting" The Edge of Town by The Truth, Vet For the Insane by Fields of the Nephilim, and The Story Never Ends by Naked Prey. However, one aspect that didn't set quite right for me was the pastels missing from the fashion or wardrobe. Everyone seems to be dressed in darker tones...and that's just not "MV". But, I think this was around the time that Dick Wolf was changing things--including the colors of the clothes.:evil: But, I do like Crockett's hairstyle better than season 3, and I also like the black Wayfarers he wore...instead of those other strange black sunglasses from season 3. These shades aren't tortoise shell like seasons 1&2...but at least they're Wayfarers. :cool:

I also thought the end was a little over-the-top and strange. ?( I mean, of course we all understand why Crockett would want to just show up and beat the "crap" out of Glantz...but really?? Glantz was not some scuzzy, low-life drug dealer that would never press charges because he didn't want to have police attention. He was unfortunately high-society and had tons of high-up connections--from politicians, lawyers, judges, probably the mayor, etc... Crockett would have been arrested, fired from the OCB, and probably sent to prison for assault & battery and intent to do bodily harm. The last scene of him handing the bum (same homeless drunk Glantz used earlier for his plastic wrap project) Glantz's leg porn award was kind of "appropriate" and even humorous. Also...was it ever explained why Gina and Trudy were at the erotic film festival at the beginning? I understood the introduction of Milton Glantz and his snuff film Death and the Lady...but then all of a sudden Gina and Trudy are there. Were they into violent, erotic porn (after all later Gina says she's seen Glantz's film and he as a nice touch) :p ...or were maybe they there to look for drugs or illegal-age porn stuff? Just never quite figured that one out...But, overall this episode was superb :glossy: and one of my favorites of season 4 & the series! :clap: I gave it a 9 (only reason I held off with a 10 is because of the no-pastel clothes and the strange ending with Glantz's beating). ]

Present--2017:

I just watched this one again last night, and it still mesmerizes me! This one is very "dark" and disturbing...yet captivates and fascinates you to find out what really happened, and who really died. I've compared another episode a while back to a film noir...but this one truly captures the essence of a noir--MV style of course! ;) By far this could be the best episode of the 4th season. However, I still think the ending was a little too bizarre...and could have been done differently. As I stated before, Crockett would most likely be fired and/or even prosecuted as Glantz was too politically connected...so the assault on him would not have gone un-punished. I thought a different kind of "revenge" or ending should have taken care of Glantz instead of the crazy beating from Crockett.

The snuff-film episode of CSI that I mentioned in my original review above, had it where the girl the film maker killed in the film was HIV positive...and some of her blood splashed in his face while stabbing her, and it seeped into his body through his eyes...yeah, I know, gross!! :wuerg: But, ultimately he got his comeuppance as he ended up getting the same strain of AIDS she had, and was going to die soon himself. I know Amy Rider did not have AIDS in this episode of MV, but I thought maybe her sister Jill could have gotten some kind of revenge...or the father? No biggie though...the episode is superb, just thought the ending could have been different. :thumbsup: 

Both fine reviews - thankyou - a fine episode :hippie:

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 months later...
2 hours ago, Boca Raton said:

This is my #1 favorite episode of the entire series!

too bad that season 4 overall is probably my least favorite season...

This is definitely one of my favorites of the season and series! :thumbsup:  However, my all-time favorite episode/s of the entire series is the Hit List / Calderone's Demise 2-parter! :dance2: :clap:

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

10 hours ago, ViceFanMan said:

This is definitely one of my favorites of the season and series! :thumbsup:  However, my all-time favorite episode/s of the entire series is the Hit List / Calderone's Demise 2-parter! :dance2: :clap:

Greatbpost Vicefanman !:hippie:

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 year later...

One of my favorite episodes of the series! Absolutely wicked, my only nitpick is the constant recycling of Hammer's ques but oh well. The ending is quite memorable..."do you like that? Is that chic!?"

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

11 hours ago, Rattlehead said:

One of my favorite episodes of the series! Absolutely wicked, my only nitpick is the constant recycling of Hammer's ques but oh well. The ending is quite memorable..."do you like that? Is that chic!?"

Fully agree...amazing, captivating, yet shocking & heartbreaking all at the same time! One of my favorites too! The ending was the only quirk I had with it...Crockett beating Glantz up the way he did (and not having any repercussions—possibly prosecuted let alone fired), and then just walk down the alley while leaving your Ferrari sitting open right there was a little too over-the-top & goofy to me. But overall, an amazing piece of television art for the 1980s! :glossy: 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well cops get away with beating people up all the time and Sonny didn't really hurt him all that much.  I think Glantz actually got off on what Sonny did to him.  His final reaction is almost post-orgasmic.  Plus in Glantz's mind it would be a moral victory to cause the upstanding cop Sonny to finally lose control.  Sonny is beating him for his own form of gratification even if it's in the name of justice.  That's part of what makes this ep so disturbing.  Sonny is too upset to drive.  I think he saw something in himself during the beating and he is frustrated by it..  He storms off leaving the car as a weird form of protest.  Kind of like a prisoner trashing his own cell.

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I feel the same way about the ending, @ViceFanMan

The last time I watched this one, it seemed they were just trying to show that Crockett was to the point to where he didn’t care what the repercussions were for any of his final stark raving actions. 

Edited by Dadrian
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.