Miami Vice Cool Runnin' (1984–1990) Online

From the dramatic pre-credits sequence involving an unexpected shooting and a high-speed chase involving two vans, "Cool Runnin'" is an exciting and witty episode that is not short of real emotion.

As with so many episodes of the series, this is an example of excellent television. It is simply a joy to behold - every scene is a gem. Although "Miami Vice" has a gritty edge to it, there's always an element of escapism to the proceedings, even if it's just an opportunity for the viewer to admire the beauty of Miami itself. Not all of the scenes are set in beautiful surroundings, of course. This tale certainly has its seedy locations and they add genuine atmosphere to the proceedings.

In this episode, Crockett and Tubbs realise they're both prepared to cut corners in order to get the right result.

The late, great Charlie Barnett makes his first appearance in the series as the likable Neville 'Noogie' Lamont.

8 out of 10.

'Cool Runnin' concerns itself with dead cops and crazed Jamaicans but the real action is with a new recurring character: Noogie Lamont. And between you and me, he's a great addition to the show. When done right, a rap-layin' hustler can add some flavor to the proceedings, and Charlie Barnett's spastic physical comedy really makes it a likable character. Barnett's also got some nice chemistry with Don Johnson and it adds more definition to Crockett. The guy actually cares about his informants.

Noogie never got a chance to overstay his welcome on the show, and it's always nice when he shows up in an episode.

7/10

As this episode opens Crocket and Tubbs are waiting to see a small time drugs deal go down and are shocked when the apparent sellers gun gown the buyers with automatic weapons before making off with the cash. They give chase but are forced to stop when they are fired upon too. The Jamaican gangs next victims are two vice cops on a sting operation; after this the police are willing to follow any lead even those coming from a dubious informant who calls himself 'Noogie'. He drags them around half of Miami without much luck and eventually homicide detectives arrest people driving the van that attacked Crockett and Tubbs; these people are Haitian though... did somebody misidentify the killers' accents or did homicide arrest the wrong people? Away from the main plot Crockett's wife has filed for divorce; he was expecting it to happen sooner or later but he wasn't expecting her to want to move to Atlanta with their son.

I don't think this episode was as good as previous ones but it was still entertaining. I found 'Noogie' to be a bit too over the top even as a comedy relief character... That's not to say he wasn't funny at times; just that he tried to be funny at all times even the wrong ones! The story was exciting though and featured a great start and a thrilling shoot out at the end. Back when it first aired these scenes would have been considered far too violent by TV's self-appointed 'moral guardians' but these days the lack of blood makes them positively tame and I wouldn't worry about letting older children watch this episode... how times have changed!

In this episode of Miami Vice, Crockett and Tubbs must shakedown dangerous Jamaiican drug dealers leaving dead bodies all over Miami streets, killing those they set up supposed deals with. C & T will have to use, albeit reluctantly, a fast-talking, unflappable, small time crook(the kind that deals contraband)named Lemont(Charlie Barnett who is quite a live-wire)as their informant in order to set up a deal with a menacing long-time criminal named Desmond..Desmond(Afemo Omilami) and Lemont spent jail time together in Atlanta. Motivating Crockett and Tubbs to stop these guys, besides the bloodshed, is that two of Sonny's friends from the academy(there's a scene where they are on Crockett's boat for a little lobster get together)were victims of the Jamaiicans after a bust falls apart. From this drug deal that went sour, the dying detective is able to describe Desmond's car, while the other soon falls into a coma. Through Lemont, Crockett and Tubbs are able to successfully set up a drug deal..Crockett, unknown to his informant, provided the meet at Lemont's house, to the chagrin of his partner, understanding the risk involved. This episode also establishes the impending divorce between Sonny and his wife, and that she wants to move to Atlanta..obviously this raises the ire of Sonny who isn't very amused with the idea of his son living in Atlanta, so far from his father. This episode is really a showcase for Barnett, whose loud personality and silly shtick lightens what is normally a pretty intense show. Why I love this show is because each episode plays like a mini-movie, with good production value and an interesting setting. And, like Barnett, you never know what kind of character might turn up next. If there is a fault to this episode is that it feels a little rushed at the end, but concludes on an upbeat note.