Miami Vice Knock, Knock... Who's There? (1984–1990) Online

When an undercover operation is spoilt because the DEA storm in, arrest everybody and take all the drugs and buy money before leaving the local police to pick everybody up Crockett and Tubbs are understandably annoyed. They are even more frustrated when the DEA refuses to comment on the operation and fail to return the police department's money that was being used for the buy... there is a good reason for the DEA to be keeping quiet; they have no knowledge of any such raid and it is rather embarrassing to think somebody could be impersonating them! Things soon get even worse for Crockett and Tubbs when Internal Affairs starts investigating them; with out the money and with no help from the DEA they will have to work quickly to catch the impersonators and clear their names before they are suspended.

This was another fine episode; when we learn that a member of the DEA was leaking information to the gang of impostors we can sympathise with her motives; she needs the money to pay for the medical treatment of her son. Guest star Elizabeth Ashley puts in a fine performance as the desperate mother who is torn between her sense of duty and her desperation to help her son. Another notable guest star, at least for British viewers, is Ian McShane who plays South American drug dealer Esteban Montoya; he brings just the right combination of charm and danger to the role. I was rather expecting it to end with the mother dying and thus providing the needed kidney for her son and must say I was pleased that that cliché was avoided.

This is one episode of many of 3 that features a story that is so realistic and powerful. The previous two seasons and the last two seasons which were very weak in storytelling and characters, were into nothing but style and almost very little to nothing in substance. Not 3 and certainly not this unbelievable very gritty episode Knock Knock Who's There. The episode touches on the subject, "What a mother would go through to save her child from dying". Even if it meant to break the law or sell her soul to the devil. In this case the devil is played by Ian McShane as a drug dealer who indeed has a very devilish grin. The loving caring mother is played by Elizabeth Ashley who does a sensational job and puts so much realistic emotion into her character.

The episode is absolutely perfect. Superb storytelling, character relationships, action, music, cinematography and an incredible sense of realism. The episode sets it's gritty tone in the beginning all the way to the end and never once stops. The man though that steals the show is Internal Affairs Investigator Strohl played with such conviction by James Dybas. Strohl who is seen only in 2 scenes, but those 2 scenes capitalize him as one of the many unforgettable characters of Miami Vice. Strohl in his scenes drives Crockett up the wall and is so threatening towards him. Strohl has two of the best lines in this episode that is aimed at Crockett, but the first one really nails it that this guy might be even way more ruthless than McShane's character.

The line aimed at Crockett: "After all the clothes, cars, and boats are washed away your nothing more than a 32,500 year flatfoot just like the rest of us. If I even think your the lease bit dirty, I'll hold your head underwater until you float". That is just one of many, many great moments of this classic, unbelievable great episode of 3 and of Miami Vice!

Okay but lame! Captain Lou from wrestling is in the Knock Knock episode. Solo from Star Trek is also in this episode. Miami Vice is known for big names. Crockett and Tubbs must chase down a prostitute who witnessed a murder. Don Johnsons real wife at the time plays a madam. The viewer experience how awful Crockett's dating/social life. Well, acted, directed and executed episode. By the number story with a the usual violent climax. The sad part is when Crockett must face the disastrous social life. Okay, but I would miss this one. 6 out of 10