If aliens tuned into our broadcasts and could only see one show that would describe life in the 1980s, we want that show to be Miami Vice.  Then the aliens can proceed with blowing up the planet if they wish to.

Sonny Crockett and Rico Tubbs—played by Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas, respectively—were Miami undercover cops, battling to stem the tide of drug trafficking, prostitution and corruption. Crockett had a wild style all his own and was perfect for masquerading as drug runner Sonny Burnett, who drove a Ferrari and kept a pet alligator on his boat. Tubbs hailed from New York City but after following his brother’s killer down to Miami, he decided to transfer and stay on as Crockett’s partner. The pair reported to Lieutenant Castillo, a laconic, taciturn man who had very clear views on right and wrong. Edward James Olmos played Castillo and won an Emmy for his role. Other detectives in the department included Gina Calabrese, Crockett’s brief fling, Trudy Joplin, Gina’s partner, Stan Switek, the policeman who battles a gambling addiction and Larry Zito, Stan’s partner.

The show featured a steady stream of big name guest stars and guest musicians. Music, cinematography and action were as important (or more important as some critics pointed out) as character development and plot. Filming on location allowed the lushness of sub-tropical Miami to become a supporting character and also exposed the grittiness of life in the poverty stricken areas of the metro area. For all its flash and pastel suits, the lead characters’ jadedness with the futility of their work was a palpable theme in almost every episode.

Miami Vice broke many TV cop show conventions but it had the most impact on men’s fashion during that decade. Crockett’s uniform du jour of light-colored linen suits, pastel T-shirts and slip-on loafers worn without socks started a men’s department revolution. Copycats and emulators could be spotted from coast to coast and every place in between. The fad of alligator ownership mysteriously didn’t catch on.

After the third season ratings began to slip and producers tried every trick in the book to win back audiences. As is often the case, a change in direction didn’t work and the show was canceled after five glorious seasons, being immediately snapped up by syndication. It forms the backbone of the Sleuth Network’s programming right now, proving that you can take the earthlings out of the 80s but you can’t take the 80s out of the earthlings.

YouTube: