One Eyed Jack

Season 1, Episode 6

Original Air Date: 11/02/1984

Songs Featured: Honeymoon Suite "New Girl Now", Eric Clapton "Wonderful Tonight", The Pointer Sisters "Jump (For My Love)".

Notable Guest Stars: Dennis Farina, Dan Hedaya, Joe Dallesandro

Essential Viewing: Yes

With the death of Lieutenant Rodriguez in Calderone's Return Part I the Vice Division was in need of a new leader. After a brief authority figure appeared in Part 2 Edward James Olmos finally made his debut as Lieutenant Martin Castillo in episode 6 "One Eyed Jack".

The episode starts with Crockett and Tubbs on a routine (and politically motivated) surveillance of an illegal sports book. Crockett is bored by it and explains to Tubbs that they do this once a year and round up nobody of any importance. The top dog, Al Lombard always escapes unscathed.

The surveillance uncovers that  one of Crockett's old friends is in deep with a bookie. Crockett attempts to help her and is set up by Lombard. He's accused of taking bribes by Internal Affairs and assigned to desk duty. Meanwhile, Tubbs infiltrates Lombard's organization.

Tubbs quickly causes chaos in the organization and by the end of the episode he has one of Lombard's men wear a  wire with the intention of having Lombard incriminate himself. (This same guy also signs an affidavit stating that Crockett was not taking bribes).  Unfortunately things don't go as planned and Lombard escapes with what will be little more than a slap on the wrist.

For the most part this would be a pretty forgettable episode if not for the notable guest stars and the debut of Olmos' Lieutenant Castillo. His cool, unflappable character is established right out of the gate and adds the final ingredient to what would become the "Miami Vice" that most viewer's remember.

BONUS AUDIO ESSAY!