Golden Triangle Part II

Season 1, Episode 14

Original Air Date: 1/18/1985

Songs Featured: The Blues Project "Catch the Wind", The Coasters "Poison Ivy", The Bobbettes "Mr. Lee".

Notable Guest Stars: Keye Luke, Joan Chen, Charlie Barnett

Essential Viewing: Yes

"Golden Triangle Part II" maintains a heavy focus on Lieutenant Castillo on its way to wrapping up the events of part I.

The episode doesn't quite deliver on the promise of Part I, but it's still a solid episode. By the end Castillo is a fully drawn character. Where in previous episodes the viewer was given a clear idea of Castillo as a professional, "Golden Triangle Part II" exposes the man. Seeing how he deals with his wife and an old foe is a wonderful character study.

With all of the focus on Lieutenant Castillo it isn't surprising that the rest of the cast takes a back seat. Crockett, Tubbs, Gina, Trudy as well as Switek and Zito all contribute but act as ancillary characters. For a show that is remembered as being about Crockett and Tubbs the past two episodes show that the entire cast  really shaped the show.

This episode is also noteworthy as being the first and only episode where executive producer Michael Mann received a writing credit. He co-wrote the episode with Maurice Hurley.