Monday, January 15, 2018

My Crazy Youth: The Time That Aliens, James Brown and Chris Rock were on 'Miami Vice'

I could do a great many things on this Holiday.  For some reason though, this just seems right.

I was mostly too young to watch/enjoy Miami Vice when it aired, but I've obviously had plenty of time to do so since.  It's a pretty simple premise- Undercover Cops in Miami solve crimes.  Like many Shows, it ran for a long time.  As such, odd ideas started to slip in.  For example, today's Episode.  There's no sugar-coating this one- it's about alien abductions.  Do they happen?  Is there another explanation?  For some reason, this one also features James Brown, here as a sort-of Parody of himself.  It also features the first major Acting Gig for Mr. Rock.  Between them and Tubbs, I'd say that this Day seems right to highlight it.  It's just plain weird, so let's jump right in...
At a stake-out near a Theater promoting some sci-fi Film, a man freaks out at the sight of some Cosplayers and dives though a window.

Do you get it now?  'Jump right in.'  I crack myself up.
Their Coroner works the case and has some strange visions that night.  She seems bothered by it and explains her condition.

While the group try to figure it out, a Co-Worker appears- Chris Rock!  He's an Alien Abduction 'Expert' and guides them to someone to help.
Meanwhile, the visions continue.  Yes, Peanut Butter does play an important part in it.  No, I don't know why.

It does help to know that this was Directed by Ate De Jong though.
They see James Brown, here playing some guy who talks to people about their Abduction Stories.

On top of that, he also appeared in the visions as a Soul Singer not called James Brown, but appearing as 'Living in America' plays in slow-speed.  Right.
Meanwhile, Chris Rock keeps showing up.  It's like they knew he'd be famous in less than 10 years.
They get a sort of explanation for what is happening.  The CIA is putting hallucinogens out there in Miami, figuring that the incidents wouldn't stand out in a place so known for its drug culture.
Separately, however, there are also people that seem to be working for real aliens (maybe).  Our Heroes get Rock and the woman off of the boat and...
...but then our Heroine starts to have weird visions and wakes up in bed.  What really happened?
****

So that was odd.  The Story start out seemingly-simple and then just goes off of the rails.  Brown is a guy who talks to people who 'were abducted,' but also appears a dead Singer based on himself...and also is working for the CIA.  The most random parts are obviously the visions.  Showing stills from it (like below) don't truly show you just how crazy this all is.  Burning backgrounds, Peanut Butter Jars and more!  As an added bonus, Chris Rock.  His Character is not apparently new, but also only appears in this Episode.  How big is the Undercover Narcotics Team that he just never shows up again?  He was just always there in another Room and will be for the next 3 years.  This is barely a case for the team to be even be working on to boot.  They eventually find that a form of drug trafficking is going on, but they certainly didn't know that for a while.  This one sure is an oddity, to say the least.  One last crazy vision for the road...
Bat shit insane stuff.  How did this end up on Miami Vice?!?  Oh and Happy MLK Jr. Day.

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