Miami Vice (TV Series) One Eyed Jack (1984) User Reviews

Introducing Lt. Martin Castillo; a solid episode

[DVD_Connoisseur · 8/10 · 5 March 2007]

Although it's difficult to avoid playing "spot the stunt-double" in this episode of "Miami Vice", it's a well structured and interesting tale with some memorable moments.

"One Eyed Jack" is notable as being the first story to include the ultra-cool Martin Castillo. Never a man of many words, his first interactions with Crockett and Tubbs aren't particularly friendly but Crockett soon starts warming to his new boss. Picking Edward James Olmos for the part of Castillo was inspired casting. With Olmos joining the regular cast, the "Miami Vice" series truly stood out as landmark television. Not surprisingly, in 1985, Olmos won an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role in the series.

The cast of "One Eyed Jack" includes the first appearance of the excellent Dennis Farina as Lombard. Joe Dallesandro ("Flesh for Frankenstein") plays Vincent, Lombard's debt collector.

Although it's another dark episode overall, "One Eyed Jack" is a rare occasion where the final scene and freeze-frame leaves the viewer in a more upbeat mood than normal.

8 out of 10.

Castillo walks in

[Mr-Fusion · 8/10 · 7 April 2016]

One of the things that really helps to sell 'One Eyed Jack' is the casting of Dennis Farina as a mob heavy. He doesn't have all that much to do here, but he's got screen presence. And I'm of the mind that he only enriches a cast. This is a great episode; good story, Crockett's under the microscope, and Tubbs gets to swoop in and save the day.

But it's also notable for Edward James Olmos' introduction. And clearly the producers knew what they wanted with him from minute one. It's all tightly-wound brooding as soon as he strolls in. This is a series turning point and the difference in squad room climate from the pilot is striking.

Talk about an entrance.

8/10

Crockett gets set up and the new lieutenant arrives

[Tweekums · 9/10 · 12 March 2012]

This episode opens with Crocket and Tubbs staking out a small time gambling. Crockett is somewhat surprised when Barbara, an old flame of his, turns up; she clearly has large gambling debts that she can't pay and things are about to get rough. Crockett tries to sort things out for Barbara buts finds him self being set up and is arrested for taking a bribe by Vincent DeMarco. Everybody knows the man running everything is one Albert Lombard but he is too clever to get his hands dirty. Tubbs manages to make contact DeMarco, who works for Lombard, and gets a job. He then sows seeds of doubt between Lombard and his DeMarco. As well as worrying about the case against Crockett the team have to contend with a new lieutenant; the new man, Martin Castillo is very different to his predecessor; he expects his team to do everything by the book but equally he will stand up for them.

While the case was of the usual high standard with some decent action, which including a great fight scene near the start, the real highlight of the episode was the introduction of Lt. Castillo. Edward James Olmos, best known these days for his role in 'Battlestar Galactica', does a great job introducing the character... one can tell he won't be doing any comedy relief! Talking of comedy there was a funny scene where to animal control officers tried to impound Elvis the Alligator who had gone off Crockett's boat and crashed a party! The ending was pretty downbeat although I suspect that means we will be seeing Lombard again some time.

Miami Vice: One Eyed Jack

[Scarecrow-88 · 8/10 · 22 February 2010]

Edward James Olmos makes his first appearance as the steely, intense, incomparable Lieutenant Martin Castillo, not one to mince words, he speaks only when it's most important and doesn't appreciate any form of disrespect from those under him. Crockett gets in hot water when he attempts to help an old friend, Barbara(Janet Constable), who is deep in gambling debt to an uncompromising loan shark, Albert Lombard(Dennis Farina, a real mean sonuvabitch, whose sole purpose in life is to make money). Lombard's right hand man, Vincent DeMarco(Joe Dallesandro), is responsible for setting up Crockett, having him caught with 8 grand(it was to go to Barbara and her husband over equipment stole to pay for the money she has yet to pay). Internal Affairs agent Ben Schroeder(Dan Hedaya)places Crockett under investigation for possibly working for Lombard as a dirty cop and takes his badge until matters are taken care of. Meanwhile, Tubbs is successful in infiltrating Lombard's group under the disguise of crooked hotshot in Philly, hoping to set up Vincent so that he will turn on his boss for protection(..and to confess to setting up Crockett). Tragedy occurs in regards to Barbara who was unable to settle her debt and Crockett will have a hard time convincing her husband not to get even with DeMarco who set up the hit. It all comes apart at the end on the heels of perhaps getting something really strong on Lombard and how outside forces potentially interrupt the perfect opportunity to bust a powerful criminal. Great supporting cast and the addition of Olmos, in his debut, make this episode stand out. While we see some friction and unease between Castillo and Crockett & Tubbs(..the personality clashes really enhance the series), there's a marvelous scene where Schroeder relentlessly/doggedly hounds Crockett with his boss lending him a helping hand(..seeing Olmos lay into Hedaya is pure gold), showing that this lieutenant will stand up for his cops. Dallesandro has quite a strong supporting role as the handsome scumbag, pure slime in custom suits, with a wicked grin you just want to sand off, who meets his match in a wily Tubbs.

One of the better episodes.

[mm-39 · 7/10 · 13 October 2018]

Crockett's strong arm tactics against a loan sharks/gaming back fire as the Detective tries to help and old friend. The mob creates a perfect frame on Crockett and make Crockett a One Eyed Jack. Crockett is marked and targeted by internal affairs, which is the hook that kept me watching . The new Lt is introduced. Marty is not going be like the old L T. Cold, stoic and by the book the Marty is the heavy for the Vice squad. The mob feel for One Eyed Jack is real life. The budget, acting, casting builds are perfect vehicle for Don Johnson's character. Crockett, is gritty, tough and thinks quick and reacts correctly, which make Crockett shine in One Eyed Jack. Such a strong character that Marty was introduced as a counter balance for Crockett. The L T can real the sometimes hot headed Detective back in. Miami Vices starting to hit a good stride with One Eyed Jack. One Eyed Jack made Johnson the star of Miami Vice.

One Eyed Jack

[Prismark10 · 6/10 · 14 July 2021]

Crockett and Tubbs are checking out some small time illegal gambling bookmakers. When Crockett sees an old flame getting roughed up. She has accumulated some large gambling debts.

It all leads to Crockett being investigated by Internal Affairs. He has been set up by crooked Vincent DeMarco on behest of his mob boss Lombard.

It is up to Tubbs to disrupt the cocky DeMarco by playing a hood who has come to Miami.

The episode introduces Lt. Castillo played by Edward James Olmos. He is a marked contrast from his deceased predecessor. Stoic and a man of few words. Tubbs learns that he is not a man to be messed about with. Crockett realises that Castillo is loyal to good cops.

There is a lot of action from cleverly disguised stung doubles. Elvis the alligator get snappy. Some nice 80s pop music. It also marked the end of the exasperated and/or comic relief police chiefs.