Most of Miami Vice's buzz-generating episodes were in season 1, but season 2 offers several series benchmarks. Two of Johnson's finest hours are "Back in the World" (which he directed) and "Buddies," two episodes that explore Crockett's Vietnam War experience. Thomas got his chance to shine in "Prodigal Son" and "Sons and Lovers," in which Tubbs becomes a target of the vengeful Ivan Calderon. "Bushido" is an always-welcome showcase for Emmy-winner Edward James Olmos as Castillo, who helps shield an associate's Soviet wife and son from the CIA and KGB. "Out Where the Buses Don't Run" boasts an Emmy-worthy performance by guest star Bruce McGill (D-Day in Animal House) as an unhinged former vice cop. Miami Vice stylishly subverted TV cop drama convention, but despite one too many downbeat endings that freeze on a devastated Crockett, it remains exhilarating to re-visit. There are no extras on this three disc-set, but the episodes are enough to make you want to party like it's 1985. --Donald Liebenson