Save the Cat rankings

Miami Vice script analysis

Miami Vice script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Miami Vice opens with a high-octane offshore boat race introducing Crockett and Tubbs’ undercover operation. Early scenes establish the central conflict—drug smuggling via freighter and the personal stakes when Gina is kidnapped. Midpoint complications arise with Alonzo’s betrayal and suicide, leading to their darkest hour before mounting a final assault to rescue Gina. The story culminates in Crockett’s moral standoff with Isabella and a reflective final image.

45 Save the Cat fit score 67% analysis confidence / 130 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

70%

The film opens on a thrilling offshore powerboat race, setting tone and style.

Burnett, what's crackin'?
2

Theme Stated

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 5% target

60%

Early dialogue about risk hints at themes of loyalty and danger in undercover work.

3

Set-Up

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 10% target

65%

We meet Crockett, Tubbs and their operation aboard the freighter.

4

Catalyst

Scene 4 / Page 1 / 12% target

60%

Gina accompanies the team to Colombia and is spotted by Yero, raising stakes.

5

Debate

Scene 5 / Page 1 / 20% target

60%

The team debates whether to proceed after Gina’s abduction is threatened.

6

Break into Two

Scene 6 / Page 1 / 25% target

60%

They commit to the mission and move deeper into Yero’s world in Barranquilla.

7

B Story

Scene 5 / Page 1 / 30% target

60%

Isabella’s introduction and her growing relationship with Crockett develops a parallel love story.

8

Fun and Games

Scene 6 / Page 1 / 40% target

60%

Undercover meetings in the nightclub showcase stylistic play and undercover banter.

9

Midpoint

Scene 27 / Page 1 / 50% target

75%

Alonzo’s suicide marks the turn: personal cost becomes devastatingly real.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 28 / Page 1 / 65% target

65%

Fujima ropes them into the Aryan Brotherhood operation, tightening external pressure.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 27 / Page 1 / 75% target

70%

Alonzo’s death and the collapse of the first drug deal feels like total failure.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 29 / Page 1 / 80% target

65%

Crockett and Tubbs question their choices when the Aryan case goes sideways.

13

Break into Three

Scene 31 / Page 1 / 85% target

65%

They launch a decisive SWAT raid on the Indian River marine shed.

14

Finale

Scenes 151-153 / Page 1 / 95% target

70%

A multi-boat assault, rooftop shootouts and rescue of Gina deliver the climax.

15

Final Image

Scene 168 / Page 1 / 99% target

65%

Crockett and Isabella’s dreamlike cypress house scene closes with emotional ambiguity.