21 Jump Street: S2E10: "How Much is that Body in the Window"

Written by Clifton Campbell

Directed by Neill Fearnley

Airdate: November 22, 1987

Guest Stars: Dan Gauthier (Mike); Zoe Trilling (Jody)

After a 16-year-old gymnast dies from steroid overuse, Penhall and Hoffs are sent to investigate. Hoffs wears dorky glasses and sweaters, while Penhall mixes in the with the jocks to sniff out the steroid ring. A subplot has Hanson wanting to become a Big Brother to fill a void in his life, only to get involved with the woman running the program.

The episode hits the steroid theme hard, blaming the overtly competitive nature of High School sports and the winning is everything attitude fostered by parents and coaches. Penhall befriends Mike who is heavily into steroids but sympathizes with the challenges he faces. He gets dressed down by Fuller for imbibing one of the substances for fear of blowing his cover (you learn how to throw up).

Hanson wants to be a Big Brother, which leads to an odd tension with Penhall who seems to think taking a child under his wing would be the wrong move. Hanson voices his annoyance at Penhall's tough guy approach to police work. But it all works out for Tom, since he catches the eye of the attractive administrator of the program. 

The "steroid" plot felt mostly contrived, but the scripts were smartly starting to focus more on character, specifically the psychological toll of undercover work. The episode randomly ends with a Dragnet denouement, in this case the Jump Street crew failed to help the students' using steroids.  

Final Report: B

21 Jump Street: S2E9: "You Oughta Be in Prison"

Written by Bill Nuss

Directed by Kim Manners

Airdate: November 15, 1987

Guest Stars: Reginald T. Dorsey (Waxer); Tony Todd (Aaron); Tom Bresnahan (Jeremy) 

Hanson and Penhall go undercover as bodyguards to protect a young movie star (Jeremy Stone) who is filming a movie in the city. Meanwhile, 'Waxer" Thompson, the drug dealer Hanson put away in the Pilot episode, escapes from prison and seeks revenge. 

There's a heavy "meta" element to this episode with characters goofing on the movie business. Both Hanson and Penhall resent playing babysitter for an egotistical star who's been getting death threats and getting into scraps with the Paparazzi . Penhall observes, "all people do is stand around and do nothing" on movie sets, but he changes his tune when he gets his test his own acting chops - and nails it!

Tyrone "Waxer" is back in town

Meanwhile, "Waxer" has quite a journey. In Juvenile Prison he gets into a fight and kills another inmate, his warden played by Tony Todd, sends him to an adult prison. But the bus crashes Fugitive style on the transfer and he escapes. At his safehouse he happens to see Hanson on a news report and decides to pursue revenge. He manages to kidnap Hanson and Stone, but then Hanson manages to distract and arrest Waxer.

Hanson's evolving persona

There's a wackiness to the episode with its showbiz satire and the random callback to the first season. Peter DeLuise is especially comical here with his line deliveries, while Depp's cool detachment may signal his boredom with the character. Hanson's no longer the erstwhile rookie of the Pilot episode but now affecting a surly and jaded persona. The writing and direction are also much tighter and punchier than the first season. 

Final Report: B+

21 Jump Street: S2E8: "Honor Bound"

Written by E. Paul Edwards

Directed by Bill Corcoran 

Airdate: November 8, 1987

"Honor Bound" has the Jump Street crew investigating a roving gang terrorizing and beating up gay men. Most of the attacks occur around a military school, where Hanson and Penhall are sent to investigate. They also must live there 24/7 since it's a boarding school.

Ioki is sent undercover to the gay club where the attacks are taking place, cluelessly asking Fuller what he should wear. Unfortunately, Ioki is targeted by the cadets on his way out and ends up in the hospital.

At the military school Hanson ensconces himself with the gang responsible for the violence, he ingratiates himself by being macho and using homophobic slurs. He even sucker punches Penhall during gym class, who seemed pissed. Hanson learns some cadets like to go out on "search and destroy" missions targeting men leaving the club. That's extremely messed up, but I don't doubt such behavior happened then - even now. 

"Honor Bound" is critical of the homophobic attitudes among young men during the 1980s, in one scene a cadet faces his gay older brother whom he despises, and they argue it our but nothing much is resolved. When the patrons at the club unite and defend themselves it's an empowering moment. 

Comic relief scenes feature Penhall trying to avoid getting a haircut seem unnecessary. The script seemed to need more seriousness considering the subject matter, and I wonder how much the network censored due to the controversial subject matter for the 1980s. especially during a time when gay characters were often absent or stereotyped on network TV. 

Final Report: B

21 Jump Street: S2E7: "Don't Stretch the Rainbow"

Written by Patrick Hasburgh

Directed by Kim Manners

Airdate: November 1, 1987

Guest Stars: J.A. Preston (Principal George Messiah); Ned Vaughn (Mark); Gretchen Palmer (Nicolette); Alvin Alexis (Patrick)

Hanson and Hoffs are assigned to a High School where racial tensions are high. A group of white students are angry about interracial couples and integrated sports teams. Fuller's annoyed with Hanson and Hoffs dismissive attitude about racism, Hanson says, "The March on Washington was before my time." We learn Hoffs comes from an affluent Black family (and she thought Bernie Goetz was right), while Fuller grew up working-class. He points out there were few Black officers on the force when he was hired.

At the school tensions only get worse, racial slurs and physical intimidation are used against Black students, a riot breaks out. J.A. Preston plays the principal, who is black and holds an assembly laying down the law. Eventually the ringleader spewing the racial hatred is revealed after he fires a slingshot during a track event. The episode ends with Hanson and Hoffs appearing as a couple to diffuse a tense confrontation. Nothing is necessarily resolved by the end; there are no easy solutions. Over the end credits, Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream Speech" was played. 

The episode deserves credit for addressing racism in 1980s America, especially within schools. The attitudes of Hanson and Hoffs implies they no longer view race as an issue, but they learn that's not the case. The racists at the school are skillful in stirring up resentments, using rhetoric still used today, about white people losing jobs and opportunities because of affirmative action.

The title of the episode referenced the Ntozke Shange play, "for colored girls who have considered suicide/When the rainbow is enuf."

There was also a subplot with Penhall trying to become a Stand Up-Comic, he bombs, but what an "80s thing. Also, at one point Hanson is tracking a bad guy in a boiler room, shades of Nightmare on Elm Street. 

Final Report: B

21 Jump Street: S2E6: "Higher Education"

Written by E. Paul Edwards

Directed by Larry Shaw

Airdate: October 25, 1987

Guest Stars: Michael Horton (Brent Sayles); Christianne Hurt (Joy); Deborah Wakeman (Denise); Michael MacRae (Donald)

Ioki is accused of fathering a child with a High School student in an episode that places the Jump Street Unit under fire. Meanwhile, a TV producer pressures Capt. Fuller to go on TV and defend the program. 

When confronted the accusation, Ioki denies having any knowledge. He unwisely visit's the girl's house and gets himself arrested, causing Internal Affairs to place him under surveillance. Hanson is assigned to support Ioki through the investigation. Hoffs is assigned to the school befriend Denise to get to the bottom of what's going on. Meanwhile, Fuller, charmed by a sexy TV producer, goes on TV and gets grilled.

Hoffs and Penhall observe Denise visiting her teacher Mr. Sayles, who was introduced in the cold open as the "cool teacher" popular with girls. Hoffs gets Denise to admit she was dating her teacher who coerced her into sex. Hanson and Fuller pay a visit pay a visit to the teacher who insists everything was consensual, you know it's serious when Fuller throws on the shades. When Denise's father learns the truth, he rampages the school with a baseball bat to find Sayles, who admits his guilt. 

"Higher Education" deals with serious issues of date rape and consent, the over-the-top ending felt very 1980s TV. 

Final Report: B

21 Jump Street: S2E5: "After School Special"

Written and Directed by David Jackson

Airdate: October 18, 1987

Fuller and Hoffs go undercover at a school experiencing gun violence. The episode begins with a tense confrontation between a science teacher and a student that ends with the teacher getting shot. 

Hoffs tries to infiltrate the gang of students smuggling guns into the school, while Fuller subs for the science teacher. In the classroom, Fuller expertly deals with students who immediately challenge him, a precursor to The Substitute movies. In the faculty lounge, teachers talk about arming themselves. One asks Fuller out on a date - to go gun shopping! 

Meanwhile, there's a side story dealing with Hanson's mom who is moving in with a new man - to his chagrin. The less said the better, but we do learn that Hanson still loves to bowl. 

School violence is handled in a cartoonish matter. The 1980s predated the time of mass school shootings so these episodes feel quaint. A common talking point is that arming teachers will stop school violence. I'm not a gun person, but arming a non-law enforcement person and putting them in a stressful classroom situation seems like a recipe for disaster. 

On the issues of school violence during the 1980s, movies tried to provide answers ranging from the misguided Lean on Me to b-movie faire like The Principal, the answer typically being schools simply need to get tough. "After School Special" fails to address systematic issues surrounding violence and offers simple solutions. In saying that, Fuller showing off his undercover skills was the one bright spot. 

Final Report: C+

21 Jump Street: S2E4: "Two For the Road"

Written by Paul Bernbaum

Directed by Steve Beers

Airdate: October 11, 1987

Guest Stars: Rob Stone (T.J.); Pauley Shore (Kenny)

"Two for the Road" comes perilously close to being a PSA episode. Fuller informs the crew Fake IDs are everywhere and teenage drunk driving related deaths are way up. The Jump Street unit is tasked with stopping the counterfeit ID operation, while, with irony, Capt. Fuller is picked up for DUI after leaving a party.

The story follows T.J., who is responsible for crippling his friend when driving drunk. Hanson and Penhall go undercover at a High School and hang out with a group of hard partiers, including Pauley Shore, to lead them to the illegal ID operation. Hanson makes a connection with T.J. - which takes a dark turn when the truth of what happened after the accident is revealed.

Fuller works to rebuild his reputation after his arrest, convincing the Internal Affairs Board at his hearing he only had a few drinks. He maintains an oddly petulant attitude throughout but gets reinstated. 

The episode might remind you of one of those "Don't Drink and Drive" videos from High School. If there's a takeaway, don't drink and drive, just don't do it. 

Final Report: C+

21 Jump Street: S2E3: "Besieged Part II"

Written by Jonathan Lemkin

Directed by Bill Corcoran

Airdate: October 4, 1987

Guest Stars: Josh Richman (Ronnie); Renee Jones (Darlene); Bruce A. Young (Sgt. James Adabo)

The second part of "Besieged" aptly handles the fallout from the first part: Hoffs and Penhall are distraught over their failures, while Hanson is tasked with getting to the bottom of the drug-related killing. 

Fuller pairs Hanson with Sgt. Adobo to see if Penhall's accusations of corruption have any merit. Meanwhile, with both in vulnerable emotional states, Penhall and Hoffs hook up one evening. Both realize it was a mistake and wisely decide to just remain friends. 

Hanson admires Adabo's approach to police work, even though his methods can sometimes push the line. Internal investigations show Adabo has a history of police brutality, later he confesses to Hanson his hopelessness about stopping drugs on the streets, especially distraught over the problem being passed on to the Black community. 

Hanson still suspects High School Kingpin Ronnie is responsible for the murder despite his repeated denials, he even drags Blowfish along to confront him at the bar (where Blowfish almost gets killed - what were you thinking Hanson?)

Evidence accumulates that point to Adabo as the killer, as the police close in, he takes his own life after confessing to Hanson on the phone. On a more hopeful note, Hoffs takes Darlene to rehab.

Capt. Fuller directs a challenging investigation.

The melodramatic turn of this episode allowed all the characters to grow. Hanson learns some hard truths, Hoffs and Penhall overcome their "mistake", while Fuller wisely handled a complex investigation that revealed a cop overstepping his bounds. Guest star Bruce A. Young brought humanity to a difficult role. 

Final Report: B+

21 Jump Street: S2E2: "Besieged Part I"

Written by Jonathan Lemkin

Directed by Bill Corcoran

Airdate: September 27, 1987

Guest Stars: Josh Richman (Ronnie); Renee Jones (Darlene); Bruce A. Young (Sgt. James Adabo)

A drug related killing at one of the city's most dangerous High Schools sends the Jump Street Unit into action with Hanson going undercover at the school to investigate the drug ring, Penhall goes on patrol with a veteran cop in the crime ridden Piedmont region, while Hoffs works with the victim's girlfriend Darlene.

At the school, Depp's in full Donnie Brasco mode as he befriends Ronnie, a key operator in the school's drug trade. Penhall's having a Serpico moment as he observes the corrupt methods of Sgt. Adabo, who pushes a suspect off a roof at one point, thinking Training Day. Hoffs gets a taste of Darlene's sad, chaotic life. 

Penhall goes to Fuller about the corruption he's witnessing, ending the first part of the story. "Besieged" is a busy episode, giving everyone something to do, except Ioki. The story depicts the prevalence of drugs and urban decay, making this a grittier entry in the series.

Final Report: B

21 Jump Street S2E1: "In the Custody of a Clown"

Written by Clifton Campbell

Directed by Kim Manners

Airdate: September 20, 1987

Guest Stars: Barney Martin (Edison Coulter); Kurtwood Smith (Agent Phillips); Ray Walston (Judge Desmond); Joshua John Miller (Brian)

As an early hit for the fledgling Fox Network, 21 Jump Street was renewed for a second season with a slate of 22 episodes. 

The premier of Season 2, "In the Custody of a Clown", started things off on a quirky note. The plot revolves around a grandfather (Edison) kidnapping his grandson (Brian) because his yuppie parents are neglecting him. At first report, the unit fears the case could become a media sensation, so the FBI is called in, Kurtwood Smith briefly reprised his role as the cranky Agent Phillips. A subplot dealing Hoffs parents their marital difficulties went along with the family theme.

Grandpa picked Brian up at school one day and they decide to go camping. They send fake ransom notes to the police - and there's a fake bomb threat at one point. Eventually, the Jump Street crew locates Grandpa and moves in for the arrest, Hanson was disguised as a woman for unexplained reasons

At the hearing, the presiding Judge is played by veteran actor Ray Walston who brings some gravitas to a lackluster episode. Grandpa acts as his defense, proving that Brian's shady parents are dropping the ball in the quality time department. Walston is sympathetic but does invoke a 6-month restraining order for all the time and effort put into the case. Hanson and Penhall get reamed by Captain Fuller and get a 2-day suspension for obstructing evidence; they just hated seeing Grandpa go to jail.

The episode missed a few opportunities. Issues of parent neglect and latchkey kids are never fully addressed; the script went with for a comical tone. Also, Barney Martin appeared in the Pilot episode as Depp's partner whose near retirement, but here he's playing a different character entirely, allowing Hanson to have a history with him may have added more weight to the story. Joshua John Miller who played Brian, appeared everywhere as a child actor during the 1980s, most famously in River's Edge and Near Dark.

Final Report: C+