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+