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+
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