21 Jump Street: S2E22: "School's Out"

Never say Goodbye

Written by Eric Blakeney

Directed by Kim Manners

Airdate: May 22, 1988

Guest Stars: Max Perlich (Mad Maxie); Kris Kamm (Jimmy)

Season two of 21 Jump Street concluded with a meandering episode as members of the unit consider their futures as the program appears to be in jeopardy. 

Fuller informs everyone the unit will be closing down for the summer - and the change might be permanent. Hoffs gets what appears to be a sweet job working PR for the department but instead finds herself dressing up as a milk carton and visiting schools. Penhall plans to work with the intelligence unit, while Ioki crunches some numbers to present to the city council. 

Hanson is the only one working a case, a "mad bomber" is flooding the toilets at a High School. Now such a job might be beneath a police officer (can't the school figure that one out) yet Hanson's having trouble cracking the case! He also befriends Jimmy, a kid who lives in the boiler room because he's got no home. Hanson finally gets the culprit just before the commencement ceremony! 

Fuller does his best to work the administration, but the episode ends with the fate of Jump Street unclear. The core cast even say their goodbyes in the final scene. Apparently, the Fox network (like the fictional city in the show) was being cagey about renewal, so the episode was written as a possible series finale. Penhall wonders if the job has stunted his development - he appears to be ready to wed Dorothy. Hanson mentions being tired of working High Schools, while Fuller is told he's being fast tracked for promotion. Still, no one's quite ready to go their separate ways, not yet anyway. As Fuller says, "the city needs us."

Thankfully, the series was renewed for an explosive third season! 

21 Jump Street: S2E21: "Cory and Dean Got Married"

Written by Clifton Campbell

Directed by Kim Manners

Airdate: May 8, 1988

Guest Stars: Rainbow Harvest (Cory); Kevin Wixted (Dean)

Hoffs and Penhall are assigned on a detail to escort a fugitive juvenile. Both teenagers, Cory and Dean got married and are also suspected in the killing of Cory's father. If you're expecting Badlands or Natural Born Killers you might be disappointed, for this is mostly an easy-going romp similar to the noir classic They Live by Night.

It's my understanding Hoffs and Penhall were assigned the case because the crime happened in their jurisdiction. They pick up Cory and travel by bus and rented car to transport her back home. Unbeknownst to them, Dean is tracking them and eventually kidnaps Hoffs. After a tense confrontation, Penhall agrees to let them go if they give up Hoffs. They track Cory and Dean to their cabin and even let them spend some time together before taking them in. There's strong evidence the murder was a case of self-defense.

Despite some overlong scenes, this penultimate episode of season 2 had some nice character moments and the "on the road" vibe was a welcome change of pace. Hoffs calls Penhall a "romantic" for his lenient attitude towards the young couple in love. In real life, the fictional couple in the episode actually did get married. All's well that ends well

Final Report: B

21 Jump Street: S2E20: "The Best Years of Your Life"

Written by Jonathan Lemkin

Directed by Bill Corcoran

Airdate: May 1, 1988

Guest Star: Brad Pitt (Peter)

While investigating a theft ring at a High School the Jump Street crew is thrown into upheaval after one of the students involved takes his own life. The suicide leads to Penhall revealing a dark part of his past.

In the aftermath, Hanson investigates the culture at the High School and finds there's been a rash of students who are depressed with their lives. Penhall tries to play it all cool, but then reveals his mom took her own life when he was a kid. 

The episode tries to deal with the issue of teen suicide, which was becoming a major concern during the 1980s, we hear several times it's the leading cause of death among teens. Depp's performance is eccentric here; he seemed to be going for a Christlike demeanor as he tries to tell kids it will all be ok.

Brad Pitt appears in one of his early professional jobs as one of the students, even sharing some screen time with Depp.

This was definitely a case of Jump Street getting heavy handed - with mixed results.

Final Report: B- 

 

21 Jump Street: S2E19: "Raising _____"

Written by Jonathan Lemkin

Directed by Bill Corcoran

Airdate: April 17, 1988

Guest Stars: Christian Clemenson (Charles Greening); Mark Arnott (Bob)

Hoffs goes undercover to stop a drug dealer using High School students to sell his product. She comes to gain the affection of the dealer Charles, who talks about wanting to leave the business and his abhorrence of violence, although his henchman Bob is more than willing to use it.

"Raising Marijuana" takes on the old trope of the undercover operative sympathizing with the criminal. Another Stephen J. Cannell produced TV series Wiseguy drew a lot from the premise. Depp's 1997 film Donnie Brasco also dramatized a real-life example. 

Always the professional, Hoffs does the job right and has Charles put away. A subplot with Penhall and Ioki, working the High School end of the operation, acting like they are dorky twins was painfully unfunny.

Big stripes are a choice

Always the voice of reason, Fuller advises Hoffs to leave the job if she's starting to feel morally compromised. When a narcotics agent is killed in a shootout, pretty violent for Jump Street, Hoffs knows what needs to be done. We even get a Miami Vice style raid at the end.

Mostly a middling effort, although it was cool Hoffs get to be the lead in a storyline again. Surprisingly, the legalization of pot, is never raised, it seems there was no better plot to at least broach the issue. 

21 Jump Street: S2E18: "Brother Hanson & the Miracle of Renner's Pond"

Written by Paul Bernbaum

Directed by Bill Corcoran

Airdate: March 13, 1988

Guest Stars: Dann Florek (Jim Crawford)

Hanson is assigned to investigate book burning in a rural town "at the edge of the county." He goes undercover as a pious young man and befriends the son of the religious science teacher. Mr. Crawford insists on teaching creationism; he's deeply religious and distrusts Darwin's theory of evolution. He also believes his son was revived after drowning.

An offbeat episode, weaving between social commentary, spirituality in the Reagan era, even making nods to the fantastical. Hanson questions whether it's ok to teach religion and bring back school prayer. Fuller schools him that until the constitution changes, there's must be a clear separation between church and state. Although not referenced, after what Hanson's been through with losing Amy and the student (Harley) he bonded with who died of AIDS, it's not surprising he's questioning his beliefs.

Hanson ponders his beliefs

The episode also nods to the growing influence of Christian fundamentalism during the Reagan era. Townspeople start to harass a science who insists on teaching Darwin; there's this overall sense that Christians feel compelled to force their beliefs on the unwilling, often in the name of "saving the children."

The episode tried to achieve a sense of balance. While there are religious people who take it too far, most believe in separation of church and state. The script goes out of its way to say religious and scientific worldview need not be mutually exclusive. Hanson manages to emphasize with both perspectives, which displays an arc from his indifference earlier in the episode. 

If anything, the issues raised in this episode are hardly relics of the 1980s but have only become more controversial in the 2020s. Book banning is rampant, and Christian Nationalists want to impose their views on everyone - and they now sit at the highest levels of power. 

Final Report: B+

21 Jump Street: S2E17: "Champagne High"

Written by Paul Bernbaum

Directed by Larry Shaw

Airdate: March 6, 1988

Guest Stars: Peter Berg (Jerome); Andrew Koenig (Wally); William B. Davis (Mr. Wickenton)

After a string of heavy episodes, "Champagne High" lightens things up with the return of the McQuaid Brothers! Hanson and Penhall get back into character as the proudly delinquent duel causing trouble at local High Schools.

The plot's just a bit convoluted on this one. A new busing law has caused class tensions at a High School, and the Jump Street crew is called into investigate a car theft ring. Depp and DeLuise really ham it up this time around, only they're more jokesters than troublemakers. I actually laughed when they "hijacked" a school bus. But they have hearts of gold - stepping in to help academic overachiever Wally fend off bullies. 

Fuller sets up a sting operation that goes wrong, arresting the wrong kid. But in the end things work out, the car theft ring is stopped. There's also a subplot about an abusive father. A student develops a serious crush on Hoffs and starts giving her expensive gifts. Like I said, there's a lot going on.

Have you seen Animal House?

The McQuaids are given lots of funny lines, they really enjoyed acting like bozos (Penhall seems to be doing a "Bluto" thing). The "Cigarette Smoking Man" William B. Davis appears as a teacher (Is Jump Street a part of the X-Files universe?). Peter Berg plays one of the school bullies, he would star in Wes Craven's Shocker the following year and go on to become a big Hollywood director. 

The story comes close to recycling a Season 1 episode, but the looser structure and jokey dialogue goes down easy.

Final Report: B

21 Jump Street: S2E16: "Orpheus 3.3"

Written by Bill Nuss

Directed by James Contner

Airdate: February 28, 1988

Guest Stars: Art Hindle (Det. Stafford); Allan Miller (Dr. Enlow)

"Orpheus 3.3" continued to move 21 Jump Street into a more serious direction. The story follows Hanson as he deals with the aftermath of his girlfriend Amy getting killed in a holdup that went wrong.

We met Amy a few episodes back, this story begins with Hanson preparing to break up with her. On their night out they argue about where to eat and end up stopping at a convivence store where the crime occurs. A few days later Hanson reappears at work and seems fine, but Fuller orders him to speak with a therapist, Dr. Enlow. Hanson confesses, he didn't love Amy, but in the aftermath, he loves her more than ever.

Everyone's aware Hanson's internalizing his pain as he becomes obsessed with watching the surveillance video of the shooting, questioning why did not act sooner to stop it. He becomes isolated and discouraged about the detectives on the case who seem disinterested. His mental health starts to slip. He begins his own investigation and in a suspenseful sequence, manages to arrest Amy's killer. Hanson had the chance to shot, but he did not kill. Fuller compliments Hanson on going "good police work" and ask if the pain has gotten better, and Hanson simply says, "No." 

Bill Nuss wrote a strong script, gritty and even cinematic at times. It gave Depp a chance to deliver an intense performance, matched by Steven Williams who offers cautious guidance. Considered one of the best episodes by original fans, I would agree. I did find another blog complaining the episode was too "dark" for Jump Street, I would disagree, nothing's better than a TV show stretching its possibilities with strong storytelling.  

Final Report: A

21 Jump Street: S2E15: "I'm Ok - You Need Work"

Written by Clifton Campbell

Directed by Neill Fearnley

Airdate: February 21, 1988

Guest Stars: Brandon Douglas (Kenny); Christina Applegate (Tina); James Stephens (Mark Rafferty)

Hanson takes a grave risk by infiltrating a drug rehab center for teens where he suspects abuse is going on for profit. For the second time there's callback to the Pilot episode, Kenny, the drug dealing kid Hanson tried to help, is trapped in a horrible facility.

Kenny reached out to Hanson by sending him letters with his sister as intermediary. Fuller warns Hanson not to get involved, but Hanson lies about going on vacation and goes undercover inside the clinic. He finds all sorts of abusive behavior going on and even gets himself being restrained for hours. Kenny's attempt to escape end in his death, while Hanson starts to lose his own sanity and sent to the state hospital. Luckily, Hoffs and Fuller were able to rescue him. Their walk through the hospital hall is pure house of horrors. 

Christina Applegate appears as a troublesome resident, while James Stephens, famous for the legal series The Paper Chase, plays the nefarious administrator. 

One of the bleaker entries in the series. Hanson fails to save Kenny and almost gets himself locked up for good, but he does manage to expose the abuse. Unfortunately, if you do some googling, you'll see these places are always under investigation. 

Final Report: A-

21 Jump Street: S2E14: "Chapel of Love"

Written by Jonathan Lemkin and Bill Nuss

Directed by Michael Robison

Airdate: February 14, 1988

Guest Star: Mindy Cohn (Rosa Banducci)

It's Valentine's Day at the Chapel and the boys are left dateless, so they decide to spend the evening playing poker and swapping "bad date" stories.

Sal talks about the night before he married his wife, Rosa. Penhall tells a farcical story about attempting to date beautiful twins on the same night/same restaurant - only to confess he made up the entire story! Fuller talks about how jealousy and misunderstanding led to his divorce. Hoffs arrives late from a bad date of her own in which her gentleman made a failed effort to serenade her at a Sushi place. Hanson talks about his High School Prom date, tragically the night his father was killed in a holdup.

I liked how the episode moves from the comical to the tragic as we learn more character backstories. DeLuise seemed to be having fun, while Depp brought his usual angst. Overall, a mostly easy-going "hangout" entry in the series. 

Final Report: B+

21 Jump Street: S2E13: "A Big Disease with a Little Name"

Written by Patrick Hasburgh

Directed by Neal Fearnley

Airdate: February 7, 1988

Guest Stars: Phillip Tanzini (Harley); Gina Nemo (Dorothy)

"A Big Disease with a Little Name" is a historically important episode of 21 Jump Street. With an audience composed of mostly young people, a story dealing with the AIDS epidemic was a bold move. 

Capt. Fuller assigns Hanson to watch over High School student Harley Poolish who has AIDS and is being bullied by other students. Being a hemophiliac, a small cut could prove fatal. Hanson reluctantly accepts the assignment. I wonder if Fuller did this because of Hanson's interest in being a Big Brother a few episodes back. 

At school. Hanson's job is basically to be Harley's bodyguard and confidante. Hanson witnesses the bullying and social isolation must face at school and they start to form a connection. Harley loves to ride motorcycles and they bond over being adrenaline junkies. Hanson's also perplexed at why Harley's parents are so distant.

Harley bonds with Hanson

Later Harley confesses to Hanson he did not contract AIDS through a blood transfusion or a needle, although he never says, "I'm gay", that's the implication. Furthermore, he reveals to Hanson his plans to end his life by riding over a cliff. They have an intense talk about God and belief. Later Harley breaks down and simply asks for Hanson's emotional support. The episode ends with Hanson learning Harley died from pneumonia.

It would be easy to dismiss this episode as preachy, but I would disagree. Despite some clunky dialogue at times, and a silly subplot with Penhall getting back with his High School girlfriend Dorothy, it's important to consider the context. Clearly, Harley's story was inspired by Ryan White, a young boy who caught AIDS through a transfusion, and became a spokesman, informing and educating the public. Anyone who coming of age in the late '80s and 1990s was deluged with warnings about the epidemic. 

Depp took a humanistic turn in this episode. Hanson's willingness to accept Harley, providing emotional support and comfort with no judgement was important for young people to see. The pop culture of the 1980s was blatantly homophobic, and for TV audiences to see a heterosexual young man willing to hug and show compassion towards a young gay man was important. To its credit, the script pointed out Reagan's refusal to publicly acknowledge the existence of AIDS and the government's lackadaisical response to the crisis. 

Final Report: A

21 Jump Street: S2E12: "Fear and Loathing with Russell Buckins"

Written by Gary S. Hall

Directed by Kevin Hooks

Airdate: December 27, 1987

Guest Star: Angelo Tiffe (Russel Buckins); Marl Alaimo (Shields); Elizabeth Keifer (Debbie)

After Penhall and Hanson botch a case involving street racers (proto-Fast and Furious) they are sent back to the Police Academy. Fed up with being a cop and frustrated he never rebelled as a teenager, Hanson decides to go AWOL.

He meets up with his old buddy Russell who informs Hanson his crush Debbie from High School is about to get married. You see, Hanson and Debbie were supposed to meet over Christmas break the year after graduation, but it never happened. Tiffe as Russell brings an unusual energy to the episode, he's like a Drew Carey and Tom Arnold hybrid. He convinces Hanson to crash the wedding, on the road trip Hanson gets a tattoo and apparently wrestled a bear (don't ask).

Meanwhile, Penhall tries to mentor younger cadets to no avail, while the instructor (Shields) rides him relentlessly. Hanson eventually meets up with Debbie and even gets her to consider running off with him, but it's not to be. Hanson decides to go back and has a heart to heart with Fuller, who convinces him to keep going.

Debbie's getting married

Depp was pleading with the writers to step up their game, and they answered the call, continuing to allow his character to expand. The episode pays homage to Hunter Thompson's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas - and Depp would later play Thompson in the Terry Gilliam film. A surprising amount of pop culture DNA can be found on Jump Street.

Final Report: A-

21 Jump Street: S2E11: "Christmas in Saigon"

Written by Bill Nuss

Directed by Kim Manners

Airdate: December 20, 1987

The episode begins with a holiday party at the Chapel until it's interrupted by officials from the Immigration Services. They question Ioki, who has been faking his identity since he joined the department. His real name is Vinh Van Tran and he's not from Japan but was a refugee from Vietnam.

The episode follows Ioki as he tells his story. A teenager during the fall of Saigon in 1975, his parents were both killed when they tried to escape. He managed to find transport to Guam, but not before losing his best friend. He befriended American servicemen and made it to America and was raised by a foster parent in St. Louis. His dream was to become a cop.

Under investigation by Internal Affairs, Ioki is also in hot water from Fuller. A Vietnam veteran, Fuller carries a distrust of Vietnamese people and resents Ioki for the lie. The crux of the episode weighs on Fuller's testimony at the hearing, who gets Ioki absolved of any wrongdoing. Hanson points out the force needs diversity, and Ioki is the only Vietnamese officer on the force, so Fuller eventually comes around. Even Captain Jenko (RIP) is referenced in the episode since he recruited Ioki for the Jump Street program.

Holidays with the Jenko family

A strong episode because it deals with conflict and resolution within the unit. It was also the first focus on Ioki, continuing the season's focus on character development. There's also a post-Vietnam theme with Ioki and Fuller coming to terms with the war and how it affected them.

On a light note, they all share Christmas dinner at Sal's place (Mindy Cohn from Facts of Life plays his wife!). Hanson's still dating Amy, the social worker from last week. As a bonus, the episode begins with Depp, Nguyen, and DeLuise doing their Brando impressions. 

Final Report: A-