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
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