Written by Glen Morgan & James Wong
Directed by Jorge Montesi
Airdate: April 30, 1989
Guest Star: Bridget Fonda (Molly)
You may recall the phrase "thousand points of light" from Neil Young's rocker "Rockin in the Free World." It was also something of a campaign slogan for the 1988 George Bush campaign. 21 Jump Street remains an artifact of the Reagan era; but its willingness to provide nuance on issues affecting '80s youth makes the series useful for getting inside the psychic weather of the decade. This episode is a prime example.
Homeless runaways are getting murdered, so the Jump Street unit goes undercover on the gritty streets of Metropolitan (Vancouver). It's a tough assignment for everyone as they see how street kids are being exploited by sex traffickers and drug dealers. Ironically, Penhall gains the nickname "Trump" for his skill at conning people out of money. Hoffs befriends Molly who is part of a runway gang surviving together.
Bridget Fonda plays Molly, a rare example of a guest star carrying a Jump Street episode. In 1989 she was on the cusp of stardom and would appear in many mainstream hits like Single White Female and numerous indies. She brought a quiet strength and dignity to Molly.
Glen Morgan and James Wong's script was both cinematic in design and rich in characterization. Depp only appears in a few scenes, but he gets to nab the killer who tried to solicit him.
The episode offers a gritty depiction of America as the '80s were coming to a close, a country where many were still left behind.
Final Report: Jump Street at its best, richly layered and nuanced.
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