21 Jump Street: S4E4: "Come From the Shadows"

Written by Larry Barber & Paul Barber

Directed by David Nutter

Airdate: October 9, 1989

Guest Stars: Kamala Lopez (Marta); Kristoffer Tabori (Father Jim Kelly)

Penhall, Ioki, and Hoffs are sent undercover to a Catholic High School to investigate an illegal adoption ring. Much of the story revolves around the ongoing Civil War in El Salvador (1980-1992). A member of the school faculty is leading a movement against the stance of the U.S. Government on the Civil War, often holding demonstrations in class on the ongoing human rights abuses. 

Penhall falls in love with one of the activists Marta, a refugee from the country. To prevent her deportation, Penhall proposes marriage. So, they get married! The episode ends on a downbeat note as Marta is deported despite the marriage.

"Come From the Shadows" is a mostly joyless episode. Hanson is absent, Penhall and Ioki argue, and the adoption plot lacks a dramatic punch. Still, the focus on international affairs and criticism of U.S. policy carries some weight.