Written by John Truby
Directed by Jefferson Kibbee
Airdate: October 16, 1989
Guest Stars: Tim Thomerson (Gordon Brooks); Richard Cummings Jr (Mr. Bosley)
The authoritarian new principal who's going to kick ass and take names became a favorite trope of the late 1980s. From a grumpy Jim Belushi wielding a baseball bat in The Principal or a determined Morgan Freeman in Lean on Me, the idea of a powerful personality taking over a troubled High School resonated with audiences. Sometimes it was a teacher, Stand and Deliver or Dangerous Minds being two examples.
In "God is a Bullett" Tim Thomerson of Trancers fame guest stars as a principal who wants to rule the school with an iron fist. Hoffs and Penhall are sent in to investigate the situation. Principal Brooks is so impressed with Penhall after he breaks up a fight he's made permanent hall monitor. Hoffs follows her usual method of ingratiating herself with the troublemakers.
 P |
| Penhall seeks advice |
Not a bad episode, but one embodying the exhaustion starting to hit the series. There's a whole "are we still doing this" energy to everything. Penhall's tired of playing referee, while Hoffs finds it almost too easy to manipulate students.
The best scenes in the episode are in the classroom where Mr. Bosley is teaching The Great Gatsby. The novel's social commentary on class privilege leads to class discussions getting the students to ask tough questions about America, leading Principal Brooks to censor the teacher. Now that's a great premise for an episode!
Final Report: The old formula still works, but barely.
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