Written by Glen Morgan & James Wong
Directed by Jefferson Kibbee
Airdate: October 30, 1989
Guest Stars: Pamela Adlon (Dori); Ian Abercrombie (Lemieux)
In the Halloween themed episode "Old Haunts in a New Age", the Jump Street cast gets to relax and lighten things up for a change. Written by Glen Morgan & James Wong, the episode is full of allusions to classic horror and Sci-Fi. The story follows Hanson and Penhall as they investigate a string of arsons at a high school, while the squad back at the chapel discovers a literal skeleton in the attic.
The episode's cold open follows High School student Dori who seems to be present at all the fires, the sequence is stylistic and set to a New Wave soundtrack, very similar to how Millennium (1996-1999) would begin its shows (Morgan & Wong also wrote for that series). Hanson and Penhall observe goings on at the High School and find no clues, they rule out Dori but are intrigued by her claims of having visions.
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| Nice homage to Spielberg |
While driving at night Penhall is overcome by bright lights like Richard Dreyfuss in Close Encounters in a fun scene. After the skeleton is found at chapel, they consult a Ouija Board and invite a crank medium. No one seems to be around at the precinct, are we back to the clubhouse of season one?
The climax happens at the Halloween school dance. Hanson goes as Travis Bickle, I'm sure that was Depp's idea. Depp even seems to be having fun for a change. Even "Blowfish" makes an appearance, it's been a while.
"Old Haunts in a New Age" is a treat for fans of the series. It taps into the absurdity motif running through the fourth season. The tone of this season is not unlike the senior year of high school; everyone can let loose and have some fun (although there will be serious episodes).
Final Report: A minor Halloween classic of the 1980s TV canon.
