Written by Larry Barber and Paul Barber
Directed by Jorge Montesi
Airdate: April 30, 1990
Guest Star: Steven Eckholdt (Lance)
Previous episodes of 21 Jump Street dealt with racism; "Shirts and Skins" might one of the more introspective takes. Penhall has infiltrated a white nationalist organization, while Hoffs and Ioki monitor anti-fascists. During a protest confrontation, Hoffs takes some minor injuries. Ioki also gets in a scuffle with some skinheads. He also hears one of the so-called anti-racists make derogatory comments.
Penhall discovers tension between the skinheads and nazis. The nazis want educated white people in their group who will take power through the democratic process. Lance is being groomed by his grandfather for such a role.
The idea of white nationalist politics going from fringe to mainstream politics is a theme reveals the prescience of the script. Nothing is resolved by the end, but Penhall does expose a murder plot. Hoffs, Penhall, and Ioki all face moments when they reckon with their own attitudes on race. The episode for the most part avoids being heavy handed.
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