Written by Jonathan Glassner & David Levinson
Directed by Jorge Montesi
Airdate: October 27, 1990
New Cast member: Michael Bendetti (Officer McCann); Guest Star: Scott Grimes (Christopher)
New Jump Street recruit Officer McCann is assigned by Fuller to investigate the murder of a High School student. The school in question employs a buddy system to pair mentally challenged students with underprivileged students.
The focus of the episode is on McCann learning to work with Hoffs and Penhall. At first, he's secretive and not too friendly. Later it's revealed McCann once worked in Newark and got entangled with a corrupt unit. Apparently, the Chapel is back to the clubhouse concept of the first season, as no one seems to be around (budget reasons?).
Michael Bendetti, the actor playing McCann, seemed like an attempt to replace Hanson, he even vaguely resembles Depp. He gets in a good jab at Penhall about being too old to work High Schools. The story focuses on McCann trying to bond with a student who witnessed the murder, played by future ER cast member Scott Grimes.
I can see how fans of 21 Jump Street were frustrated and confused when these shows aired. Two new cast members were quickly discarded. Stories are already being recycled. The novelty of the concept was part of what made the early seasons work, along the cast chemistry and smart writing. Other TV series, ER being the best example, successfully balanced legacy characters with new cast members. But the brief syndication era of Jump Street is like trying to enjoy your favorite band after the core members had left.
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