Tuesday, May 5, 2026

21 Jump Street: S5E17: "Under the Influence"


Directed by Jorge Montesi

Written by Sharon E. Doyle

Airdate: March 23, 1991

Guest Star: Leslie Bega (Stevie)

Attacks on homeless people are traced back to a circle of High School students engaged in 'Satanic rituals." Fuller works undercover at a shelter, while Mac tries to infiltrate the students involved in the rituals. 

They are led by "Stevie" who is really involved in the dark arts - for unspecified reasons. They enact blood oath rituals and are behind the attacks, so it goes beyond cosplay. In an uncomfortable scene, she attempts to seduce Mac. Eventually Mac lures them into attacking the shelter again and they are arrested.

By 1991, the Satanic Panic was on the wane, but this episode plays on the outrageous stories circulating at the time. It comes at the subject not from a religious but a law enforcement perspective. 

On a lighter note, Fuller and Mac decide to attend a Nightmare on Elm Street marathon at the end of the episode - reference to Depp's absence? 

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21 Jump Street: S5E17: "Under the Influence"

Directed by Jorge Montesi Written by Sharon E. Doyle Airdate: March 23, 1991 Guest Star: Leslie Bega (Stevie) Attacks on homeless people are...