Airdate: September 24, 1989
Cast: Richard Greico (Dennis Booker); Carmen Argenziano (Chick Sterling); Marcia Strassman (Alicia Rudd); Katie Rich (Eliane Grazzo)
Booker debuted as a spin-off of 21 Jump Street, following the adventures of Dennis Booker as an insurance investigator for the Teshima Corporation. The series aired for one season on Fox and never quite took off, although it stands as minor cult favorite for its flashy style and wily plot twists.
Richard Greico was brought on for the third season of 21 Jump Street initially for a few episodes but eventually became a regular. Officer Booker stood a contrast to Johnny Depp's conscience ridden Hanson and was more in the traditional TV mode of the tough guy cop. At first, Booker skewed antisocial and was morally questionable in his methods but eventually became more approachable.
For the debut episode of Booker, the writers smoothed the edges of the character even more, giving him a heart of gold while maintaining some edge, he tells his assistant Katie he goes his own way and will defy any authority figure if warranted.
The episode begins with Dennis working as a dive bar bouncer and hanging out with former Jump Street buddy Doug Penhall - they lose a fight. The next day Booker gets a call from his old boss Captain Fuller who recommended him for a high-level corporate security gig at the Teshima Corporation.
At the interview Dennis apparently walks on his boss Chick Sterling about to get into a tryst with his secretary. Chick hires Booker on the spot, in return for a promise never reveal what he saw (Chick's a family man). We're also introduced to Alicia Rudd known as the "Dragon Lady" who Booker must report to. Despite the trashy opening, the story develops a moral backbone.
Katie just got off jury duty and believes she voted to convict an innocent young man. She convinces Booker to investigate the case, and they discover links to the mob and a boxing racket. Booker uses the resources of the corporation to amass enough evidence to free the young man, while ignoring the insurance investigation he was supposed to be working on! Chick was about to fire Booker but changed his mind because of the good PR brought to the corporation for getting a verdict overturned.
TV legend Stephen J. Cannell wrote the episode, the creator of 21 Jump Street and many other legendary shows. The Pilot featured twists and sly humor and allowed the audience to see another side of Booker in a corporate setting.
