Booker: S1E2: "The Pump"

Written by Stephen J. Cannell & Nicholas J. Corea

Directed by Mark Sobel

Airdate: October 1, 1989

Guest Stars: Holly Robinson (Judy Hoffs); Steven Williams (Fuller); Don Cheadle (Frenchie Sayles)

Closure is a major theme in the second episode of Booker. The episode begins with Dennis paying a visit to the Jump Street Chapel to drop in on his old unit, but everyone is too busy to chat, although Hoffs promises a dinner meeting the next night. 

Later Booker runs an operation for Teshima to bust some computer hardware thieves. He finds it all pedestrian when compared to his Jump Street days. Before his meeting with Hoffs, she gets shot (a superficial wound) on a bust gone wrong. Booker immediately pursues an investigation, leading to one of the city's most dangerous gangs. 

Don Cheadle appears in an early role as a gangster who has Booker on his hit list. The story culminates with a final confrontation, as Booker brings the guilty party to justice. He decides to keep working at Teshima after almost getting fired (again). 

While it was great to see Hoffs and Fuller again, their presence felt a bit forced other than to remind the audience the two shows were connected. The story itself was slightly convoluted, but at least it ended with the actual series of Booker ready to stand on its own. 

"The Pump" refers to the adrenaline rush of making a bust. 

Booker: S1E1: "Booker"

Written by Stephen J. Cannell

Directed by David Jackson

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.