21 Jump Street: S5E22: "Second Chances"

Written by Jim Brown

Directed by Steven Williams

Airdate: April 27, 1991

Guest Star: Martin Cummins (Nick)

"Second Chances" was the final episode of 21 Jump Street. 

Hoffs volunteers for the "Second Chances" program which helps rehabilitate students with a record. When Nick, one of her former students, is suspected of leading a car theft ring, she takes a renewed interest in the case. She finds Nick's shop class is indeed involved in car theft (recalling a first season episode) but his involvement is peripheral. 

Hoffs begins to mentor Nick again, offering advice on school and jobs - he's unhappy working at the fast-food joint. Eventually, a scheme is hatched to break up the ring that's led by the "Auto Class" teacher. There's some decent action for the climax and Nick even saves Hoffs from a crowbar attack! Mac provided backup throughout the case, according to IMDB his brown jacket was worn by Hanson for an earlier episode.

Steven Williams directed the episode, providing a neo-noir flavor to the visual style. 

While the final season of the series lacked the ambition of previous ones, all the episodes were decent. Rehabilitation as a theme for the final episode seemed appropriate, ending the series on an understated, but graceful note. 

Thanks for reading these! I plan to keep making the occasional post that will reflect on 21 Jump Street and its place in television history. And I want to write the obligatory "Top Ten Episode" listicle. Star Tuned! 

21 Jump Street: S5E20: "Bad Day at Blackburn"

Written by Thomas Perry and Joe Perry

Directed by Brenton Spencer

Airdate: April 13, 1991

Guest Star: Michael Cudlitz (Dennis Richards)

"Bad Day at Blackburn" channeled some energy from earlier seasons of 21 Jump Street. Fuller, Hoffs, and Mac must stop a group of students from terrorizing a High School, extorting students through physical intimidation.

The episode begins with Fuller witnessing his old friend having a heart attack as they talking about the old days. In full mid-life crisis mode, he begins working out and decides to take on the school bullies single handedly. Suddenly were in one of those school vigilante films from the 1980s! There's a boxing scene where Fuller actually loses control. 

More stylistic than previous episodes of the fifth season and Williams bring more intensity than usual, proving the series still had some edge it its final few installments. 

21 Jump Street: S5E16: "Coppin' Out & Cop Love"

Directed by Brad Turner

Written by Simon Ayer

Airdate: February 23, 1991

Guest Star: Fay Hauser (Adrienne Wallace); Markus Redmond (Charles Wallace)

As the Jump Street unit investigates a rash of break-ins aimed at senior citizens, Fuller dates the mother of one of the suspects.

Fuller meets Adrienne in line at the grocery store and they begin seeing each other. Adrienne's teenage son Charles is good natured, but a little suspicious of Fuller dating his mom. 

Meanwhile, circumstantial evidence points to Charles as a suspect in the robberies. Charles is arrested and brought in for questioning, but Joey finds another lead in the robberies, proving Charles was innocent. Despite their connection, Adrienne breaks it off with Fuller - understandable. 

Well written as a quiet drama, returning to themes of ethics and police work. As per usual Steven Williams does a nice job of carrying the episode. This was also the final appearance of Michael DeLuise as Joey Penhall in the series. You're almost looking for crews to start tearing down the sets at this point. 

21 Jump Street: S4E23: "How I Saved the Senator"

Written by Gary Rosen

Directed by James Whitmore Jr.

Airdate: May 7, 1990

Guest Star: Ray Parker Jr. (as himself)

"How I Saved the Senator" opens with a news crew barging in on the chapel - sending everyone for cover. Earlier that day, the Jump Street Unit was working security for a senator and foiled a plot. The reporter confesses she's actually a screenwriter and wants to get everyone's account of what happened. It's a fun take on Rashomon and a showcase for the entire cast. Appropriately, it would the final time all the principals appeared together. 

Ioki's fantasy imagines himself in a Bruce Lee film with elements of the 1970s TV show Kung Fu. Hanson pictures himself in a silent film with Depp doing a dead-on Chaplin imitation. Hoffs is a 1930s nightclub singer, evocative of the Billie Holiday biopic Lady Sings the Blues. Even Sal gets into the act, I guess he's in a slasher film? Penhall spins a 007 yarn, and Fuller reveals himself a fan of Westerns. 

It's hard not to get a little sentimental about this episode. One thinks back to the Pilot when Hanson reluctantly joined the unit, Penhall and the rest believed him too square to make it as an undercover cop. Jenko was the still the captain, lecturing Hanson on the genius of Jimi Hendrix. Seeing them all together one last time four years later, laughing and joking after they've been through the ringer together makes this the closest the series ever came to a farewell episode. 

21 Jump Street: S4E14: "A Change of Heart"

Written by Michelle Ashford

Directed by Jan Eliasberg

Airdate: January 15, 1990

Guest Star: Katy Boyer (Megan)

Fuller and Hoffs go undercover at a High School to investigate the murder of a popular teacher who was a lesbian. 21 Jump Street rarely explored sexuality, so this episode is a rare exception.

Hoffs befriends Megan, who she suspects of having a crush on the teacher who was murdered. In one scene, Megan kisses Hoffs, who reacts with guarded compassion. Megan's struggling with her sexuality, but the investigation leads to her mom.

TV would evolve a lot in the 90s and beyond in its handling of gay themes and characters. While the episode treats Megan's character with sympathy it does lean to its lesbian coded crime as taboo. To Fuller's credit he does express a progressive view for its time and avoids the obvious homophobic jokes that was common for TV of that era. 

A subplot involves Fuller considering a relationship with a younger teacher he meets at the school - even shaving off his beard for a mustache. When Fuller awkwardly asks Hoffs if she would date a guy like him, she's like "why is everyone trying to date me." 

"A Change of Heart" is more of a drama than a crime story, indicative of the series searching for new avenues in what would be its final season as a network show. 

21 Jump Street: S4E11: "Parental Guidance Suggested"

Written by Sam Bushwick, Glen Morgan, and James Wong

Directed by Jeffrey Auerbach

Airdate: December 4, 1989

Guest Star: Jay Underwood (Rob Daniels); Lenore Kasdorf (Pam Daniels); Paul Gleason (Mr. Daniels)

The Jump Street squad is on stakeout duty in the heart of suburbia trying to nail a theft ring. But during the stakeout, Hoffs notices some possible domestic violence at the house next door. The episode's a hybrid of Rear Window and Disturbia.

The story weaves between the hijinks of Penhall and Ioki trying to steal free cable to relieve their boredom, as Hoffs and Fuller agonize over what to do about the abuse. Paul Gleason (Breakfast Club, Die Hard) is the violent father, while his son Rob must deal with the brunt of his physical and verbal abuse. Hoffs befriends Rob at the school, and tries to persuade Fuller to do something, but ethically they cannot interfere.

After Mr. Daniels goes missing, Fuller decides to ger involved. They suspect Rob might've murdered his father, after he confessed to having such fantasies to Hoffs. When Mr. Daniels returns, the abuse starts again, but Hoffs and Fuller stop Rob when he attempts to drown his father after he passing out. 

The episode takes a turn into psychological melodrama, as Fuller reveals he grew up with an abusive father, leading to his distant relationship with his own son Kip. The script avoids getting into whether Hoffs and Fuller committed an ethical breach by getting involved in a case they were not assigned. But the Hitchcock influence on the episode makes this a curiosity in the 21 Jump Street canon.

21 Jump Street: S3E8: "The Blu Flu"

Written by Clifton Campbell

Directed by Bill Corcoran

Airdate: January 29, 1989

Guest Stars: Art Metrano (Larry Stubbs); Robert Romanus (Gary); Kevin Dunn (Reed)

More division hits the Jump Street Unit after the police union rejects the new contract. Hanson observes negotiations, while the others consider their options. Hoffs and Booker join the picket line, Penhall is under pressure from Dorothy to find a new job, while Ioki resents the work stoppage. Captain Fuller, being part of management, must keep working. The 1980s was a shaky era for labor unions, and the script deserves credit for not going corporate.

Penhall attends to household chores.

Booker bonds with veteran Officer Stubbs over baseball and even stepped in to deescalate a tense confrontation during the episode's climax, and even takes the blame for a tire slashing incident to prevent Stubbs from losing his job. Hanson is mostly absent this week, while Penhall deals with Dorothy being the only breadwinner. Ioki views the strike as more of a hinderance to his stock portfolio, he clashes with Booker. Eventually, both sides agree to a contract. 

Booker holds the line during the strike

If there's an all-star for this episode it would be Fuller, he keeps working and stays calm in a stressful situation, including being partnered with an incompetent rookie. As usual, Fuller exudes balanced leadership during a crisis. While Depp was the "star" of the series, Steven Williams was the glue that always held things together. I would point to this episode as a prime example. 

Final Report: Williams and Greico hold morally complicated positions in the episode, lifting the material.

21 Jump Street: S2E16: "Orpheus 3.3"

Written by Bill Nuss

Directed by James Contner

Airdate: February 28, 1988

Guest Stars: Art Hindle (Det. Stafford); Allan Miller (Dr. Enlow)

"Orpheus 3.3" continued to move 21 Jump Street into a more serious direction. The story follows Hanson as he deals with the aftermath of his girlfriend Amy getting killed in a holdup that went wrong.

We met Amy a few episodes back, this story begins with Hanson preparing to break up with her. On their night out they argue about where to eat and end up stopping at a convivence store where the crime occurs. A few days later Hanson reappears at work and seems fine, but Fuller orders him to speak with a therapist, Dr. Enlow. Hanson confesses, he didn't love Amy, but in the aftermath, he loves her more than ever.

Everyone's aware Hanson's internalizing his pain as he becomes obsessed with watching the surveillance video of the shooting, questioning why did not act sooner to stop it. He becomes isolated and discouraged about the detectives on the case who seem disinterested. His mental health starts to slip. He begins his own investigation and in a suspenseful sequence, manages to arrest Amy's killer. Hanson had the chance to shot, but he did not kill. Fuller compliments Hanson on going "good police work" and ask if the pain has gotten better, and Hanson simply says, "No." 

Bill Nuss wrote a strong script, gritty and even cinematic at times. It gave Depp a chance to deliver an intense performance, matched by Steven Williams who offers cautious guidance. Considered one of the best episodes by original fans, I would agree. I did find another blog complaining the episode was too "dark" for Jump Street, I would disagree, nothing's better than a TV show stretching its possibilities with strong storytelling.  

Final Report: A

21 Jump Street: S2E5: "After School Special"

Written and Directed by David Jackson

Airdate: October 18, 1987

Fuller and Hoffs go undercover at a school experiencing gun violence. The episode begins with a tense confrontation between a science teacher and a student that ends with the teacher getting shot. 

Hoffs tries to infiltrate the gang of students smuggling guns into the school, while Fuller subs for the science teacher. In the classroom, Fuller expertly deals with students who immediately challenge him, a precursor to The Substitute movies. In the faculty lounge, teachers talk about arming themselves. One asks Fuller out on a date - to go gun shopping! 

Meanwhile, there's a side story dealing with Hanson's mom who is moving in with a new man - to his chagrin. The less said the better, but we do learn that Hanson still loves to bowl. 

School violence is handled in a cartoonish matter. The 1980s predated the time of mass school shootings so these episodes feel quaint. A common talking point is that arming teachers will stop school violence. I'm not a gun person, but arming a non-law enforcement person and putting them in a stressful classroom situation seems like a recipe for disaster. 

On the issues of school violence during the 1980s, movies tried to provide answers ranging from the misguided Lean on Me to b-movie faire like The Principal, the answer typically being schools simply need to get tough. "After School Special" fails to address systematic issues surrounding violence and offers simple solutions. In saying that, Fuller showing off his undercover skills was the one bright spot. 

Final Report: C+

21 Jump Street: S2E4: "Two For the Road"

Written by Paul Bernbaum

Directed by Steve Beers

Airdate: October 11, 1987

Guest Stars: Rob Stone (T.J.); Pauley Shore (Kenny)

"Two for the Road" comes perilously close to being a PSA episode. Fuller informs the crew Fake IDs are everywhere and teenage drunk driving related deaths are way up. The Jump Street unit is tasked with stopping the counterfeit ID operation, while, with irony, Capt. Fuller is picked up for DUI after leaving a party.

The story follows T.J., who is responsible for crippling his friend when driving drunk. Hanson and Penhall go undercover at a High School and hang out with a group of hard partiers, including Pauley Shore, to lead them to the illegal ID operation. Hanson makes a connection with T.J. - which takes a dark turn when the truth of what happened after the accident is revealed.

Fuller works to rebuild his reputation after his arrest, convincing the Internal Affairs Board at his hearing he only had a few drinks. He maintains an oddly petulant attitude throughout but gets reinstated. 

The episode might remind you of one of those "Don't Drink and Drive" videos from High School. If there's a takeaway, don't drink and drive, just don't do it. 

Final Report: C+

21 Jump Street: S1E7: "Gotta Finish the Riff"

Written by Patrick Harsburgh & Bill Nuss

Directed by Kim Manners

Airdate: May 17, 1987

New Main Cast Member: Steven Williams (Captain Adam Fuller)

Guest Star: Blair Underwood (Reginald Brooks)

"Gotta Finish the Riff" begins with the tragic news that Captain Jenko was killed by a drunk driver. The Jump Street Unit is heartbroken as they gather to pay their final respects. For the following month the unit was temporarily disbanded and assigned to other departments. Called back to the chapel, they're informed the mayor wants to keep the program going. Captain Adam Fuller is assigned to take over the unit, a transfer from New York with 11 years of undercover experience.

Captain Fuller makes it known he'll be running a tighter ship, expecting professionalism from everyone. Everyone's taken aback at Fuller's stern demeanor. The chapel will also become a fully staffed precinct, no longer a private clubhouse. Hobbs and Hanson are assigned to a High School where the new principal is receiving death threats. 

Audition for Revenge of the Nerds

Hanson amusingly acts like a computer nerd, while Hoffs assumes an identity as a student with major attitude. Just hours into their first day, "bloods" gang leader Reginald Brooks and his crew are taking over the school. They have locked all the entrances and are making demands, an eerie foreshadowing of school shootings. Hanson blows his cover in an attempt to stop the hostage takers, while Hoffs attempts to charm Reginald to lower his defenses.

Hoffs maintains composure

Fuller leads the hostage negotiations, while sending in Ioki and Penhall (playing a clueless pizza delivery guy). Reginald holds a mock assembly to antagonize the school administration, but his motives are unclear. He eventually demands a Trans Am (very 1987) to make his escape while leaving his buddies out to dry. With Reginald heading off with Hoffs, a brawl breaks out, and the Jump Street Crew subdue the gang. Meanwhile, Reginald discovers he was duped into driving a car with a bad engine, Hoffs, cool as a cucumber, makes the arrest. Fuller invites everyone out for pizza.

Like in the pilot, the villains are stereotypical young black men. Blair Underwood would go on to have a great career in film and television; he even befriended a young Barack Obama at Harvard to research playing a young lawyer on L.A. Law. Neither did Reginald have objectives at all, except to, in his words, escape to Indiana. The idea of students taking a school felt a bit overblown, playing into cultural anxieties about violent High Schools. 

An episode of shifting tones, from the loss of Jenko, the introduction of Fuller, and a hostage situation that went from super intense to ridiculous, "Gotta Finish the Riff" was entertaining.

Final Report: B+