21 Jump Street Part 1
Overview: As part of a new police initiative a young looking police officer, Hanson, is sent into a high school undercover to investigate a dangerous drug dealer.
Air date: 4/12/1987
Directed by: Kim Manners
Guest Stars: Francis X. McCarthy as Capt. Briody, Brandon Douglas as Kenny Weckerle, Reginald T. Dorsey as Tyrell “Waxer” Thompson, Barney Martin as Charlie Donegan, Scott Kraft as Jays, Claude Earl Jones as Principle Jake Shaffer, Cheryl Anderson as Mrs. Weckerle.
I’m not quite sure if my less-than-stellar rating for this show is due to its failure to age gracefully or if it simply doesn’t grab my attention. The beginning is a bit of a slow burn as it delves into why the main character ends up at 21 Jump Street. Tom Hanson, a fresh-faced cop straight out of the academy, is eager to prove himself like any newbie, but the veteran cops want nothing to do with him. He’s then thrown into a new program for undercover cops.
This show was created in the 80s, a time when our approach to things was quite different. I must admit, I do appreciate the 80s style of real stunts and those thrilling car chases where they slide around corners. However, it was also a time when minorities weren’t always portrayed in the best light by the media.
Overall, I found it a bit challenging to really get into the episode, which unfortunately means I haven’t quite warmed up to the series yet. But fear not, I’ll give it a few more episodes to see if it can find its footing once it’s done with all the character introductions. Let’s hope it picks up the pace and keeps me on the edge of my seat!