21 Jump Street - The Complete First Season 1987 Starring Johnny Depp Peter DeLuise

For the REAL "21 Jump Street" Fans

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I was so excited when I found out that "21 Jump Street" was on DVD. It's a shame I found out while just walking around Border's last year. I started my collection with the 5th season and, I must say, that I was thrilled! I believe that the 5th season is the worst of the bunch, but still a great set of episodes. I love the acting and the plots with most of the episodes, but I couldn't stand the constant changing of the cast.

The loss of Johnny Depp and Dustin Nguyen made the producers scramble for a few candidates, starting with Alexandra Powers and David Barry Gray as Officers Katy Rocky and Dean Garrett, respectively. Although both are wonderful performers, their only two episodes together were horrible. Once they left, the producers had to scramble again. Next up, Michael Bendetti as Officer Anthony "Mac" McCann. He was the heartthrob of "Jump Street" that replaced Johnny Depp (like one ever could). However, Bendetti was an wonderful addition to the cast. His backstory was excellent--having to leave Jersey because he didn't want to follow in the footsteps of his "corrupt cop" father. That may not sound original now, but that was a pretty deep storyline in 1990. He stayed on the show for the remainder of the season. I think that the producers then remembered that they needed to have a "4th," with Dustin Nguyen out of the picture. Enter Michael DeLuise, playing Peter's younger brother, Joey. I thought that his storyline was good. The only thing that I didn't like about this was that when Peter DeLuise left "Jump Street," Michael wasn't too far behind (please note: Richard Grieco was in more episodes than Michael DeLuise). So, by the time that the show was winding down, there were only three characters--the ever-present Detective Judy Hoffs (Holly Robinson Peete), the brotherly Captain Adam Fuller (Steven Williams), and Mac. I really thought that the three of them together could not pull off the rest of the season, but they did. These three were in some of the best shows from the entire series.

This DVD set features "Blackout," which is the last episode for Johnny Depp (and it does state it on the back cover of the DVD). I wish they made his character go out with a bang instead of a whimper. Dustin Nguyen is credited for "Blackout," although he never makes an appearance in this set of episodes. I like this episode because it features the best characters (Hanson, Hoffs and Penhall) in the worst scenario. It then jumps to "Tunnel of Love" and "Back to School," the two episodes featuring Powers and Gray. If you decided to rent/buy this set, please skip these episodes and head straight to "Buddy System." This is the episode when we are introduced to Anthony McCann. This is also the episode where Scott Grimes plays a mildly retarded student who is a witness to the murder of his "buddy." This show is ironic because Mac has to buddy up with Hoffs and Penhall.

Other great episodes are "Wasted," "Just Say No! High," "The Education of Terry Carver," and "Film at Eleven." All of these episodes featured tough issues (toxic waste dumping, drugs, rape, and kidnapping--respectively) handled with twists that would not have been seen in the earlier seasons. You can definitely tell that the show becomes a little less political and a lot more philosophical. These shows illustrated the amazing talent of both Holly Robinson Peete and Michael Bendetti.

There are three episodes that stood out most for me. "Number One with a Bullet," featuring Peter DeLuise in his last episode. Not only was he the main character, but he also directed his final episode. Talk about talent--no one else could have taken on that feat during that time. "Equal Protection," which talks about racial profiling way before it became an issue in 1992 (Rodney King and Latasha Harlins in LA). This show cemented the deep friendship between Hoffs and Fuller. It also illustrated a completely different view of corrupted cops to the American television audience. "Homegirls," which is my favorite episode, features a newbie by the name of Jada Pinkett. She has the standout performance that garnered her a series regular on "A Different World" and jump-started her career. The issue of gang violence takes a different twist when dealing with females. Hoffs goes undercover as a potential gang member and brings down the whole crew. This episode is also legendary because Holly Robinson Peete proved that she can still play a teenager while actually in her mid-20s (trust me when I say that Gabrielle Carteris and Luke Perry could not pull this off, no matter how hard they tried). I also believe that these three episodes can be considered some of the best in the entire series.

I get very nostalgic when it comes to "21 Jump Street." I remember when Fox first came into play in 1986 and launched primetime shows in 1987. "21 Jump Street" was one of the original shows to air, along with "Married with Children" and "The Tracey Ullman Show." When you think about that and how long the show lasted, even though the last season was syndicated, you have to be amazed. The caliber of talent--actors, writers, and directors--was outrageous. As of right now, "Jump Street" is the longest primetime police drama to air on Fox ("24" and "Prison Break" are not considered "cop dramas"--and "The Shield" is on FX).

Everyone always wants to beat up the last season because of the consistent cast changes and the exit of Johnny Depp. Remember that two other original cast members (Dustin Nguyen and Peter DeLuise) left the show, as well. Holly Robinson Peete held it down from beginning (with Jenko and the crew) to ending (with Fuller and Mac). No matter who she was partnered with, she was always flexible and had great chemistry with everyone. That is why I believe that the last season was a wonderful season. I always thought that they should have ended the show with the 4th season--but I'm glad they didn't.

It's good that I started with the last season first. I am now watching the first season, so I won't be thrown off with the addition to Richard Grieco later on.

BTW, I didn't know that I could only write one review for a whole series. What gives?! What if I like certain seasons and hate others?! Grr, I almost want to change my rating. Let me add a little something about Season 1:

It's not the greatest season, but it does give us Josh Brolin (sigh), Jason Priestley (sigh), Ne-Yo (sigh), BLAIR UNDERWOOD (girlish giggles), Sherilyn Fenn, and David Paymer. It also introduces "The Blowfish," one Sal Banducci played by Sal Jenco (Jenko-Jenco...you see it?!). Ah, how I love the 80s.

For people who saw the first season, was it just me, or was there a lot of flirting between Hoffs, Hanson, and Penhall?! Even Ioki got up in that mix for a second. Gotta love color-blind casting!

So, if you are a REAL "Jump Street" fan and appreciate everything about it from themes, to characters, to the actors/writers/directors, to the seen-unseen celebrities, to the music, then I highly recommend the complete series. I am about to purchase 2 and 3 today! :)