Mill Creek Entertainment
Release date: May 18, 2010
MSRP: $14.98
Stars: Peter DeLuise, Dustin Nguyen, Holly Robinson Peete, Johnny Depp
Penhall (Peter DeLuise), Ioki (Dustin Nguyen), Hoffs (Holly Robinson Peete) and Hanson (Johnny Depp) all return for a second season of what was one of Fox’s first real hits (and their definition of hit was fairly liberal back then). For those coming late to the dance, the Jump Street crew are young-looking cops that often go undercover in school to help fight crime.
Season two is a mixed bag, some episodes are quite strong, while others play like an after school special. Some of the stronger eps include Fear and Loathing with Russell Buckins that features the first appearance of Russell, an old friend of Hanson’s that often gets him in trouble. I’m Ok, You need work sees Hanson go undercover, illegally to examine rumors of mistreatment at a private rehab center. This ep also features a young Christina Applegate. Champagne High also features the always entertaining McQuaid brothers (Hanson and Penhall) letting lose more than is really required. C’mon, who wouldn’t want a chance to be a total delinquent in high school, knowing there are no repercussions for you? The McQuaids are total thugs that actually toss a driver off of the school bus and drive themselves (and the other students) to school.
But with the good comes the bad, preachy, oversimplified lessons about alcohol, drugs, intolerance and the usual teen issues. For the most part, the stories are fairly straightforward (i.e. simple) and generally manage to be entertaining.
It is worth noting that most of the original music is gone, but I think that was also the case when Anchor Bay released them years ago. The overall picture and sound quality is decent and the price of $14,98 is hard to beat. Those of us that remember the dawn of the Fox network will have fun.
Order season two of 21 JUMP STREET.
Jeremy Lynch
