21 Jump Street: The Pilot episodes

I know this blog isn't film related, but after finding about Johnny Depp's 80's TV show (as I am reading an unauthorised biography about him), I thought I would check the show out. The pilot episode is in two parts, and the episodes are about 45 minutes long! I enjoyed both parts and it is easy to see how it went on to making more. I really enjoyed he plot and I love the characters and concept. This was around Depp's early days at Hollywood and this was during his 'Teen Idol' stage (which he did not enjoy himself).







The Pilot Part 1:

The boy (right) being grabbed the thug (left) during the break-in.

The pilot episode opens up with seeing an average family, and a bunch of thugs breaking in, who we later discover have relations with the boy who lives there (explanation later). We then meet our protagonist, Tom Hanson (Johnny Depp). He looks far younger than he actually is and is made fun of by joyriders whom him and his fellow officer stop. One of the four turns round and tries to attack Tom, but we soon learn that Tom doesn't take lightly. He accidentally breaks the other officer's nose (Officer Douglas). tom is then sent to do undercover work at  Jump Street Chapel -I assume the show got it's name because Tom is 21 years of age-.

Tom's disguise as a teenager.

So Tom goes to the old church and meets his new colleagues, Judy, Joey and Harry. His first assignment is to get drugs off some guy (as evidence to 'book him'), but he is not allowed to bust him there. The seller thinks he is a cop and points the gun at him. He then puts it down and makes a joke about how young he looks. Tom flips and arrests him. His next assignment is to go undercover into a school and straight away rouble stirs, but Tom doesn't get pushed around. It is the very guy we seen earlier breaking into the home.

The Pilot Part 2:

The second part of the special is where things get in a twist. when Tom was at the house investigating the break-in we seen at the start of part 1, he talks to the boy, ho won't tell him anything. When Tom goes undercover he finds out that very boy goes to the school. From there on the episode is lots of fun, action                                packed and dramatic. A great two parter indeed.

Perfect for the part:
I think Depp definitely suited this part of the role, and reflects on Depp's childhood. I can also relate to how he is angered by people making jokes about his young appearance, as I am 16 and look about 13. Depp did exceptionally well as this was his early days in Hollywood.

Overview:
The show covers some very great topics including drug dealing, drug usage, robbery and hat crimes.The whole show has a good message saying this stuff is wrong, but in a non-patronising way which is great. Straight away in part 1 your brought into the action which was exciting. Overall I thought the pilot episodes where great, and I haven't even started to watch more episodes yet! Just thought I'd write how I feel about the show so far.


My Rating: 8.3/10