Ep 6. Higher Education
- TV-14
- October 25, 1987
- 46 min
-
7.2 (613,493)
21 Jump Street is an American police drama series that premiered on Fox network on April 12, 1987. The series follows a group of young undercover officers who investigate crimes in high schools, colleges, and other youth-oriented areas in an attempt to bring criminals to justice.
Season 2 Episode 6 of 21 Jump Street, titled "Higher Education", begins with the Jump Street team being assigned to find out who is supplying drugs to college students. Captain Fuller (Steven Williams) has received intel that suggests several schools in the area may be involved, and he orders Tom Hanson (Johnny Depp) and Doug Penhall (Peter DeLuise) to go undercover as students and investigate.
The two detectives are enrolled at the college as freshmen, but quickly discover that it's not easy to fit in with the other students. Tom, in particular, is having trouble blending in with the crowd, and his lack of interest in drugs only makes him stand out even more.
As they start to gather information, they discover that the drug dealers are using a computer program to keep track of their sales and inventory. With the help of the college's computer expert, they are able to break into the program and get the information they need.
As the investigation progresses, Tom develops a relationship with a girl named Elaine (Laurel Moglen), but he soon discovers that she is involved with the drug dealers. Tom struggles with the conflicting feelings he has for Elaine and his duty to take down the organization.
Meanwhile, Doug befriends a group of fraternity brothers who are into drugs, but he quickly realizes that they are not the ones he's looking for. With the help of his new friends, he's able to get a lead on the real drug dealers and takes the information back to Captain Fuller.
In the end, Tom and Doug are able to take down the drug organization and arrest the individuals responsible. However, Tom's personal involvement with Elaine leaves him with mixed emotions and a sense of regret.
"Higher Education" is a compelling episode that explores the inner conflict of an undercover officer who must balance his duty with his personal feelings. The episode also highlights the prevalence of drugs on college campuses and the lengths to which law enforcement agencies will go to stop them. Overall, it's a powerful and thought-provoking story that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish.