Written by John Edward Betancourt Perhaps one of the best parts of going back and watching television shows from thirty or forty years ago, is seeing how the characters respond to some of the incredible revolutions that took place in regard to technology. Because technology evolved seemingly overnight back in the day, and that made it a struggle for people to use from time to time, since they weren’t ready for it to completely be a part of their lives and it really is fascinating to get an idea of how new technology was perceived during a different era in American history. And it just so happens that the next episode of CHiPs took the time to explore this in fascinating detail in its next episode, ‘Overload’. For this particular tale decided to dive into the world of computers, at a time where microchips and internal parts cost an arm and a leg, and that’s why our Creeps of the Week were so enticed by them and so quick to get their hands on them, illegally. Because the chance to sell top tier parts would make them rich beyond their wildest dreams, and that’s why they worked to keep the CHP computer system at bay, so that there would be no possibility of tracing their actions or hunting them down if a clue came into play. But as is often the case, greed always complicates things and that’s precisely why Ponch and Jon were able to bring these guys down with ease, and it was just wild to see people ready to pay half a million dollars for parts that you can get for dirt cheap at your local Best Buy, simply because it reminds us of how far we’ve come. But what was cool about this episode is that it went above and beyond in this exploration of older technology by having a little fun with society’s lack of understanding of these machines back in 1982. Something that was handled by way of Poncherello. Because Frank thought it would be a good idea to take his black book of the various numbers he’s collected over the years and empty them into the CHP mainframe. Which uh, is a horrible idea to begin with. But hey… Frank didn’t know any better and he also didn’t have any idea as to how such stuff gets retrieved or saved since this technology was so new to him. And while it was neat to see one of the CHP’s finest show disdain and concern for computers, the irony of this segment of the story, is that it still holds up well today; since some folks still struggle with what these machines can do. Yet while the look back at old school technology was fun (because the CHP mainframe interface was as big as a Buick), this episode also found a way to inject a little heart into the plot by way of a sweet, little old lady named Nettie. And she was a retiree that wasn’t good with being in a retirement home, or away from the world for that matter and she consistently made efforts to get out amongst the people and live her life. But what made this segment of the story so sweet, is that Jon Baker went the extra mile for Nettie by getting her a part time job at a local country food stand and it was just wonderful to see Jon go above and beyond in this manner to help a person feel like a person again. Something that harkens back to earlier days in the series. If anything, this was just a by the numbers episode of this series and that’s just fine. Because it is hard to mess up the basics and sticking to that, made for a pretty entertaining tale through and through. For it definitely offered up some fun laughs, thanks to computer related shenanigans, and the Creeps of the Week were just disgusting enough for the audience to be pleased when they go to jail and you can never go wrong with Ponch or Jon’s good deeds coming to the surface of a story. But alas, this is the last time that the series would feel like normal. For the final two episodes in season five make some ugly mistakes and bid farewell to some beloved cast members. Which means we have finally reached the point where we are going to watch this grand series begin its grand downward spiral, and it should be fascinating and painful to see this process begin, in the days to come. Until next time.
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