‘CHiPs’ Retro Recap: ‘Bomb Run’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Over the course of several and recent Retro Recaps of CHiPs, we’ve definitely spent some healthy time discussing what the beginning of the end of a popular television series looks like. Because this really is a wonderful opportunity to see it unfold since this series went from top dog to the skids in fascinating fashion and much of our focus, has been upon pinpointing that exact moment when things go awry. But as our journey through season five rolls along, it is becoming evident that it is more than one key moment that brings a television show its knees, as evidenced by the next episode in this storied police serial.

For ‘Bomb Run’ hammered home the fact that season five is pulling the series away from a true fundamental that made the series successful. Because this is, at its core, a story about two highway patrolmen, who solve crimes on the highways, and in between all of that; the audience is treated to incredible insight on the character’s everyday lives and the trials and tribulations of being a cop. And season five is featuring less and less of that. Because thus far, we’ve spent a lot of time in the hills surrounding Los Angeles with Ponch and Jon, or the stories have been designed to feel more akin to grittier police serials and this particular tale… took this shift to the extreme by setting this story at a nearby airfield.

Because this was a weekend where the CHP was going to hang out an air show and get some new recruits and have a good time. But there was a problem brewing in regard to that. For an old flame of Barry’s, named Terri, was planning to rob the place so that she and her hubby and her pops could retire and of course, some suspicious and awkward moments got Jon wondering what Barry’s old lover was up to. Which in turn led to a grand investigation and chase scene when the caper went down. One that saw Ponch and Jon take to the skies to capture part of the heist team and to save Terri and her dad since he had a heart attack mid-air. Which does sound like a pretty epic plot in its own right, one that shouldn’t be cause for concern.

But the fact of the matter is, there’s a lot that doesn’t work in this episode. Take Barry’s subplot for example. Because that whole plot thread is woefully rushed and honestly, this deserved more screen time. For having Baricza deal with the fact that the love of his life had become a thief, would have made for some phenomenal storytelling. But it’s set aside for more comedic elements that don’t always work, and to top it off, the characters are once again out of sorts in this tale. After all, Bonnie is quick to flip the switch on her temper for no real good reason, which is out of character for her and Ponch and Jon are oddly hostile toward one another in this tale and that also adds to the uncomfortable nature of this story.

If anything, it’s clear that trying to shift the series away from the highways caused some serious issues in season five. Because it put the writers’ room in an awkward spot, one where they tried to make do with unfamiliar territory. But the fact of the matter is, everything about this episode felt off, and this season feels off too, as though the show is trying to be something that it is not and that’s a shame. Because the formula was truly the key to this show’s success back in the day and at this point, it is quite weird to see these experiments start to make the series less enjoyable to watch and here’s to hoping that the show course corrects quick, so this journey through season five doesn’t becomes a nightmarish slog. Until next time.

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