‘CHiPs’ Retro Recap: ‘Journey to a Spacecraft’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Thus far, our journey through the sixth and final season of CHiPs, has brought forth some in depth discussions on the dangers of excessively using gimmicks in television shows. Simply because a heavy use of gimmicks on this particular series, helped for the show to lose sight and focus of what made it so wonderful in the first place, and that definitely helped to bring about the show’s demise in the spring of 1983. But while we have indeed focused upon the negative, often, when it comes to this particular storytelling tool, we would be foolish to not point the fact that sometimes, gimmicks can actually be a positive thing.

Because when they’re handled just right, they can provide audiences with a learning experience when they tune into their favorite show and for proof, then look no further than the next episode in this storied saga. Because ‘Journey to a Spacecraft’ was a space shuttle themed episode, one that saw everyone in the CHP be captivated by the launch of the Space Shuttle Columbia, and this episode’s desire to offer up facts about the shuttle and what it can do in space, really did do a phenomenal job of teaching the audience about what was, a new vehicle and era for space travel back in 1983 and it was quite cool to see the show find a way to integrate this into the story… all while offering up some feel good subplots.

For this particular tale had Officer Kathy Linahan working a dognapping case. Which might have been cheesy and annoying to some. But as a beagle owner, this reviewer was definitely suckered in by this particular plot line. Simply because pets are family and having one stolen has to be a harrowing experience. But thanks to Kathy’s fine detective skills and an assist from Bruce, she was able to determine that there was a groomer in Los Angeles that was working with his assistant to steal top-pedigree dogs, so they could sell them on the black market and of course, that discovery also allowed for her and the B-crew to capture this guy, before reuniting the nice owner in this tale with her beloved puppy.

Plus, there was also the entire other spaced-themed plot thread in this tale revolving around an ill young man named Kevin. Who wanted nothing more than to survive his unfortunate liver affliction and be involved in the space program somehow, and the risk of not making it to tomorrow; eventually motivated him to make the risky decision to set out on his own to see the shuttle Columbia land and that of course, set up a race against time to find him and save him. Because his condition was deteriorating fast, thanks to the fact that he lost his medication and of course, everything ended happy in the end since this is CHiPs we are talking about, and really, this was quite the satisfying episode when all is said and done.

Because it really did do a fine job of using a gimmick in a positive light since the world was still new to the shuttle program at this point, and you really cannot go wrong with an episode that features the California Highway Patrol, going the extra mile to help out people that are desperately in need. Now, is it a flawless episode? No, it is not. Because once again, there is little crimefighting to be found in this tale outside of Kathy’s dognapper hunt. But that can be forgiven because of the fact that this episode, took the time to once again embrace a keystone element of this series and at this point, we really do have to celebrate the wins when they come along. Especially since the next episode in this final season… is another rough ride. Until next time.  

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