‘CHiPs’ Retro Recap: ‘Peaks and Valleys’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

Normally, I like to take a good long break in between seasons when it comes to the Retro Recap. Because a little time away helps me clear my head and stay objective when it comes to the classic show I’m revisiting. But here we are, about to begin a grand look back at season two of the phenomenal police serial CHiPs, and with good reason. Because you, dear reader, have responded to this series of recaps with incredible enthusiasm and I won’t lie, I’m enjoying this re-watch as much as the rest of you and not settling in to watch an episode or four of this wonderful series is a little weird, and I was outright craving to see where these journeys go next and wouldn’t you know it? The season two premiere of this show, ‘Peaks and Valleys’, definitely blew me away with what it had to offer. 
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Because not only did this particular tale provide us with everything we love when it comes to this series, since it featured an engrossing storyline, some big-time stunts and the wacky fun that became a true trademark of the first season, it also offered up some big changes to the series as a whole. After all, this premiere just so happened to feature the debut of the up-tempo disco-esque version of the theme song for the show, and while I’m not normally a fan of disco, this theme brings back fond memories of my youth, when I was first introduced to this series, and it really just signifies that you’re going have a good time while tuning in. As for the other big change present in this premiere, well that came by way of the addition of a new character to the CHiPs family since this story also features the debut of Harlan, the CHP Mechanic, and it was just so cool to finally see his first ever appearance on the show and see that his trademark brand of surliness was established from the get go.

But while the introduction of those elements were magical in their own right, I made mention of a quality storyline and that came about by way of an ugly accident on the highway shortly after Ponch and Jon stopped an out of control car, and while the duo worked to free a couple of kids from a camper that flew off of the highway, a couple of power company employees pulled their father from the cab, which was a poor choice on their part. Because the dad, a one Mr. Niles, had a bad back injury and that meant hospital time and sadly, Ponch and Jon immediately took the blame for this incident and Niles filed every formal complaint known to man with the CHP to get a payoff for his injury and this led to quite the human moment from Jon when all is said and done. Because taking flack for something that wasn’t his fault, alongside the usual troubles that an officer faces on a daily basis, actually had Jon starting to wonder as to whether or not being a CHP officer was right for him anymore and honestly, I thought this was a brilliant idea to inject into the season premiere because it was so supremely relatable. After all, we’ve all been there when it comes to our careers and experiencing that moment of levity has its merits.

Because it forces one to re-evaluate so much, and for some it’s a wonderful wakeup call, allowing for them to perhaps change careers and find some happiness from that kind of a move. Or, like Jon, you come to realize that sometimes what you do will have its ups and downs, but you love it enough to weather the storm and well, this realization helped motivate Jon, and in turn Ponch as well, to visit Niles and speak with him about his complaint, allowing for him to recall everything about that fateful day and realize, that Jon and Frank were innocent after all, bringing about our first happy ending of season two, which brings us to the fun in question. Because in classic CHiPs style, we got to see Ponch and Jon off on  a dancing date with a couple of ladies, wherein we learned that Frank knows how to cut quite the disco rug since he busted all the moves during this segment, and just to remind us of how awesome this duo are in a pinch, they even got the opportunity to deliver a baby in the middle of the disco hall and it really doesn’t get more epic than that for this particular series.

In the end however, this really was a great way to kick off season two. Because this set the tone for how this year is going to go and I am supremely excited to watch this season progress simply due to the fact that the writing is hands down improving in year two. For this episode was enthralling, fascinating and filled to the brim with character development, and it accomplished all of that without featuring a single Creep of the Week, and that’s huge. Because that’s what season one was heavily reliant upon, so to see a story this strong without a crook stealing something is a big deal to say the least, since it means we are going to be in for some unique storytelling and some thrilling new plots down the line and well, I’m definitely ready for more when it comes to this series. So, on that note, it’s that time once again to bid you all farewell as I return to my DVD player to see what new adventures await us in season two. Until next time.

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