‘CHiPs’ Retro Recap: ‘The Sheik’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

I have to admit, that while I’ve thoroughly been enjoying everything that season two of CHiPs has offered up, since it’s been filled to the brim with some wildly inventive storylines that challenge our characters like never before. I have noticed that some of the stuff that fans of the show truly love about this series, has taken a bit of a backseat in year two. I’m talking of course about how Ponch and Jon try their best to make the world a better place by way of their moral code and their actions, and while there have been moments that feature such nobility in this second season, it just hasn’t been the focal point of any particular tale and it would seem that I’m not the only one who noticed this since the writer’s room and everyone behind the scenes, decided to make it the focus of the next episode in this saga.
​
For ‘The Sheik’ took the opportunity to once again allow for our heroes to rise to the occasion in by way of a unique chance encounter. Because whilst on patrol, Ponch and Jon had a run in with a particularly arrogant man from another country named Barney, and this encounter was nothing short of an outright disaster since Barney slapped Ponch rather than comply with his requests and that of course, meant the handcuffs went on before a true surprise came into play. For we came to learn that Barney was actually a Sheik, and his homeland had a wonderful relationship with the United States, thanks to its oil reserves, which meant that Barney had diplomatic immunity and had the charges against him dropped and this chance encounter is what allowed for Ponch and Jon’s moral code to shine in this tale.

Because they kept running into Barney during their travels since he kept disobeying the law and since they were oddly becoming uncomfortable friends, our favorite duo worked to try to teach him how things work outside of his country, to the point where they turned down a bribe in the hopes of teaching him that respecting others and the law matters more than any amount of money and well, despite their best efforts, they simply could not through to him. But eventually, a ride along arranged by Barney’s father allowed for him to see first-hand what it means to respect the rules of the road, and the value of life since Ponch forced the Sheik to help out at an ugly accident scene, and thankfully, this helped Barney greatly, allowing for him to grow and change, to the point where he even showed gratitude for a change by buying the dynamic duo a pair of fancy cars that sadly, they couldn’t accept.

If anything, I really loved this episode through and through because this is CHiPs at its finest. Because Ponch and Jon were about as noble as they can be, and I really loved how they tried to teach the Sheik a lesson not out of arrogance or a desire to wield power, but because they really do value life and believe their efforts out on the road keep people safe, and it was cool to see them express that in subtle and earnest fashion. Plus, I also loved how the cultural divide was handled in this tale since Ponch and Jon dealt with it in the classiest of fashion. They knew Barney was unfamiliar with customs in America, and rather than chastise him or insult him, they made it clear how things are done here, and they were firm but friendly about the matter and by taking the time to find ways to reach him, they found common ground and you really cannot ask for a better resolution than that when it comes to two different worlds colliding.

If anything, that just goes to show that this series was light years ahead of anything on television at the time. After all, any kind of television episode involving unity and understanding in this manner was relegated to an after school special or special event episode back then, yet here was CHiPs, doing its thing and making it known that its characters are made of the highest moral fiber and seeing this, and some of the sillier moments in this tale, like when Ponch and Jon spent time on the Sheik’s boat, simply brought a smile to my face because this one was just a treat to sit through and I’ve said it before and I will say it again, season two is quickly establishing itself to be something special, because I just cannot get over how many dynamic stories I’ve enjoyed in year two, and we are only nine episodes in. So, on that note, I need to get my rear in gear and watch some more, so if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to the 101. Until next time.  

---