Written by John Edward Betancourt For the most part, these Retro Recaps of CHiPs have managed to surprise, simply because they are light on the retro. Because this series has held up incredibly well over time, thanks to some brilliant and thoughtful writing. But while it is nice to enjoy a police serial that features themes that are still relevant in modern times, make no mistake about it; at times it definitely shows its age. For sequences that involve disco, or roller skating rinks remind us of the fact that this series ran from 1977-1983 and it just so happens that the next episode of this series is perhaps its most ‘dated’ episode yet since it features a drug war over a drug that is viewed in far different light in modern times. Which makes ‘Weed Wars’ quite the interesting story for certain. Because it presents us with a world where Marijuana leads to danger and mayhem, all courtesy of a group of good ol’ boys who want to make some fast cash. Because they’ve come to discover that weed grows well in the hills surrounding Los Angeles, and they’re not the only ones who seek to profit from this fact. For a bigger dealer wants in on the action and he’s got some muscle that is happy to intimidate the lesser dealers by trying to run them off the road and that leads to the danger in question. Because these on the road battles are causing ugly accidents, the kind that might cost someone their life and that’s what brings the Ponch and Jon and the rest of the CHP into the area, so they can put an end to this madness post hate. But while there are plenty of thrilling chase scenes and some of the usual wild moments that one can only find in this series, what truly makes this episode fascinating in its own right, is the time capsule that it presents to the audience. Because in 2020, marijuana is viewed quite differently, to the point where it is legal in multiple states and even the NFL is backing off on it being an issue for its players. Which makes it wild to see the CHP treat this whole matter as if they’re dealing with drug kingpins a la Scarface. But while it is weird to be reminded of the fact that not that long ago weed was a taboo subject, the plot does work here and it is engrossing and intense at times since the action is up to snuff for the series and you do get to see all the bad guys get their just desserts. If anything, the only real complaint when it comes to this story is the B plot, one involving an outcast kid named Tyler that Ponch and Jon speak to often since he’s seen all the accidents in detail. And while normally a kid on this show is no big deal, Tyler is worth discussing because of his desire to dabble in the dark arts and his decision to hex Ponch is a weird plot choice for certain. Especially when one considers that the series tries to mess with the audience and make us wonder if this hex is for real or not. It just seems supremely out of place really, and it doesn’t work all that well within the framework of a drug themed episode. But alas, this is what the writer’s room chose to roll with, and there is no going back and changing this particular plot line now. But what matters most, is that this episode gets the band back together. Because Erik Estrada and Larry Wilcox have phenomenal on-screen chemistry, and seeing them back on the highways together creates a lovely sense of comfortability in this tale and that too allows one to forgive the show for some sub-par writing and well in the end, it’s best to just declare this episode as decent. Because it really didn’t do anything revolutionary story wise and that’s not a bad thing by any means. After all, fans flocked to this show to see wild moments play out on the highways and watch Ponch and Jon bring bad guys to justice and you get just that in this particular tale, and it was nice to forget about the contract feud, if only for a moment. Until next time.
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