Joe Friday is taking a night class to improve his mind and to get a masters degree in criminology. This episode consists almost completely of Joe's involvement in a psychology class where the members of the class "rap"--talk about what they think and feel. As long as they are actively involved each week, they are guaranteed a good grade. However, during one particular session, Joe notices that one member of the class is carrying a bag of marijuana. And, since he's a cop and required to enforce the laws (even when off duty), he arrests the man. As a result, the professor wants to throw Joe out of the class--but agrees to let the class decide if he can remain. How the episode ends is wonderful--it really packs a great punchline, so to speak.
When I saw this episode a long time ago, I wasn't that impressed. I remembered this particular show as being preachy and trite. However, seeing it once again, I think my first impression was wrong. Some of the drug episodes on "Dragnet" ARE trite and preachy--like "The Big Prophet" and "Public Affairs - DR-07". These episodes consisted of Friday debating the use of illegal drugs with gurus, eggheads and hippies and it just came off as fake--like a recruitment film for the LA Police Department. However, while this one does have some debate concerning the drug laws, I missed the point--this episode really is NOT about drugs--though they become the bone of contention. The real point is free speech--something I value dearly.
Well written and something different, this one deserved a second viewing.
When I saw this episode a long time ago, I wasn't that impressed. I remembered this particular show as being preachy and trite. However, seeing it once again, I think my first impression was wrong. Some of the drug episodes on "Dragnet" ARE trite and preachy--like "The Big Prophet" and "Public Affairs - DR-07". These episodes consisted of Friday debating the use of illegal drugs with gurus, eggheads and hippies and it just came off as fake--like a recruitment film for the LA Police Department. However, while this one does have some debate concerning the drug laws, I missed the point--this episode really is NOT about drugs--though they become the bone of contention. The real point is free speech--something I value dearly.
Well written and something different, this one deserved a second viewing.