The Mod Squad were about as cool as you could get on a television series back in the day. Pete, Linc, and Julie were the perfect stereotypes for their generation. Although they were partially hipsters and partially skilled crime fighters, they were always cool and always did the right thing. They were the man without being “the man.” CBS, in their ongoing quest to bring the classics back to light, have just released Season 2, Volume 2 on DVD and the ride continues to get smoother with each episode.
While this is Aaron Spelling’s first foray into television, it comes off as made by a seasoned veteran. These shows are impeccably written and the actors are perfect for their roles most of the time. I do admit to having a hard time here and there with Clarence Williams III kind of dull delivery, but much like Keanu Reeves in later years, my opinion wouldn’t have done much to slow down his ride to stardom. These three rehabilitated teens turned undercover cops are hard not to like as a trio. In the latter half of season two they are subjected to all sorts of now cliché plots but a few standout. “The Exile” is a bright moment as Julie finds love only to learn that the student she has fallen for is a prince and someone is trying to kill him. Good thing she is part of a trio of undercover cops! “The Debt” is another standout episode where Pete is rescued by a random stranger who turns out to be on the run from some pseudo mobsters.
This was a great show and I enjoyed watching some of them again. I’m old enough to appreciate the era these come from but young enough to only know them from reruns so, for me, having all the missing pieces of this series is far from essential. If you are a die hard fan or are looking to be a completist then, by all means, start with Season 1, Volume 1, but I found that jumping in feet first mid- second season worked just fine. If you enjoy good action oriented detective shows then I suggest checking out The Mod Squad baby!
Reviewed by Mark Fisher
