"Venice Division"
Contributed by Karen G.
The boys have already had one run in with egotistical motor cop Deacon.
They are patrolling when Jim does a double take:
Jim
"Pete, grab a right, quick, quick!"
Pete
"What have you got?"
Jim
"There's a pumpkin back there in the alley!"
Pete
"A pumpkin?"
Jim
"Yeah, hurry it up, will ya?"
They turn into the alley and sure enough, there is a HUGE pumpkin on wheels,
a big obnoxious smiley face painted on it. It's moving slowly, taking up
almost the entire alley.
Pete
"Is that the pumpkin?"
Jim
"Looks like the same one."
They follow it, slowly. Pete honks the horn. The pumpkin doesn't stop.
Jim
"Do you, ah, want me to call in a ten mile-per-hour pursuit?"
Pete
"As soon as we get to the next cross street I'll pull along side."
Pete attempts to do this, but there's no room for the car. He backs off
and gives the siren a couple of nudges. Jim is sitting there looking tolerantly
amused.
Jim
"Hey, I've got an idea."
Pete looks at him.
Jim
"Why don't I jump out and go on foot pursuit?"
Pete
"Why don't you just stay where you are?"
Jim
(laughing silently) "Oh, come on! You're not going to try another end
run are you? I think it's time to punt!"
The smart-alec motor cop, Deacon, pulls up along side
Deacon
"Need some help, officers?"
Deacon pulls around, gets to the driver of the pumpkin, and pulls it over.
As our boys exit the car...
Deacon
"You fellas take over from here. I've already booked three pumpkins this
week!"
Jim
"You know, Deagan, you've turned into a real ball of fire since they took
your training wheels off!"
Deacon drives off, laughing hysterically.
They finally get the "driver" out and it turns out to be a woman. When
Jim has her step up onto the curb...
Pete
"Is this your pumpkin?"
Comments: This is one of my favorite "comedic capers"
that Adam-12 handled. The dialogue is funny, the execution well timed.
But the best part of it is the facial expressions and the perfect delivery
from the actors involved. It also was well-placed in the episode -- right
before a very tragic and intense call. It also shows that by now, Jim has
the confidence to be a bit of a smart-alec himself.
