CHiPs - General Discussion

[scowl]

Back then before the Internet, we all believed every urban legend without question (well, maybe a smartypants would roll their eyes). If someone had heard that someone had robbed an armored truck with bees, we would all assume it had certainly happened. Why wouldn't we? If television writers weren't generating these urban legends, they were certainly searching for them to turn them into television plots which now seem outlandish to us.

[ennui]

I thought Erik did become a part time deputy for a short time. His Twitter handle says deputy sheriff.

I would assume it's an honorary title.

"Erik has now joined forces with the Safe Surfin' Foundation & Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces around the country to protect our nation’s children from the sexual predators who prowl the Internet looking for their next victim. Their Task Forces are located throughout the United States and stand ready to offer assistance to the law enforcement community, and to the citizens they are sworn to protect. Please continue reading to learn more about these amazing projects and their dedication to fighting crimes against this country's youth."

 

I think Erik also did something with child safety seats? Not sure.

[ennui]

After all these years, Larry can't possibly be bewildered. Can he?

[Ubiquitous]

Oh! I forgot to mention this, but there's a scene in that ep in which you can see the Partridge Family's distinctive bus parked in the background! I wonder what the story behind that is?

[ennui]

Oh! I forgot to mention this, but there's a scene in that ep in which you can see the Partridge Family's distinctive bus parked in the background! I wonder what the story behind that is?

Since the Partridge Family ended in 1974, I imagine it was a copy and a coincidence.

[Rear Window]

They are definitely running out of story ideas at this point and becoming ridiculous. Yesterday, a bickering family consisting of a very manly-looking mother and her two sons decided to celebrate(?) their father getting out of jail by robbing an armored truck by having the sons pose as cops to detour the truck to a remote location where they make it pull over so the mother could dump bees into the air vent on the roof and the sons unload the truck during the confusion.

This was pretty silly. The kids posing as cops looked about 12, and not only did they steal several cop cars, they robbed a dry cleaners of Sarge's uniforms. The first couple of seasons were definitely better!

[Rear Window]

There was an article posted in Larry's FB page about Erik asking for him to be fired. I guess the actress who played Sindy all left because of Erik. It seems as if Larry and Erik didn't get along too well back them but any current interview I read makes it seem like things were fine.

[Ubiquitous]

I wondered why the armored truck drivers never asked to see their badges or some kind of ID!

[ennui]

I read Erik's book several years ago. I don't recall that he said anything bad about Larry, but Larry seems to have a chip (pun!) on his shoulder about something.

 

Larry's been consistent that he was a trained actor, and never understood why they hired Erik, who was not a trained actor.

 

I imagine there is blame on both sides.

[ennui]

I wondered why the armored truck drivers never asked to see their badges or some kind of ID!

That part actually made sense. When a black & white car with a uniformed patrolman pulls you over, do you ask for ID?

[Maherjunkie]

I thought Erik mentioned acting classes in my teen magazines of yesteryear.

[ennui]

I own Erik's autobiography, but the book is in storage and it's been several years since I read it. I'm struggling to remember, but I think Erik said that he never had a problem with Larry, and that the tabloids created the fake drama. I can see that. There were decades where no one challenged the tabloids, and they could write whatever they want. I think Carol Burnett might have been the first to take them to court and win.

 

Anyway, from reading the book, I thought Erik seemed like a decent person. I really liked the things he said about his current wife.

[Maherjunkie]

Do you remember what he said?

[ennui]

I'm paraphrasing, without the book in front of me ... but Erik said she was like a warm fire, that she had peace and warmth about her. It was lovely.

[Rear Window]

Erik comes across as really likeable on social media. I can see where he might have had an ego back in the day, but he seems genuine. I'd love to read that book.

[Rear Window]

I thought yesterday's episode was pretty ridiculous. A bunch of monkeys, birds and dogs were able to rob a bank and there was a Ponch look-a-like at Chippendales. I didn't even make it through the episode it was that bad.

[ennui]

I thought yesterday's episode was pretty ridiculous. A bunch of monkeys, birds and dogs were able to rob a bank and there was a Ponch look-a-like at Chippendales. I didn't even make it through the episode it was that bad.

I agree, but then I dislike anything with Don Stroud. There was a scene with a German Shepherd riding the back of a motorcycle, and it made me nervous and uncomfortable for the dog.

[Raja]

I thought Erik did become a part time deputy for a short time. His Twitter handle says deputy sheriff.

Wiki said they were swore in as reserve officers Muncie Indiana at the end of  a reality show. So something like Steven Segal being a reserve deputy perhaps.

Edited February 5, 2015 by Raja

[Ubiquitous]

That part actually made sense. When a black & white car with a uniformed patrolman pulls you over, do you ask for ID?

I'd assume it's a cop, but then again, I'm not driving an armoured truck and I am sure people have impersonated cops in order to rob them before in the past.

 

I thought yesterday's episode was pretty ridiculous. A bunch of monkeys, birds and dogs were able to rob a bank and there was a Ponch look-a-like at Chippendales. I didn't even make it through the episode it was that bad.

Yeah, that was pretty stupid, and then when they reveal the stripper, they didn't do a "Patty Duke" and used a guy who really didn't look a lot like Ponch. Predictably, they asked Ponch to stand in for his alleged doplpeganger after getting run over by Nick Tortelli who decided to commit a real crime so the cops would believe him when he turned himself in. Oh yeah! The actress who played the Russian babe on Hogan's Heroes played the club owner! This ep explained my confusion with the previous one involving Chippendales, although I never heard of them having female mud wrestling. I was sure those were ladies-only clubs.

[ennui]

When Chippendales was started, the nightclub did feature female mud wrestling. The club was failing when they came up with the idea of male strip tease.

 

The Wikipedia article is interesting. I didn't know Paul Snider came up the idea; I do recall that he killed his Playmate wife, Dorothy Stratten.

[ennui]

As much as I like Erik, I don't think I can sit through season 6. I wish MeTV could skip it and start over with season 1.

[Maherjunkie]

Me too.  I take it this is the last season?  Though I love the opening a la disco.

[Maverick]

 So I'm watching an episode that actually has CHiPs officers in it (instead of ninjas).  Problem is, who the hell are these people?  I knew Jon was gone in season 6 (and apparently it takes two blondes to replace him) but Bonnie's gone too?  I wasn't a huge fan of Randi Oaks/Bonnie (especially in comparison to Sindy) but new chick is awful.  And wither Pornstache Worf??

[ennui]

Yes, apparently most everyone bailed for season 6. But we still have Grossie!  :)

 

I had heard about the episode where Ponch meets "the one." It might have been better if "the one" wasn't Beverly Sassoon. She's very pretty, but she and Erik had zero chemistry.  I didn't feel a thing when she died in his arms.  Oh, well.

[Kev]

When looking for images of the various CHiPs actors, do you know who came up the most? 

 

Bruce Penhall

[ennui]

When looking for images of the various CHiPs actors, do you know who came up the most? 

 

Bruce Penhall

It must depend on your search engine, because I usually get Larry Wilcox.

And that may all change after Bruce Jenner's interview this week.

[Maherjunkie]

Larry vs "Bobby Nelson"?  Hot, but not Larry.  Too young, it felt at the time.

[Maherjunkie]

I loved the Roller Disco episode, but wouldn't it be easier to get away on foot no matter how good a skater you were?

[theredhead77]

This show was "must see" for my friends and I when it originally aired. I to remember Ponch being totally absent when Bruce Jenner took his place. So very odd, almost as odd at how automibiles on this show would fly at the slight provocation.

Or explode when tapped. For years (and even a little to this day) I believed if a car was rear ended it would explode. Flat tire... BOOM. Car rolls over, massive explosion while rolling. Cars just don't have a small engine fire. They explode! EXPLODE I TELL YA!

[Bishop]

Jon Baker was always my favorite on CHIPS.  He was the more serious, quiet, and sexy character, imo, and I never go for the blond.  I know Ponch and Erik certainly had his fans, but Jon just seemed more like the adult, the older brother while Ponch was the kid brother that always got into trouble.  I wish the episodes had been written a bit more dramatic, since I think it would have worked just fine, but it was more about the car crashes and the latest "going-on" on the highway.  

 

Either way, it's good to rewatch the series again, but Season 6 without Jon Baker is a waste of time.  It is not the same show without him AT ALL.

[ennui]

Erik sworn in as a reserve officer in Idaho.  

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/erik-estrada-reserve-officer_us_577dfa47e4b01edea78c921f

[Maherjunkie]

I'm gonna have to be a scarecrow in that cornfield.

[Maherjunkie]

https://medium.com/@suewalsh/how-a-70s-tv-show-changed-my-life-really-302072ac889a#.3jq9jdrfw

 

A fan's experience with Larry.

[ennui]

Thanks for the link, interesting read.

[Maherjunkie]

I don't wanna start anything, but does anyone follow Larry on Twitter?  He seems kind of extreme, politically.  But then I am left of center myself.

[Moose135]

I don't really follow anyone on Twitter, and now I'm sorry I checked his feed...

[Maherjunkie]

Otherwise sweet guy...

[Rear Window]

I used to follow Larry on Twitter but unfollowed him about a month before the election. He is extreme. When I met him at a comic con earlier this year, I thought he was one of the nicest people. And I told him what I'd like to see on his social media is stuff about CHiPs. His fan FB page was giving fun facts about the show that I enjoyed but too much drama there. Oh well. I couldn't stomach Estrada's Twitter for more than a few days.

[Maherjunkie]

What's his like?  The same?

 

Is Sue still allowing trolls to get to her?

[Maherjunkie]

http://www.vulture.com/2017/03/larry-wilcox-on-why-he-isnt-in-the-new-chips-movie.html

[Max fan]

On 1/30/2015 at 8:50 PM, ennui said:

I own Erik's autobiography, but the book is in storage and it's been several years since I read it. I'm struggling to remember, but I think Erik said that he never had a problem with Larry, and that the tabloids created the fake drama. I can see that. There were decades where no one challenged the tabloids, and they could write whatever they want. I think Carol Burnett might have been the first to take them to court and win.

 

Anyway, from reading the book, I thought Erik seemed like a decent person. I really liked the things he said about his current wife.

I started watching Chips a few years ago when METV started running it and got a major crush on Erik! I ordered his book on Amazon and he really does seem like a very nice guy ! I still like him but my crush has diminished some! But I still prefer Ponch to Jon, although Jon is cute too! Also the blonde guy they brought in the last season after Larry left ,Bobby was pretty cute too! 

And I also bought some movies Erik was in and he really is a pretty decent actor. He was very good in a role he played in " The cross and the switch blade" with Pat Boone . A true story of a gang member turned Christian . Erik was very young. The movie was from 1971 or 72!  And he guest starred in a few TV shows such as Baretta before he was on Chips! 

Edited January 24, 2018 by Max fan

[Max fan]

On 2/14/2015 at 7:19 PM, ennui said:

Yes, apparently most everyone bailed for season 6. But we still have Grossie!  :)

 

I had heard about the episode where Ponch meets "the one." It might have been better if "the one" wasn't Beverly Sassoon. She's very pretty, but she and Erik had zero chemistry.  I didn't feel a thing when she died in his arms.  Oh, well.

Yeah! It seemed like that to me too! Like she wasn't his type of something. Maybe the goofy Marcia Clark perm! But than I read that Erik and Beverly had really dated at one point, and when this ep. was filmed they were still really good friends! 

[Max fan]

On 1/14/2015 at 5:02 PM, ByaNose said:

Watching Bruce Jenner tonight. He wasn't that bad. Unfortunately, he was too similar to Larry Wilcox. I know he was an Olympic decathlon but I had forgotten how big & bulky he was. His face is so full. It's a shame what he has done to himself. Also, CHiPs got bonus points tonight with Amy Madigan guest staring. Who knew? LOL!!

I know! It's sad huh. Seeing Bruce back than , big, burly and masculine and now as Caitlyn! 

On 10/2/2014 at 11:54 AM, Maherjunkie said:

Baricza/Bear was incredibly underrated in the hotness dept.  Dare to disagree?

Oh yes!! Baricza/Bear was VERY hot!!! 

[Raja]

2 hours ago, Max fan said:

I started watching Chips a few years ago when METV started running it and got a major crush on Erik! I ordered his book on Amazon and he really does seem like a very nice guy ! I still like him but my crush has diminished some! But I still prefer Ponch to Jon, although Jon is cute too! Also the blonde guy they brought in the last season after Larry left ,Bobby was pretty cute too! 

And I also bought some movies Erik was in and he really is a pretty decent actor. He was very good in a role he played in " The cross and the switch blade" with Pat Boone . A true story of a gang member turned Christian . Erik was very young. The movie was from 1971 or 72!  And he guest starred in a few TV shows such as Baretta before he was on Chips! 

Check out The New Centurions where he played LAPD rookie Sergio Duran, his role was maybe the smallest of the three rookies followed but it is more than a cameo.

[Max fan]

4 hours ago, Raja said:

Check out The New Centurions where he played LAPD rookie Sergio Duran, his role was maybe the smallest of the three rookies followed but it is more than a cameo.

Oh yes! I've been thinking of ordering it from Amazon! He was also really good in a movie called "The last riders' from the early 90's, and he was still hot in his early 40's! 

[Max fan]

 

 

 

I just saw Erik Estrada looking hot playing himself, guest starring  on an episode of the Nannny!! 

[Max fan]

 

 

 

 

[Max fan]

[TheLastKidPicked]

One of the best Bear scenes is when he has to use his patrol car to stop a truck that lost it's brakes.  The 1970's cheesy goodness shines through, complete with the dramatic music!

On 12/15/2014 at 11:17 AM, scowl said:

I loved how this show compensated for its lack of violence by staging the most elaborate multi-car crashes in television history. Yeah, Ponch and Jon never shot criminals in the back but boy those cars on the freeway always shot off into the sky whenever someone changed lanes too quickly! 

 

On 12/27/2014 at 10:13 PM, Rear Window said:

It's too bad, but funny, that you can see the ramps the cars use to go flying in about half the scenes.

And this is what makes watching these 1970's shows so much fun.  Knowing that it was before CGI, so actual stunt people had to drive the cars and the skill and timing it would take for each of the crashes to look like an accident.

[TheLastKidPicked]

Do you remember Harlan?

Many of us wanted to be Ponch or John when we grew up.

But for a lot of my friends, including me, we wanted to be Harlan when we grew up.  Nobody could be out on patrol without Harlan keeping their rides up and running.