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CHiPs Rock Devil Rock (1977–1983) Online

CHiPs Rock Devil Rock (1977–1983) Online
Original Title :
Rock Devil Rock
Genre :
TV Episode / Crime / Drama / Mystery
Year :
1977–1983
Directror :
John Astin
Cast :
Erik Estrada,Tom Reilly,Robert Pine
Writer :
Larry Mollin,Rick Rosner
Type :
TV Episode
Time :
1h
Rating :
7.5/10
CHiPs Rock Devil Rock (1977–1983) Online

The show opens at the concert of a goth rock star named Moloch, who is performing his new song, "Devil Take Me." Ponch and Hot Dog are hired to escort him to his concerts in the area (as well as keep the press and protesters away). As Moloch leaves the concert in his hearse (decorated with demonic pictures and the number 666), a mysterious voice comes over the car's tape player, "Moloch Must Die!" Moloch is freaked out, but then sees that he's lost his brakes and that the steering mechanism has also been severed, leaving him a sitting duck in a car that quickly goes out of control. As the car quickly fills with toxic smoke, Ponch and Hot Dog see what is happening and rescue Moloch just in time. Moloch -- who off-stage is Mickey Northagen -- is spooked and wants to know what's going on. His manager, Vincent, seems concerned as well, but the officers are skeptical because when the tape is played, no one can hear the mysterious, demonic messages calling for Moloch's death. Meanwhile, ...
Episode cast overview, first billed only:
Erik Estrada Erik Estrada - Officer Frank Poncherello
Tom Reilly Tom Reilly - Officer Bobby 'Hot Dog' Nelson
Robert Pine Robert Pine - Sgt. Joseph Getraer
Paul Linke Paul Linke - Officer Arthur Grossman
Lou Wagner Lou Wagner - Harlan Arliss
Peter Marshall Peter Marshall - Vincent
Don Most Don Most - Moloch (as Donald Most)
Cassandra Peterson Cassandra Peterson - Elvira
Tina Gayle Tina Gayle - Officer Kathy Linahan
Bob Frank Bob Frank - Rock Critic
Clarence Gilyard Jr. Clarence Gilyard Jr. - Officer Benjamin Webster
Daniel Zacapa Daniel Zacapa - Technician (as Garret Pearson)
Lisa Pescia Lisa Pescia - Photographer
Belle Richter Belle Richter - Grandmother
Robert Trujillo Robert Trujillo - Flippy (as Roberto Trujillo)

Under the name Roberto Trujillo, the character 'Flippy' was played by now current Metallica bass player Robert Trujillo.

Elvira, played by Cassandra Peterson, wore a more conservative costume than normal due to CHiPs airing during prime time.

Moloch was clearly modeled after Gene Simmons of the rock band KISS. Members of his backing band can be seen wearing KISS inspired make up and costuming as well.

This Halloween themed episode was originally broadcast on Halloween night.

The choice of "Moloch" as the singer's name was an allusion to ancient Israel, where one of the pagan gods people worshiped was called Moloch. It was the custom there for people to sacrifice their young children to it.

At the end of the episode is a costume party with all the cast present in costumes. Unknowingly, the costume department in 1982 was able to foreshadow the future by dressing Officer Ben Webster, portrayed by Clarence Gilyard, Jr., in costume as what appears to be The Lone Ranger. The Lone Ranger character was a former Texas Ranger. Gilyard would go on in 1993, over 10 years later, to take on the role of another Texas Ranger, James Trivette, Chuck Norris' Ranger partner, on Walker, Texas Ranger.


User reviews

Fast Lovebird

Fast Lovebird

Satanic, death-obsessed glam rocker Moloch (Donnie Most - 'Ralph Malph' from 'Happy Days) faces protests wherever he performs. It goes beyond the fact that his act is a bad rip-off of KISS with a bit of Ozzy Osbourne thrown in.

Family-values and religious fanatics think he is luring the youth of America into devil-worship via satanic messages hidden in his songs. As a result he receives more than the usual share of death threats celebrities get.

California Highway Patrol cops Frank 'Ponch' Poncharello (Erik Estrada) and Bobby 'Hot Dog' Nelson (Tom Reilly) are assigned to escort Moloch as he drives away from the concert arena after a show. Smoke fills the inside of the car and his brakes give out. He hears a voice from his tape player saying 'Moloch will die!'. After Ponch rescues him the startled musician gains big publicity. Himbo Ponch and his equally himbo partner feel taken advantage of and aren't amused.

But out of character and in civilian costume Mickey Nordhagen AKA Moloch seems genuinely scared. Ponch and Bobby begin to wonder if there is more to it all.

Those of us that think of the early episodes of CHiPs as prime exemplars of all that was vacuous and vapid about network TV saw our perceptions redefined when popular cast members Randi Oakes and Larry Wilcox were replaced. Ex Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Tina Gayle was no replacement for Oakes anymore than Tom Reilly could replace Larry Wilcox. By the sixth and final season the show had become a bad sitcom parody of itself.

This Halloween episode directed by John Astin (who played Gomez on the Addams Family) is a schlockfest of appalling acting particularly on the part of Donnie Most (they should've gotten Michael Des Barres).

Cassandra Petersen AKA Elvira, Mistress of the Dark has a fun cameo.
inetserfer

inetserfer

Rock Devil Rock is probably one of the best episodes of CHiPs during the show's run and definitely in the 6th season.

In it,Ponch and Bobby help a rock star who claims that attempts have been made on his life.The rock star's car is sabotaged.Some see it may be attempted murder but others saw it as a publicity stunt.In it,Ponch performs a daring rescue which is somewhat too believable to be true but it happens to be exciting and entertaining.After everything has been done,the CHP officers throw a wild Halloween party.

Cassandra Peterson,who is best known for her on-screen horror hostess character Elvira, Mistress of the Dark,makes a guest appearance.Aside from the refreshing storyline,her presence definitely elevated the level of entertainment this episode gave its loyal fans.