"Pilot" O.A.D. 10/23/00
"I'm saying you get no respect from them unless they either fear you or think you're crazy…." -- Teacher Harry Senate on students
Another school year is off to a booming start at Winslow High School -- an urban high school outside of Boston. Principal Steven Harper spends his days putting out fires, defending his faculty and just trying to keep it together.
Lauren Davis, the idealistic head of the social studies department, and Harry Senate, a geology teacher with buried secrets, are embroiled in controversy for failing the star running back before a huge game with the cross-town rivals. But they both have bigger personal problems. Lauren has been asked out on a date by the icy vice principal and Harry has been put on probation for wielding a gun in one of his classes.
When he's not dodging the star running back's lawyer or pulling a bully off the class geek, Principal Harper is trying to calm Ms. Hendricks. She left her class after scrawling "Gone to kill myself, hope you're happy" on the chalkboard. Meanwhile, English teacher Milton Buttle has become the star attraction on student Sheryl Holt's Web site. His unflattering, animated portrayal has made Buttle the butt of everyone's jokes. And let's not forget dear old Mr. Lipschultz. The 80-year-old American history teacher kicked popular Dana Poole out of class for not wearing a bra. These days it seems freedom of expression doesn't apply to public high school.
"Chapter Two" O.A.D. 10/30/00
"I'm not going to be treated like a criminal just because I work on a high school faculty." -- Teacher Lauren Davis on being fingerprinted
Last week's bra protest has resulted in school unity. All the girls have decided to go braless in a show of solidarity with Dana Poole. As bras flap ceremoniously from every other locker, Principal Harper juggles a variety of other issues.
The superintendent is breathing down Harper's neck because Lauren has rallied a few of the other teachers and they all refuse to get fingerprinted. Also, Marla Hendricks, who's supposed to be on medical leave, has shown up for work, and Lipschultz, the man behind the bra debacle, has shown up on Sheryl Holt's infamous Web site -- in a bra and panties! Harper decides the two of them will co-teach a class in order to keep an eye on each other.
Meanwhile, Vice Principal Guber tries to regain control by meeting with Dana Poole. He suspects that she's high, so he wants a urine sample. She protests and bolts straight to Harry Senate -- whom she blackmails for the second time in order to avoid suspension. It seems that earlier in the year she and Senate shared a kiss, and since then Dana has become quite adept in the art of extortion. Senate surrenders, but warns her that this is the last time.
Senate later confesses his sin to Buttle and Kevin. They advise him to own up to Harper, but are dying to hear all the juicy details!
"Chapter Three" O.A.D. 11/06/00
"Yesterday, when I called you a total screw-up, well… just want you to know I meant it." -- Harry Senate to underachiever Jamaal Crenshaw
Principal Harper's job is in jeopardy and an impending school board meeting has him on edge. Still, he can't help but get involved when Anthony Ward is found hanging upside down from the roof. It turns out the entire soccer team has ganged up on little Anthony since he thwarted their attempts to download answers for a test. Harper's decision to suspend the entire team, and thereby forfeit the soccer season, only adds fuel to Superintendent Marla Shinn's fire.
Meanwhile, Harry Senate confesses to kissing Dana Poole and explains her blackmail scheme. Guber sends a shocked Dana to Bob "Big Boy" Lick for counseling, but Harper does not suspend Senate. Coach Riley, on the other hand, is dealing with a football team who has marked one of its teammates as gay and will not shower with him. Plus, Lauren is left to defend herself when Superintendent Shinn questions the topic of cannibalism being taught in Lauren's classroom.
At the school board meeting, things come to a head when all of the faculty's -- and Principal Harper's -- indiscretions are exposed. Surprisingly, an impassioned speech by Marla Hendricks puts everything into perspective, and even manages to silence Superintendent Shinn. At least, temporarily.
"Chapter Four" O.A.D. 11/13/00
"…very kid has to have a degree in suckhood to have any chance of becoming something." -- Harry Senate to dropout Juan Figgis
Rehearsals are in full swing for the annual charity show. Marilyn is dismayed to learn that the main skit the students have prepared is a spoof of the Winslow High faculty -- complete with a gun-toting Senate and Buttle stuck inside a donkey!
Elsewhere on campus, Lauren enters a stairwell and catches two student body presidential candidates engaged in a sex act. Lauren confronts the students -- Peter and Susan -- who deny any wrongdoing. However, when Peter later drops out of the election, it becomes clear that Susan's sexual favor was a motivating factor. On top of all this, Lauren must also deal with John LeBlonde. John's an excellent student on the recently suspended soccer team and needs Harper's approval to apply for a prestigious academic award. Harper is refusing to sign, not because John cheated -- he didn't -- but because he failed to report his teammates. Lauren is caught in the middle and is even more uncomfortable when John confesses that he is in love with her.
The night of the charity show, Buttle sits with his date, Louisa, and tries not to let the spoof get to him. Later, Lipshultz performs "If I Were a Rich Man" for the 20th year in a row and receives his 20th standing ovation. After the finale, Marla and Marylin serenade a mortified Guber. The evening ends on a sad note, however, when Harper and Lauren learn that John LeBlonde has overdosed on pills.
"Chapter Five" O.A.D. 11/20/00
"I started preaching abstinence, I'm telling you I felt the habit growing on my head as the words left my mouth." -- Lauren Davis on counseling a freshman on birth control
It's Thanksgiving week, but no one seems particularly grateful. Guber, for example, is still upset over his onstage serenade at the charity show. Football player Jason Harrelson broke bully Malcolm White's arm during a fight in the hall. Buttle is starring in yet another Sheryl Holt original online humiliation cartoon. Last, but not least, Lauren discovered a senior sex posse which awards senior guys points for sex.
In response to the sex posse scandal, Principal Harper organizes a sophomore assembly to preach the benefits of chastity. The teachers draw straws, and Lipschultz is chosen to head up the event. Later at the assembly, Lipschultz' boring speech turns shocking when he confesses to catching his beloved late wife in bed with another man.
In his office, Harper confronts Jason Harrelson about the fight. Harrelson says he used a fighting technique that Harper taught Anthony in order to defend Anthony's honor. Repercussions ensue -- including a lawsuit by Malcolm's family and a confrontation with Jason's father in which Harper calls him a racist. Harper thinks Mr. Harrelson expects special treatment simply because they are both black. Ultimately, Harper goes to the Harrelson home to apologize for the outburst.
As most of the faculty gather at Lauren's for a pre-holiday Thanksgiving dinner, others find their own peace. Guber, who recently admitted to being in love with Lauren, shares a meal with Principal Harper. And Harvey Lipschultz sits in his classroom, alone with his memories.
"Chapter Six" #106 O.A.D. 11/27/00
"Let's face it. These teachers, they're…seless." Winslow High student at the prayer rally
A popular and beloved teacher, Mr. McMahon, has a heart attack and dies at school. A close friend of the deceased, Principal Harper overcomes his own grief to help his students cope with the loss. To make matters worse, it appears that McMahon had been having an affair with a female senior, Karen Fitzgerald.
While Harper struggles to deal with the incident's aftermath and maintain status quo, the students and faculty begin to fall apart. A defiant pupil, Webster, spits on Lauren and she vows to have him expelled. The case becomes more complex, however, when Harper learns that Webster was close to Mr. McMahon and is extremely upset over his death. A disciplinary hearing is held and it's decided that Webster will only be suspended, much to Lauren's disgust.
Meanwhile, the distraught students hold an assembly to deal with their confusion. The kids quickly embrace God as the answer and their meeting turns into a mass prayer rally.
Eventually, Harper and Guber look into McMahon's alleged affair and decide to take disciplinary action toward Karen Fitzgerald. However, it turns out the only affair that existed was in McMahon's mind. Obsessed with his student, he suffered from a delusional disorder. This development is the last straw for Harper, who addresses the kids over the prayer issue and finally breaks down in front of the entire school. He later visits McMahon's corpse and gives him a tearful goodbye.
In the middle of these overwhelming issues, Lauren and Senate find time to steal a few moments together and enjoy a kiss.
"Chapter Seven" #107 O.A.D. 12/4/00
"You haven't stopped me, Mr. Harper. You've only started a war." Sheryl Holt regarding her suspension over her Web site's content.
Life seems to be one big lawsuit for Principal Harper. First, Mrs. Walsh, who was fired for spanking her students, sues for wrongful termination. Then, after Harper suspends Sheryl Holt for offensive content on her Web site, she sues to get the suspension overturned. Guber's brother, George, is representing Winslow High, but can't seem to defend himself against Guber.
George set Guber up on a blind date with a touchy-feely masseuse, only for Guber to discover (mid-massage) that she's a call girl! Lauren isn't much luckier in love. Things are going well with Senate, but holt45.com has exclusive footage of them making out. Seems Sheryl wanted some retaliation for her suspension. Plus, Lauren gets knocked out by a launched breast implant. A female student had implant samples in her locker and her boyfriend thought it would be funny to launch one. Lauren was in the wrong hallway at the wrong time, and has the black eye to prove it. While Marylin counsels the girl on her self-image, Lauren decides to let the boyfriend off the hook.
In court, Lipschultz's testimony - on both the Holt and Walsh cases - is disastrous and results in two losses for the school. Meanwhile, Lauren's week goes from bad to worse when Webster's mom calls her a racist. She questions Lauren suspending her black son for spitting in her face, but letting the white student who launched the implant off with a warning. Surprisingly, Harper agrees with the parent, which devastates Lauren - and makes her question it herself.
"Chapter Eight" #108 O.A.D. 12/11/00
"You want to start a war with us? Oh, you'll get a war but you won't win." -- Principal Harper addressing the student body
Buttle encounters a beautiful college sophomore, Lisa, who shares his passion for Shakespeare. Intrigued by his knowledge of the bard, Lisa decides to sleep with Buttle and the two engage in an afternoon of earth-shattering sex.
Back at Winslow High, Senate learns that Juan Figgis' mother has been convicted on drug charges and is going to jail. Determined to provide for his family, Juan ignores Senate's pleas to finish his education and drops out of school to support them.
Meanwhile, Lipschultz collapses in class and is rushed to the hospital. A student, Kelly O'Toole, comes forward and confesses that she slipped ecstasy into his coffee as a joke. Harper decides to play hardball - he calls the cops, who take Kelly away in handcuffs, and then proceed to search the lockers.
Senate struggles to do the right thing concerning Juan and calls Social Services, who break up the family. Realizing that he did more damage than good, Senate begins a foundation to raise money to keep Figgis in school and get his siblings back together.
Now madly in love with Lisa, Buttle breaks up with Louisa and continues to ditch classes to spend time with his new girlfriend. He is delirious with joy until Lisa gives him the shocking news that she is actually a senior at Winslow High and has had a crush on him for years.
And as the school shuts down for the winter break, Lauren and Senate slowly warm up to each other.
"Chapter Nine" #109 O.A.D. 01/08/01
"You always have to be the cowboy." -- Coach Riley to Harry Senate "Well, it breaks up the day." -- Senate, responding
The first day back at school has barely begun when the police show up looking for a murder suspect. A botched robbery has gone down a few blocks away and the panicked assailant, wearing a Winslow High letterman's jacket, shot and killed a man before heading towards school grounds.
The police think the suspect is a student who is hiding on campus and demand to begin the search at once. Meanwhile, oblivious to the tense situation, Lisa and Buttle decide to have sex in the deserted boiler room. Unfortunately, Riley and an officer stumble upon the couple during the investigation and catch them in the act. Riley agrees to keep quiet about the affair for now, but urges Buttle to break it off before he loses his job…r worse.
As the hunt continues, it becomes a code red condition, locking both teachers and students in their classrooms. Eventually, Lauren realizes that a pupil in her class might be the suspect but before she can take action, the desperate student whips out his gun and takes Lauren hostage. The police immediately call in the SWAT team to stake out the area but Harper rushes into the classroom to talk the kid down.
Principal Harper makes little headway and the situation is becoming extremely tense. Just then, Senate barges into the room and using his usual risky but courageous methods he manages to make progress with the frightened young man. When the suspect lets his guard down for a moment, Harry wrestles him to the ground freeing Lauren in the process and saving the day.
"Chapter Ten" #110 O.A.D. 01/15/01
"Can I make a point which I think is obvious? You can all go to hell!" - Lipschultz at his resignation hearing
Sheryl Holt breaks the news about Milton and Lisa's secret affair on her Web site. Suspicious, Harper confronts Buttle about his sexual involvement, but Milton disavows any wrongdoing, claiming that he and Lisa have started a "Shakespeare Club." Concerned about his friend, Riley decides to keep quiet for now, but begs Buttle to stop seeing his new "girlfriend."
However, Riley has his hands full with another explosive situation - an anonymous bully has severely beaten three male students. When he discovers that the bully is actually an extremely overweight girl who was only defending herself from relentless verbal abuse, he enlists her for the wrestling squad. After enduring further derision, she defeats her opponent at her first match and earns the respect of her teammates and family.
Meanwhile, Marylin suspects that a girl in her class is a victim of incest when the student writes a "fictional" essay about her father molesting her. Although her pupil denies it, Marylin alerts Big Boy and together they confront the girl's parents. However, the father protests and testifies his innocence, becomes extremely angry and threatens to sue. Marylin is finally able to convince her student to admit the truth and she produces a videotape, which irrevocably proves her father's guilt.
In the middle of this crisis, Guber asks Lipschultz to resign after accusing him of being a racist. Lauren makes sure he is given a formal hearing and convinces Harvey to let her represent him. However, at the hearing, Lauren chokes and fails to defend Lipschultz, afraid that she might be labeled a racist as well.
"Chapter Eleven" #111 O.A.D. 01/22/01
"It's too hard. I keep looking for the hope every day, forgetting the hope's supposed to be me." - Harry Senate on the difficulty of being a teacher
Coach Riley has a serious crush on Marylin Sudor but is nervous about asking her out due to their racial differences. But when he and Buttle ask Ms. Sudor how she and Ms. Hendricks feel about dating white men, Marylin mistakenly assumes Coach wants to ask Marla out. Riley's "infatuation" with Marla appears on Sheryl Holt's Web site and Ms. Hendricks becomes extremely excited about the prospect of dating Coach.
Eventually, Kevin tells Marylin the truth and she is forced to break the news to Marla, who is deeply hurt. While Kevin and Marylin do make plans to eventually go out, they decide to wait until Marla has gotten over her disappointment.
Meanwhile, Harper is concerned about the cheerleading squad. They have been rehearsing for an important competition, but their new routine is extremely sexual. The choreographer argues that it's impossible to tone down the program, so Harper cancels the meet.
Regardless of the consequences, Lisa and Buttle continue to tempt fate and continue their heated affair. However, more and more people, including Harper, are growing suspicious and Riley is finding it difficult to keep silent.
Throughout the day, Lauren meets with various loan officers in order to purchase her dream home. Ultimately, her application is turned down because being a teacher makes her a credit risk.
And in an effort to help his kids discuss their feelings, Senate forms a "Suicide Club," which outrages parents and faculty alike. But the students who participate are slowly learning to open up about their problems, and once again, Harry's unorthodox methods pay off.
"Chapter Twelve" #112 O.A.D. 02/05/01
"Milton, have you crossed the line with that girl?" - Harper
"No!" - Milton Buttle on his rumored affair with Lisa
As Senate approaches the school grounds he saves a student from being attacked by gang members. After numerous attempts, Harry finally manages to get the boy to reveal that he is a member of the Crips and is attempting to leave the group because he killed a rival gang member.
However, Senate is unable to help because he gave his word that he wouldn't discuss the situation with the authorities. Prevented from taking action, he reluctantly hides the truth from Lauren, his coworkers and the police.
Meanwhile, Harper grows even more suspicious about Lisa and Buttle's deepening friendship, so Guber takes the reins and alerts Lisa's parents about their daughter's rumored affair. Thoroughly panicked, Milton tries to break it off, but Lisa pushes him to have sex one last time and her father catches them in the act.
Buttle is immediately fired and the news rocks the halls of Winslow High. But when Riley attempts to soften the blow for Milton, Guber fires him as well for withholding information.
In the midst of these crises, Lauren has her hands full trying to help an overweight female wrestler, Christine, cope with the loss of her boyfriend. Known as "The Blob" to the student body, Christine is attracting fans with her wrestling prowess. Unfortunately, Christine's boyfriend is unable to deal with the pressure of dating such a well-known object of ridicule and breaks up with her. Christine eventually comes to terms with her size and wins yet another wrestling match. She then bravely stands up for herself by asking her fans to call her Christine instead of "The Blob."
"Chapter Thirteen" O.A.D. 02/12/01
"Listen, Kevin, whatever I--" - Principal Harper
"Go to hell, Steven…t least with Scott people see him coming." - Coach Riley on being fired
When Coach Riley is fired for withholding information about Buttle's affair, he hires the best attorneys in Boston - Ellenor Frutt and Jimmy Berluti (Camryn Manheim and Michael Badalucco, The Practice)
Ellenor immediately begins subpoenaing witnesses, sending a message to Winslow High that she means business. And in an effort to to take Guber down, Coach helps her play hardball by supplying incriminating evidence against numerous coworkers.
The stress of the lawsuit has Guber and Harper at each other's throats. Harper is angry over Guber's predilection for firing teachers without consulting with him first and Guber dislikes doing the "dirty work" for Harper. The two have several yelling matches with no clear victor before their lawyer asks them to grow up and focus on the upcoming trial.
Meanwhile, Lauren discovers that Harry had dated another coworker, Jenna, before her. Disturbed that Harry would have a relationship with a woman Lauren deems unsavory, she becomes concerned about her own relationship with Senate. Although Harry tries to discover why she is so upset, Lauren denies that it has anything to do with Jenna but eventually loses her cool and goes off on Senate.
At the trial, Ellenor pulls no punches and proceeds to list every infraction, mental illness and strange behavior incurred by the other Winslow High teachers. Although she is highly effective, Harper is given the opportunity to give the closing argument for the defense and delivers a rousing speech that sways the judge.
Coach Riley loses his case and he and Buttle have a tearful but awkward goodbye with their former coworkers before leaving Winslow High for the last time.
"Chapter Fourteen" O.A.D. 02/19/01
"I can respect that you don't like to share your life with people; I don't understand it, but I respect it." - Lauren, about Senate's need for privacy
"My father's in prison. That's good sharing, isn't it?" - Senate
Harper arrives at Winslow only to discover that six teachers have quit in protest over Riley's dismissal. Desperate for substitutes, he begins shuffling his staff to fill the void with less than successful results.
Meanwhile, Guber wins a contest to guest conduct a Boston Pops rehearsal and is overcome with anticipation and nerves. He enlists Marylin's help and begins to practice conducting the school orchestra. But problems arise when Guber misconstrues Marylin's kindness for affection and asks her out on a date. She politely turns him down and Guber pretends to understand, but they both know his feelings have been hurt.
Senate attempts to help with the teacher shortage by recommending a good friend of his. Although his buddy ultimately does not interview for the position, Harry introduces him to Lauren and she realizes that he has never heard of her.
Lauren is extremely hurt that Senate never mentioned her to his pal and this just adds even more strain to their already tense relationship. She finally lets Harry know that while she can respect his need for privacy, she won't tolerate his uncommunicative behavior much longer. So Senate makes the effort to open up and begins by sharing a family secret - his father is in prison for armed robbery.
Overwhelmed, Harper must deal with yet another crisis: Lisa Greer has been teaching her lit class since the actual teacher hasn't shown up since November. Pressed to the limit for substitutes, he makes the surprising decision to let Lisa continue teaching…for now.
And when Guber finally gets his shot to conduct, Marylin and Harper are in the audience, praying that it all goes well. Guber conducts flawlessly and at least for one shining moment, all his dreams come true.
"Chapter Fifteen" O.A.D. 02/26/01
"I read that Shakespeare, Steven. He's a sex perv." - Lipschultz to Harper on the joy of teaching Shakespeare
Marylin has her best singers, including Tyronn, practicing hard for an upcoming competition in the hope that they might be offered college scholarships. After a late rehearsal, Marylin is driving Tyronn home when gang members suddenly drive by and begin shooting.
Although he and Marylin are uninjured, it's clear to Tyronn that the Bloods know the truth and are out to get revenge. Senate is so desperate to help him that he breaks his vow of silence and calls in Tyronn's parents. However, the only option Tyronn will agree to is leaving Boston, so he tearfully says goodbye to Senate and Marylin and makes plans to leave town.
Meanwhile, Guber, in his ongoing effort to eliminate Lipschultz, demands that Harvey take a competency test. But Harper can't afford to lose any more teachers, especially in light of the fact that the cheerleading coach has just been accused of molesting a female student. Harper takes the accusation seriously and suspends the coach until he can determine who is telling the truth.
Eventually, Harper calls in the girl's parents only to discover that this student has a history of falsely accusing teachers of molesting her and is currently in therapy for it. Harper apologizes to the coach but the damage to her reputation has already been done.
Oblivious to the latest crisis, Guber is estactic over a potential job as musical director for the North Hampton symphony. However, he is soon devastated to learn the position was just a cruel joke set up by Lipschultz in an effort to get Guber off his back.
And as Harry Senate is getting ready to check out for the day, Harper breaks the news that Tyronn was just shot and killed at the bus station. Emotionally drained, Harry collapses in tears and shock over the loss of what might have been.
"Chapter Sixteen" O.A.D. 03/26/01
"First, why is there a camera in the girls' shower?" - Lauren Davis, after discovering the shower-cam footage - which includes her - is missing
Harry applies shock treatment to his Suicide Club when he arranges a field trip to the morgue. He shows the students the real aftermath of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. When word spreads throughout the school, Harper demands an explanation.
Meanwhile, Harper and Guber learn that not only has there been a videocamera in the girls' shower room for months, but the videotapes are now missing. Plus, footage of Lauren Davis is included in the steamy shots. As Harper leaves to investigate, he discovers Marla's entire history class in his office. Now he worries that she's teetering on the edge of reason…again.
Guber's search of student lockers doesn't uncover the tapes, but does uncover Anthony Ward's hit list. Anthony swears it's pure fiction, but Guber wants to expel him. Finally, Anthony admits he just likes pretending that he's not a wimp, but a tough guy enacting revenge on his tormentors. Later, at Senate's meeting with parents, he is typically condescending and confrontational. Lauren confronts him about his attitude and he confesses that he covered for Tyronn and feels responsible for his death. Lauren is stunned and ultimately realizes that she and Harry will never have the open relationship that she needs.
Luckily, a porn Webmaster turns over the shower tapes to Guber, who traces them back to a student. Guber literally scares the piss out of the kid and demands all copies of the tapes. But will he view them before he destroys them?
"Chapter Seventeen" O.A.D. 04/16/01
"…I hear you're walking around suspending everybody in your path. Is that true?" Harper to Guber "It is.
It's been a good day." Guber's reply
Harper seems to have his hands full between the Lisa Grier teaching backlash and an unrelenting mother concerned about toxic bus fumes, but that's just the beginning. Harper soon learns that Senate knew about Tyronn's gang affiliation, plus Guber is on a suspension rampage. Guber's first target is the kid responsible for stealing the security tapes from the girls' shower. Lauren's made her naked debut on holt45.com, and Guber's seeking retribution.
Next on the list is the student who designed a poster for a "study group" with the name Four Twenty, a known code for marijuana.
And of course, Sheryl Holt herself - who immediately contacts her family lawyer to fight the suspension.
Meanwhile, Marla is systematically sending every student in her history class to Harper's office, which has Harper wondering if she's on the verge of another breakdown.
Plus, Lipschultz - who has been assigned to monitor Lisa Grier's Shakespeare class - is causing a stir for calling the playwright an "oversexed hack." Lauren is horrified that her shower scene is playing for the entire school, but sort of happy that she's moved up on the list of teachers the students most want to sleep with.
By the end of the day, Guber's figured out how to play hardball with Sheryl's lawyer. He just keeps suspending and unsuspending Sheryl to rack up the billable hours.
In his free time, he has replaced Lipschultz in Lisa Grier's Shakespeare class and is soon humbled by the students' extraordinary grasp of the material.
Lauren puts aside her own unfolding drama to console Senate, who barely escaped being fired. As for Harper, he takes time out from dealing with all the "bad" kids to sit and listen to some of the good ones in Marylin's choir.
"Chapter Eighteen" O.A.D. 04/23/01
"…this is a school, we're teachers, we're not first-year plebs at West Point, you autocratic hack." Art teacher Darren Schofield to Vice Principal Guber
Still high on a power trip, Guber confronts popular art teacher, Darren Schofield, about Darren's non-traditional grading system. Darren feels that students learn more when less pressured by standardized tests and grades. After a heated argument, Guber fires Darren. When Harper learns of the firing, he sets out to reverse the damage.
In the hallway, Lisa stops Senate and informs him that Dana Poole is skipping first period to work at a local strip club. Senate takes it upon himself to investigate. Elsewhere, Marylin confronts star wrestler Christine Banks. Marylin's concerned that while Christine's popularity is soaring her grades are falling. Marla, meanwhile, is so disgusted with her students' test scores that she warns them they are all going to wind up janitors. She makes them go to the parking lot and pick up trash for the rest of the hour.
The complaints start rolling in about Marla's tactics, causing her to resign. Plus, the teachers have started a coalition in protest of Darren's firing. Senate confronts Dana about her new career and discovers that she doesn't come from a wealthy family, like everyone thinks. She started stripping to help support her single mom, and she pulls in sixty grand a year! Senate doesn't tell her mom, but asks Lisa to speak with Dana on a peer level.
All this is nothing compared to that night's wrestling match, where Christine Banks collapses in front of the packed auditorium. Later, in the hospital, Coach Riley tells her she won. Moments later, Christine goes into cardiac arrest and dies.
"Chapter Nineteen" O.A.D. 04/30/01
"Since Columbine, since San Diego, we've all had enough, any kid who's been picked on fits an ugly profile, you've been shoved into lockers, forced to wear a diaper, and what's worse, you have a backpack which makes you 'public enemy number one.'" Senate to hit list author Anthony Ward
A recent win for the debate team is not enough to satisfy Coach Guber. He is in search of a charismatic addition to the team, and thinks Anthony Ward might fit the bill. Anthony's got big problems with Harper though, ever since he was rejected by a potential prom date. He told the girl she'd "be sorry" for turning him down. That perceived threat, in addition to Anthony's recent hit list, has landed him in a heap of trouble and may get him transferred. Guber asks Senate to talk some sense into Anthony, while Harper calls in his parents.
Meanwhile, Marylin suspects one of her best students is being victimized at home. When Jeremy has an anxiety attack and collapses over getting a B+, Marylin discovers bruises on his chest. Both Jeremy and his mother (Kathy Baker, Picket Fences) call the claims ridiculous, but Marylin sends social services over to their house anyway. She also warns Jeremy's mom that she'll be making sure that Jeremy isn't put under too much pressure. In other teacher-student relations, Lauren runs into an ex-student and accepts his offer for a date. She later admits to Marylin the teacher-student fantasy becoming real was a real turn on!
Lisa Grier earns early graduation status, much to Lousia's dismay. The two were to have fought in the parking lot, but had to postpone while Lisa shared the good news with her family. Elsewhere, Anthony's case goes before the school board. They decide that in light recent school tragedies they must adopt a zero tolerance policy and Anthony must transfer schools.
"Chapter Twenty" O.A.D. 05/07/01
"You really shouldn't be sitting here so late at night. People will think you're going to steal something." Lipschultz to an African American student.
Maryiln is still wary of A-student Jeremy's home life. She's suspicious of Jeremy's mom, who is playing the role of devoted parent to the hilt. She even baked cookies for the yearbook staff. When Jeremy is involved in a minor car accident, he calls Marylin. She arrives and accompanies Jeremy home. When he is absent from school the next day, Marylin makes a surprise visit to his house. Jeremy's mom retaliates by complaining to Principal Harper about Marylin's "obsession" with Jeremy. Meanwhile, Marylin learns that Jeremy is kept locked in the basement as regular punishment.
Guber feels the addition of Kevin Jackson to the debate team will give the team "flair." The first topic is the AIDS crisis in Africa. While Jackson deliberates over his strategies, Lipschultz tells him not to "talk too black" and that it's his duty to be good since he's the only black kid on the team. During the debate, Jackson punches his opponent. Later, he confronts Guber and asks if he was brought on as the token African American. Guber denies such tactics, but Jackson quits the team anyway.
On the love-life front, both Harper and Lauren are getting some action. Lauren is really enjoying her affair with Daniel. The whole student-teacher fantasy is a great turn-on. Harper's affair with one of the parents, however, is backfiring. The woman's daughter has gone from a model student to a rebellious one. When confronted, she tells Harper she resents his relationship with her mom - who isn't even divorced yet. Harper decides to put his romance on hold for now.
"Chapter Twenty-One" O.A.D. 05/14/01
"Look. I know you dated her. But how well do you really know her? Do you know she took a baseball bat to her car? There's something loose up there." Daniel to Senate, regarding Lauren Davis.
During a late night "study" session with Daniel, Lauren discovers a disturbing homage to her in his house. When she later confronts him he admits to having an obsession with her since he was her student, but assures her he's harmless. Lauren is freaked out and breaks up with him - which only leads to Daniel stalking her. When Senate talks to him on Lauren's behalf he implies that Lauren is making the whole thing up. Which may be why Lauren winds up buying a gun.
Meanwhile, Guber interviews for a headmaster position at a prestigious private school and feels Harper torpedoed his chances of getting it. But Harper's busy reminding Marla and Marylin that they are not social workers. Marla intervenes when a senior with a criminal past asks a freshman to the prom, leading to a confrontation with the boy's parents. And when Marylin notices a change in Jeremy (like, he's happy), she wonders what has happened to his domineering mother.
"Chapter Twenty-Two" O.A.D. 05/21/01
"There's a lesson in this. If you bring a gun to school, don't point it at anybody." Senate to Lauren.
The fallout from Lauren's relationship with Daniel continues to haunt her. He confronts her in the school parking lot and she draws her newly purchased weapon to prove to him how terrified she is. Later, his parents come to the school and admit that Daniel has psychiatric problems. His latest claims are that he's having a sexual affair with one of his old teachers and that she pulled a gun on him. Lauren is mortified, but confesses that it's all true. Harper has no choice but to suspend her for two months.
Guber, still bitter over not getting a new job, is meaner than ever, even though graduation is only two days away. And speaking of graduation, Kevin Jackson is desperately working on his speech for the ceremony and Guber refuses to cut him any slack. Harper negotiates with a parent who wants his son reinstated at Winslow in time for commencement. Harper will allow the boy to return, if the father (who home schooled him) becomes a substitute teacher. Harper also pits Lipschultz against Marla when Marla flunks a Harvard-bound student. He asks Lipschultz to review the exam - and give the boy a passing grade.
Meanwhile, Marylin is still really concerned about Jeremy's mother. Since Jeremy is getting a prestigious award at graduation, she's convinced his mother would want to be there. Marylin goes so far as to notify the police, but Jeremy insists that sometimes his mom just takes off. Graduation goes off without a hitch but Marylin still suspects that Jeremy is hiding something. She never suspects that he's got his mother held captive in their basement..