Young Americans – 1.01 – The Beginning – A to Z Challenge Day 25

“Wait, Dawson’s Creek had a spin-off?”
‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’

- Nelson Mandela

Prologue

Up for discussion today is the network premiere and not the actual unaired original pilot of the WB summer series Young Americans.

About the Show
Seasons: 1 |No. of Episodes: 8
Premiere Date: 07/12/2000| End Date: 08/30/2000
Genre: Drama

Story in a Nutshell: Young Americans is set in the town of New Rawley at a prestigious boarding school, Rawley Academy. Will Krudski, a working class New Englander, earns a scholarship to his hometown's posh boarding school, starting with the summer session, as a means of escaping his abusive father. In a moment of carelessness he confesses to his roommate, Scout, that he cheated on the entrance exam. Their professor, Finn, overhears Will and Scout discussing what to do. Before making a final decision about expelling him, Finn has Will write an essay on who he is.
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Title: The Beginning| Writer: Steven Antin| Director: James Whitmore, Jr.
Episode Summary: Will settles in at Rawley Academy, where the teacher Finn learns a secret Will shared with Scout. When Scout's dating Bella turns serious, Mr. Banks explains why he won't allow it. The rowing team's cox Jacqueline "Jake" Pratt, who also has a secret, makes a profound impression on Hamilton. Hamilton is surprised by this and starts to question his own sexual orientation.
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Awards
Character of the Night
• Will

Miscellaneous
Favorite Actor
• Ian Somerhalder

Favorite Main Character
• Hamilton Fleming

Least Favorite Main Character
• Jacqueline "Jake" Pratt

Favorite Side Character
• Lena

Least Favorite Side Character
• Senator Calhoun

Fun Fact: Jeremy Sisto was originally cast to play the lead role of Wll.

Grade: C+
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Comparable Shows
If you are interested in finding more shows like Young Americans then please be sure to check out one, some or all of the following shows: Beverly Hills 90210, Dawson’s Creek and/or Gilmore Girls.
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Up Next: I’m writing about the pilot of Zero Hour for the last day of the A to Z Challenge.