Young Americans

1st Season Summer 2000

1. "Pilot (a.k.a. The Beginning)"
   gs: Ed Fry [ Charlie Banks ], N. Deborah Hazlett [ Susan Krudski ], Tracy Howe [ Brian Krudski ], Libby Whittemore [ Woman in car ], Zach Cregger [ Student ], Tammy Elphic [ Sam ]

   Rawley Academy, a school for privileged youth, begins its summer session. Will Krudski arrives on his first day at Rawley Academy; a dream that he has been anticipating to fulfill. He meets his wealthy roommate, Scout Calhoun and later they meet the dean's son, Hamilton Fleming. The camaraderie between Will and Scout is later jeopardized when Will unwittingly reveals to Scout that he cheated on his entrance exam by buying it on-line. Scout promises his not to say a word. After meeting the unconventional crew coach and literature professor, Finn, Will seems to be adjusting to his new surroundings just fine. But Finn unintentionally overhears a conversation between Will and Scout about his dilemma and learning that Will cheated his way into the school. In order for Will to remain a student at Rawley, he has to write an essay that'll impress Finn into letting him stay.

   Local girl Bella Banks develops a mutual attraction to Scout that is irresistible, but her father disapproves of them seeing each other.

   Hamilton befriends Jake Pratt. (Jake is really a girl passing as a boy.) Their friendship is tested when Jake, accidentally and not realizing, kisses Hamilton. Hamilton is later confused and questions whether his gay or not.

   b: 12 Jul 00 pc: _________ w: Steven Antin d: James Whitmore Jr.
   NOTE: The character of Will Krudski was introduced on a few episodes of Dawson's Creek as Pacey's boyhood friend. This episode featured a "Boys Don't Cry" sub-plot, which has never actually been portrayed on television.

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2. "Our Town (a.k.a. Some Good Times)"
   gs: Deborah Hazlett [ Susan Krudski ], John Haynes Walker [ Frank ], Delaney Williams [ Groundskeeper ]

   Will is having a hard time dealing with his new life and friends and his old life back home. Scout takes a job across Bella's gas station. Will admits to Sean he kept it a secret because he was afraid to fail. Hamilton threats Jake with violence. He still thinks Jake is a man. They become more attracted to each other.

   b: 19 Jul 00 pc: 101 w: Steven Antin d: James Whitmore, Jr.

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3. "Kiss and Tell"
   gs:

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   Paige arrives in town showing interest on Scott. Hamilton develops a crush on Lena, who asks Jake to join them in their date. Paige tells Bella she has always loved Scott ever since they were little kids. Lena is hitting on Jake, and Hamilton tells her they shouldn't see each other anymore. Bella wants to help Paige with Scott, even though she knows that Scott doesn't Paige as much as her. Will steals a taped that had a confession of Kate and Finn's affair. Kate tells Finn to handle it. Finn ends the affair with Kate. Lena tries to kiss Jake, who avoids it and Lena says Hamilton likes her (Lena thinks Jake is a man). Scout tells Bella they should be friends and go spend the weekend away with Paige.

   b: 26 Jul 00 pc: 102 w: Kerry Ehrin d: Perry Lang

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4. "Cinderbella"
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   rc:

   Sean questions Bella about her feelings for Scott, and she says she there's nothing between them. Scout asks Paige to the Rawley Cotillion. Jake asks Hamilton but backs out after Lena invites him too. Will asks Bella to go with him. Her sister accidentally ruins her dress and she has to wear her mother's wedding dress. At the party, Scout and Bella can't stop thinking about each other. He finds her alone and they start dancing. Paige interrupts them and Bella storms out, crying. Hamilton refuses to accept the idea of feeling attracted to Jake. They kiss and Jake tells him she's a woman. Caroline and Will talk, and he gives her the idea that he's not from Rawley. After she finds his wallet, they talk and get things right.

   b: 2 Aug 00 pc: 103 w: Anne McGrail d: James Whitmore, Jr.

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5. "Winning Isn't Everything"
   gs: Beau Gravitte [ Senator Calhoun ], N. Deborah Hazlett [ Susan Krudski ], Tracy Howe [ Brian Krudski ], Matt Mulhern [ Charlie ], Laura Sheaks [ Monica Pratt ]

   When Bella and Scout learn that Scout's father is coming for a visit to Rawley Academy, they agonize over whether to tell him he has a daughter he never knew. Jake's mother makes a surprise visit, prompting Jake to undergo major changes to her looks. (Case in point: dressing like a GIRL!)

   Will's mother accompanies him to his team's relay race because his father didn't want to go.

   b: 9 Aug 00 pc: 104 w: Andi Bushell & Jim Praytor d: Mel Damski

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6. "Gone"
   gs: Charlie Hunnam [ Ryder ], Gabrielle Christian [ Grace ], Jeff Perryson [ Cop ]

   Bella begins to write a letter to her and Scout's father explaining that he has an actual daughter (Bella) he hasn't known about. But when the letter becomes missing, she goes on a frantic search to discover its whereabouts. Meanwhile, Will gambles with British lad Ryder, but when the stakes are high, he foolishly gambles his laptop and loses it. Jake and Hamilton go out on a date.

   b: 16 Aug 00 pc: 105 w: Laura Wolner & Greg Berlanti d: James Whitmore, Jr.

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7. "Free Will"
   gs: Charlie Hunnam [ Ryder ], Kathleen Bridget Kelly [ Kate Fleming ], Rachel Layne Sacrey [ Ryder's Girlfriend ]

   Bella's sweet sixteen begins on a sour note when she receives a birthday gift from her absentee mother. While Bella wants no part of the package, Scout swipes the return address in order to learn the truth about their parentage. Meanwhile, Will's reputation as poet laureate of Rawley Academy proves to be profitable, first when he lands a job as an English tutor, and yet again when Ryder offers him $100 to write a love sonnet. Also, while Jake tries to ignore the constant speculation about her sexual orientation, the pressure may be too much for Hamilton to handle.

   b: 21 Aug 00 pc: 106 w: ______________ d: ______________

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8. "Will Bella Scout Her Mom?"
   gs: Matt Czuchry [ Shawn ], Glynnis O'Connor [ Donna Banks ], Matt Mulhern [ Charlie ], Pearce Bunting [ Blue Collar ]

   Bella learns that the gas station is going to be auctioned off, and that her mother, who hasn't seen her in ten years, is the cause. Meanwhile, Will is in danger of losing his scholarship due to budget cuts. As Jake and Hamilton are about to share an intimate shower on their last day, Finn walks in on them and Jake's secret is revealed as the summer session at Rawley Academy comes to a close.

   b: 30 Aug 00 pc: 107 w: Steve Antin & Joe Voci d: James Whitmore, Jr.
   NOTE: Unfortunately, the series hasn't yet been picked up for a second season. Maybe it'll return during the mid-season or summer 2001.

Any unaired episodes?