Originally aired March 11, 2002
Teleplay by David E. Kelley, John J. Sakmar & Kerry Lenhart
Story by Allen Estrin & Joseph Telushki
Directed by Bethany Rooney
A student poses for a men's magazine on school grounds. Meredith is accused of striking a student. Lauren's teaching methods fall into question after one of her students suffers a breakdown.
Tropes present in the episode:
- Big "WHAT?!": Lauren, in the middle of Marla calling her out.
- I Was Young and Needed the Money: Ronnie divulges to Micki that she once posed nude for a magazine when she was in college.
- Last-Second Word Swap: Louisa starts to tell Lauren and Marilyn what Steven wants to see them about. Steven interrupts her, and Louisa instead says, "Marla is a good woman."
- My God, What Have I Done?: After Sylvie admits she is intimidated by Lauren, Lauren sits back in her seat, stunned by this news.
- Open-Minded Parent: Micki's parents support her posing nude for a magazine.
- "The Reason You Suck" Speech: Meredith gives one to Scott after he fires her for assaulting Marcie.Meredith: This isn't about firing an employee; this is about breaking up with a girlfriend. You're retreating into the authority of your job because, as a man, you're too impotent to deal with confrontation.
Scott: See it however you like, Meredith. You're fired. - Shut Up, Hannibal!: Scott's response to Meredith's speech to him.
- Stern Teacher: Lauren and Marilyn are questioned about the pressure they put on their students. They argue that they're preparing kids for the realities of life and easing off will cheat the ones who can cope with the pressure. Lauren later visits Sylvie, who admits she is intimidated by Lauren's standards, distressing Lauren.Sylvie: Ms. Davis, you're one of my favorite teachers.
Lauren: Thank you. But do I make you nervous? Or anxious?
Sylvie: Well, I maybe feel pressure to do well... I want to do well. I love pleasing you. Well...you have this disapproving stare. It just goes right through me. Like I've totally let you down, you know? I think... sometimes I get afraid of disappointing you.
Lauren: You actually become afraid?
Sylvie: Ms. Davis, you, uh... the screamers, or the ones who threaten like Lipschultz, you know in the end it's just noise, kind of. But you... When you look at us and say "not good enough." You have this intense... you can be scary, Ms. Davis. Yeah. A lot of kids are afraid of you. - Took a Level in Jerkass: Lauren, originally depicted as a generally kind and well-meaning woman, exhibits a harsh attitude, and she reacts poorly when Marla calls her out on it.
- What the Hell, Hero?: Marla gives a couple of these to Lauren about her harsh treatment of her students and overall attitude in general.Marla: This isn't about the teachers, you snotty little bitch! [...] It's about the students. Sylvie Platt is lying in a hospital bed! Have you even been in to see her? And all you can do is wonder if the teachers are playing tattletale! [...] I'm gonna be on your ass, Lauren, you can count on that. In the meantime, you might want to go check on Sylvie. [storms out]
- You Called Me "X"; It Must Be Serious: Scott calls Harry by his first name when he hesitates over talking to Marcie to gauge her honesty.
