Originally aired February 19, 2001
Written by David E. Kelley, John J. Sakmar & Kerry Lenhart
Directed by Joanna Kerns
The faculty struggles after six teachers quit in protest of Kevin's firing. Lauren and Harry's relationship again falls under strain. Scott wins a contest to conduct the Boston Pops. Steven ropes Harry into helping him check on a missing teacher purported to be dead.
Tropes present in the episode:
- And Another Thing...: After cutting loose on Lauren, Steven starts to storm out, but then turns back and orders her to resolve her latest issue with Harry.
- Apathetic Teacher: Bernie Willis has been missing since Thanksgiving, and his students suspect he's dead. Steven and Harry find him unmoving in front of his blaring TV. Just as Steven starts to mourn Bernie, he regains consciousness. When Steven busts him for shirking his responsibilities, Bernie replies he's tired of teaching.
- Big "SHUT UP!": Scott barks "Silence!" at Marilyn's choir while practicing for his concert.
- Big "WHAT?!": Jenna, in response to Harvey's accusations about her having an affair with a student.
- Critical Staffing Shortage: Winslow High suffers this after six teachers Resign in Protest of Kevin being fired.
- Facepalm: Steven grabs his head as he questions Harvey and Jenna about the latter's alleged Teacher/Student Romance. Later, he puts his head in his hands as Marla rants about him forcing her to teach a class she doesn't know how.
- Hot for Student: Jenna enthuses to Tina about a male student and even wonders if he's "hung like an elephant." She nearly gets fired for it.
- Mondegreen Gag: Harvey mishears Jenna and Tina's conversation, and believes Jenna is having a sexual affair with a student.
- Pragmatic Hero: Steven allows Lisa to remain at Winslow and teach Bernie Willis' class because it means one less problem to deal with.
- Rage Breaking Point: Throughout the episode, Steven deals with a lot of crap on top of six teachers resigning in protest of Kevin's dismissal. When Lauren pushes him for an explanation as to why he's letting Lisa stay and teach, he finally cuts loose.
- Resign in Protest: Six teachers resign in protest of Kevin's discharge.
- What the Hell, Hero?: Steven gets called out for letting Lisa stay and teach at Winslow by Louisa and later Lauren. He basically tells both women to mind their own business.
- You Are in Command Now: Bernie Willis effectively left Lisa in charge of his class.
