Dangerous Minds (TV series)

Dangerous Minds is an American drama television series that aired on ABC from September 30, 1996 to March 15, 1997. The series is based on the film of the same name. Annie Potts stars in the lead role originated by Michelle Pfeiffer.^[1]

Dangerous Minds
Created by	Ronald Bass Jan Rusconi Diane Frolov Andrew Schneider
Based on	Dangerous Minds by Ronald Bass My Posse Don't Do Homework by LouAnne Johnson
Starring	Annie Potts Tamala Jones Cedrik Terrell Michael Jace William Converse-Roberts Vicellous Reon Shannon Jenny Gago Greg Serano Maria Costa LaToya Howlett Stanley Anderson
Opening theme	Dangerous Minds Theme by Lee Curreri
Country of origin	United States
Original language	English
No. of seasons	1
No. of episodes	17
Production
Executive producers	Diane Frolov Andrew Schneider Don Simpson Jerry Bruckheimer Ronald Bass
Production companies	Predawn Productions Don Simpson/Jerry Bruckheimer Films Touchstone Television
Original release
Network	ABC
Release	September 30, 1996 (1996-09-30) – March 15, 1997 (1997-03-15)

Cast

• Annie Potts as LouAnne Johnson
• Tamala Jones as Callie Timmons
• Cedrik Terrell as James Revill
• Michael Jace as Jerome Griffin
• William Converse-Roberts as Hal Gray
• Vicellous Reon Shannon as Cornelious Hawkins
• Jenny Gago as Amanda Bardoles
• Greg Serano as Gusmaro Lopez
• Maria Costa as Blanca Guerrero
• LaToya Howlett as Alvina Edwards
• Stanley Anderson as Bud Bartkus

Plot

Based on a real person and on the movie of the same name, Marine veteran LouAnne Johnson is an unconventional teacher who inspires her class of bright but "difficult" inner-city students, and makes a real difference in their lives, outside school as well as inside.

Production

In May 1996 it was announced Dangerous Minds would be adapted into a drama series for ABC's 1996-97 Fall schedule with Annie Potts playing the lead role of LouAnne Johnson who had been played by Michelle Pfeiffer in the film.^[2] In May 1997, it was announced Dangerous Minds would not be returning for a second season.^[3]

Episodes

No.	Title	Original release date
1	"Pilot"	September 30, 1996 (1996-09-30)
LouAnne has misgivings about the job, and scant details about her predecessor. As LouAnne starts to connect with the kids, three draw special attention: one tough who misses school to help his family financially; an aggressive lad interested in trains; and a girl who's raising her own child. Soon, LouAnne finds that she, too, may need help—when she faces the girl's abusive boyfriend.
2	"Hair Affair"	October 7, 1996 (1996-10-07)
Due to financial cutbacks, LouAnne accepts a student's suggestion to hold a fund-raiser. Gusmaro becomes increasingly disturbed about belonging to a street gang.
3	"See Me"	October 14, 1996 (1996-10-14)
LouAnne arranges for Cornelius to return to school, an action which angers Bartkus. Gusmaro is reluctant to list his date of birth and Social Security number on a form. The students prepare for a practice job interview.
4	"Bad Apple"	October 21, 1996 (1996-10-21)
LouAnne tries to reach a new student, "a hyperactive underachiever", and she makes a first visit to Mickey's Tavern, the faculty's weekly hangout. Meanwhile, James is inspired by Mr. Griffin to plant an apricot tree in the schoolyard.
5	"Family Ties"	October 28, 1996 (1996-10-28)
When an unpopular student is slain, it turns out there's no one to bury him. The father of Callie's daughter returns, which delights the little girl, but not Callie. James and Gusmaro try to turn a goose into a pet.
6	"The Code"	November 11, 1996 (1996-11-11)
LouAnne tries to understand "the code" to which her students adhere when two students swear that they won't continue a fight, and after Gusmaro is arrested for stealing a CD that someone else placed in his backpack. The class visits Alcatraz.
7	"Need Deep"	November 18, 1996 (1996-11-18)
When Blanca contemplates having a baby with her boyfriend so he can leave his gang, LouAnne presses her to reconsider. James thinks his community service will be a piece of cake until he's ordered to serve as companion to a severely disabled boy. Callie worries about her daughter's safety when Callie's mother's boyfriend becomes abusive.
8	"Need Deep"	November 25, 1996 (1996-11-25)
After James is viciously beaten in the locker room, LouAnne places herself in jeopardy by trying to find the attackers. Meanwhile, Gusmaro, also attempting to help, considers joining a new gang. Cornelius seeks a videotape that depicts the assault.
9	"Evolution"	December 9, 1996 (1996-12-09)
After Callie shows compassion for a convicted child molester who's being beaten by protestors, her reaction is questioned by others. Meanwhile, Chaka and James try to photograph a ghost. Blanca is hospitalized with a bleeding ulcer.
10	"Trust Me"	December 16, 1996 (1996-12-16)
When the students suspect a newcomer of being a narc, LouAnne tries to prove them wrong. Meanwhile, Callie is worried about possible repercussions for having informed on a drug dealer. Hal asks LouAnne out to dinner.
11	"Moonstruck"	December 30, 1996 (1996-12-30)
Cornelius is attracted to Callie and encourages by Mr. Griffin to ask her out. Meanwhile, James, who wants to have his grades raised in order to try out for basketball, strikes a deal with LouAnne.
12	"To'e Me Up, To'e Me Down"	January 6, 1997 (1997-01-06)
The news that her ex-husband is remarrying affects LouAnne. A teacher's death causes Barkus to change his approach to students. Cornelius is reluctant to take his graffiti talents to a higher level.
13	"The Feminine Mystique"	January 13, 1997 (1997-01-13)
LouAnne arranges for a house to be built by volunteer labor for Blanca and her family, whose home was destroyed by fire. But when she asks the students for their help, she learns that the construction site is disputed territory between two rival gangs.
14	"Everybody Wants It"	February 10, 1997 (1997-02-10)
The students ask—and some fail to ask—each other to a school Valentine's dance. LouAnne takes a job as a waitress. Gusmaro works delivering liquor; and a new student joins the academy program.
15	"Three Guns"	March 1, 1997 (1997-03-01)
Gusmaro is with LouAnne when preteens steal her car, and his self-confidence is shaken as a result. Meanwhile, Mr. Griffin brings Tibetan monks to school to talk about nonviolence. James takes driving lessons from Mr. Bartkus.
16	"A Different Light"	March 8, 1997 (1997-03-08)
As the school's 50th anniversary approaches, Gusmaro discovers that the man for whom it is named was a racist. Meanwhile, Blanca learns a secret about Garrity and spreads it. Alvina rebels against the cafeteria's food.
17	"Teach, Don't Touch"	March 15, 1997 (1997-03-15)
After LouAnne hugs a distressed student, the lad accuses her of molesting him. While her class and the faculty support her, opposition comes from the boy's father, who is president of the school board.