Episode Report Card Kim: B | Grade It Now! YOU GRADE IT Cheating
By Kim | Season 1 | Episode 6 | Aired on 11.02.1998
Felicity, Julie, and Ben discuss the matter in the cafeteria. Julie wonders how Regalsky can accuse Ben of cheating. Ben says that Regalsky said the paper was inconsistent with Ben's previous work; Ben doesn't think it's fair that he's being punished for doing better. Julie wonders why Regalsky didn't keep her paper. Ben replies, "He said he was suspicious because it was an 'A' paper. What a dick!" And there we have the first of many times that Ben will call someone a dick. Funny, I thought it didn't happen until later in the season, because I remember being shocked that someone could say "dick" on network television. Julie points out that Regalsky was picking on Ben in class, too. Ben asks Felicity whether there was something wrong with the paper; Felicity plays with her food and doesn't really answer. Julie has to leave for class, but advises Ben to fight this. Ben says he's going to talk to his counselor, and leaves, too. Felicity takes off after him.
Felicity catches up with Ben in the hallway. He asks what's wrong, and Felicity blurts, "I rewrote it." Ben is incredulous. Felicity explains that she was just trying to help, and that she changed some things. Ben yells at her, "What! Things?!" Felicity tries not to cry. Ben wants to know whether it had anything to do with the questions Ben was asked in class. Felicity doesn't answer, and Ben asks how she could do that. Felicity starts crying and offers to tell Regalsky that it was her fault. Ben yells, "Just get away from me! Get! Away from me!" You know, typed out that line sounds really movie-of-the-week, but in the context of the scene, it worked. Ben takes off and Felicity looks sickened.
Elena walks into the mailroom. Blair approaches her and says he won't take it personally. Apparently, Elena stood him up for their date. Blair wants to get some coffee, but Elena begs off. Blair tries to get her to hang out with him later, but Elena makes an excuse and walks away. Blair calls after her, inviting her to some club the next night, adding that if Elena doesn't show up, he won't bother her again. Elena smiles but doesn't say that she'll go. I would root for Blair here, but I know what happens later in the season, so I just can't.
Knoll can't believe what Felicity did. Am I surprised that Knoll is judgmental? No, not at all. Felicity asks him not to make her feel any worse. Yeah, that'll happen. Knoll says that it's serious, and Felicity explains that she's going to talk to Regalsky first thing in the morning. Knoll tells her not to move, and walks out. Felicity waits in her room, and Knoll returns holding the RA handbook, saying that the one chapter that he was forced to read was "all about cheaters." Felicity denies that she is a cheater. Knoll warns her that plagiarism is a big deal in college; it will definitely lead to a suspension. Felicity can't believe that would happen to her just because she rewrote a paper. Knoll says it will affect her and Ben. Felicity says that it will be fine, but Knoll tells her that if she doesn't handle it right, she'll be in real trouble. Felicity asks what he suggests. Knoll tells her not to do anything, and that he'll see what he can find out. Felicity looks concerned.