Teachers firing guns in classrooms, students who work as strippers to supplement their incomes, faculty talent shows that sound like Broadway productions, and a woman with a hook. Sounds like a typical high school, doesnt it? Okay, maybe not. But whatever Boston Public lacks in reality, it makes up for in entertainment value.

Admittedly, the show has gotten weirder with each season. And from Columbine to September 11th, it seems there’s no current event too sacred for creator David E. Kelly to exploit. But the show is dramatic, funny, sad, and just plain messed up. Sounds like high school to me! The cast is talented and the students often give the strongest performances.  There’s some stereotyping, but many of the students are actually given the respect and depth of real people, which is a pleasant change for television.

Through all their mistakes and missteps, you get the sense that these teachers actually really care about their students, which is nicely refreshing.