The Academy - Recap

At the Glenda Lough Military School, a drill instructor puts students through endless drills. A widower, Holston, arrives by limo and goes to the office of the Director. After signing in, Holston meets with the Director and insists that his son Roger isn't a bad kid. He admits that his son has gotten into some trouble but he lacks motivation and discipline. The Director notes that no Mrs. Holston is listed, and Holston explains that his wife died in an accident. He's surprised to learn that the Director knows it was a boating accident, and the Director asks about the circumstances. Holston explains that his 10-year-old son was in a rowboat with his mother, and it capsized. He admits there were rumors, but the Director tells him that they aren't there to judge him, but to anticipate any emotional problems. Holston notes that the academy policy is to forbid home visits for one year, and the Director admits that it's necessary but parents are always welcome.



The Director takes Holston on a tour. They got to a math classroom, and Holston is surprised to learn that younger and older students are mixed in together. The Director explains that they don't use the standard designation of juniors and seniors. As they continue, the Director says that they use drill to install discipline. He takes Holston to a dormitory and invites him to question one of the students, Sloane. Sloane explains that he's an orphan, and he doesn't have any plans for the future. However, he insists that he's very happy at the academy.



The tour continues and Holston remembers a news story 15 years ago about Sloane assaulting a young mother when he was 15. Holston wonders how long Sloane has been there, but the Director points out the academy statue of an adult leading a child. The father notes that it's pointing toward the academy instead of away, and the Director believes that it provides inspiration. Holston then asks if they'll accept Roger, and the Director says that it's agreed. Holston then asks how long Roger will stay there, and the Director is surprised that he doesn't know. He explains that Roger will stay there indefinitely, and most of the parents prefer it that way. Undeterred, Holston says that Roger will be there the next day.



As Holston goes back to his limo, he asks the gatekeeper if he enjoys working there. The gatekeeper explains that he isn't an employee but a cadet. He came there when he was 15, and he'll soon be 55. As Holston gets in his car, he tells the chauffeur to drive Roger out the next day. The chauffeur, George, wonders if Roger can handle it, and Holston points out that Roger is a rotter of a teenager and the Academy is the perfect place for him.

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