Room 222

There have been a number of series, both dramatic and comedic, in a school setting. One of the ones with the highest of aspirations was "Room 222."

The campus of Walt Whitman High School in Los Angeles was the location (just to hint at the level of reason and fairness), and the students, but mostly the faculty, is the focus as we watch these teachers and their charges both learn and instruct each other through the events and the lessons that take place.

The title location is the homeroom for Pete Dixon (Lloyd Haines), who teaches History. Two elements that made this show very unique for its time were the fact that Mr. Haines, being African American, was the de facto star of the show, and that he was having a subtle romance with another faculty member, Liz McIntyre (Denise Nicholas) which was something very rare on television in the late 1960s and early 70s.

Michael Constantine made a name for himself here as the principal, who, more often than not, really listened to his staff and didn't dictate. Karen Valentine as a teacher's aide, also became a favorite for her intelligence and care. Both of them won Emmys for their performances.

The fact that the student body of this school was so diverse was another unique element of the program, with no one making a big deal about that factor - surely something that was surprising for audiences of the day.

I think part of the reason this show hasn't been seen in reruns is that some episodes don't play very well anymore and certain episodes really don't make sense, generally - like one where the high school kids intended to do a performance night with a nude scene ending (a clear reference to Broadway's hit musical at the time, "Hair'), knowing their parents would be in attendance!

But, more often than not, "Room 222" examined issues that were important to kids at the time, and may still have some resonance for students today. And, when you look at the constant debates about learning, about what is appropriate to teach, about trying to give the next generation a good start and to help them become citizens that could uplift our society, there's no doubt that we could use a similar show with the same kinds of virtues and values as this one, now.

Of all the programs that have been considered or have received a reboot, we are overdue to get a brand new 222.

I loved this show when it came on TV at the end of the 60s. I looked forward to it every Friday night, when it debuted in the fall of '69. I was still in elementary school then. But I really enjoyed this program, about a cool group of high school kids. Walt Whitman High, was a huge HS in Los Angeles. It was a multicultural school, where students of all races attended.

The teachers at Walt Whitman High, were also of various races. Mr. Kauffman, was the dedicated, beleaguered Principal. Pete Dickson, a black man, was the school's American history teacher. He was a caring, patient teacher, who really succeeded in engaging his student's interest in history. Pete Dickson was also someone that the students could come to for advice and assistance, with their personal issues. Ms. McIntyre, the attractive assistant Principal, was also romantically involved with Pete Dickson.

Then there was Alice Johnson, who worked with Pete Dickson as a student teacher. Alice was the often annoying, but well-meaning foil for Pete's self-assured personality. Their classroom featured an interesting menagerie of students. There was Jason, the tough-but-sensitive black kid, with a big 'fro and shades. His friend Ritchie, was the class brain. Helen was the shy, vulnerable girl. Bernie, was the white hippie-type kid, with the red-headed afro hairdo. These students were like real teens, negotiating everyday life in the tumultuous late 60s/early 70s.

The best thing about Room 222, was that it had a fresh, contemporary take on American teens, in an urban high school setting. The values of the show centered on tolerance and diversity, amongst both the students, and the teaching staff. Because of this factor, the series was on the cutting-edge, regarding racial progress in society. The generation gap between the students and their teachers, was also easily bridged due to the open-minded teaching staff.

Yet another thing about this show that was unique, was that it was a drama, yet it also had a laugh-track. It was one of the first shows, that could be categorized as a dramedy. And there was plenty of gentle humor within the show, along with all of the teen angst. Room 222 is on DVD, and can be enjoyed by future generations to come.

I agree with all of the positive comments posted for this show... But, I really do not understand why ---- with all of the fluff that is being released on DVD .... this is not...

Many very important shows, that served the purpose of giving guidance, dealing with life's problems and giving the viewer a conscious... have not been released on DVD and appear absolutely no where (cable or regular TV) in re-runs...

Why is there no demand for shows like this? Like Family, Eight is enough, LA Law, Lou Grant etc... Why is it, that you go to sites, that are taking votes, as to what you would like to see released on DVD... and most of the "values" programs are completely forgotten....

We can see fluff anywhere... why not vote for something important... that could help set humanity straight... Before we all go into the toilet...

Thank you for giving this your time....

this show seemed better almost 40 years ago than it does now.the subject matter seems almost trite today,but was groundbreaking then.funny how things to my generation that seem quaint just seem old-fashioned to the younger crowd.oh well...this series ushered in a whole new generation of TV programming(sort of reality-like)with grownup plots(including one i recall-Bridget Loves Bernie-that dealt with a interdenominational marriage-wow).this time was ground zero for political and social activism,and much of this show dealt with these issues.Lloyd Haynes played the everyman History teacher who had a lot of wisdom to impart to his class,backed up by Denise Nicholas(who was his girlfriend on the show)and a mostly wacky Karen Valentine.the show was a bit on the unreal side(i didn't go to a school like that)but did what it intended to-bring TV into a new age.

This is just to correct some of the entries in the cast list. I wish I could remember more of this series but I was just too young, I do know however, that both Michael Constantine and Karen Valentine were on for more than one episode. They were series regulars. I was only age 6 when this series started and 12 when it went off the air but I remember that much.

Michael Constantine played the principal and Karen Valentine a fellow teacher. I used to watch this show regularly with my parents. I seem to remember Bruno Kirby being on several episodes as well. Denise Nichols and Lloydd Haynes were definitely the stars. It was a very good show I wish it would come back on TVland or something.