Ep 18. Model Student

Neon Rider was a Canadian television show that ran from 1989 to 1995. It followed the story of a man named Michael Terry, who after a personal tragedy, decides to use his skills as a social worker and his love for motorcycles to help troubled youth.

Season 1, Episode 18 of Neon Rider is titled "Model Student". The episode starts with Michael visiting a juvenile detention centre to pick up a young boy named Tony. Michael has taken on the role of Tony's probation officer and is going to help him reintegrate into society. Tony is excited to leave the detention centre and start afresh.

Michael takes Tony to a halfway house where he will be staying until he finds a job and a place to live. The halfway house is run by a woman named Connie, who is happy to have Tony as a resident. Tony is introduced to the other residents, and everyone seems to get along well.

The next day, Michael takes Tony to a job interview at a fashion boutique owned by a woman named Suzanne. Suzanne is impressed by Tony's looks and hires him as a model for her new line of clothing. Tony is ecstatic and is determined to become a successful model.

However, as Tony works more and more with Suzanne, Michael notices a change in his behaviour. Tony becomes arrogant and starts neglecting his responsibilities at the halfway house. He starts missing mandatory meetings with Michael and Connie, and his attitude towards them changes as well. Michael realizes that Tony is getting too caught up in the glamour of the fashion industry and is losing sight of his goals.

Things come to a head when Tony is offered a modelling contract in Paris. He is ecstatic and decides to accept the offer, despite a warning from Michael that he will lose his probation status if he leaves the country without permission. Tony only sees the glamour and excitement of the opportunity and doesn't consider the consequences.

Michael is left with a tough decision. He can either let Tony go to Paris and risk losing him forever, or he can try to stop him and potentially destroy their relationship. He decides to confront Tony and shows him the reality of his situation. He reminds Tony that he still has a criminal record and if he leaves the country without permission, he will be breaking the law and will be a fugitive.

Tony is torn between his dream of becoming a successful model and the reality of his situation. He ultimately decides that his probation is more important than his modelling career and stays in Vancouver. He apologizes to Michael and Connie for neglecting his responsibilities, and they forgive him.

The episode ends with Tony realizing that his dream of becoming a model is not as important as being a responsible citizen. He starts taking his probation seriously and becomes a model resident at the halfway house. Michael is proud of Tony and feels that he has made a positive impact on his life.

Overall, "Model Student" is an episode about the dangers of getting caught up in the glamour and excitement of a dream, and losing sight of one's responsibilities. It is a reminder that success is not just about achieving one's dreams, but also about being responsible and accountable for one's actions.