Powerhouse (TV series)
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Powerhouse was a United States television series produced by the Educational Film Center that aired on PBS. The show began in 1982, and ran for 16 episodes. Episodes were 30 minutes in length. It billed itself as, "a 16-part series for young people and their families," with the target audience being primarily preteens and teenagers. It was widely praised by educational groups.
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[edit] Description
Set in Washington DC, Powerhouse focused on the adventures of a racially and ethnically diverse group of six teenagers and young adults from the inner-city. The basic theme of the series is that every person is a source of creativity and power. "We all have a powerhouse deep down inside," as one line said in the show's theme song. Episodes dealt with significant personal issues such as alcoholism, peer pressure, physical fitness, etc., but combined them with fast-paced action/adventure stories in which the group often had to solve a mystery or prevent a crime. For instance, in one episode they had to uncover the head of a racketeering operation that threatened to put Brenda, and the Powerhouse, out of business. In another episode they try to track down the source of a potentially lethal food-poisoning epidemic, a task that takes on even greater urgency when one of the group becomes infected.
One of Powerhouse's innovations was the use of what the show called "uncommercials." Since the show ran on PBS, which is commercial-free, the producers created 30-90 second commercial-like breaks that would air during the broadcast. Instead of selling products, uncommercials would "sell" a theme, often in entertaining or humorous ways. One uncommercial, for example, featured a 12-year-old boy who asked, "how do I get a girl to like me?" Several boys and girls of around the same age then offered suggestions. Another uncommercial featured Henry Winkler as a "Celebrity Organ," giving advice on how to take care of your lungs.
[edit] Cast and Characters
- Brenda Gaines (Sandra Bowie) - Brenda is the founder of the Powerhouse. Originally her father's gymnasium, she turns it into an after-school youth center, which the rest of the group eventually joins. Brenda is the leader and de facto authority figure of the group, though she treats the rest as friends and equals rather than subordinates.
- Jennifer (Domenica Galati) - A friendly brunette teenager, Jennifer has a strong aptitude for mechanics.
- Kevin (Michael Mack) - Kevin is 18 and the eldest of the five teenagers. He is the rock of the group, a "big brother" that the younger ones can go to for advice and support.
- Lolo Knopke (Jason Kravits) - Lolo is a preteen, one of the younger characters. He is insecure about his appearance, because he is very short and has to wear glasses (thus giving him the appearance of a stereotypical nerd), but he is also one of the smartest kids in the group.
- Pepper (Jessica Prentice) - 12-year-old Pepper is one of the most outgoing members of the group, despite being the youngest. She is impulsive and adventurous, and sometimes prone to mischief.
- Tony (Michael Wikes) - Tony is a streetwise 17-year-old. He is a good person at heart, but sometimes feels like he has to play the tough guy to mask his insecurities.
[edit] Episode list
1. "With a Little Help From My Friends (Part 1)"
2. "With a Little Help From My Friends (Part 2)"
3. "Life or Breath"
4. "Master of the Art"
5. "You Make Me Sick"
6. "Celebration"
7. "Something for Nothing"
8. "Cheers"
9. "Name of the Game"
10. "One of the Gang"
11. "Something Ventured"
12. "Help Wanted"
13. "What Have You Got to Lose?"
14. "Big Devil"
15. "Fit to be Tied"
16. "The Short Life of Lolo Knopke"
