Ep 1. The Education of T.M. Landry

The Weekly season 1 episode 1, titled "The Education of T.M. Landry," takes a closer look at a Louisiana school that gained national attention for their students' impressive college acceptance rates. In this episode, The New York Times journalists delve into the story behind the success of T.M. Landry College Preparatory School and its founders, Tracy and Michael Landry.

The episode begins with a montage of news clips and interviews that highlight the remarkable achievements of T.M. Landry's students. The school, which caters to underprivileged and minority students, has been celebrated for sending its graduates to some of the most prestigious colleges in the country, including Harvard, Yale, and Stanford. However, the journalists at The New York Times begin to question the methods used by the Landrys to achieve such high levels of success.

The episode introduces viewers to Tracy and Michael Landry, who opened T.M. Landry in 2005 out of their own home. The couple's unorthodox teaching methods gained a reputation for being tough but effective, with students working long hours and enduring harsh criticism to excel academically. The Landrys' emphasis on producing successful college applicants also included a heavy focus on crafting compelling college essays and presenting themselves in interviews. As a result, the school's alumni garnered widespread attention for their achievements.

As the episode progresses, The New York Times journalists begin to uncover troubling details about T.M. Landry's practices. Former students reveal that the school's strict methods sometimes crossed the line into verbal and emotional abuse, with students being subjected to verbal attacks and told they were not good enough. Additionally, there are questions about the legitimacy of some of the school's practices, including alleged grade inflation and exaggerated information on college applications.

The episode also delves into the personal background of Tracy and Michael Landry, revealing that they have a complicated history that includes a bankruptcy filing, lawsuits, and accusations of domestic violence. The journalists question whether the couple's motivations for opening T.M. Landry were purely altruistic or if they were driven by more self-serving interests.

As the episode comes to a close, The New York Times journalists attempt to interview Tracy and Michael Landry to get their side of the story. However, the couple refuses to speak with them, leaving many of the questions surrounding T.M. Landry unanswered.

Overall, "The Education of T.M. Landry" is a fascinating look at a school that achieved national acclaim but has faced questions about its methods and practices. The episode raises important questions about the meaning of success in American education and the ethics behind achieving it.