Freshmen

A new year begins at Ward University, and we get to meet some of the new students as they settle in and try to get comfortable with their roommates.

## Plot

The gripping pilot episode of Ward University begins with the shocking arrest of Thorne Bailey for the murder of Venessa Jeong. In an unexpected twist, Thorne escapes from his prison cell and disappears, sparking a nationwide manhunt. As the news of Thorne's escape spreads, we are introduced to a diverse group of characters who will soon start their journey at the prestigious Ward University.

Ezra Hunter, Fatima Antar, and best friends Travis Lockhart and Charlie Zimmer watch the news about Thorne's escape. Conversations about their disdain for Thorne intermingle with their excitement and anticipation for university life. We also meet Erika Bell, whose older brother Jasper Bell has become distant since leaving for school and meeting Ryan Flint. Erika is eager to start university and reconnect with her brother.

Another soon-to-be student, Cleo Harper, discusses her upcoming university experience with her sister, as she prepares to study ballet. Fatima shares her excitement about starting as a creative writing major through a YouTube video, while also expressing her fear of losing touch with her religion. Despite their various emotions, the characters part ways with their loved ones and set off for Ward University. Ezra, on the other hand however, mourns the loss of Venessa, who was his girlfriend, and is reluctant to go to university.

At the university, Charlie and Travis break the fourth wall to introduce four new characters: Mei Ji, Candy Ward, Drusilla Clemonte, and Lori Caberera, collectively known as the "Bubblegum Bitches." Each with their own unique traits, Candy Ward is revealed to be the daughter of Judith Ward.

Judith addresses the first-year students, explaining that Ward University is a prestigious institution where they are expected to behave like adults. Erika searches for her brother Jasper, while Charlie and Travis encounter Raymond Stainfield dancing alone in his room. Travis cheekily breaks the fourth wall once more, revealing that the soundtrack playing above them is the backdrop to Erika's first encounter with the irresistible Ryan Flint upstairs. Ryan and his friend Gideon Jones inform Erika that Jasper no longer lives on campus, but she can meet him at a party later that evening. Meanwhile, the other students are settling into their dorms, forming new friendships and alliances.

At the party, tensions rise as Jasper tries to avoid discussing his life with Erika. Despite a heated debate, the siblings ultimately decide to enjoy the night. As various relationships and rivalries unfold, Cleo finds solace in a chance encounter with Ezra, who has decided to visit the university after all. Ezra sees a notice board for musicians wanted, which had been set up by Charlie and Travis earlier.

The pilot episode of Ward University draws to a close, leaving viewers eager to see how the lives of these diverse characters will unfold as they navigate the challenges and triumphs of university life.

## Cast

##### Main (in order of appearance)

* Serendipitia as Charlie Zimmer
* Phoenix-Artisan as Travis Lockhart
* Zarii Arri as Erika Bell
* Alyssa Shadow as Cleo Harper
* EClassy as Fatima Antar
* Skyler Gilbert-Allen as Ezra Hunter
* Diana Heslin as Judith Ward
* ConnorTheVGFan78 as Raymond Stainfield
* Mitch Xander as Gideon Jones
* Tyler Velazquez as Ryan Flint
* Casey Sara as Lori Caberera
* Allie Goodell as Candy Ward
* HeyAndreYT as Jasper Bell

###### Supporting (in order of appearance)

* Mitch Xander as Newscaster
* Hannah Okosisi as Octavia Moon
* Hannah Okosisi as Nora Bell
* Langley Fall as Rufus Bell
* Simmer V as Bonnie Harper
* Bri Storm as Amun Antar
* MLJonesVO as Laura Hunter
* Simmer V as Holly Reynolds
* SimsBerrry as Mei Ji
* letsplayshay as Drusilla Clemonte

## Notes and Trivia

* Ryan Flint's entrance was a cheeky homage to the tantalizing scenes crafted by Simmer Boi in her former series, The Witching Hour, a subtle nod to the sultry seductions that once enraptured audiences.
* Listen up, detective! If you squint your eyes and focus hard on that TV screen during the news segment at the beginning of the episode, you'll realize that the text is straight-up spitting out the lyrics to the Backstreet Boys' classic "I Want It That Way," because of course it is?