Radical Academy was a short-lived soap opera, lasting only two days. But the James E. Reilly produced teen-drama wasn't without its merits. The serial centered around six hip, young teens attending a private high school in Beverly Hills. Many believe that Radical Academy was actually the premise for Aaron Spelling's Beverly Hills 90210, although Mr. Spelling denies it vehemently, stating his show had eight hip California teens attending high school in Beverly Hills rather than six. Regardless, Radical Academy stands above par with its two days of tantalizing drama.

Travelling back to August 1 of 1985, "We've got it all!" James Reilly says of his new serial, "Big hair, shoulder pads and LOTS of snarky attitude is what Radical Academy is all about." And the show delivered. Reilly also added, "Sure, we're no Miami Vice, but we've got alot to offer. We've got a talented cast, tons of synthesized background music and tilty camera angles, like the MTV." When asked if he ran into any roadblocks in the production of his new serial, Reilly stated, "Yes! I originally wanted one of our female characters to have a talking Cabbage Patch doll which she takes to her classes and the doll answers the teacher's questions when nobody is looking. But the USA Network executives didn't go for it. So, I negotiated for a dancing Rubic's Cube for a lunch lady. They told me to quit while I was ahead."

Radical Academy also received a rave review. The Duluth Variety Gazette glowed in 1985, "Yah, Radical Academy's teens are pretty and crazy. They are pretty crazy! It's a you betcha must see!" James Reilly had already banked on the show's popularity to draw big-name guest stars. "I've already signed Skippy from Family Ties for a 3-episode stint, and we're currently speaking with Ms. Pacman's agent." Alas, those dreams were to go unfulfilled.

And so the show unveiled its intrigue and drama, during that hot Summer of 1985, never once deviating from Reilly's vision in the two whole hours it aired. Radical Academy set many standards for quality television as we know it today.

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