"Follow the Leader" was the first of seven multi-part episodes, the only one during the first season. With Arnold Horshack inviting himself to breakfast for three days straight, Julie laments that the Kotters no longer have any privacy to themselves. Meanwhile in class, Gabe discusses leadership, acknowledging that Barbarino is not only the leader but also the loyal opposition. Washington wants to have a reason why, to which Vinnie responds: "is a bear Catholic? Does the Pope live in the woods?" Never having done things democratically, a challenger stands up to Barbarino, and Freddie is elected new Sweathog leader. Vinnie is stunned at the results, particularly as Epstein cast the deciding vote, simply because Barbarino has been leader for a long time, and the group should have new blood. Watching the others crowd around Washington to listen to his pronouncements is too much for a crushed Vinnie, who calls them all punks and threatens to drop out of school. As if that wasn't enough for Gabe, Julie too decides to drop out, frustrated that her life is no longer her own among Sweathogs.
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