Pilot (My So-Called Life) "Pilot" is the first episode of the American teen drama television series My So-Called Life. The episode premiered on ABC on August 25, 1994. Written by series creator Winnie Holzman and directed by Scott Winant, the episode begins the story of Angela Chase (Claire Danes), a fifteen-year-old high school sophomore who is experiencing the difficulties of friends and parents. In addition, the pilot also introduces the supporting cast, including Angela's parents, Patty and Graham, her two best friends, Rayanne Graff and Rickie Vasquez, as well as Angela's love interest, Jordan Catalano. Synopsis Fifteen-year-old Angela Chase and her best friend Rayanne Graff (A.J. Langer) attempt to swindle money from strangers on the street. Through voiceovers, Angela describes her life and disillusionment with school, friends, and boys. Later, Angela dyes her hair red at the request of Rayanne. After school, Angela brings Rayanne and her other friend Rickie (Wilson Cruz) over to her mother's (Bess Armstrong) house. The mother reacts with scorn towards both. Her distance from her father (Tom Irwin) is also revealed when he thinks that Anne Frank is a friend at her school. Angela says that she believes her puberty and coming-of-age has forced her father to stay away because he is starting to become attracted to her. The next day, Angela reveals her crush on Jordan Catalano (Jared Leto). Rayanne tells Angela to come to a party because Jordan will be there. In yearbook class, Angela abruptly leaves and says she's not coming back. Later, Angela's former best friend Sharon (Devon Odessa) confronts Angela about quitting yearbook in front of her parents. When her mother starts to give her a lecture, she walks out. In classes, one student, Brian (Devon Gummersall) answers all the questions, until her English teacher asks a question on Anne Frank, to which Angela mindlessly responds, "She was lucky." Later, the teacher meets with Angela about her academic struggles. But Angela makes a poetic speech, which leaves the teacher dumbstruck. That night, Angela forges a lie to Graham that the party she's going to is a rehearsal for a "play." At the party, a band plays and general chaos ensues as moshing and crowdsurfing begin. Angela gets knocked over into a puddle, and she goes into the house to clean up. However, she finds Jordan instead. The two strike up a friendly chat, but it is cut short when Jordan's friends call him away. When Angela comes back, her parents berate her. Angela defuses the tension. At lunch the next day, Rayanne invites Angela to a rave where Jordan will be. Later, Angela talks to Sharon. Sharon tells her the rumors the kids are spreading about her. In the process, Angela learns that Rayanne "used" another friend and Sharon eventually yells at Angela for ditching her for apparently no reason. At a family dinner, Patty denies Angela's request to sleep over at Rayanne's house. After insulting both Rickie and Rayanne, Angela storms off. Patty also insults Rickie's bisexuality and the fact that he wears eyeliner. The debate becomes increasingly heated, and Angela leaves to the rave. Brian confronts Angela on her way, telling her she is ruining her life. Angela, Rayanne and Rickie wait for unseen character Tino to show up to let them in to the rave, which he does not. Later, Rayanne and Angela get picked up by two strangers, who leave Rickie behind. One of them calls Rayanne over and attempts to rape her before Angela intervenes. A police car takes the two, although they are clear that they are not arresting her. As she gets into