Linda Purl plays Jennifer Scott, who is among the first group of women admitted to the United States Military Academy at West Point. She and the other women can't wait to meet the male cadets, but soon discover that they will not receive special treatment just because they are women. Many of the cadets and faculty resent their presence and go out of their way to make life miserable for them; in particular, J.J. Palfrey, played by Jameson Parker. Every time Jennifer makes a mistake, J.J. is there to scold her. As "plebes" the women are subjected to endless scrutiny, criticism, and the same physical fitness regimen as the men. One hilarious scene is when a cadet conducts a surprise inspection in Jennifer's room and pulls a bra from a drawer. He is momentarily speechless and embarrassed; the women laugh, and he starts yelling at them. The already small group of women begins to dwindle. Jennifer is lonely and succumbs to the advances of an older cadet named Doug Davidson, played by Andrew Stevens. Plebes and cadets are forbidden from being friends or dating, so Jennifer and Doug risk harsh discipline by meeting in secret. Unfortunately, J.J. catches them kissing and turns them in. They are both disciplined but Jennifer gets the worst of it. Her friends feel it's not fair, that Doug was older and knew better. Jennifer and Doug break up and Jennifer feels she cannot complete the academic year. She contemplates leaving, but somehow finds the inner strength to stick it out and complete the extra physical training that is part of her punishment. Just when you think things can't get any worse for Jennifer, the school year ends and she is no longer a plebe. Even J.J. Palfrey seems less of a villain.