Mentors (1999)
Synopsis
A live-action children's television series following 15 year old Oliver Cates and his friend Dee who - using their homemade time machine- zap historical figures into their 21st century lives.
Episodes
The Genius
14-year-old Oliver Cates inadvertently transports Albert Einstein into the present with his computer. Before going back, Einstein helps Oliver work through his anger so he can reconcile with his mother, whom the boy blames for his parents' divorce.
Smart Aleck
Oliver has no one with whom he can share his secret, so he summons Alexander Graham Bell. However, his secret is uncovered by a curious 14-year-old named Dee Sampson who, thanks to Bell’s advice, Oliver eventually befriends.
Raising the Siege
Dee is upset by her parents’ investment in a toxic pulp mill, so she summons Joan of Arc to help organize a protest, despite Oliver’s reservations.
Lewis in Wonderland
Dee’s reticence to leave her childhood behind motivates her to summon writer Lewis Carroll, whose real name is Charles Dodgson, who helps her deal with her grandmother’s death.
Little Emperor
Oliver summons Napoleon Bonaparte to help inspire his pals to win a newspaper subscription contest.
Wilde Card
Oliver thinks he lacks “the right stuff” where his father is concerned and, at the same time, his friend Bobby is being bullied by the football jocks. With the witty Oscar Wilde as their guide, they both learn that it’s okay to be themselves.
A Ninth of Beethoven
Oliver brings back Beethoven to help Dee deal with a pending operation that could result in her deafness. However, Beethoven is mistakenly brought back from a time when he isn’t deaf yet.
A Transient, Shining Trouble
When Oliver plans on revealing his VisiCron technology to the world in return for fame and glory, Dee brings back the co-discoverer of insulin, Dr. Frederick Banting, whose own widespread fame in his day became nothing but an irritant.
The Presence of Saint Nick
Mrs. Tatlow, an impoverished senior citizen, refuses to accept the groceries that Dee has volunteered to deliver over the Christmas holiday. Undaunted, Dee gets a scrooge-like Oliver to call back the real St. Nicholas to help her deliver the goods.
The Raven
Dee brings in Edgar Allan Poe to help make a Halloween fundraising event spooky, but Poe is charming and anything but scary.
Harriet's Path
Oliver wants to impress his father by winning a team “orienteering” contest: a race through wilderness terrain with only a compass and a map. For the team supervisor, Dee convinces Oliver to bring back Underground Railroad hero Harriet Tubman.
The Crush
Dee convinces Oliver to summon Cleopatra to help her audition for a school production of Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra. However, what she secretly wants is Cleo’s advice in winning the affections of school hunk Gino, who is auditioning for the part of Antony.
The Rescue
When Oliver and Anne get lost hiking in the woods, Dee brings back Daniel Boone to help track them down.
Cast
Details
Original Title
Mentors
Status
Ended
Seasons
4
Episodes
52
Production
Anaïd Productions, Minds Eye Entertainment, Minds Eye Pictures