The scene where Chuck Rhodes begins his teaching stint at Yale mirrors exactly the opening lecture scene of The Paper Chase (both the movie and television series). In the Paper Chase, Professor Kingsfield (John Houseman) opens his seating chart and picks hapless student Hart (Timothy Bottoms in the film, James Stephens in the show) and immediately interrogates him on case law. Hart stumbles, assuming the opening lecture would be an orientation, whereupon Kingsfield berates him for his presumption and lack of preparation. Chuck Rhodes mimics this opening exactly, only this time rather than the student meekly slinking back into his seat, Chuck is himself chastised by the student and several peers for his dated and abusive teaching methods.