A Different World, a spin-off of The Cosby Show, offered a glimpse into the vibrant life at Hillman College, a historically Black college. This episode guide delves into the seasons of A Different World, focusing on providing comprehensive information and insights. Each episode summary aims to capture the essence of the storyline while highlighting key characters and themes, and is created for fans and newcomers alike.
Season 6 Episode Breakdown
The sixth season tackles serious social issues, personal growth, and shifting relationships among the students and faculty of Hillman. The “A Different World Season Episode Guide” below offers a detailed breakdown of the episodes:
“Honeymoon in L.A. (1)”
Dwayne and Whitley recount their honeymoon, which coincided with the Rodney King verdict. Whitley’s shopping trip in Beverly Hills turns chaotic as riots erupt. Dwayne, reacting to the verdict, faces arrest. At Hillman, Lena expresses anger over injustice, while Freddie surprises everyone with a makeover and law school plans. Charmaine, a new student, arrives, and a freshman tries to flirt with Lena.
“Honeymoon in L.A. (2)”
Dwayne and Whitley continue to share their honeymoon experiences. Whitley witnesses looting in Beverly Hills, while Dwayne encounters looting in a Black neighborhood. He attempts to mediate but his car is stolen. Whitley speaks to a homeless man who views the riots as a voice for the marginalized. Back at Hillman, Col. Taylor disagrees with the idea of change through riots, while Lena blames white people. Freddie encourages thoughtful comments, and she and Ron rekindle their attraction.
“Interior Desecration (a.k.a. Sofa, So Good)”
Dwayne and Whitley argue about furniture for their new home. Freddie and Ron struggle with their feelings for each other. Freddie suggests Ron find another place to stay. Ron rents a basement apartment. Lena is convinced to include her poetry in Height Hall’s coed stepping routine.
“Somebody Say Ho!”
Charmaine clashes with other students in Dwayne’s statistics class, resulting in a sign being taped to her back. She accuses Terrell, who refuses to apologize. Freddie represents Terrell in student court, defending his right to free expression. Gina is revealed as the culprit and faces academic probation. Charmaine and Terrell reconcile.
“Really Gross Anatomy”
Ron becomes jealous of Freddie’s camping trip. He prepares a dinner for Kim, who struggles with anatomy class. Kim and Ron sleep together. Kim’s partner, Spencer, helps her regain confidence. Dwayne craves companionship while Whitley is away. Charmaine annoys Lena after starting a job at The Pit.
“Don’t Count Your Chickens Before They’re Axed”
Charmaine shadows Whitley at work. Whitley tries to save a painting despite a company merger. She and Dwayne invest in it, but the merger falls through and Whitley is laid off. Their house is burglarized. Kim and Freddie invite Ron and Shazza to dinner, leading to arguments and Kim and Ron breaking up.
“The Little Mister”
During a Halloween party, Dwayne’s sexist comments lead to a dream where women hold all political power. Whitley is depicted as a philandering president. Dwayne awakens and apologizes to Whitley.
“Baby, It’s Cold Outside”
Whitley discovers Ron sneaking Freddie out of his apartment. Dwayne works multiple jobs, causing strain with Whitley. She calls Montel Williams’ talk show and discusses their lack of intimacy, unaware Gina is hosting a viewing party. Freddie confesses her attraction to Ron to Kim. Whitley and Dwayne resolve their issues.
“Faith, Hope and Charity (1)”
Whitley’s mother visits with her fiancé, Malik, who is much younger. Whitley suspects Malik is a gold digger. Dwayne’s mother also arrives. Freddie avoids Ron and tries to recommit to Shazza, but a law school assignment conflicts with a protest.
“Faith, Hope and Charity (2)”
Marion and Adele clash during Thanksgiving preparations. Marion hired Malik to break up Dwayne and Whitley. Malik joins the rally for Haitians. Adele and Marion are arrested and Freddie reveals Dwayne and Whitley’s financial troubles. Adele admits she missed Dwayne’s wedding. Whitley assures her mother she is happy. Shazza ends her relationship with Freddie due to her feelings for Ron.
“Original Teacher”
Freddie organizes a mentorship program for teenagers at juvenile hall. Dwayne mentors two gang members who are rivals. He tries to guide them away from violence, facing resistance from one boy’s father. The boys perform a rap song advocating for peace, impressing the father.
“Occupational Hazards”
While Dwayne is out of town, Whitley buys an expensive suit for an interview but stains it. Freddie suggests unemployment. Whitley’s attitude irritates the claims officer. Whitley takes a sales job. The girls discuss Terry McMillan’s Waiting to Exhale. Charmaine brags about her boyfriend, but they break up. Ron and Freddie struggle to find time together.
“White Christmas”
Freddie’s mother visits and counsels Freddie’s friends. She exposes Kim’s bitterness over Freddie and Ron’s relationship. Ron sees Shazza and Freddie kissing. Whitley takes a job at the International Cottage of Flapjacks but is fired. Dwayne gives her a puppy for Christmas.
“To Whit, With Love”
Whitley becomes a substitute teacher at an elementary school. She challenges the students to prove their intelligence and uses her background to teach. Dorian asks Lena on a date, revealing he does not believe in pre-marital sex.
“Happy Birthday to Moi”
Dwayne reveals that he had scrapped Whitley’s surprise birthday party. She feels she deserves a party after a tough year. Charmaine and Terrell cheat on their French test, but are caught and fail the midterm.
“Mind Your Own Business”
Ron convinces Mr. Gaines to purchase a club. The band cancels, and Mr. Gaines brings in his grandnieces, who are inexperienced singers. Lena, Gina, and Charmaine help the girls improve their performance.
“When One Door Closes…(1)”
Whitley tutors a student. Dwayne designs a video game. Ron is upset when Dwayne refuses to share credit. Whitley may be pregnant. Dwayne is offered a job in Tokyo. Kim accepts Spencer’s marriage proposal.
“When One Door Closes…(2)”
Marion and Adele try to stop Dwayne and Whitley from moving to Tokyo. Whitley finds solace with Ron. Dwayne convinces Whitley they need to move on. Freddie and Ron reconcile. Dwayne and Whitley say goodbye.
“Great X-Pectations”
Students are assigned to write a dialogue between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Terrell brings a gun to class and is nearly expelled. He completes his assignment and is allowed to stay in school. Spencer repeatedly asks Kim to marry him.
“Lean on Me”
Col. Taylor suggests Dwayne apply for a job with Kinishewa. Kinu arrives for the interview and informs Dwayne he did not get the job, because another applicant was better qualified.
“Dancing Machines”
Whitley babysits one of her student’s daughters. Dwayne and Spencer discover the girl is a mathematical genius. Freddie hosts a dance-a-thon for Amnesty International.
“Cabin in the Sky”
Dwayne and Whitley rent a cabin with Mr. and Mrs. Gaines. Mr. Gaines leaves their son in charge of The Pit, who then makes a mess of everything. Dwayne and Whitley get sprayed by a skunk.
“Homey, Don’t Ya Know Me?”
Lena’s ex-boyfriend visits from Baltimore. He tries to win her back. Lena chooses her new life over him.
“College Kid”
The group decides to rent a house together. Gina, Charmaine, and Terrell encourage the landlord, a former baseball star, to enroll in college. Gina’s ex-boyfriend violates his probation and tries to win her back.
“A Rock, a River, a Lena”
Lena Horne visits Hillman to dedicate a scholarship. Whitley is excited and organizes a tribute. Kim shows Lena Horne the Pit, she then dances with Mr. Gaines. Lena Horne invites Mr. Gaines on stage.
Conclusion
This A Different World season episode guide provides a roadmap through the shows storylines, characters, and impactful themes. From exploring social issues to navigating personal relationships, each episode offers a glimpse into the lives of Hillman College students. Use this guide to rediscover the magic of A Different World.
