The following is a list of episodes for the CBS television sitcom, Cosby. The series aired from September 16, 1996 to April 28, 2000 with 95 episodes produced spanning 4 seasons. (Note: It should not be confused with the prior similarly named sitcom: The Cosby Show.)
Contents |
| Series # | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | Prod. code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Pilot" | John Whitesell | David Renwick | September 16, 1996 | 101 |
| Corporate downsizing forces Hilton Lucas into retirement and underfoot. Hilton must watch Shelly the turtle. Guest star(s): Sean Whalen (Dry-cleaners clerk) | |||||
| 2 | "It's My Party" | John Whitesell | David Landsberg | September 23, 1996 | 102 |
| Hilton (Bill Cosby) expects a retirement surprise party from his former employer. Guest star(s): Gerry Gibson (Bob), Harvey Vernon (Mr. Stevens); Co-Star(s): Carlos Lacamara (Carlos), Ellen Albertini Dow (Mrs. DiNovio), and Brent Hinkley (Newsstand owner - Frank). | |||||
| 3 | "Neighborhood Watch" | John Whitesell | Vanessa Middleton | September 30, 1996 | 103 |
| Crime-fighter Hilton goes overboard. Guest star(s): Tom Mardirosian (Buddy), Danton Stone (Plumber), Rosemary De Angelis (Sidra); Co-star(s): Alice Drummond (Mrs. Bagley), Lisa Louise Langford (Car lady), John Scurti (Brown coat man), Skipp Sudduth (Drastic man - Phil). | |||||
| 4 | "Happily Ever Hilton" | John Whitesell | Adam Belanoff | October 07, 1996 | 104 |
| Hilton (Bill Cosby) tried to get his old job back. Featured guest(s): Charles Kipps (man w/ tear-away suit); Guest star(s): Klea Scott (Nurse Suzanne Cratchet), Joe Zaloom (screaming patient); Co-star(s): Zach Grenier (Fruit stand patron), Allison Janney (Podiatry nurse) (and news anchor?), José Ramón Rosario (Hit-and-run), and Tony Sirico (Former co-worker - Teddy Coo-Coo). | |||||
| 5 | "The Best Little Antique Shop in Astoria" | - | David Wyatt | October 14, 1996 | 105 |
| Hilton is shocked to find out that an antique store where he has a new job is really a front for illegal activity: a brothel the police are planning to raid. When the cops want Hilton to help put the criminals out of business, he overeagerly accepts the challenge to do his duty as an American citizen and take part in their "undercover sting operation." Meanwhile, he is sworn to secrecy about his assignment and is therefore unable to stop Ruthie from spending the paycheck he knows he will never receive. | |||||
| 6 | "One Foot in Your Mouth" | John Whitesell | Bernie Orenstein Saul Turteltaub |
October 21, 1996 | 106 |
| Larry Rogers (Bill Cosby) gets caught in his own lie when he tries to get out of attending a wedding. Guest star(s): Richard Libertini (Dave), Marian Seldes (Elain); Co-star(s): Rona Figueroa (Waitress - Kim), Michael Goldfinger (Husband with gun - Norman), Aida Turturro (Norman's wife). Blooper: At the beginning of the episode Ruth says Elain's son is getting married. Later, in the lady's restroom, "Elain" says she wants Ruth to come-out and meet her husband. | |||||
| 7 | "Natural Born Debtors" | John Whitesell | Vanessa Middleton | October 28, 1996 | 107 |
| Hilton tries to help a young cousin of Pauline. Guest star(s): Meredith Gordon (Pauline's cousin/god-daughter - Wendy O'Brien), Marcia Jean Kurtz (Teller - Gladys), Peter Jay Fernandez (Bank Manager - Mr. Carter). | |||||
| 8 | "The Two Mr. Lucases" | John Whitesell | Adam Belanoff | November 04, 1996 | 108 |
| Due to a hospital mix-up, Hilton gets the colonoscopy that was meant for his cousin. When Hilton's cousin, Earl Lucas, goes to the hospital for a colonoscopy, Hilton decides to be at his side for support. But when the nurses confuse the two men, Hilton ends up in a most uncompromising position in full view of medical students and an internet audience. Meanwhile, back at the Lucas house, Erica finds her childhood set of jacks in an old box and she, Ruth and Pauline keep Earl's wife, Lillian, busy with some rather fierce competition. Guest star(s): Míriam Colón (Earl's Wife - Lillian Lucas), Karen Shallo (Nurse Angela), Gerry Bamman (Doctor Martin), Jerry Mayer (Coffee Machine repairman?); Co-star(s): Joan Buddenhagen (mean nurse), Harry Jefferson (Hilton's Cousin - Earl Lucas). | |||||
| 9 | "No Nudes is Good Nudes" | John Whitesell | David Landsberg David Wyatt |
November 11, 1996 | 109 |
| Hilton helps the nude model-teacher's aide from his art class. Guest star(s): Edward Hibbert (Teacher - Mr. Woodhall), Jernard Burks (Model's Husband), Shari Headley (Model / Teacher's aide). | |||||
| 10 | "Basketball Story" | John Whitesell | Frank Mula | November 18, 1996 | 110 |
| Lucky ticket-holder Hilton will win $1 million, if he can make a free-throw. Guest star(s): Howard David (Sports announcer), Anfernee Penny Hardaway (Himself), Jennifer Lewis (Leon's wife - Bernice), Ed Wheeler (Hilton's Cousin - Leon); Co-star(s): Dalia Fayed (Leon's daughter - Rochelle), Richard Ziman (Million dollar announcer) | |||||
| 11 | "Guard Almighty" | John Whitesell | Bernie Orenstein Saul Turteltaub |
November 25, 1996 | 111 |
| Security guard Hilton deals with a robber and the Yankees. Guest star(s): David Cone (Himself), Ray Girardin, Harry Murphy, Joe Torre (Himself); Co-star(s): Patti Karr, Ranjit Chowdhry (Mr. Singh), Rebecca Creskoff, Arthur Nascarella (Party crasher - Frank Volpicella), Aaron Schweitzer; Featuring: Buzz Bovshow, Amy Laughlin (Party crasher - Phylis). | |||||
| 12 | "The Broken Reflection" | John Whitesell | Dennis Klein | December 02, 1996 | 112 |
|
Hilton's brother (Roscoe Lee Brown) is in town for an honorary degree. Guest star(s): Roscoe Lee Brown (Hilton's brother - George Lucas); Co-star(s): Ping Wu (Happy Memories photographer). |
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| 13 | "Tempus Lucas" | John Whitesell | John Rogers | December 16, 1996 | 113 |
| Hilton hits the gym a little too hard while trying to get in shape for a physical examination. Guest star(s): Ranjit Chowdhry (Taxi driver - Mr. Singh), Keith Reddin (Doctor - Mr. Acker), Robert Stanton (Insurance salesman); Co-star(s): David Aron Damane (Body-builder - Skip), Victoria Platt (Nurse); Featuring: Clark Terry (Gym trainer). | |||||
| 14 | "Guess Whose President is Coming to Dinner" | John Whitesell | David Landsberg | January 06, 1997 | 114 |
| Hilton calls a radio talk show and gets invited to dine with the president. Guest star(s): Ranjit Chowdhry (Taxi driver - Mr. Singh), Rudy Giuliani (As New York City Mayor - Himself), Anthony Heald (President's aide - Benjamin Dean); Co-star(s): Michael Dellafamina (Homeless man), Anthony Heald (President's aide), Jim Weston; Featuring: Mike Hodge (Agent Wilson). | |||||
| 15 | "Brave New Hilton" | John Whitesell | Elise Allen | January 13, 1997 | 115 |
| Hilton helps when a buddy's goose-feather business is down. Guest star(s): Jerry Becker (Hotel chain owner - Rupert Macy), Julius Carry (Get Down King - Bradshaw Kinsy), Ranjit Chowdhry (Taxi driver - Mr. Singh), Penny Johnson (Julius' wife - Penny Bradshaw), | |||||
| 16 | "Lucas Platonicus" | John Whitesell | John Rogers Chris Downey |
February 03, 1997 | 116 |
| Hilton attempts satellite dish installation. After pursuing Erica (T'Keyah Crystal Keymah) for 10 years, Griffin (Doug E. Doug) decides that it is finally time to give up. Guest star(s): Daryl "Chill" Mitchell (From class reunion - Mike Julien); Co-star(s): Al Espinosa (From class reunion - Jeff), J.W. Wolterman (Satellite Salesman); Featuring: Kavitha Ramachandran (Classmate 2), Collette Wilson. | |||||
| 17 | "Valentine's Day" | February 10, 1997 | 117 | ||
| It's Valentine's Day, and when Hilton realizes that he has bought Ruth a scarf that she already has, it's back to the drawing board. When she mentions that she'd love to see singer Jeffrey Osborne, who's appearing at the Steinway Club that night, a desperate Hilton says that he has tickets and was going to surprise her. Since Valentine's Day is a very busy day at the flower shop, Hilton tries to help Ruth and Pauline, but he buys the wrong flowers at the flower mart and causes the delivery truck to be towed. Ruth refuses to get angry with him because she thinks he's taking her to see Jeffrey Osborne. Hilton is at a complete loss, when Griffin realizes that Charlie, a buddy of his, is a waiter at the club, and maybe he can get them in. Hilton and Griffin arrive at the club just as Charlie is being fired; Hilton pleads with Jack, the abrasive club owner, but Jack not only laughs in his face, he bans him from the club. At that point, Hilton's temper flares; he tells Jack off and storms out of the club. That night he confesses to Ruth that he never had the Jeffrey Osborne tickets and tells her how sorry he is. Just then, Jack arrives and tells Hilton he respects a man who will stand up to him and he invites the couple to be his special guests for tomorrow night's Jeffrey Osborne show. | |||||
| 18 | "Florida" | John Whitesell | Frank Mula | February 17, 1997 | 118 |
| A blizzard convinces Hilton and Ruth to move to Florida. Guest star(s): Audrie J. Neenan {Mrs. Balaban - Realtor), Lynn Cohen (Dorothy), Frank Vincent (Dorothy's Husband); Co-star(s): Michi Barall (Mrs. Young), Joel De La Fuente (Steve Young); Featuring: Norm Lewis, Said Sayrafiezadeh (Store Owner), Dog - "Bob". | |||||
| 19 | "Anniversary Waltz" | John Whitesell | Bob Kurtz Eric Brand |
February 24, 1997 | 119 |
| Hilton tries to get Ruth's wedding band engraved to renew their wedding vows. Guest star(s): Lisa Nicole Carson (Griffin's sister - Tina), Earle Hyman (Reverend Mitchell), Marc John Jefferies (Tina's son - Davey); Co-star(s): Keenan Shimizu (Restaurant Owner); Featuring: Andy Duppin, Randy Frazier, Sir Ralph Lucarelli. | |||||
| 20 | "That Darn Cat" | John Whitesell | - | March 03, 1997 | 120 |
| Erica moves back to live with Hilton and Ruth bringing Sherman the cat. A discarded positive pregnancy test then has everyone jumping to conclusions. Co-star(s): Joseph D'Onofrio (video store clerk), Linda Powell (Erica's friend - Stephanie); Featuring: Michael McCormick (video store patron). | |||||
| 21 | "I'm OK, You're Hilton" | John Whitesell | Adam Belanoff | March 10, 1997 | 121 |
| Hilton has a wonderful time giving advice to his therapy group. Guest star(s): Frankie R. Faison (The Human Megaphone - Ron Edwards), Siobhan Fallon (therapist); Co-star(s): Tony Darrow (bartender), Jackie Hoffman (divorced former co-worker - Ellen MacAfee), Marc John Jefferies (Tina's son - Davey); Featuring: Garry Pastore (police officer), Hardy Rawls (TV announcer), Sharon P. Washington (Ron's Wife - Beth Edwards). | |||||
| 22 | "The Return of the Charlites" | John Whitesell | Vanessa Middleton | April 28, 1997 | 122 |
| Ruth gets a chance for the spotlight when a superstar buddy (Patti LeBelle) comes to town. Hilton tries to become entrepreneurial by selling home-made crafts. Special Guest star(s): Patti LeBelle (Charlene); Co-star(s): Russell Andrews (Charlene's husband - Oliver); Featuring: Evelyn Ebo, Debbie Henry (Vocalist), Julissa Marquez. | |||||
| 23 | "My Dinner with Methuselah" | John Whitesell | Elise Allen Chris Downey |
May 05, 1997 | 123 |
| Ruth arranges a blind date for Pauline who becomes disillusioned with men; Hilton advises Griffin about impressing his sophisticated girlfriend. Guest star(s): Peter Jacobson (Ruth's teacher - Richard); Featuring: Red Buttons (Video store patron - Mr. Otto Tibbles), Edward Furs (Restaurant matradee), Anjua Warfield (Griffin's girlfriend - Lisa). | |||||
| 24 | "Hilton's Playland" | John Whitesell | Richard Goodman Jacqueline McKinley |
May 12, 1997 | 124 |
| Erica's TV-producer boyfriend regrets giving Hilton a job on a children's show, Mr. J's Crib. Special Guest star(s): Tim Conway (Happy Clock - Happy); Guest star(s): Darryl M. Bell (Erica's boyfriend - Julius); Featuring: David Simonds (Mr. Fib). | |||||
| 25 | "Social Insecurity" | John Whitesell | Vanessa Middleton | May 19, 1997 | 125 |
| Hilton must correct Social Security's notion that he is dead. Guest star(s): Marcia Jean Kurtz (social security office teller - Glady's cousin), James F. Murtaugh (Mr. Benjamin), Keith Smith (butcher - Mr. Brathwaite), Robert Stanton (insurance policy salesman - Mr. Acker); Co-star(s): Bill Hoag (auto-agency job interviewer); Featuring: Teddy Coluca, Robin Haynes (Tom), Paul Reggio (security officer), Karl Tiedemann, Robert Weil. | |||||
| Series # | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | Prod. code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | "About My Life" | John Whitesell | David Landsberg | September 15, 1997 | 201 |
| Erica and Griffin move into the Lucas household, tensions rise in the house, and a preschools opens next door. Guest star(s): Judy Reyes (Preschool teacher - Miss Reyes); Featuring: Angelo Massagli (Preschooler - Angelo), Ashley Bush (Preschooler climbing fence), Zane Anthony Green (Preschooler), Xavier Patterson (Preschooler). | |||||
| 27 | "Wake Up and Smell the Coffeehouse" | John Whitesell | Robert Kurtz Eric Brand |
September 22, 1997 | 202 |
| Hilton brings coffee and cookies to the struggling flower shop and hits pay dirt. Guest star(s): Stewart Steinberg; Co-Star(s): Bria Agosto, Kenneth Bryant, David Warren Burke, William Hill, Tony Hoty, Angelo Massagli (peschooler), Xavier Patterson (Preschooler), Angela Pietropinto (Female customer). | |||||
| 28 | "The Rules" | September 29, 1997 | 203 | ||
| When Hilton realizes that Griffin and Erica's friends are taking over his house by watching his television and eating all his food, he decides that if they live in his house, Griffin and Erica will have to live by his rules. Reluctantly, Griffin and Erica agree to abide by Hilton's strict new set of house rules, including Rule #5 -- thou shall not alloweth men upstairs. So when Erica's boyfriend, Julius (guest star Darryl M. Bell, reprising the role), shows up in her bedroom, Erica attempts to keep it a secret from her father. Meanwhile, Hilton is busy on a mission to kill a stray mouse -- although Julius mistakenly believes that he is the target of Hilton's assassination plans. | |||||
| 29 | "Two Cents" | October 06, 1997 | 204 | ||
| When Griffin's non-stop eating starts to get on Hilton's nerves, and Hilton's non-stop opinion-giving begins to get to Griffin, the two challenge each other to a 24-hour contest to see which man has more self-control. Meanwhile, Ruth, Erica and Pauline decide that if they have to put up with the men's nonsense, they are going to have a little fun at their expense. And fun they have as they make Griffin suffer watching them eat a three-course meal of his favorite foods and Hilton agonize as he watches Erica walk out the door for a Las Vegas weekend getaway with Julius! | |||||
| 30 | "Older and Out" | October 13, 1997 | 205 | ||
| Hilton is overjoyed when he meets new friends Chuck and Larry and joins their "Older and Out" team, since he's also older and he's "out" keeping busy. Ruth discovers that Chuck is gay, and she mistakenly believes that her husband of more than 30 years may have feelings for a man! Blaming herself for letting the spark go out of the marriage, Ruth sets off to win him back before a surprised Hilton discovers the real meaning of "Older and Out." | |||||
| 31 | "Lucas Smartypantsicus" | October 20, 1997 | 206 | ||
| Pauline is absolutely thrilled that after years of being the single friend, she has finally become a couple with her new boyfriend, Gregory, a self-absorbed, self-proclaimed genius who disturbs Hilton. So when she decides to dump him because he's too uptight, Ruth thinks that Hilton is really the one to blame and sends him off to remedy the situation. But when Hilton, Griffin and Gregory team up at The Steinway Street Pub, they end up good buddies, and big, big winners too, in a trivia game. | |||||
| 32 | "The Last Man Standing" | October 27, 1997 | 207 | ||
| A doctor places Hilton under strict quarantine after he catches the stomach flu. Griffin warns Hilton not to escape quarantine, but he doesn't listen and, one by one, everyone in the household drops, leaving Hilton to don his nurse's uniform. As he runs from sickbed to sickbed tending to his patients' needs, Hilton discovers that the members of his household are not at their best when they are sick - but he's determined to maintain his excellent bedside manner. | |||||
| 33 | "Dating Games" | November 03, 1997 | 208 | ||
| Ruth's obnoxious sister-in-law (Debbie Allen) brags continually about her daughter's wedding plans; Guest star(s): Busta Rhymes; Rhonda Ross Kendrick. | |||||
| 33 | "The Pilot (Not the Pilot)" | November 10, 1997 | 209 | ||
| Hilton and Griffin find themselves aboard a plane with a deranged passenger (William Shatner). | |||||
| 34 | "Lucas Raymondicus" | November 17, 1997 | 210 | ||
| Frank Barone has been telling his son about sinking the winning shot in the 1955 Queens championship since the day he was born. So when Frank pleads with Hilton to help him save face with his son by lying for him, Hilton reluctantly agrees. But then Gwendolyn Brooks High plans a ceremony honoring Frank - and he tells the school that Hilton can't come because he's dead - Hilton decides that enough is enough and goes forward to set the record straight. | |||||
| 35 | "Shall We Dance?" | Don Scardino | Tom Purcell Tyrone Finch |
November 24, 1997 | 211 |
| Ruth gives reluctant Hilton tap-dancing lessons for his birthday. | |||||
| 36 | "The Two Hilton Lucases" | December 15, 1997 | 212 | ||
| Hilton and Griffin get jobs as telemarketers, hoping to win a fabulous office prize, a weekend for two at The Plaza Hotel in Manhattan. Hilton is afraid to tell his wife, knowing she will disapprove of his new job. Instead, he lies and claims that his new job is driving Danny Aiello's limo. Griffin tries to improve his sales record by taking Hilton's advice to create a new persona -- he pretends to be Hilton. So when Ruthie overhears "Hilton Lucas" on a sexy phone call, she thinks that her husband is having an affair and blames the whole thing on his new employer, Aiello. | |||||
| 37 | "A Team of His Own" | John Bowab | Charleen Easton | January 05, 1998 | 213 |
| Hilton and Rush coach opposing basketball teams. Co-Star(s): Zelda Harris (Fireflies forward - Nicki), Keith Franklin (Warriors hungry boy - Chewy), Jason Fuchs (Warriors scared boy - David), Kevin Rahsaan Grant (Warriors hypochondriac - Jamaal), Kym Hampton (herself), Teesa Weatherspoon - (herself), Tatyana Bass, Vyacheslav Bokhman (Grove boy with Russian circus), Steve Feldman. | |||||
| 38 | "Brazil" | January 12, 1998 | 214 | ||
| When the city closes down the Flower Cafe because of a misplaced vent, Pauline suggests that she and Ruth indulge in a pampering weekend at a spa. Hilton's only assignment while she's gone is to get the vent fixed. Carla. the chaperone of a Brazilian girls' choir, asks to rent out the coffee shop for a small get-together, and Hilton hesitantly agrees. After all, Pauline and Ruth are out of town and what could possibly go wrong? | |||||
| 39 | "Old Yeller" | January 19, 1998 | 215 | ||
| Despite Ruth's insistence that family and friends should never work together, Hilton goes to work for Griffin narrating children's stories. He just can't refuse the temptation for some creative rewriting, and Hilton puts his own spin on some classic kids' tales. Will he have his poetic license revoked? Meanwhile, Pauline is so captivated by the handsome young man temporarily working at the coffee shop that she can't bring herself to fire him. | |||||
| 40 | "Out to Launch" | February 02, 1998 | 216 | ||
| Hilton is bequeathed a boat by a wealthy man he once helped at the airport. Despite Ruth's insistence that he doesn't have the stamina or the money to support a boating hobby, Hilton persists -- including spending three days on the boat with Griffin, parked outside the house in the freezing cold. | |||||
| 41 | "Fifteen Minutes of Fame" | February 23, 1998 | 217 | ||
| While Hilton is working at the coffee house, he meets two people from Late Show with David Letterman. He talks them into letting him be on the show. | |||||
| 42 | "Mud" | March 02, 1998 | 218 | ||
| A plate that Hilton made as a gift for Ruth has been switched for one made by a famous abstract artist. It's worth some $15,000, and now, thanks to Pauline, it's missing. | |||||
| 43 | "Enter Lucas" | March 09, 1998 | 219 | ||
| Pauline tries her hand at playwriting for a course she's taking at the community center. Following Hilton's advice about writing about something "real," she turns out a thinly-disguised comedy about the Lucas family. Hilton is the only one who can't see who the lead character is based on - until he volunteers to play the part on stage. Broadway veteran Philip Bosco is Pauline's flamboyant playwriting teacher, who casts Hilton in her comedy as a sarcastic, irascible coot. | |||||
| 44 | "1040 Not-So-EZ" | April 06 1998 | 220 | ||
| It's April 15 and Hilton hasn't even started working on his taxes, a fact he wants to make sure Ruth doesn't discover. Ruth has other things on her mind, however -- she and Pauline have an appointment with Mr. Rollins of the SBA to obtain another loan for the Flower Café. At the Café, Erica has agreed to look after Jurnee, her friend's younger sister. A desperate Hilton arrives and asks Erica for help with his taxes, but she reminds him she's a lawyer, not an accountant. Meanwhile, Mr. Rollins, very negative and skeptical, says he needs to see Ruth's and Pauline's personal tax returns before they can proceed. Ruth calls Hilton for their tax information, and he promises to get everything to her in an hour. Erica sends Jurnee over to the house to watch TV, where it shortly becomes clear that the little girl knows more about doing taxes (her dad's an accountant) than Hilton. She gets the taxes wrapped up and over to Ruth, Pauline and Mr. Rollins, and Hilton is saved. | |||||
| 45 | "Men Are from Mars Women Are from Astoria" | April 27, 1998 | 221 | ||
| Erica and her girlfriends, unable to find "Mr. Right," take Ruth's advise about changing their dating habits and set out on "The Great American Manhunt." As the girls despair about their single state, Ruth tries to explain that men are like old cars - you've just got to find one that works, and if you take care of it long enough, eventually it'll be worth something! Taking her advice, the ladies set out in search of the guy least likely to turn into a lemon. | |||||
| 46 | "On the Rocks" | May 04, 1998 | 222 | ||
| When Ruth and Hilton have a major fight they assess the changes in their lives. | |||||
| 47 | "Love Intervention" | May 11, 1998 | 223 | ||
| The Lucases play cupid for smitten Griffin. | |||||
| 48 | "The First Gentleman" | May 18, 1998 | 224 | ||
| Ruth is President of the Businessmen's Roundtable, and Hilton the Ladies auxiliary. | |||||
Season 3, Episode 25 Aired: 5/17/1999 War Stories
Season 3, Episode 24 Aired: 5/10/1999 He Who Hesitates is Lucas
Season 3, Episode 23 Aired: 5/3/1999 The Vesey Method
Season 3, Episode 22 ? Aired: 4/26/1999
The Party's Over
Hilton is stunned when 11-year old Jurnee, left in his care while her father is away, returns from a friend's birthday party drunk. Hilton and Ruth are adamant about finding out who spiked the birthday punch and caused several of the children to awaken to wicked hangovers the following morning. But, Jurnee is not budging for fear that she will be labeled a squealer among her friends. Hilton is determined to make Jurnee understand that protecting the guilty person is sometimes just as bad as being guilty yourself.
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Season 3, Episode 21 ? Aired: 4/5/1999
Timerity
Hilton is caught in the middle when his curmudgeonly friend, Tim, stages a rent strike against his landlord.
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Season 3, Episode 20 ? Aired: 3/17/1999
Lucas Illuminus
Hilton volunteers as a reader for a retired, blind English literature professor and, upon realizing his gift for teaching, urges him to return to the classroom. Anthony Quinn guest stars as Professor Christo, whose failing eyesight and advanced age caused him to leave behind the profession he loves so much.
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Season 3, Episode 19 ? Aired: 3/1/1999
Will Power
Hilton is attempting to help Jurnee with her "Romeo and Juliet" homework assignment when his true feelings about The Bard come out: Why couldn't Shakespeare simply speak in plain English rather than using all of that fancy, confusing language? Alas, Shakespeare showeth up in the Lucas kitchen to tutor Hilton personally. Will it be "all's well that ends well?"
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Season 3, Episode 18 ? Aired: 2/22/1999
Afterschool Delight
Jurnee is aghast when she finds out that her dad intends to date the "meanest" teacher at her school. Del is so troubled by Jurnee's reaction to his interest in Ms. Malone that he's ready to call off their date. But Hilton reminds him that almost every person can remember a teacher who was too strict, gave too much homework or expected too much of a student -- and usually ended up being the one who made the greatest impact on the student later in life.
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Season 3, Episode 17 ? Aired: 2/15/1999
Ol' Betsy
While searching for a rare part for his beloved turntable, Hilton bumps into an old friend from his bachelor days, Fred. When Hilton and Fred start reminiscing about how they double-dated sisters Mattie and Roberta Singleton, Hilton decides to play matchmaker and prompts Fred into learning whatever became of Mattie. Even now, years later, Fred can't help wondering what might have happened if they remained a couple.... and, thanks to Hilton, he may finally get a chance to find out.
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Season 3, Episode 16 ? Aired: 2/8/1999
A Very Nice Dance
Hilton and Ruth recall their first date many years ago. Their flashbacks are done through animated sequences, and of course, both of them have widely different versions of what happened.
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Season 3, Episode 15 ? Aired: 2/1/1999
False Alarm
After the Lucas home is burglarized, Hilton invests in a security system -- only to discover that the thief is someone he knows.
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Season 3, Episode 14 ? Aired: 1/25/1999
Lucas Absentia
Griffin contemplates quitting the teaching profession when his first day as a substitute teacher is a disaster. The Lucases lend themselves out as mock students so that Griffin can practice his teaching techniques on them -- although their misguided attempt to help might just turn him off teaching forever.
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Season 3, Episode 13 ? Aired: 1/18/1999
Refrigerator Logic
Hilton is beyond frustrated when his newly purchased state-of-the-art refrigerator breaks down and he can't get any customer satisfaction. His repeated attempts to reach a human customer service representative fail, and then he's told it will take an eternity to get the necessary refrigerator part. Hilton takes matters into his own hands and becomes a one-man consumer crusader.
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Season 3, Episode 12 ? Aired: 1/11/1999
The Awful Truth
Del's new girlfriend Karen agonizes over a secret she's worried about sharing with him: the youth who passes as her kid brother is actually her son.
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Season 3, Episode 11 ? Aired: 12/14/1998
This Old Friend
Hilton becomes nervous when, after a two-year silence, he hears from an old friend who only makes contact when he needs a handout.
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Season 3, Episode 10 ? Aired: 11/23/1998
Turkey Day
When Hilton offers to make Jurnee's Thanksgiving Day Parade turkey costume from scratch, it comes out to be just that.... a turkey of a costume. So imagine Hilton's joy when the queen of domesticity, Martha Stewart, shows up at the coffee shop bearing the most realistic looking turkey outfit that anyone's ever seen and leaves it behind by mistake. But, when Martha Stewart returns asking if anyone has seen the costume, will Hilton's guilt get the best of him... or will Jurnee be the best-dressed turkey in the parade?
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Season 3, Episode 9 ? Aired: 11/16/1998
Judgment Day
Hilton's steaming when a klutzy customer spills coffee on her dress, admits it's her own fault---and then sues the Flower Cafe for $3000.
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Season 3, Episode 8 ? Aired: 11/9/1998
The Episode Episode
Hilton is sentenced to a life without pork chops, barbeque ribs and bacon when a doctor's visit reveals a too-high cholesterol count. A mouth-watering meal for Hilton now consists of tofu, steamed broccoli and "not-wurst" imitation hot dogs. New Jersey Nets player Jayson Williams guest stars as Jurnee's teacher, who adds his two-cents on the subject of Hilton's eating habits.
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Season 3, Episode 7 ? Aired: 11/2/1998
Playground Scar
After Jurnee expresses her fondness for schoolmate Kevin and he retaliates by shoving her on the school playground, amateur psychologist Hilton explains his theory of how "playground scarring" can affect a woman for life. According to Hilton, when women are unable to trust, unable to commit, their problems can always be traced back to a bad playground experience when they were deeply humiliated by a boy they liked. To this day, Ruth has problems with trust because of a certain Kenneth P. Watson, who purposely teetered when he should have tottered, requiring a young Ruth to get stitches. When it comes to Jurnee, however, Hilton is determined not to have history repeat itself.
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Season 3, Episode 6 ? Aired: 10/26/1998
Lucas Matriculus
When Griffin accompanies Hilton to "Grandparents Day" at Jurnee's school and adds his two cents to the science lesson, it quickly becomes apparent that he is a natural at teaching and holding the kids' interest. Who would have thought?? Hilton is thrilled that Griffin has uncovered a talent for this most noble profession, while Erica is more than ticked off when she learns that Griffin achieved a higher GPA than she did in college. At first resistant to the idea of working hard for little pay and loads of responsibility, Griffin is ultimately swept up with the idea of molding the minds of America's young -- heaven help them.
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Season 3, Episode 5 ? Aired: 10/19/1998
The Greatest Gift
A major argument erupts when Ruth accidentally discovers that Erica has been hiding all the gifts she has given her over the years. When Ruth confronts Erica about only pretending to like the gifts that Ruth put so much time and care into buying, it sparks the disagreement. On the one hand, Ruth feels that she doesn't know her own daughter, and on the flip side, Erica feels that her mother doesn't bother to learn about her likes and dislikes. Although Hilton desperately wants to stay out of their argument, he is left with no alternative and attempts to coerce the women into a joint shopping trip. The goal -- buy something that is pleasing to them both without driving him over the edge.
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Season 3, Episode 4 ? Aired: 10/12/1998
Lucas Discordia
Petty differences about irritating personal habits threaten to escalate into a major brawl when Ruth and Pauline plan a "girls' night out" in Manhattan, and Hilton insists on acting as their chauffeur.
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Season 3, Episode 3 ? Aired: 10/5/1998
Chemistry
Hilton is devastated to learn that Erica is breaking up with her latest boyfriend, Gil -- a handsome, well-educated jazz musician who is everything that Hilton could ever want in a guy and more. When Erica and Gil mutually decide to call it quits, it's Hilton who takes the news the hardest since he's developed his own meaningful relationship with Gil -- primarily because he represents the jazzman Hilton always wanted to be. How will Hilton go on? All he does is sit by the phone and wait for Gil to call! It's true that break-ups can be hard -- but usually for the two people involved.
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Season 3, Episode 2 ? Aired: 9/28/1998
Do Not Overheat
Griffin and Erica work out a financial deal to move into Griffin's house on a landlord-tenant basis -- thus giving Hilton and Ruth back their privacy ? only to have Griffin's house accidentally burn to the ground. Hilton's visions of spending romantic evenings alone with Ruth are over before they've even begun. And, when Erica and Griffin realize that everything destroyed in the fire was either borrowed, rented or on loan, they decide it's time to grow up and start taking "ownership" of their lives.
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Season 3, Episode 1 ? Aired: 9/21/1998
Now Is the Time, the Walrus Said
Hilton's new responsibility, looking after 11-year-old Jurnee while her dad is at work, becomes a little too hot to handle when Jurnee asks him a complicated question about the birds and bees. Not wanting to interfere in Jurnee's upbringing, and looking for a way to avoid having to answer himself, Hilton suggests that the curious Jurnee go to her dad for an explanation. No matter how difficult it is for Del to face the fact that Jurnee is growing up (perhaps a bit faster than he had hoped), with coaching from Hilton, he finally appears ready to have ?the talk.'
'Bold text
9/18/2001: Mr. Fish
Season 4, Episode 21 ? Aired: 4/28/2000
The Song Remains the Same
Hilton passes his advice along to Erica and Darien on how to keep the romance alive in marriage.
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Season 4, Episode 20 ? Aired: 4/21/2000
A Long Night's Journey
Hilton suffers from insomnia for several days, falling asleep during the day at inopportune moments, causing Erica and Ruth embarrassment. When Hilton refuses to attend a sleep clinic, Griffin offers to set up a video camera in the Lucas' bedroom to record the night's activity to find the cause of Hilton's sleeplessness. The next morning, when the family gathers to watch the tape, no one is more surprised than Ruth to see that it's her snoring and kicking Hilton in her sleep that keeps him awake.
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Season 4, Episode 19 ? Aired: 4/14/2000
Kids Eat the Darndest Things
Griffin tries to encourage both his students and the Lucases to eat healthier foods.
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Season 4, Episode 18 ? Aired: 4/14/2000
Thursday's Child
A foster child in Erica's class wants to move in with the Lucases.
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Season 4, Episode 17 ? Aired: 4/7/2000
A Pair of Threes Beats a Flush Every Time
Hilton discovers that a former high school buddy is now homeless.
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Season 4, Episode 16 ? Aired: 3/31/2000
Perfect Valentine
Griffin's inability to deal with the return of his estranged father, who abandoned him 15 years earlier, causes problems in his relationship with Rebecca.
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Season 4, Episode 15 ? Aired: 3/10/2000
It's a Wonderful Wife
For a school paper, Keisha discovers intriguing facts about Ruth's past.
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Season 4, Episode 14 ? Aired: 3/3/2000
Raising Paranoia
Griffin, Erica and Darien try to convince a drug-addicted friend to enter rehab.
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Season 4, Episode 13 ? Aired: 1/28/2000
To Catch a Thief
Hilton finds himself in the middle of a bank heist.
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Season 4, Episode 12 ? Aired: 1/21/2000
Chilly Scenes of Winter Golf
When Ruth teaches Erica how to play golf, a rivalry begins between the two women that even extends to cooking.
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Season 4, Episode 11 ? Aired: 1/14/2000
The Hilton Hilton
Darien's late arrival to an important family dinner causes a fight between Hilton and Ruth.
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Season 4, Episode 10 ? Aired: 12/29/1999
Loving Madeline
The cast presents a heartfelt tribute to Madeline Kahn, with clips highlighting her character Pauline.
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Season 4, Episode 9 ? Aired: 12/22/1999
One for the Books
Ruth and Pauline try to help save a friend's failing bookstore by annexing it to the Flower Cafe.
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Season 4, Episode 8 ? Aired: 12/15/1999
The Parent Trap
Erica visits a student's home to get his mother more involved in his education.
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Season 4, Episode 7 ? Aired: 11/17/1999
Superstar
Griffin has a dream in which teachers are given the same elite status & salary as professional athletes or actors.
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Season 4, Episode 6 ? Aired: 11/3/1999
There's Something About Hilton
A strange woman comes to the shop under the impression that Hilton is her husband, Charlie.
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Season 4, Episode 5 ? Aired: 10/27/1999
A Teacher's Life
Getting through a typical day is hard enough, but it becomes an ordeal for Griffin when everyone demands his time on the day he is preparing for a date with a beautiful flight attendant.
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Season 4, Episode 4 ? Aired: 10/20/1999
Lucas Apocalypse
When Griffin tries to prepare for Y2K by installing a generator, he causes a premature blackout for the entire neighborhood.
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Season 4, Episode 3 ? Aired: 10/13/1999
Book 'Em, Griff O
Hilton urges Griffin to do something to replace his school's outdated textbooks, and Erica and Darien return from their honeymoon.
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Season 4, Episode 2 ? Aired: 10/6/1999
The Wedding
Hilton has to pay the wedding organizers for their services as Erica's wedding nears, but Ruth is more concerned with why the bride isn't falling apart yet.
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Season 4, Episode 1 ? Aired: 9/29/1999
My Spy
Hilton falls asleep during an "I Spy" marathon. He dreams that he and his old partner Kelly Robinson have been put on a new case in Hong Kong. However, Erica keeps interrupting Hilton's dream to discuss her wedding preparations. The rest of the cast play parts in the dream.