Synopsis
Includes:
The Cosby Show: War Stories (1986)
The Cosby Show: Bring 'Em Back Alive (1986)
The Cosby Show: Food for Thought (1986)
The Cosby Show: Cliff in Charge (1986)
The Cosby Show: A Girl and Her Dog (1986)
The Cosby Show: Vanessa's Rich (1986)
The Cosby Show: Man Talk (1986)
The Cosby Show: Mother, May I? (1986)
The Cosby Show: The March (1986)
The Cosby Show: Golden Anniversary (1986)
The Cosby Show: Theo's Flight (1986)
The Cosby Show: Denise Gets a D (1986)
The Cosby Show: Cliff's 50th Birthday (1987)
The Cosby Show: Monster Man Huxtable (1987)
The Cosby Show: Denise Gets an Opinion (1987)
The Cosby Show: You Only Hurt the One You Love (1987)
The Cosby Show: Say Hello to a Good Buy (1987)
The Cosby Show: Andalusian Flu (1987)
The Cosby Show: Bald and Beautiful (1987)
The Cosby Show: The Shower (1987)
The Cosby Show: Calling Doctor Huxtable (1987)
The Cosby Show: I Know That You Know (1987)
The Cosby Show: Hillman (1987)
The Cosby Show: Planning Parenthood (1987)
The Cosby Show: Rudy Spends the Night (1987)
The Cosby Show: War Stories
Cliff (Bill Cosby) resigns himself to another humiliating defeat when he plays pinochle with his dad Russell (Earl Hyman), Russell's cohort Homer (Bill Gunn), and the two old guys' Army buddy Sgt. Stokes (Jason Bernard), a notorious card cheat. Even worse, Cliff is unable to keep apace of the other players' colorful (and highly suspect) war stories. Meanwhile, Vanessa (Tempestt Bledsoe) falls for Sgt. Stokes' grandson Aaron (Ermundo Russell), which may cause friction between herself and her date for an upcoming skiing party. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
The Cosby Show: Bring 'Em Back Alive
Season Three of The Cosby Show begins as little Rudy Huxtable (Keshia Knight Pulliam) finds a garter snake in the family cellar, but has trouble getting anyone to believe her. Once the snake has made his (her? Its?) presence known to one and all, the Huxtables go into full panic mode and send for the exterminator (Leonard Jackson)--who ends up in more danger from the clutter in the cellar than from the slithery little serpent. At the same time, Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner) and his pal Cockroach (Carl Anthony Payne II) draw up plans to throw a party where only girls are invited. With this episode, Geoffrey Owens becomes a semi-regular in the role of Elvin, the boyfriend of the Huxtables' eldest daughter Sondra (Sabrina LeBeauf). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
The Cosby Show: Food for Thought
After one of her close friends has a heart attack, Clair (Phylicia Rashad) pressures Cliff (Bill Cosby) to go on a fat-free, cholesterol-free diet. But after suffering through an entire day on nothing but "safe" foods, Cliff is reduced to begging for leftovers from the next-door neighbors. Meanwhile, the whole family pitches in to help Denise (Lisa Bonet) pack for college. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
The Cosby Show: Cliff in Charge
This episode was written to accommodate the pregnancy of series star Phylicia Rashad, aka Clair Huxtable. When Clair and her mom Anna leave for Hillman College to attend a ceremony honoring the retiring president, Cliff (Bill Cosby) and his dad Russell (Earle Hyman) are put in charge of the kids. A crisis arises when Cliff tries to mediate an argument between Rudy (Keshia Knight Pulliam) and her friend Kenny, as Russell watches from the sidelines with quiet amusement. Also, Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner) can't understand why he has been receiving so many phone calls from giggling girls, who immediately hang up when he answers! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
The Cosby Show: A Girl and Her Dog
Cliff (Bill Cosby) allows Rudy (Keshia Knight Pulliam) and Peter (Peter Costa) to keep a lost dog until the actual owner is located. Unfortunately, the kids neglect their promise to care for the dog--and worse, older brother Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner) is growing quite attached to the mutt. Meanwhile, Vanessa (Tempestt Bledsoe) is down in the dumps over having to miss a party in order to attend Clair's speech in Washington--whereupon Cliff, already frazzled by the dog situation, orders his daughter to "be happy" or else! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
The Cosby Show: Vanessa's Rich
Anxious to get on her school's pep squad, Vanessa (Tempestt Bledsoe) tries to impress her friends by telling them how her mom Clair purchased a painting at for $11,000 (which of course happened in the second-season episode "The Auction"). The plan backfires when Vanessa is turned down for the squad because she's too "stuck-up" about her "wealth". In another money-driven situation, Cliff (Bill Cosby) overspends at the appliance store, forcing Clair (Phylicia Rashad) to overstep her bounds. And finally, Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner) regrets teaching kid sister Rudy (Keshia Knight Pulliam) how to play checkers. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
The Cosby Show: Man Talk
Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner) is torn between his steady girlfriend Tanya (Tanya Wright) and another girl named Randi (Alsicia Pringle). Though sympathetic, Cliff (Bill Cosby) refuses to give any advice to his son, having previously been burned when advice offered to his daughters has backfired. In the final analysis, however, Theo doesn't have to make a choice--the choice is made for him. Elsewhere, Rudy (Keshia Knight Pulliam) entertains a "special guest" at a tea party. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
The Cosby Show: Mother, May I?
Although her mother Clair (Phylicia Rashad) has ordered her not to wear any makeup before the age of 15, Vanessa (Tempestt Bledsoe) does so anyway. Unfortunately, the mascara chosen by Vanessa can't be removed too easily--and requires more makeup to cover it up! In other events, Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner) drives the Huxtable household crazy with his "letter of the law" approach to fire safety; and Rudy (Keshia Knight Pulliam) awakens a sleeping beast known as Cliff Huxtable (Bill Cosby). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
The Cosby Show: The March
After getting a dismal "C" on his report about the 1963 march on Washington, Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner) is ordered to rewrite the paper, this time using more than one source. And this he does, as four very special members of the Huxtable family provide insight and eyewitness testimony regarding the historic march. Elsewhere, Vanessa (Tempestt Bledsoe) worries that the boy she has invited to the annual "Turnaround Dance" won't accept--a situation that eerily mirrors an event in the past lives of her parents. This is the first episode since Season One that was NOT directed by Emmy winner Jay Sandrich. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
The Cosby Show: Golden Anniversary
It is the 50th wedding anniversary of Cliff's parents Russell (Earle Hyman) and Anna (Clarice Taylor), and the whole family has gathered to celebrate--including daughters Denise (Lisa Bonet) and Sondra (Sabrina LeBeauf), who return from college for the occasion. Along for the ride is Sondra's chauvinistic boyfriend Elvin (Geoffrey Owens), who once again approaches Cliff (Bill Cosby) for advice on how to be more considerate in the presence of women...while Clair (Phylicia Rashad) has issues with Cliff's own apparent lack of consideration. The Count Basie Orchestra performs "Shiny Stockings"--and as a bonus the Huxtables lip-synch to James Brown's "I Got the Feeling". ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
The Cosby Show: Theo's Flight
Inspired by a speech delivered by one of the surviving "Tuskegee Airmen", Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner) and Cockroach (Carl Anthony Payne II) yearn to become pilots themselves. Alas, our heroes remain grounded because they lack two important things: Money and Parental Consent. Meanwhile, Rudy brings home a new friend whom she calls "Bud", but whom the viewers will come to know as Kenny (Deon Richmond). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
The Cosby Show: Denise Gets a D
Returning from college to help out when Clair (Phylicia Rashad) suffers a back injury, Denise (Lisa Bonet) tries to hide the fact that she has been given a "D" in one of her courses. Making matters worse, Denise's patterns make a big deal over her sister Sondra's (Sabrina LeBeauf) Straight-As. And just so she won't be left out of the family crises, Rudy (Keshia Knight-Pulliam) grouses over being cast as "The Wind" in a school dance recital. Rosalind Cash guest stars as Denise's instructor Dr. Hughes, a role she would reprise in the Cosby Show spinoff A Different World). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
The Cosby Show: Cliff's 50th Birthday
Clair (Phylicia Rashad) can't hide her disdain for Mark Etten (Douglas Turner Ward), whom Cliff (Bill Cosby) has invited to his 50th birthday party. It seems that Mark had once been married to one of Clair's best friends, but the marriage broke up because of his rampant infidelity. Ultimately, Clair and Mark have a showdown, with startling results. Meanwhile back at the party, the kids regale Cliff with a "Things That Are Older Than Dad" show; and Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner) finds a kindred spirit in Mark Etten's 12-year-old daughter Ellen (Ashley Thompson). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
The Cosby Show: Monster Man Huxtable
"Monster Man Huxtable" is Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner), who is now the star of his high school wrestling team. Elvin (Geoffrey Owens) devotes an entire weekend to giving Theo wrestling tips--which surprisingly does not bother Sondra (Sabrina LeBeauf), even though she'd rather have Elvin indulge in more artistic pursuits. Meanwhile, a bemused Cliff (Bill Cosby) stands on the sidelines, wondering how long it will be before Elvin and Sondra have another of their infamous arguments. Also, Vanessa (Tempestt Bledsoe) offers a reluctant Rudy (Keshia Knight Pulliam) some advice on how to write a letter to her absent mom Clair (Phylicia Rashad who was on maternity leave at the time this episode was taped). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
The Cosby Show: Denise Gets an Opinion
Having arranged a blind date with a guy whom she's met over the phone, Denise (Lisa Bonet) nearly embarrasses herself when she mistake Cliff's young intern for her "mystery man." Later on, Vanessa's former boyfriend Robert (Dondre T. Whitfield) shows up to discuss his romantic tribulations with Cliff (Bill Cosby)--and refuses to leave the house until his problems are resolved. Rare indeed is the episode in which Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner) bids fair to emerge as the sole "voice of reason." ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
The Cosby Show: You Only Hurt the One You Love
Rita Moreno, who'd previously appeared with Bill Cosby on the children's show The Electric Company, is herein cast as hospital cleaning woman Mrs. Granger. Cliff (Cosby) tries to help out when Mrs.Granger is laid off from her job, only to be surprised by her sunny perspective of the situation. And back at home, Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner) and Rudy (Keshia Knight Pulliam) get into big trouble--not to mention a world of hurt--when they try to play "circus". The supporting cast includes Lou Myers, who later played Vernon Gaines on the Cosby Show spinoff A Different World. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
The Cosby Show: Say Hello to a Good Buy
Intent upon replacing the family station wagon, Cliff (Bill Cosby) goes to great lengths to hide his profession and his affluence so that the car dealership won't take advantage of him. Meanwhile, Rudy (Keshia Knight Pulliam) comes to grief when trying to follow the advice of older sister Vanessa (Tempestt Bledsoe) on finishing an "illustrated" school report. Featured in the cast are comedians Gilbert Gottfried and Sinbad, the latter soon to become a regular as Walter Oakes on the Cosby Show spinoff A Different World. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
The Cosby Show: Andalusian Flu
With both of his parents laid low by the flu, Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner) takes charge of the Huxtable household. In time-honored sitcom tradition, Theo forces his siblings to follow his rules and regulations to the letter, and to do all the chores in the house while he takes it easy. Finally, the other kids revolt and turn to Cliff (Bill Cosby) to put Theo in his place--but guess who has the last laugh on this occasion? ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
The Cosby Show: Bald and Beautiful
It's an unofficial I Spy reunion when Bill Cosby's former TV costar Robert Culp shows up as Cliff Huxtable's rambunctious old Navy buddy Scotty Kelly (a composite of the two actors' character names on the earlier series). Cliff and Clair (Phylicia Rashad) are startled by the changes wrought on Scotty's eating habits and personality: ever since undergoing quadruple-bypass surgery, he has been on restricted diet and is forbidden to lose his temper. Is this change for the better, or does Scotty's wife Jill (Ann Reinking) yearn for the "good" old days? Meanwhile, Theo and Cockroach nervously prepare to shave their heads (with disposable razors!) in order to appear in a music video. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
The Cosby Show: The Shower
Throwing a bridal shower for her friend Veronica (Lela Rochon), Denise (Lisa Bonet) is shocked to learn that Veronica deliberately got herself pregnant so her parents couldn't object to her marriage plans. Meanwhile, Clair (Phylicia Rashad) endeavors to keep Cliff (Bill Cosby) and Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner) from intruding upon the shower, ordering them to fix a few closet shelves--even though Cliff's track record with "do it yourself" projects is none too good). And temporary babysitter Vanessa (Tempestt Bledsoe) has trouble with Rudy (Keshia Knight Pulliam) and Kenny (Deon Richmond) at the skating rink. Appearing uncredited as a shower guest is Charnelle Brown, who later played Kim Reese on the Cosby Show spinoff A Different World. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
The Cosby Show: Calling Doctor Huxtable
While subbing for another doctor, Cliff (Bill Cosby) is summoned to the hospital to deliver a baby--only to find that three pregnant women are in simultaneous demand of his services! The evening threatens to degenerate into chaos thanks to language barriers and panicky relatives, but Cliff manages to keep his head on straight. Elsewhere, Vanessa (Tempestt Bledsoe) is bothered that her friend Althea (Malinda Williams) is a heavy smoker who refuses to heed the traditional warning signs. Seen in the supporting cast is future Home Improvement costar Patricia Richardson. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
The Cosby Show: I Know That You Know
Cliff (Bill Cosby) is inordinately proud of the fact that he is the only of the family who hasn't been suckered by Theo's practical jokes. Thus, with the help of his mom and siblings, Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner) uses his "inside information" about the engagement of Sondra (Sabrina LeBeauf) and Elvin (Geoffrey Owens) to pull an elaborate prank, wherein Cliff will be manipulated into delivering Elvin's marriage proposal! Unfortunately for the conspirators, Cliff tumbles to the scheme, and cooks up a "counter-prank" of his own. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
The Cosby Show: Hillman
The Huxtables head to Hillman College to visit Denise (Lisa Bonet) and to attend a retirement ceremony for school president Dr. Hanes (Joe Seneca). While Denise nervously tries to hide the fact that she isn't the world's best housekeeper, Dr. Hanes invites Cliff (Bill Cosby) to emcee the ceremony, and asks Clair (Phylicia Rashad) to sing with the college choir. Ms. Rashad is heard in a rendition of "All Good Things Will Be Added Unto You" in this episode, which was largely taped at Atlanta's Spellman College, the real-life model for Hillman (Spelman's choir is combined with the one from Morehead college for the occasion). Designed as a lead-in to the spinoff series A Different World--and introducing Gloria Foster in the role of Hillman's new president Dr. Barbara Bracy--this the final episode of The Cosby Show's third season. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
The Cosby Show: Planning Parenthood
Cliff (Bill Cosby) takes Rudy (Keshia Knight Pulliam) and her little friends to a fancy restaurant that specializes in "gourmet burgers." Unfortunately, the kids find their expensive meal inedible, and it is up to a sympathetic waiter (Lee Weaver) to save the day. Elsewhere, Clair (Phylicia Rashad) is visited by her sister Sarah (Yvonne Erwin), who announces her plans to become a mother; and Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner) has an ulterior motive when he agrees to give sister Vanessa (Tempestt Bledsoe) some tennis lessons. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
The Cosby Show: Rudy Spends the Night
Cliff (Bill Cosby) and Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner) find themselves temporary bachelors when the ladies of the Huxtable household go out for the evening. In honor of the occasion, Cliff (Bill Cosby) calls the first meeting of the "Huxtable Men's Club" to order, replete with a tasty repast of Philadelphia Hoagies. Meanwhile, a terrified Ruby (Keshia Knight Pulliam) cringes at the prospect of spending the night outside her own bedroom, until she discovers to her delight how cool her grandparents can be; and Vanessa (Tempestt Bledsoe) and Denise (Lisa Bonet) try to prove their innate "hipness" while visiting Denise's bohemian friends. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
