Ep 2. The Heat Is On

The Heat Is On, season 3 episode 2 of A Different World, takes place during the summer session at Hillman College. The episode opens with Denise (Lisa Bonet) and her friend Jaleesa (Dawnn Lewis) attempting to study for their summer classes, but struggling to focus in the intense heat. Meanwhile, Ron (Darryl M. Bell) and Dwayne (Kadeem Hardison) are busy fixing an air conditioning unit in the dorms.

As the heat intensifies, tensions rise among the students. Whitley (Jasmine Guy) becomes increasingly irritable and short-tempered, leading her boyfriend Dwayne to suspect that something else is bothering her. Kim (Charnele Brown) and Freddie (Cree Summer) decide to take a break from studying and head to the pool, where they encounter a group of partying frat boys.

The episode explores the ways in which the heat exacerbates existing tensions and reveals hidden frustrations. Whitley's erratic behavior stems from her fear of losing Dwayne to someone else, while the frat boys' behavior at the pool reveals deeper issues of sexism and racism.

Meanwhile, Walter (Sinbad) is tasked with fixing the air conditioning in the library, where he encounters a group of elderly women who are struggling to survive the heat. In a heartwarming subplot, Walter and the women form a bond over their shared struggle, and Walter eventually succeeds in fixing the air conditioning.

As the episode progresses, the heat continues to build, reaching a breaking point when the power goes out across campus. The students are forced to confront one another and their own weaknesses, leading to moments of vulnerability and growth.

The Heat Is On is a compelling exploration of the ways in which external forces can exacerbate internal conflicts, as well as a celebration of the power of human connection and resilience in the face of adversity.