Ep 25. Denise's Decision

In this episode of The Cosby Show, entitled "Denise's Decision," the Huxtable family is faced with a tough decision. Denise (played by Lisa Bonet), the family's second-oldest daughter, has been struggling to keep up with her college coursework and has been considering dropping out. Though her parents, Claire and Cliff (played by Phylicia Rashad and Bill Cosby, respectively), are supportive and understanding, they both believe that Denise should stick it out.

As the family gathers around the dinner table one evening, Denise makes her announcement: she has decided to drop out of college. Though the news comes as a shock to her parents and siblings, they try to remain calm and supportive. However, throughout the episode, it becomes clear that each member of the family has their own opinions and concerns about Denise's decision.

For example, Denise's sister Vanessa (played by Tempestt Bledsoe) worries that Denise may regret her decision in the long run. After all, Vanessa herself struggled in school but managed to push through and graduate. Meanwhile, Denise's brother Theo (played by Malcolm-Jamal Warner) thinks that Denise is being irresponsible and immature, and he doesn't understand why she can't seem to handle college.

Despite the varying opinions and emotions within the family, they all come together to support Denise during this difficult time. Throughout the episode, we see the Huxtables try to help Denise figure out what she really wants out of life and how dropping out of college fits into that picture. They also encourage her to take responsibility for her decisions and not expect anyone else to solve her problems for her.

As Denise tries to find her way, the family experiences some moments of tension and conflict. For example, Denise's decision to drop out of college puts a strain on her relationship with her father, who is disappointed and frustrated with her. Additionally, Denise's decision inspires Theo to start making some changes in his own life, which causes some conflict between him and his parents.

Despite these challenges, the Huxtable family remains steadfast in their support of Denise, and they ultimately help her make a decision that she feels good about. By the end of the episode, Denise has made a plan for her future and feels confident in her choice, thanks in large part to the love and support of her family.

Throughout "Denise's Decision," viewers are treated to the same blend of humor, heart, and family drama that made The Cosby Show so popular during its run. The episode explores some important themes, including the value of education, the challenges of growing up, and the importance of family support. It also features some standout performances from the cast, particularly Lisa Bonet, who does a great job of capturing Denise's uncertainty and vulnerability.

Overall, "Denise's Decision" is a memorable episode of The Cosby Show and a great example of the show's ability to tackle serious issues with humor and heart. Whether you're a longtime fan of the show or a newcomer, this episode is definitely worth watching.