For She's Only a Bird in a Gilded Cage

what happens

Whitley experiences anxiety about a visit from her mother, Marion, who is obsessed with finding her daughter a husband. She criticizes Whitley for paying more attention to academics and potential jobs than the hunt for a mate. Whitley is pleased to receive a phone call from a handsome childhood acquaintance, who is now enrolled in medical school. She soon learns that her mother got the guy's phone number and encouraged him to date Whitley. Whitley embarrasses Marion by storming out during an important function, and later calls her mother to task for her behavior. However, Marion doesn't understand what she has done wrong. Freddie goes all out to implement a new campus recycling program.

who made it

directed

Debbie Allen

guest cast

Billed for this episode only — the turn people remember an episode for.

• Lou Myers as Vernon Gaines
• Diahann Carroll as Marion Gilbert
• Dominic Hoffman as Kent Souje
• JJames Randolph as Avery Hobson