Ep 12. Mrs. Westlake
- TV-PG
- January 2, 1986
- 21 min
-
6.9 (148)
In The Cosby Show season 2 episode 12, titled Mrs. Westlake, the Huxtable family welcomes the new teacher Ms. Westlake to Hillman College. However, Claire is disappointed to learn that the new teacher is not only white, but also young and attractive.
The episode explores Claire's discomfort with her own biases and racism, as she tries to come to terms with why she feels threatened by Ms. Westlake's presence. She eventually confronts her own prejudices and learns to judge people based on their character instead of their race.
Meanwhile, Cliff is busy preparing for his annual anniversary gift for Claire, which he always tries to make bigger and better each year. This year, he decides to surprise her with a romantic weekend getaway to a bed and breakfast in the countryside. However, his plans are derailed when Rudy gets sick and they have to take her to the hospital.
The episode also explores the theme of gender roles as Cliff tries to navigate his responsibilities as a husband and father, while also being a successful doctor. He struggles to find the balance between his career and his family, as he juggles his responsibilities at work with his obligations to his wife and children.
The Cosby Show season 2 episode 12 is a thought-provoking exploration of race, gender roles, and the complexities of family relationships. It is a testament to the show's ability to tackle important social issues with humor and sensitivity, while also providing audiences with a much-needed dose of laughter and humanity.