Ep 1. Together Again and Again

In the season 5 premiere of The Cosby Show titled "Together Again and Again," viewers are welcomed back to the Huxtable family's bustling Brooklyn brownstone. The episode opens with Cliff (played by Bill Cosby) excitedly pacing around the living room, eagerly anticipating the arrival of his mother and father, Anna and Russell (played by Clarice Taylor and Earle Hyman). The family hasn't seen their grandparents in over a year, and everyone is looking forward to catching up.

Meanwhile, eldest daughter Sondra (played by Sabrina Le Beauf) is busy at Hillman College, where she has just started her senior year. She's taking on a full course load and also interning at a local television station, all while juggling her responsibilities as a newlywed. Her husband, Elvin (played by Geoffrey Owens), is still struggling to pass his classes and is feeling increasingly discouraged about his future. Sondra is trying to support him while also stressing about her own academic work - it's clear that the couple has their work cut out for them this year.

Back at the Huxtable house, Claire (played by Phylicia Rashad) is in the kitchen, preparing a feast for her in-laws' arrival. She's accompanied by her youngest daughter, Rudy (played by Keshia Knight Pulliam), who is now in the sixth grade and growing up fast. Rudy is a precocious and witty kid who often serves as the show's comic relief, and she doesn't disappoint in this episode. She's convinced that her grandparents won't remember her, since it's been so long since they've seen each other, and she's excited to come up with a prank to play on them.

The episode continues with various family members preparing for the grandparents' arrival, each with their own concerns and priorities. Denise (played by Lisa Bonet), the family's free-spirited middle child, is still living in Paris and isn't able to make it home for the reunion. She's feeling a bit left out of the family's festivities, but she calls in to say hello and wish everyone well.

When Anna and Russell finally arrive, the family greets them with hugs and laughter. It's clear that everyone is excited to be together again, and the rest of the episode is spent catching up on old times and reflecting on the importance of family. The grandparents share stories from their past, including memories of their own parents and grandparents who lived through tough times like the Great Depression and World War II. They impart wisdom and advice to the younger generations, reminding them of the importance of hard work, perseverance, and cherishing the moments they have with loved ones.

As always, The Cosby Show manages to balance humor with genuine emotion, capturing the joys and challenges of family life in a way that is both relatable and heartwarming. The season 5 premiere is a welcome return to the Huxtable household and a reminder of why this show became such a beloved classic.