A Different World (1987–1993): Season 3, Episode 15 - Success, Lies and Videotape - full transcript

£ I know my parents loved me £

£ stand behind me
come what may £

£ I know now that I'm ready £

£ for I finally heard them say £

£ it's a different world £

£ than where you come from £

£ yes, it is now, yeah £

£ here's our chance to make it £

£ and if we focus on our goal £

£ you can dish it,
we can take it £

£ hey, just remember
that you've been told £



£ it's a different world £

£ it's a different world £

£ it's a different world £

£ than where you come from £

£ ooh £

£ than where you come from. £

Does anyone have an antacid?

What's wrong?

I hate cameras.

For heaven's sakes, Kim.

This is a career
development video

not an audition
for love connection.

Relax, Mrs. Huxtable's doing
the interviewing.

She's real easy to talk to.



Not to mention
very easy to look at.

Hey, guys.

All:
Hey, Freddie.

Now she should worry.

The cover girl

for rock climbers
and stone chuckers.

I'm in the middle
of an archaeology project.

What now?

Indian burial grounds
in the showers?

Did you know Gilbert hall
was the hillman family home

and there is a major difference

in the building plans of 1860

and our basement
laundry room of today?

The question is, do we care?

Hello.

How was your trip?

Oh, don't ask.

Does anyone here
have an antacid?

No. I checked.

Mrs. H.,
even frazzled

you still are fine.

Mr. Johnson,
as charming as ever.

How's the family?

How is Denise?

I heard she finally cut

those ropes out of her hair.

I know you're relieved.

Ooh, it's nice to see you, too.

I don't mean to sound negative

but what's the point of this?

One day you're going

to leave hillman.

I've come to help you
with interviews and goals.

Do we have to use that thing?

Yes.

Oh, lord.

It's a reference tool.

Who would like to be first?

I would.

I want to get back
to the laundry room.

Let's speed this up
before that outfit

jumps off you
and puts itself in the wash.

All right, our miss Brooks,

let's begin.

Um, could we not?

I have a basic problem
with your being here.

Not you, personally.

Just, you know,
what you represent.

And what is that?

Corporate america.

I came to hillman
for an education, not a job.

This career development program,
it's just designed to turn out

pinstripe-wearing,
briefcase-toting

number crunchers who mindlessly
carry on the petty business

of our income-oriented society.

Why are you here?

I respect you.

I'm flattered,
but if you don't want to stay

you're not glued to that seat.

Thank you so much.

I'm anxious to get back
to the basement.

I'm in the middle of an
important archaeology project.

Dig on, dear.

Whitley, you're next.

Here's whitley!

Thank you.

Good, now...

Excuse me, whitley?

Hello?

Could we speed up
this make-over?

Oh, uh... forgive me.

It's just that videotape
is so... permanent.

You major in art history.

Could we talk about that?

My major is designed

to enhance
the appreciation of art

and therefore, life.

Is that what the catalog says?

Yes, but that is what I feel
deep in my heart.

Let's talk about career.

What would you like to do?

Check my makeup.

I got enough grease on my face

to fry up some chicken.

Can you, uh...
Put the camera on pause.

Stop looking at your face
and answer the question.

Aren't you excited about
graduating in a few months.

No, not really.

Oh, no? Why?

Because of that cap
and gown, of course.

Do you know what I'll look like
in a floor-length black muumuu?

And that cap!

I find it degrading

to wear a tassel
on any part of my body.

Let's talk about the day
after graduation

when you burn your cap and gown.

Mama is planning this outrageous
blowout party in my honor

and governor Wilder
is going to come by

and give me a nice
congratulations kiss.

I'm so glad he shaved off

that mustache.

Okay.

Let's talk about
the day after that.

Um, plan to go into

interior decorating
or exterior design.

General beautification.

The possibilities are endless.

So you have no clue?

None whatsoever.

It's not because I haven't
given this tons of thought.

I even bought that book

astrologer to zoo keeper.

I couldn't find anything
in there I wanted to do.

You're not the first
graduating senior

who's uncertain
about her future.

They can help you at
the career development office.

Isn't that for poor people?

I'll be there Monday.

Thank you, Mrs. Huxtable.

It's been a plea... plea...

sure.

A pleasure, dear.

Thank you.

Next.

I don't need to be
on no sign-up sheet

to see my Clair Hanks huxtable.

Mr. Gaines!

Oh, I'm not staying.

Clair, you look
beautiful as ever.

Oh, thank you.

It's way past lunchtime.

By now, you must have
the weak trembles.

I do, but I'm dieting.

I'm supposed to feel this way.

I know. That's how you keep
that lovely figure.

I fixed you
one of my special low-Cal heros.

Everything in this sandwich
is green but the bread.

Aren't you sweet?

Yeah, I am, but I'm not staying.

A camera?

Is this thing on?

Should I come back?

You know, velma bought
one of these video cameras

for our trip to Hawaii.

There was hula girls, volcanoes,
and sunsets to make you weep.

All velma got was 16 video hours
of the lens cap.

Now you eat that sandwich there.

Every last bit.

And you make sure that she does.

Well, post-graduation

I see myself entering
the training program

of a major corporation
here in Virginia.

Within six months

I'll be looking
for a managerial position.

And within five years,
a vice-presidency.

Go on, girl.

Now what about
your personal life?

Uh, my personal life?

You do intend to have one?

Well, yes.
Yes, of course.

I think I'll be ready
to remarry by the time I'm 33

maybe have a child by 35

and have a beach home
in sag harbor by age 40.

And I will be there in July.

You are very wise to book ahead.

You are so together.

You didn't need me.

How is it that you
have not rubbed off

on other people here?

I don't know.

Very good, jaleesa.

Now that that thing is off...

Can I really have all of that,
or am I crazy?

No. But sometimes you can
have it all and then some.

I don't know what you mean.

That child you're talking
about could be triplets.

And sag harbor could sag.

Well, there's always
the poconos.

Flexibility.

Very good.

Keep that, but don't get
attached to that timetable.

You are going to take
the world by storm.

Just remember your umbrella.

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

You know, right now, I feel
ready for just about anything.

I'm glad you said that.

I forgot to load the camera.

We have to do this again.

Have a seat.

Winnifred Brooks!

Have you lost
your redheaded mind?!

Put that wall back!

If you're angry about
washing machine increases

there are other ways to protest.

I promise I will

put back everything

but I know something
is behind this wall.

Yes, the mouse family...

Mickey, minnie, mighty.

Walter, please let me
go in there.

All right.

But if some dude

with a hockey mask
and an ax pops out

you're on your own.

I knew it!

Knew what?

Walter, I think
we just found part

of the underground railroad.

The underground railroad?

Are you saying that
runaway slaves hid in there?

I think so, Walter.

I think so.

I don't believe it.

We're going to be
on the cover of ebonymagazine!

Look, a trapdoor!

There must be an entrance to it

in the lobby.

A trapdoor in the lobby
would be convenient

when your blind date
from hell shows up.

This must be how the slaves
got into this room.

You're saying we found
the underground railroad?

Yes, Walter, we did.

How do we know this?

Uh, well, because...

Because of this trapdoor
and the fake wall

and it's a well-known fact

that Josiah hillman
was an abolitionist.

I cannot imagine
spending days down here.

It's dark... cold...

Some places didn't have
a secret room like this.

They used to have to hide
escaping slaves in Wells...

In window seats...

Sometimes under mattresses.

This book looks like the Bible.

Don't touch anything!

The first thing I learned
in archaeology class

is that you don't
touch anything.

Okay, okay, okay.

Now I got to call my professor.

This is major!

All right.

I'll get Dr. Zander.

But if he tells us this Bible
was stolen from a motel

you're in big trouble.

Okay, Kim.

Okay!

A 4.0 g.P.A.

Number one in the class,
soloist in the choir

and you work

20 hours a week in the pit?

You shouldn't wear a hairnet.

You should wear a halo.

Did I say something wrong?

You like me.

Of course I like you.

Doesn't everybody?

That's the problem.

Everyone expects me to be good.

I'm not good.

I'm good on paper, but i'm
supposed to become a surgeon.

What if I mess up on a patient?

I can't even chop zucchini.

I wouldn't worry about this.

People don't usually
perform surgery

before they're ready.

So if you get a job offer
before medical school

just say no.

I'll be the first doctor
in my family.

They're counting on me.

You put more pressure
on yourself

than ten parents ever could.

Why don't you just relax?

Relax.

How do you do that?

Put your hand down.

Now take deep breaths.

Now, you see?

See?

Easy, isn't it?

Take long walks
and breathe like that

and read books
that have no literary value.

And you can be like me...

Marry a man who knows
how to rub your feet.

You're going to be fine.

Thank you, Mrs. Huxtable.

You're welcome.

Bye-bye.

Bye.

I'm with you, Mrs. H.

Dear, don't call me that.

Right.

We're not doing happy days.

Yes, Mr. Johnson.

What does your future look like?

My future is so bright

I have to wear shades.

I have a job waiting for me
at my dad's auto dealership.

Why don't I show you
my new brainstorm

for his new TV commercial.

Are you ready?

And waiting.

Okay, here's the concept.

I'm sitting on the hood
of a hearse.

We sell those, too.

And I'm dressed like Dracula.

No, like count chocula.

And I say

"come alive, come alive
to Johnson's motor world!"

Our wheels
will put you on the move."

"Bleah! Bleah!"

What do you think?

Thank the lord
we already have a car.

Well, if you met my dad

he would convince you
to buy another one.

I work for him every summer.

I've watched him sell.

No one can resist his rap,
especially women.

Oh, yes,
he's a woman magnet, too.

"Too"?

Well, they say,
"like father, like son."

That's what they say.

Yes, of course.

Mom gets a little uptight
at his style

but what can she do?

He is a charmer.

My sisters get all upset.

Well, they cry

at those "reach out
and touch someone" commercials.

I love my dad, and I want
to be like him in a lot of ways

just not every way.

You know what I'm saying?

I know what you're saying.

And you know what?

Life is really like a new car.

There are many, many options.

I'll keep in mind
what you're saying, Mrs. H.

I mean, Mrs. Huxtable.

Mrs. H., but only for you.

Are we done?

We are done.

Bleah! Bleah!

She's going
to get an "a", right?

If this is part
of the underground railroad

you're going to make history.

Me?
Us?

Her.

Bingo!

What is it?

Your proof.

This rock?

This is a stone marker.

That looks like a flower.

I've seen that flower before.

These are the symbols
the slaves used

to identify the next safe house.

I know where I've seen it...

Etched in the walls
at the Mason inn.

In 1930, they found a room
just like this

underneath a barn over there.

And that's about 16 miles
north of here.

This is all making
perfect sense.

How did this room
go undetected for so long?

They had no set pattern,
so no one knew where to look.

Yeah, but today we found
a link in the chain.

You like public speaking?

Why?

You get to explain
to the landmark commission

how you found this.

Me?

Us?

Her.

Mr. Wayne, what does
the future hold for you?

Now, Mrs. Huxtable.

Come on, call me Dwayne.

I mean, I've seen you in your
pink, fuzzy house slippers.

We will not allow our friendship

nor my at-home attire

to interfere with this
professional interview.

And now that we have
set the record straight

what are your future plans?

Let's start with my work life.

Kinishewa electronics
has guaranteed me

a position in their
home entertainment division.

I plan to be bigger
than the Mario brothers.

I may perfect that video phone.

That would be profitable.

And the first thing I'll do
is buy my parents a house.

Could you talk to my children?

Actually, grandchildren
would probably mean more

to my mother right now

but it's looking bleak.

Could you stop the tape
a second?

Okay.

Is there a problem?

Yes, this whole college scene.

No one wants a relationship.

It's all about getting over.

You're not interested
in getting over?

Well, it's not the only thing
I'm interested in.

Okay, freshman year, yeah...

Freshman year you were
interested in my daughter.

Yeah...

No! No! No!

That's not what
I wanted from her.

Anyway, I just feel
like I'm waiting around

and all the choices
I'm making are temporary.

Yeah, that's it.

I'm a temp for love.

Who is she?

About the worst person
you could think of for me.

Not whitley Gilbert?

Touchdown.

Buy that house
for your parents quick

because there
will be nothing left

when she's done shopping.

I never make the easy choices.

Why do I always do that?

Because you're deep.

Oh, no, please!

Say anything but deep

because one minute I'll be deep

and the next
you'll be calling me sweet.

You're that, too.

No! No! No! No!

You're also silly.

I'd rather be silly.

You're having
a hard time right now

but you're not the only one.

Yes, I am.

No, you are not.

You are not alone.

I have watched three children
go through college.

I have been frustrated
by their lack of focus

by that unending stream
of phone bills and laundry

and you guys never write.

You sound like my mother.

The truth is, we forget how hard
it was for us at your age...

All those decisions that affect
the rest of your life.

And it's harder for you
than it was for us.

You people have a good life,
but it isn't easy.

So you see any women
on those tapes for me?

I see that door behind you.

Bye-bye.

Bye-bye.

You don't have to
stand guard all night.

Even archaeologists need rest.

I know, Dr. Zander.
I won't stay much longer.

Freddie,
you did a wonderful job.

Oh, thank you.

No, thank you.

Hi.

Freddie.

How did you get past Walter?

Oh, honey, I stomped
on his toe and ran.

The whole campus is buzzing
about your discovery.

Is this it?

Yes. Let me
get you a light.

Okay, watch your head.

Yes, ma'am.

Freddie...

All our lives
we learn about this

and we teach it to our children.

And then one day we come
face to face with our past.

This room has changed
everything for me.

Just think, I was going
to go backpacking this summer.

I need to be doing something
for my people.

Freddie, you and I
will never be called on

to make the kinds of sacrifices
our ancestors did.

My generation has gone
further than my parents'

and yours has gone
further than mine

and together we've achieved more
than theirs ever dreamed of.

I think I know what I want to do

when I leave hillman.

What's that?

I don't just want to make money.

I want to make a difference.

I want the work that I do
to be an inspiration.

Freddie, this morning
when I met you

I wanted to weep
for your parents.

I did.

But tonight...

Well, you've proved it,
you know?

There is more than one way
to be a success.

How did you happen
upon this discovery?

Well, there was
this big difference

in the blueprints

and then I started chipping away
at this wall and then...

Wrigley's spearmint chewing gum
and nbc.

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