I will never understand why this episode aired after the real series finale, when few people were likely to watch it. It features much of what was best about the show ... fun, insight, character exploration, and a commitment to making connections with the Black American Experience (caps required). The tribute to Lena Horne is fabulous (especially the line about Ava Gardner), as is the interaction with Mr. Gaines. Kim's part in the story is especially good and in keeping with her character's personality in every way -- her scenes with Mr. Gaines, Ms. Horne, and Whitley are all "dead on."
As is sometimes typical of the show and particularly the last season, there are some bits that are "over the top." The Dean Davenport (Dr. "On My List") character makes another tiresome appearance, and much of the material for Whitley -- outside of the Mr. Gaines/Lena Horne interactions -- is tired, such as her interaction with her middle-school students. We also get hit over the head a bit with the demonstrations of Whitley's impatience with Mr. Gaines, though it is in character.moreless
AIRED:
Legendary singer/actress Lena Horne visits the Hillman campus to dedicate a scholarship named for her grandmother. Whitley becomes very excited and has her students put together a musical tribute to Ms. Horne. She insists on a formal ceremony and refuses to allow Mr. Gaines to cater the event. Kim is mortified that Whitley could be so respectful of Ms. Horne, yet treat Mr. Gaines as though he is too old to contribute anything to society. When Ms. Horne admits that she doesn't like the upper-crust food, Kim takes her to the Pit for a home-cooked Southern meal. She has a good time dancing with Spencer, Kim and Mr. Gaines. Mr. Gaines recalls meeting Ms. Horne during World War II, and Kim is surprised to learn that this actually happened. During the ceremony, Ms. Horne calls Mr. Gaines to the stage and introduces him as an old friend. Whitley sees the error of her ways.moreless
 Jasmine Guy |
Whitley Gilbert-Wayne |
 Kadeem Hardison |
Dwayne Wayne |
 Charnele Brown |
Kimberly Reese |
 Cree Summer |
Winifred "Freddie" Brooks |
Lou Myers |
Vernon Gaines |
 Jada Pinkett Smith |
Lena James |
Lena Horne |
Herself |
Guest Star |
Ahmad Stoner |
Olufemi Dakar |
Guest Star |
Terrence Williams |
Byron |
Guest Star |
Bumper Robinson |
Dorian Heywood |
Recurring Role |
Patrick Y. Malone |
Terrell Walker |
Recurring Role |
Michael Ralph |
Spencer Boyer |
Recurring Role |
Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions
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TRIVIA (3)
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Lena James reveals that she was named after Lena Horne.
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In To Whit, With Love, Dwayne says that Joseph E. Johnson (the school where Whitley teaches) is a middle school. However, when the student introduces the tribute to Lena Horne, "Lena Horne, This Is Your Life," at Height Hall, he says that Joseph E. Johnson is an elementary school.
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Whitley introduces herself to Lena Horne as the chairman of the student welcoming committee. Since Whitley is not a student, how did she manage to obtain such a prestigous post? Were the other students not capable of performing this task?
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QUOTES (0)
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NOTES (2)
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In 1985, Lena Horne made a guest appearance on The Cosby Show as herself.
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An earlier episode was named for Lena Horne's 1943 film "Cabin in the Sky."
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ALLUSIONS (1)
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Episode Title: A Rock, a River, a Lena
The title alludes to the poem by Maya Angelou, "A Rock, a River, a Tree", which is mentioned in the beginning of the episode.
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Season 6 Episodes
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College Kid
Ep 24
A Rock, a River, a Lena
Ep 23
Homie, Don't Ya Know Me?
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Great X-Pectations
Ep 21
Cabin in the Sky
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Lean on Me
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Happy Birthday to Moi
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To Whit, With Love
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White Christmas
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Ep 3
Interior Desecration (a...
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Honeymoon in L.A. (1)
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