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The Cosby Show

Theo's Holiday

Season 2, Episode 21, Aired 4/3/86

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Episode Summary

Cliff and Clair decide to teach Theo a financial life lesson by turning the house into the "real world".

9.4

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Cast & Crew

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Lisa Bonet

Denise Huxtable
Bill Cosby

Dr. Heathcliff "Cliff" Huxtable
Keshia Knight Pulliam

Rudy Huxtable

Fan Episode Reviews (4)

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Oh, that hurts! Because it's true!

9.8

"Superb"

By alh2002, Oct 31, 2011 Report Abuse

I first saw this episode about teaching your child financial responsibility when I was 8 years old or so, and I thought it was so "cool" that the Huxtables took all of the time and care to help Theo realize the value of a dollar. I waited for the moment that my mother took a whole day, enlisted the help of other family members, and planned something similar (one of the downfalls of this show and others like it - Family Ties, Growing Pains, etc - is that it sets unattainable benchmarks to which are parents could never attain). But, alas, it was not to be. Watching it now as an adult, I think, "Fool (me)! Why didn't you listen to the wise Dr. and Mrs. Huxtable! Why didn't you learn the harsh realities of the real world the easy way with play money!" No, Theo...you are the lucky one. You didn't underestimate the real world as I did. Your example may have fallen on deaf ears, but you have given me an idea for my future children. So, they thank you...moreless

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My favorite episode!

10

"Perfect"

By _-_CSI_Freak_-_, May 20, 2006 Report Abuse

This episode is so entertaining! It is always funny no matter how many times I see it. It is an excellent example of how fun and interesting it would be to live in the Cosby house-hold. There are humorous characters that Clair, Cliff, Denise, Vanessa, and Rudy play. My favorite was Rudy as the banker that wouldn't give Theo a loan. The whole episode was amusing, and people of all ages would enjoy it from young to old. It is funny and teaches a lesson at the same time. You will have a very good time watching this classic Cosby episode.moreless

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1 0
In order to teach Theo a lesson about "the real world", the family decides to set up the house and become personalities such as a landlord at Real World Apartments, owners of the Chuck Wagon Restaurant and Amanda's Furniture City, and a receptionist at Fimoreless

10

"Perfect"

By bkworm9, Dec 28, 2005 Report Abuse

This is my all-time favorite Cosby Show episode because it's hilarious but of course it has that feel-good morale to it. What I've always liked most about The Cosby Show is the interaction between the kids and the parents, and the way they know each other so well. This is a family whose members like to joke around with each other, and with (Heath)Cliff Huxtable (Mr. Bill Cosby) as the head of the family, it's easy to believe that they like to take on certain characters. This is demonstrated in other episodes, such as when Alvin imitates Cliff while wearing his pajamas or when Cliff and the kids do a lip-synch routine to James Brown's "I Got the Feeling". Nowhere is this tendency to take on roles more evident than in this episode. The quotes for the episode listed here don't seem all that funny, but what makes the episode so hilarious is the timing and delivery of lines of each actor. From Cliff to Rudy (who does an excellent portrayal of Mrs. Griswold, the alcoholic owner of Real World Apartments) and Cockroach (who becomes so involved with the game, at one point he asks, "Who's playing your dad?"), this episode is sure to have you shaking in your seat with laughter!moreless

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0 0
The Huxtables teach Theo how it is in the REAL WORLD!

10

"Perfect"

By lazycouchpotato, Dec 07, 2005 Report Abuse

this was a great episode..i was shocked when i saw it because just the day before my mom played the same trick on me! It was like Deja Vu. I will play this trick on my daughter when she gets up in age...a real life lesson for sure. JUST GREAT

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Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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Trivia
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- Goof: Theo says he couldn't get his "apartment" lights turned on because he didn't have enough money for the deposit and that "Mrs. Griswald" (Rudy) owns the electric company. Public utilities are not privately owned by an individual. Edit
- Actually, Theo always had two twin beds...later when Denise and Martin move in there, you can see that they pushed two beds together to make a king sized bed...I don't know why Theo never did that. Edit
- When did Theo even get two beds? Was a second one hidden under all his junk? Even in Theo and the Older Woman, when he cleaned up his room for Denise's friend, I only remember seeing one bed. Edit
Notes
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- This episode was nominated for an Emmy for Best Writing in a Comedy. Edit
- Scenes cut from this episode for syndication: Theo demonstrating a father holding a baby for "Mrs. Firestone" during his modeling audition. Theo and Cockroach buying an apple at the "Chuckwagon" after "Denise Farquar" takes up all the food. Theo in his "apartment" with the lights off (there was not enough money to get them turned on) with lamps he rented from Cockroach. Edit
- Cast and characters of The Real World: Vanessa: Margot Farnsworth (Tenant of the Real World Apartments), Kitty LaRue (Receptionist at the Firestone Modeling Agency), and Mrs. Covington (Vice President of unnamed bank). Cliff: Harley Weewax (Landlord of the Real World Apartments). Clair: Millie Farquar (Owner of the Chuck Wagon Restaurant) and Amanda (Owner of Amanda's Furniture City). Rudy: Mrs. Griswald (Owner of Real World Apartments, the bank and the electric company). Denise: Ms. Firestone (Owner of Firestone Modeling Agency) and Denise Farquar (Daughter of Millie, waitress at the Chuck Wagon Restaurant). Cockroach: Horton W. Dansbury (Owner of Cockroach Oil where Theo is supposedly a spokesmodel). Cliff and Clair also play an unnamed couple who get a loan from the bank. Edit
Quotes
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- Theo: Dad, can I have an advance on my allowance? Cliff: I'm sorry son, you're already backed up to your 50th birthday. Edit
- (Theo getting a tour of the Real World Apartment building) Cliff (as Harley): Hi, Millie. Clair (as Millie wearing a gown, bandana and apron using a heavy Texas accent): Hi, Harley! Theo: Millie?!? Harley: Yes, that's Millie Farquar. She runs the Chuck Wagon Restaurant. Millie: Howdy! You need to come over here 'n git yo'self some grub! We're located right off the lobby and we're open 24 hours. Theo: Good one, Mom! Millie: Who? Theo: I'm sorry...I mean Mrs. Farquar. Millie: Look forward to seeing you real soon! (enters the kitchen) Edit
- Cliff (as Harley): All right, let's go see the apartment. Whoa! Here comes Mrs. Griswald. Rudy (walks down the stairs in an old-fashioned business suit and hat wearing gloves, glasses, a pearl necklace and carrying a briefcase): Hi, Harley! Theo (bursts out in laughter): Who's that? Harley: Mrs. Griswald. She owns the building but she drinks heavily! Edit
Allusions
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