Reviews

This is, I believe, my fourth rewatch of this show, and I don't think I'd ever cried watching this episode before today. 'A Different World' is fantastic when it comes to offering teachable moments to its audience. There is often always a lesson to be learned and that has always been a great part of the show's appeal for me. From racial and gender politics and representation, to sexual education, the show has always been masterful in uplifting and enlightening black people. However, I also find myself continuing to be more drawn to some of the more tender episodes, like this one. To me, this episode is the entire reason why Whitley and Dwayne fought so hard to be together. As much as I enjoy indulging in the drama of their relationship, moments like that final scene make me remember why they were so drawn to each other in the first place. Love is enjoying watching your partner brush their teeth before bed whilst they complain about their day. Love is singing to each other after you've both had a long day. That's what it's about.

This episode always leaves me emotional. I've rewatched A Different World many times over because of the humour, the tenderness in its representation of black youth, and the taboo topics that it doesn't shy away from. The way this episode addresses AIDS is so important, and I think it deserves to be watched by as many people as possible. There are still endless misconceptions about the disease and this episode does a beautiful job of addressing them all so naturally. I learn so much from this show.

How the show manages to balance the humour and the romance (that we all watch for), with important episodes like THIS, is the reason why I will keep rewatching this until I'm old and gray.