A Different World (1987)

Episode Overview

E.H. Wright is in urgent need of a secretary, prompting Whitley to suggest Jaleesa’s temp agency. The only available candidate is Freddie. While at work, Freddie overhears the head of personnel dismissing affirmative action, insisting she earned her position solely on merit. Angered, Freddie confronts her about her responsibility to support her community, resulting in her termination and tarnishing Jaleesa and Whitley’s reputations. Though Jaleesa shares Freddie's sentiments, she considers distancing herself from E.H. Wright’s company. Meanwhile, Col. Taylor frustrates his wife by criticizing Freddie’s reaction to differing opinions. In the end, both women recognize their mistakes and apologize. Lena struggles with Shakespeare’s language but finds a way to express its essence in contemporary terms.