Breaking With Tradition

Breaking With Tradition is the sixth episode of Season 1 of The Cosby Show. The episode was directed by Jay Sandrich and written by Earl Pomerantz. The episodes originally aired in the United States on NBC on Thursday October 25, 1984.

Synopsis
Cliff's father, Russell Huxtable, comes over for a visit, and then tries to persuade Denise to go to Hillman college, which has become a family tradition.

Plot
Cliff's father, Russell Huxtable, pays a visit and begins questioning Cliff about the kids' college choices. He asks Denise about Hillman, his and Cliff's alma mater. Denise is dead-set against it at first, until Russell tells her that the males outnumber the females there. Also Cliff reveals that he went to Hillman because of a young woman who later will be his wife.

Did You Know?

 * This is the first series appearance of Earle Hyman, who plays the part of Cliff's father, Russell Huxtable.

Cast

 * Bill Cosby as Cliff Huxtable
 * Phylicia Ayers-Allen as Clair Huxtable
 * Malcolm-Jamal Warner as Theo Huxtable
 * Keshia Knight Pulliam as Rudy Huxtable
 * Tempestt Bledsoe as Vanessa Huxtable
 * Lisa Bonet as Denise Huxtable