Young students with big personalities quickly form unbreakable bonds at Hillman College, an HBCU that becomes a second home to them in no time. Throughout their studies, they are faced with various life challenges that will test their minds and their ability to be independent.
At the heart of the show is probably the most unlikely couple that television has seen: Dwayne Wayne (Kadeem Hardison) and Whitley Gilbert (Jasmine Guy)... Whitley is a loud-mouthed southern belle with expensive taste, sharp wit, and a knack for gossip. On the other hand, Dwayne is a nerdy mathematician turned ladies man. What I love about these characters is that they were flawed, they were good-natured, and their personalities were always the same through their good and bad times.
Dwayne's right hand man and best friend is Ron Johnson (Darryl M. Bell), a sleazy goofball with a sensitive side. Though he can be trifling, Ron means well and always comes through when you need him. Everyone has or wants to have a friend like that!
A good friend and a SERIOUS busy bee, Kimberly "Kim" Reese (Charnele Brown) was yet another great addition to the cast. A vibrant and determined medical student, Kim often dealt with anxiety on her journey to pursue higher education; but one thing about Kim is that she will ALWAYS get the job done.
Jaleesa Vinson (Dawnn Lewis) played a significant role in this tight-knit clique. She offered a voice of reason and, occasionally, some wise advice as she was a slightly older college student. The others looked to her as an example of what true adulthood is: going for the things you want no matter the odds. It takes a lot of courage to go back to college in your late twenties. We love characters with courage. 👏🏾
You can't have this Different World friend group without the giddy Freddie Brooks (Cree Summer). Earthy, empathic, and too damn cosmic for her own good, Freddie offered a good deal of comic relief. Her frequent tirades about ozone layers, endangered species, and world affairs brought laughs, but they also made you think. Freddie represented integrity to me. Her strong moral compass was contagious on campus and she forced her colleagues to take deeper looks at themselves. She helped out more than they would like to admit.
Lastly, I will mention Mr. Gaines (Lou Myers) and Colonel Taylor (Glynn Turman); the two assume similar roles as Jaleesa. As older people, they don't have any problems with dropping wisdom when a student is in need of a talk. Mr. Gaines is the lovably-irritable cook that enjoyed helping when he could. He showed the youngsters what hard work and sacrifice meant from the working class's perspective. Meanwhile, the stone-faced and strict Colonel Taylor taught the students about bravery and commitment.
I enjoy this sitcom so much simply for the fact that it stressed the importance of an education (especially for young black people). Its charmingly witty cast and visionary creators produced an incredibly memorable show that touched on so many fundamentals of black culture, education, sisterhood, brotherhood, and love. It's perfect for young creatives who want to binge a show that is wholesome and exemplary. 95%!
