On The Cosby Show, Phylicia Rashad always delivered parenting moves that were knowledgable and made out of love as Clair Huxtable.
While many moments from Rashad’s unforgettable time as family matriarch Clair proved the character’s parenting prowess — not to mention the actress’ capability to bring that to life for audiences — there is one moment that’s stood out to viewers of The Cosby Show over the years. And this week, it turns 35 years old.
In the season 6 episode “Off to See The Wretched,” which aired on April 5, 1990, Vanessa Huxtable (Tempestt Bledsoe) sneaks off with friends to a concert four hours away from their New York City homes, in Baltimore. The girls lie to their parents about whose house they’re staying at, believing they’ll be home before any of their parents figure out what’s up.
Their plan takes a turn when their car is stolen during a snack stop in Wilmington, Del. Determined to get to the show, they take the bus, only to have more headaches along the way. The moment of reckoning comes when they discover their parents have found out their lies, fearing they’re in danger when a fire breaks out near the home they’ve said they were staying at.
Clair is a force as she reprimands her teenage daughter for her thoughtless and dangerous actions. Vanessa looks inconsolable as they return from the “30-minute ride home,” with Clair assuring her, “We’ve only just begun.”
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