Jerri wins the lead role in Mr. Jellineck's production of "A Raisin in the Sun." This upsets Jerri's
former actress stepmother, Sara, who turns to alcohol to soothe her fragile ego. Jerri is embarrassed
by her stepmother's drunken actions (and words), and she makes excuses for her. Jerri's new
friend/play co-star Craig Snow tries to help Jerri direct her blame towards her stepmother, and he
invites her to an Ala-Coholics meeting (a support group for children of alcoholics). However, by the
end of the episode, Craig makes a complete turnaround and teaches Jerri that "sometimes, when life
becomes too painful, it's better to just be...a drunk."
Mr. Jellineck scenes: Mr. Jellineck announces who will be assuming the lead roles in the play. He
tells Jerri to gain forty pounds for her role, because he likes "to go as realistic as possible." Later,
during play rehearsal, he tells Jerri to drop her "emotional baggage" at the door or else she's out of
the play. He's also at the Ala-Coholics meeting, along with Jerri, Craig, Mr. Noblet and Principal
Blackman. At the play, Mr. Jellineck hides in a crate on the stage, feeding Jerri her lines. He later
rises to the occasion in order to close the stage's curtain and hide Sara's embarrassing close to the play.
During the closing credits, Mr. Jellineck dances on stage in his unitard with Craig, Jerri, Mr.
Noblet and Principal Blackman.
pounds.
her lines.
how her "emotional baggage" is
hurting her acting.
hide Sara's drunken antics.
home page.