Deborah and Kojo set out to prove their haters wrong at the school talent show, and Hazel vies for the title of Miss Gilbert Hall in episode 7 of Netflix’s A Different World.
As the school talent show approaches, Hillman's campus buzzes with excitement.
Rashida, Hazel, and Deborah plan to showcase their individual talents, including pageantry, as Hazel vies for the title of Miss Gilbert Hall. But first, Deborah encourages her to deal with a health scare that may have important implications for her relationship.
Speaking of relationships, Deborah is ambushed by Shaquille, who apologizes for his reaction to her infidelity. But too much has transpired for Deborah to give their relationship another try. She's had enough.
Meanwhile, Amir suspiciously avoids Hazel, who can't understand why her friend isn't speaking to her. And Deborah's application for an independent major is rejected. Her only recourse? Demonstrate her talent at the school showcase and convince department leadership to approve her application.
Welcome to Hillman
While preparing to showcase his fashion line at the talent show, Kojo is surprised on campus by a visit from his parents. The two know nothing of Kojo's fashion aspirations, and think he's pursuing engineering. They are on campus to find out what their son has been up to and are especially concerned about his safety, given ICE's penchant for arresting Ghanaian immigrants.
It looks like Kojo might have some explaining to do.
Meanwhile, Deborah takes Rashida and Hazel through dance bootcamp to prepare for the Hillman talent showcase, but it proves more difficult than expected. Deborah has staked her whole college career on their performance and pressures her friends to be perfect. Unfortunately, like most girl groups, the trio cracks under the pressure.
Back at the boys' dorm, the hall RA encourages everyone to use condoms and get tested to stay safe. An STD has been going around campus, and anyone sexually active is in danger of getting it. Feeling anxious about their own situations, Amir and Shaquille confide in each other about their respective love lives.
Amir slept with Jalen, and that's why he's been avoiding Hazel. He feels guilty, but also has feelings for Jalen. Meanwhile, Shaquille presumably slept with Candace, but is still trying to figure out how to make up with Deborah. Both test negative for STDs, but recognize that the only way to clear the air is to talk to their respective partners.
At the same time, Kojo takes his parents to The Pit to experience some authentic soul food. He even introduces them to Rashida, but things get tense when Kojo's dad dismisses her. Feeling frustrated, Kojo finally admits to his parents that he's pursuing fashion, much to their disappointment. But Kojo asks his parents to come to the talent show and see what he is capable of before they pass judgment.
Hillman's got talent
The day of the talent showcase has finally arrived. To begin, the judges crown this year's Miss Gilbert Hall, none other than Hazel herself. Shaquille leaves a large bouquet backstage for Deborah, while other students demonstrate their dancing abilities.
Afterwards, Rashida takes the stage to sing, but struggles with stage fright. Thankfully, Kojo comes to her rescue by singing with her until she feels confident enough to do it on her own.
Then, it's Kojo's turn.
His fashion exhibition starts with high energy, as his friends walk the aisles wearing his Chop Lyfe apparel. The fashion show is a resounding success, at least until Kojo looks towards the audience and sees that his parents have walked out.
He's rightfully disappointed until he realizes that his mom is waiting for him backstage. The two share a hug, and Kojo's mom makes it clear that she is proud of him. She'll work on his father.
Last but not least, Deborah takes the stage to perform a rendition of "Know That You Are Loved" by Cleo Sol. Her performance wows the audience. But more importantly, it inspires university leadership to approve Deborah's application for an independent major.
Ultimately, Rashida takes home the win for the showcase, but everyone leaves happy—except for Shaquille, who sees Deborah kissing Ellington at The Pit, after Ellington took credit for the flowers.
Things are about to get messy.
A Different World is available to stream on Netflix.
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