Season 4: Episode 81: Autumn Gifts
Rudy goes to the home of an elderly neighbor, Mrs. Hickson, to have tea and play cards. Mrs. Hickson takes a phone call from her son, who is trying to get her to take medication to control her diabetes. When Rudy asks why she won't take the medicine, Mrs. Hickson insists that she isn't sick. Rudy goes home and reports that Mrs. Hickson was tired and became confused at times during their game. Cliff and the visiting Russell head over to the house to talk with her. She is angry at their interference, but finally agrees to take a pill. However, Rudy later warns Cliff that Mrs. Hickson has often tricked her son by hiding the pill under her tongue, and then spitting it out. Cliff returns to the house and convinces her to take a pill, but realizes that a more permanent solution is necessary. The family invites Mrs. Hickson over for a meal, and asks her to sign a contract agreeing to have Rudy come over and watch her take a pill each morning. She stubbornly refuses, so the Huxtables put on a series of skits to prove their point. Cliff pretends to keel over after binging on salty foods; while Vanessa refuses to brush her teeth; and Theo pretends not to eat. Mrs. Hickson finally gives in and congratulates them on their persistence. Sondra and Elvin try to convince family members to join them in sleeping in the back yard so that they can give testimonials about sleeping bags for the store. Cliff and Clair agree to use the bags in their bedroom and leave the windows open.