Season 4: Episode 88: Bookworm
Clair's book club decides to invite men to the meetings for the first time. Clair warns Cliff to read the book thoroughly, as the club conducts in-depth discussions and she doesn't want him to make a fool of himself. Cliff insists that he knows the major themes of the book, and says that he will get up to make coffee if the group asks about something he didn't read. When none of the other men show up, Clair pleads with Cliff to make up an excuse and go home. He insists on staying, and the women ask for his opinion. He gives a vague answer that seems to please the group. When they ask for specifics, he amazes Clair by citing many details from the book. He reveals that he read the entire book, and only pretended to be unprepared so that he could surprise her. One of his comments about the book's theme offends the women, but they don't get too upset. Meanwhile, Theo, Rudy and Vanessa go to Sondra and Elvin's apartment for the night. They are put off by the lack of working appliances and the constant noise from a couple arguing upstairs and a loud wedding reception at the Greek restaurant downstairs. A nervous Vanessa finds one of the neighbors to be creepy. She begins jumping at every sound, and screams when a paper bag blows across the room. Elvin takes the kids home, interrupting Cliff and Clair's romantic evening. Theo teases Elvin about the amenities at the Huxtable house. Elvin comments that Sondra must really love him to be willing to give up so much and live in a dump with him.