Living Single Episode Rating Graph

Khadijah vies with Marcus Hughes, a pompous reporter from the Village Voice, to break a story about a promoter who fixes fights. Khadijah appears to have the upper hand when she coaxes one of the fighters into granting an interview and providing details of the scandal. Marcus tricks the maid into letting him into Khadijah's hotel room, where he hides in the bathroom and records her interview. However, Khadijah has one more trick up her sleeve: she arranges for Flavor to hit the newsstands a day earlier than usual. She taunts Marcus by noting that he may work for a big magazine, but Khadijah calls the shots at Flavor. Regine is thrilled to discover that she is the inspiration for a popular doll. Max convinces the toy company to give Regine a share of the profits, but Regine's dreams of wealth are dashed when a defect in the doll is discovered: its wig is highly flammable. Tag: The doll bursts into flames.

Regine begins the process of moving out of the apartment. Khadijah and Synclaire interview a prospective new roommate, an obnoxious woman who smokes and has creditors on her tail. In spite of this, Khadijah is willing to give her a try--until she insults Regine. Unable to cope with the tension, Synclaire begins to display as many traits of a nicotine addict as are possible without actually smoking or chewing tobacco. She pleads with Khadijah to apologize to Regine and ask her to stay. Just as Regine is about to depart, Khadijah breaks down and apologizes. Regine refuses to reconsider, as she believes that it is time for her to move on. Khadijah slams the door in her face. Meanwhile, Max is actually purchasing groceries when the store is held up. Kyle stumbles through the door and subdues the man. Max is certain that he has saved her life. She runs across the store and flings herself on him, and later offers to cook him dinner as an expression of her gratitude. Kyle confesses to Overton

Max's mother, Nina, comes to town to accept an award. Max is confused when her mother insists on staying at her apartment and trying to bond with her, as they never had a particularly close relationship. When her mother decides to reveal that she once had an affair, Max can take no more. She explains that she has always been grateful to her mother for giving her the space she needed to become her own person; things cannot change completely overnight. Nina shows up at the courtroom to console Max after she loses a case, and they decide to build their relationship slowly. Kyle is perplexed as to why Nina has not even been told of his existence. Khadijah finds actor Dean Cain's wallet in a cab, and learns that he will not work until he has retrieved the lucky receipt from the breakfast he ate the day he auditioned for Lois and Clark. She refuses to return the wallet to anyone but Cain himself. Tag: Dean Cain finds that Burt Ward is a little out of touch with reality.

Kyle is thrilled when he is asked to serve as escort to a beautiful princess who is doing business with his company, but finds that security precautions cramp his style. Overton enlists the help of Khadijah and ""secret weapon"" Synclaire to gain revenge on a pair of pool hustlers. Regine exposes Max's jealousy concerning Kyle and the princess by claiming that the two are pictured in the society pages. She cackles when Max tears through the paper. Max announces that she will ease Regine's boredom by taking her along to watch Max get a tattoo, but her bravado fades considerably when she sees the needles. Tag: Kyle says good night to Hellura's bodyguard after date.

Kyle is appointed the church's new choir director. He gives in to Regine's pleading and awards her the solo in the performance honoring the church's 50th anniversary. When he discovers that she can't sing a note, Kyle decides to save Regine from public humiliation and give the solo to the talented Latrice. After a distraught Regine throws a fit and continually disrupts rehearsal, Latrice returns the solo. Overton and Synclaire force Regine to face the truth about her singing, and she rehearses all night in the hopes of improving. She comes down with laryngitis, Kyle and Latrice take over her part, and the performance goes off without a hitch. Meanwhile, Khadijah is wary of the reactions of her fellow parishioners when she attends church for the first time in two years. Music: ""There Is No Failure,"" performed by T.C. Carson and CeCe Winans with choir

While at the TV station to visit her boyfriend, simple-minded weatherman Cole Front, Regine makes a date with a handsome older man named Warner Devant. When she later learns that Warner is Cole's father, she continues to see both men (she considers it a challenge); but has difficulty keeping track of their birthdays and likes and dislikes. The men eventually figure out what is going on, and show up at her door to confront her. Regine apologizes for the deception, and Cole orders her to choose between them. She picks Warner, causing Cole to have an on-air breakdown. Meanwhile, Overton, Max and Khadijah drive Kyle crazy when they invest money with his firm. He finally resigns as their broker, prompting one of his colleagues to thank him for the ""suckers."" Tag: Cole loses it on the air. Music: ""Theme from Sanford and Son,"" hummed by T.C. Carson

Kyle suggests that his firm take advantage of the untapped financial potential of Africa by creating a mutual fund, and volunteers to handle the project personally. Lawrence informs Kyle that the firm is concerned about using Kyle as a representative, as his appearance--specifically his hair--isn't ""corporate"" enough. Kyle does not want his career to be curtailed over such a trivial matter, so he considers getting a haircut. However, he then suffers a nightmare in which he turns into a jester who obeys his bosses' every whim (and is forced to dance before Queen Max). He calls a meeting and informs his bosses that his hair is a symbol of his pride in his African heritage. He had believed that the firm made its decisions based on merit, and will not compromise himself. Kyle learns that only Lawrence was worried about his hair, and that his concerns were dismissed. The African mutual fund is approved, and Kyle receives a promotion. Meanwhile, Khadijah is distraught when she continually mi

Kyle and Max lie about out-of-town trips and sneak off to a hotel for the weekend. They insist, however, that they are not getting back together. Although their claim that there will be no romance involved in the weekend is obviously a crock, Kyle and Max eventually get into one too many arguments and head their separate ways--but not before setting up another rendezvous. After realizing that Max's and Kyle's alibis are shaky, Regine becomes determined to prove that they are together. It is Khadijah who is able to track them down and warn Max. She suggests that Max actually cares about Kyle, but her friend won't admit to this. Meanwhile, Overton and Synclaire take advantage of Kyle's absence to set up housekeeping in the apartment. They briefly worry that their constant fighting might be a sign that they aren't ready to get married, but conclude that disagreements occur in all relationships. Tag: Detective Regine cannot quite crack the case. Music: ""Reasons"" by Earth, Wind & Fire

NBA star Grant Hill comes to town for a Basketball/Piano Camp, and agrees to an interview for Flavor. While playing a game of one-on-one against Khadijah, he injures his knee in a mid-air collision. Khadijah feels guilty, but the injury is not serious. Grant comes over to the apartment, and he and Khadijah end up kissing (much to Regine's horror). Although Grant sweeps Khadijah off her feet and is interested in a relationship, Khadijah feels that the distance between them and their busy schedules would make this impossible. She breaks up with him, as she doesn't want to get hurt. Synclaire and Max suggest that she still hasn't gotten over Scooter. Kyle and Max are frustrated beyond belief when they cannot beat Overton and Synclaire at a single board game. Overton and Synclaire finally throw a game of Battleship to shut them up. A college-age messenger delivers a package to Flavor and is instantly smitten with Khadijah. Tag: Grant serenades an appreciative Regine.

A cable repairwoman flirts with Kyle and asks him to visit a museum. Max pushes him to go out with her, claiming that they are not in an exclusive relationship. Although the woman turns out to be an airhead, Kyle stresses that he is tired of being involved with a woman who refuses to respect him or show him any affection. He breaks up with Max. Regine takes her friends to a Brian McKnight concert after getting free tickets from a co-worker. Kyle and Max get thrown out after they get into a shouting match and nearly come to blows. In the security offices, they look back on their relationship. Max claims that she only cares about food, shelter, her career and good sex. Kyle tries to offer her a ride home, but she refuses to give in. Russell learns that he is to be deported back to Jamaica. He enlists the help of the Flavor staff, who can save him by proving that he is an essential employee. Their pathetic display fails to fool the INS officer, but Synclaire comes to the rescue by claimin

When Khadijah drops by Scooter's house on an errand before the Halogen Records Halloween party, Regine discovers a fax from a woman telling Scooter how much she had enjoyed the previous night. Khadijah finds a bottle of perfume under the sink, and grows increasingly suspicious. Khadijah, Regine and Scooter are embarrassed when they are the only ones in costume at the party because everyone else donated their costume money to charity. Khadijah gets upset when several women are surprised to learn that Scooter has a girlfriend, and orders him to introduce her to every woman at the party. He finally asks about her territorial behavior, and she tells him about the fax and perfume. He says that he had a business dinner with one of the company's artists, and that the perfume is a promotional item. He tells Khadijah that she needs to trust him, and points out that she is so devoted to her work that she has been neglecting him. Khadijah vows to correct this problem. Overton, Synclaire and Kyle

Regine's doctor recommends that she undergo breast reduction surgery to alleviate her chronic back problems. After the surgery, Regine loses her self-esteem and begins throwing herself at men. Kyle assures her that she doesn't look any different, and states that her confidence and personality are what make her attractive to men. Kevon and the other neighborhood children blame Overton when a greedy ice cream man (who had been operating in the middle of winter) suffers a heart attack while reaching in the back of the truck for the Nutty Buddy that Overton had ordered. Tag: Regine poses for photos at doctor's office. Music: ""Accentuate the Positive,"" sung by Kim Coles; ""The Way We Were"" (Barbra Streisand), sung by Kim Fields

Synclaire and Overton honeymoon as castaways on a desert island; Kyle departs for London.

After observing the depressing lack of talent at the cafe's open mike night, the group persuades Kyle to sing the following week. Overton agrees to perform his stand-up comedy act in exchange for Kyle's participation. Kyle starts out well as he performs ""When I Fall in Love,"" but begins stuttering when Max enters in a low-cut gown and sits directly in front of him. He runs out of the cafe, thus ensuring Overton's victory. Max teases him mercilessly about his failure, while Overton believes that Kyle's unresolved feelings for Max are responsible for the incident. He urges him to get back on stage to prove himself. Kyle delivers a brilliant performance of ""My Funny Valentine."" He sings most of the song directly to a swooning Max. While the girls needle Max, Kyle thanks Overton for his advice, which he believes has freed him from Max's influence. At that moment, Max looks over her shoulder and smiles at Kyle seductively. He returns her gaze. ""Oh Lord! There they go again!"" Overton sighs.

As Khadijah prepares to accept an award for her work at Flavor, the group recalls a time when Flavor was just a dream; Max lived with Khadijah and Regine (until she and Regine tried to kill each other); and Regine dated Kyle and his Afro. They later reminisce about Synclaire's arrival from Minnesota (along with Crispus Attucks, her seven-foot high troll doll); and her first meeting with Overton, who immediately told Kyle that he had just met the mother of his children. Synclaire is shocked to learn that she was on the verge of being thrown out--until she hit Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with the car and landed Flavor's first cover story. Despite mishaps with the cheap limo service hired by Synclaire and a broken subway car, they are able to make the ceremony, where Khadijah accepts her award and thanks her friends for their support. Meanwhile, Max admits that she has gone so long without a date that Kyle is starting to seem desirable. ""Maybe you're just starting to see straight,"" he replies. Mu

Max's college roommate, Shayla, comes to town for her wedding. Max is stunned to learn that Shayla's intended, Chris, is a woman. She is hurt that Shayla failed to disclose the fact that she is gay, particularly when she discovers that Khadijah had known the truth since college. Max behaves rudely at the bridal shower, prompting Shayla to confront her in the kitchen. When Max demands to know why she was shut out, Shayla confesses that she was in love with Max. Max announces that she will not attend the wedding, as she feels that their entire frienship was a lie. Khadijah disagrees, pointing out that Shayla hid her true feelings because she was afraid of losing Max's friendship. Max tracks Shayla down at the beauty parlor to apologize. Although she admits that she might have initially overreacted to the news, she wishes that Shayla had given her a chance to rise to the occasion. Meanwhile, Kyle refers Overton to his tailor, but soon fears that Overton has stolen his fashion ""look."" Tag:

Overton is mortified when he sees Melody, the woman who once shattered him by rejecting his marriage proposal, at the hardware store. He sneaks out, but she later gets his number from his friend Pug and gives him a call. Although Synclaire feels that it is a terrible idea, Overton agrees to meet Melody at Cheezy Burger. After Kyle inadvertently tells her about the proposal, a furious Synclaire tries to retaliate by driving to Bayonne to meet up with a man who sends her a Christmas card each year. She learns that he is an insurance agent, not an ex-flame. Melody tells Overton that she has come to appreciate him, and that she is now willing to spend her life with a ""simple"" man. She tries to kiss him, but Overton (who was once powerless to resist her advances) now feels nothing for her because of his love for Synclaire. Regine is annoyed to find that Khadijah and Synclaire have re-decorated the apartment and forced her into the worst bedroom, but is cheered when she discovers that her ne

Overton invites everyone to spend Christmas at the Canadian cabin his family frequented during his childhood. He is disgusted to find that the area is now a tourist attraction, complete with an amusement park. He has several run-ins with an overzealous Mountie (who cites him for fishing without a license and trying to chop down a protected tree), and Synclaire accidentally turns his Santa suit pink in the wash. Khadijah challenges Kyle and Max to be civil to one another throughout the trip, but all bets are off when she shows him up by buying him a laser disc player after they'd agreed to a twenty-dollar spending limit on gifts. Regine dumps her date when he assumes she will be sleeping with him, then accidentally reveals that he is about to be fired from the soap opera. Regine is not pleased when Khadijah cheers him up and helps him get home. Synclaire tells Overton that what made the Christmases of his youth special was the presence of loved ones, not the cabin. The others, including

Khadijah re-considers Flavor's endorsement of Max when she insists on spouting clichés, rather than discussing the issues. She instead backs a little-known high school teacher named William Perez. Max claims that Khadijah is jealous and does not want her friends to outshine her. Max runs into Perez at a public park (where he is cleaning up graffiti with his civics class), and realizes that her reasons for seeking office are entirely selfish. She withdraws from the election, and tells everyone to vote for Perez. The voters are so moved by her honesty that she receives enough write-in votes to win. Max apologizes to Khadijah, who is impressed by her integrity. Their parents disown Overton and Synclaire when Kyle and Regine accidentally share news of the engagement before the couple had gotten around to it. (They had been trying to follow a James family tradition, in which no one can get married until Synclaire's great aunt Ada gives her ""okel doke."") They patch things up, but their paren

A discouraged Synclaire is unsure about auditioning for an infomercial for a dashboard grill, but Max encourages her to follow her acting aspirations. Regine volunteers Max to drive Synclaire to the audition in order to keep her from hanging around the apartment on her day off. Max confronts the director when he dismisses Synclaire without allowing her to say her lines. He is so impressed by Max's spunk that he gives her the part. Synclaire accuses Max of robbing her of her dream, and begins to lose faith in their friendship. When Synclaire tries to walk off the set during the taping, Max calls her up to the stage as a skeptical customer. They pull off the performance beautifully, but are fired because the director feels there is no place for spontaneity in an infomercial. Synclaire thanks Max for restoring her belief in her acting ability. Overton is wracked with guilt when he continually dreams about the R&B group TLC after falling asleep during its videos. Tag: Synclaire threatens T

Kyle grows weary of Synclaire's constant presence in his apartment, particularly after she ruins his iron by using it to make grilled cheese sandwiches, and scares away his date. He and Overton are at each other's throats, but have to talk things out when they get buried beneath Overton's new water bed (a suggestion of Synclaire's) while trying to prevent a flood. Khadijah and Max undertake a reconnaissance mission when a risqué video of Max dancing with a stripper at a bachelorette party accidentally ends up in Kyle's hands. Their plan goes awry when Regine fails in her role as lookout. Tag: Kyle and Christina view Max's illicit video. Music: ""Tootsee Roll"" (69 Boyz), sung by Queen Latifah

Kyle wrestles with standing up to a co-worker who badmouthed Regine--and who also holds Kyle's future in his hands.

Thanks to Synclaire's letter, the talk show Delia invites the roommates to appear in a segment entitled, ""Roommates From Heaven, Roommates From Hell."" While the ""roommates from hell"" end up sobbing and hugging one another, the girls are in danger of being bumped because they are too happy, and thus, not interesting. Regine tries to liven things up by speaking of her roommates' faults and portraying herself as the glue that holds everything together. A furious Khadijah blurts out that she only asked her to move in because Laverne begged Rita to help her daughter find a place to live. Regine is humiliated, and feels unappreciated. Khadijah assures her that she has grown to accept her quirks, but Regine does not want to stay where she isn't wanted. She decides to move out. Khadijah, however, is certain that the whole thing is just another ploy for attention. Tag: Everyone leaves Khadijah, who insists that Regine is coming back.

Thespian Synclaire gets her first big break on the improv stage--playing the part of a man.

Overton is devastated when a bookshelf he built falls apart and kills an ill-tempered cat that Synclaire was watching for an acquaintance. Overton tries to make amends by building the cat a beautiful coffin, but this also falls apart. He decides that he has lost his skill as a handyman, and takes a job as a bartender. Synclaire and Kyle cannot change his mind, but he eventually learns that the accidents were the result of faulty glue that has since been recalled. Meanwhile, Max is devastated by the news that she is allergic to chocolate, and is subjected to much taunting from Regine. Tag: Max ignores allergy and binges on chocolate. Music: ""What's New, Pussycat?"" (Tom Jones), sung by T.C. Carson

After learning that Palo Alto has been cancelled, Regine is cheered by a visit from a now-wealthy Darryl, who asks her to coordinate his wedding. Although his fiancée, Tina, all but admits that she is only after Darryl's money, Regine doesn't take any action. However, she realizes she must tell Darryl the truth after Synclaire catches Tina making out with the best man. Darryl believes that Regine is jealous, but soon re-considers and calls off the wedding. Tina blames Regine, and the two nearly come to blows in the church. Overton and his friend Ray decide to invent a wallet alarm system, which Kyle feels could be a big money-maker. Music: ""Shout"" (Isley Brothers), sung by Queen Latifah and Erika Alexander

As the girls reminisce in Synclaire's room the night before the wedding, a drunken Regine laments the fact that she hasn't been able to find a man. After Regine staggers off to bed, Max announces her intention to go buy some beer; but Khadijah and Synclaire are well aware of what she really wants. A defensive Max refuses to admit that her relationship with Kyle is serious. She meets him on the fire escape, where he shares the news that he has been offered the chance to head up a new office in London. She pretends to be unmoved, and claims that she is considering a partnership in Philadelphia. The next day, Khadijah fears that she and Synclaire will grow apart after she is married, until her cousin reminds her that she will still be in the building. Overton feels the effects of going 24 hours without food and faints. Regine is depressed when Russell shows up with a beautiful woman; and Max makes her feel even worse when she tells her that she was seeing Kyle, and that only Regine didn't

Synclaire and Overton avoid each other in fear of scaring the other off, while Khadijah, Regine and Max scheme to snare ultradesirable neighbor Hamilton.

On her way out of the hospital following hemorrhoid surgery, Khadijah makes a date with a doctor named Charles. When she learns that he was her anesthesiologist, she becomes embarrassed and is unable to show any physical affection toward him. After he makes a fool of himself in the batting cage at the hospital's charity carnival, Khadijah's mind is eased and she kisses him. Regine begins moonlighting as a wedding coordinator. Her first clients are a spooky couple with bizarre supernatural powers, such as the ability to call Regine over a disconnected telephone. They wish to hold their ceremony in a cemetery, and are thrilled by Regine's suggestion of throwing the bouquet into an open grave. Tag: Regine receives unwanted ""gift"" from Edwin and Damiana.

Kyle receives a promotion, but becomes extremely disenchanted after realizing that he is no longer allowed any contact with clients; the entire job consists of attending meeting after meeting. When Kyle is asked to speak before a church youth group, a young man who has followed his career closely suggests that he use his creativity to make his job more interesting. Kyle proposes an intermediary position, in which he would be involved in middle management, yet still work with clients. He must take a pay cut, but feels it is worth it. Meanwhile, Max tests Regine's claim that she doesn't mind when Keith paints portraits of nude models by volunteering to pose. Regine finally admits her jealousy, and Keith agrees to work with her to put her mind at ease. Tag: Rev. Taylor tries to sneak out of Overton's lecture while kids sleep.

The new year brings changes as Kyle reappears, Max discovers the identity of her sperm donor and Synclaire gets the job of a lifetime.

Khadijah takes a second job as a night security guard at an old-folks home to pay for improvements in Flavor, which faces stiff competition from a copycat magazine called Savor. These worries are compounded when she learns that Scooter is dating another woman. Khadijah develops insomnia, and behaves extremely erratically. She follows her mother's advice and begins seeing a psychiatrist, Dr. Bryce. She shows up at the office in a wig because she fears that her friends would treat her like a mental patient if they knew about her session (which proves to be true). Dr. Bryce notes that Khadijah seems to put everyone else's needs ahead of her own, and believes that she is suffering from a mild form of depression. Even when Savor flops, Khadijah's mood does not improve. She admits that she has begun to think about all she has sacrificed for her magazine, and wonders if it is worth it. She agrees to continue to see Dr. Bryce, but the doctor first instructs her to take a one-week vacation. Syn

Regine boasts of a new beau, a guy with a limo--who also happens to have a wife.

After Regine brags about her influence on Palo Alto, Synclaire drops by the set unexpectedly in the hopes that Regine can help her land a part. Regine is humiliated when none of the actors are aware of her existence, and the director refers to her as ""the odor-eater girl."" Regine apologizes for lying; but explains that, although her work is not glamorous, she thoroughly enjoys it. Synclaire agrees to keep her true status a secret. When one of the extras gets fired, Regine slips Synclaire into a scene as the Grim Reaper. Meanwhile, Khadijah asks Max to pen a column about the legal profession for Flavor. Max objects when Khadijah edits the article, prompting Khadijah to note that Max cannot deal with criticism. It is only Overton's editing skills that stave off a feud. Tag: Synclaire's appearance on Palo Alto

Kyle fears that his firm's new client, esteemed actress Jacqueline Richards, is coming on to him. He makes a fool of himself trying to reject her advances. She assures him that she only wants to be friends, but Kyle feels as though he is her lackey when she buys him gifts and takes him to expensive restaurants in exchange for errands. He draws the line at cleaning up after her poodles. Kyle agrees to be her friend, but tries to help her realize that true friendships are not based on monetary compensation. Khadijah is embarrassed when L.O.O.F.A., a children's group for which Synclaire volunteers, names her its hero of the year, on the basis of a lie she once told Synclaire about pulling a man from a burning car during their youth. Khadijah saves the man from choking after the ceremony, but Synclaire doesn't believe her. Tag: Khadijah actually saves Mr. McGinty. Music: ""Someone to Watch Over Me,"" sung by Eartha Kitt and T.C. Carson

Regine grows weary of her tendency to date vain, tiresome men. She feels as though she is just going through the motions. Synclaire gives her a brochure about a seminar intended to help women break their dependence on men. When Regine attends her first session, she is shocked to find that Max is taking the class. The instructor assigns the students to take themselves on a date, but Regine and Max are so bored alone that they decide to go out together. Max explains that she took the seminar because she was not fulfilled by her one-night stands, and realized she had hit rock bottom when she slept with Kyle. She tells Regine that there is nothing wrong with seeking a relationship, as long as you don't base your self-worth on whether you have a man. They agree that they are doing just fine spending the evening without men. It is then revealed that Max and Regine are at a strip club. Overton sends Synclaire gifts from a secret admirer, but decides to call it off when she constantly speculat

Regine is thrilled when a famous designer purchases the boutique, until she learns that he has decided to target the mainstream market and convert it into a discount store called Le Rag Bin. Although her mother can't get enough of the merchandise, Regine is on the verge of quitting when she assembles a particularly gaudy outfit for one customer. The woman is actually a wardrobe consultant for the hit soap opera Palo Alto. She is impressed with Regine's ability to perceive what is tacky, and hires her as her assistant. Meanwhile, Overton is mortified to learn that he is a dead ringer for a porn star. Tag: Overton learns he has unwittingly rented ""Herbie the Lust Bug.""

Thanksgiving brings Kyle a new love interest--photographer Stacey--and a helping of advice from his female friends warning that she's just out for fun.

The gals surprise Khadijah with a birthday trip to Atlantic City, where they meet Flip Wilson and Ed McMahon.

Max enlists Khadijah's help in exposing an embezzlement scheme at City Hall. Ty Richardson, Flavor's cocky new reporter, demands the story, but is arrested in a barroom brawl. With the deadline approaching, Khadijah and Max decide to handle things themselves. They break into the office of a woman who had taken a suspicious vacation, and discover that she has created phony computer records. Ty shows up at the office with a completed story, and explains that his arrest was staged so that he could get to the guilty party's jailed partner. Khadijah forces him to agree to a collaborative story. When Overton still cannot accept the Cleveland Browns' move to Baltimore, Synclaire talks with Jim Brown at a sports card show and brings him to the apartment. Jim tells Overton to get over it and move on with his life with Synclaire, and gives him copies of his movies. Meanwhile, Regine insists that her date isn't the loser he appears to be.

Regine's latest flame's daughter stirs her maternal instincts--until she's stuck with the youngster overnight.

Khadijah fears she may have wrecked a friendship by succumbing to a few hours of intimacy with an old friend.

Khadijah entrusts Synclaire with putting out Flavor's music issue.

With Synclaire off to a rehearsal, Overton is lured away by a seductive mistress--gambling. Meanwhile, a dog wreaks havoc with Regine's love life.

Overton makes himself comfortable at the women's apartment after a falling-out with Kyle.

Another dateless Saturday night prompts the gals to get back in the mix at an uptown club, where Khadijah performs for the crowd.

Regine shares some gossip with her new beau--who turns around and uses it in his comedy act.

Max is stunned to learn that her boyfriend, Gary, is a virgin. She has serious doubts as to whether she should deflower him, but eventually goes through with it. She is saddened when Gary heeds her advice and decides not to crowd her, but maintains her bravado in front of her friends. Kyle sees through her act and realizes that she is hurt, and she confesses that she can no longer simply chew men up and spit them out. Kyle takes her to dinner to talk things over. Khadijah, following Regine's suggestion, ""borrows"" some ski clothing for a weekend with Charles. Her plan goes awry when the store burns down before she can get a refund. Music: ""Teach Me Tonight"" by Al Jarreau

Synclaire answers a radio trivia question and wins a trip for two to the Bahamas. Next question: whom should she take with her?

Max plans a reunion with a favorite law prof, but Khadijah harbors a secret: a previous fling with the man.

Ivan is injured while riding his bike across the ice at Rockefeller Center to make a rush delivery for Flavor, and loses his job. Synclaire encourages Khadijah to give him a job, but she is frightened by his devotion to her. After learning that Ivan is a top journalism student, she hires him as a copy aide. Khadijah grows tired of Ivan's ridiculous story ideas, so she sends him to a celebrity hairdressing convention. He returns with a tape recording that suggests that Rev. Jesse Jackson has accepted a cabinet position. Having earlier been scooped by the competition on a music industry shake-up, Khadijah decides to run the story without verification. She is humiliated to discover that Rev. Jackson was discussing the renovation of his home, and is forced to pull all the issues from the shelves. A distraught Ivan is ready to give up journalism, but Khadijah takes the blame. She explains that--while Ivan is too raw to know any better--she has years of experience, and should not have ignore

Khadijah is annoyed when her estranged father comes to town for Synclaire's wedding. She has dinner with her parents for Mother's Day, but is hardly cordial. When she learns that Laverne saw her parents take off in a limo to Atlantic City, Khadijah chases after them. Rita assures her that she and Ed are only attending a Smokey Robinson concert. Ed tracks down Khadijah at the slot machines, and admits that he has made many mistakes in their relationship. However, it is important that Khadijah remain part of his life, as she is the only thing that truly brings him pride. He apologizes for not having a greater role in her development. Khadijah wins the jackpot with Ed's coin. Max threatens to harm Overton if he tells anyone about her affair with Kyle. Synclaire realizes he is keeping a secret. When Regine can't get Overton to crack, Synclaire confronts him. He tells her about Max and Kyle, but she isn't surprised; she has the room below Kyle's! Music: ""You've Really Got a Hold on Me"" (Smo

Too proud to beg for a loan to pay off the printer, Khadijah gets unexpected help from a friend.

The police bring a shivering Overton to the apartment. The horse subdued the mugger, but bucked Overton into the bushes. He still does not tell Synclaire about the ring. Overton later picks the mugger out of the lineup. Synclaire breaks down the door and tries to attack the man. Overton's belongings are returned to him and (after an interruption from Khadijah) he proposes to Synclaire at the police station. She immediately accepts. As she has no chance of winning in court, Khadijah agrees to a settlement with the band, which will force Flavor to go bankrupt. Russell saves the day when he bursts in and announces that he has deconstructed the song in question. He gradually strips away parts of the song, and reveals that it actually was a rip-off of ""Mandy."" Max's campaign appears to be back on track when Kyle uncovers evidence that proves the incumbent is corrupt, but the documents are shredded. Max instead admits the allegations against her are true, but claims that they prove she has t

Kyle and Overton return to Cleveland for a reunion at their high school, which is about to be demolished due to asbestos. Kyle has a run-in with Lester Tate, the bully who tormented him throughout his youth, and finally stands up to the man. He points out that many of Lester's victims are successful, while he is a loser. When Lester reveals that he is homeless, everyone turns against Kyle. Kyle tries to apologize to Lester, but catches him stealing shoes from kids' lockers. Lester taunts and threatens Kyle, who tells him his attitude is the cause of his problems. Kyle locks Lester in a janitor's closet and calls the police. After Synclaire is mistaken for class cut-up Helen Robinson, she impersonates the woman and keeps her admirers entertained. The real Helen finally approaches and thanks Synclaire for letting her have a night of peace and quiet. Max publicly insults the garbage workers' union. The men begin dumping trash outside her apartment until Khadijah and Regine force her to ap

Regine shows up at the laundromat, despite the fact that it is nowhere near her new apartment. She and Khadijah are less than civil, and Regine won't admit that her new place is a dump in a bad neighborhood. She invites everyone except Khadijah to a housewarming party, but Max declares that she and Kyle will boycott the affair. An annoyed Kyle goes without her. Max convinces Khadijah to crash the party. Kyle calls Max to task for her constant struggle for control within their relationship, but their passion is rekindled after he reveals that he saved her some shrimp and cocktail sauce. Everyone becomes a little disturbed by the fact that Regine's new neighbors hold personalities eerily similar to those of her old friends. Khadijah and Synclaire believe they have located the perfect roommate, but Regine interrupts their conversation on the fire escape. She reflects on her long friendship with Khadijah, and admits that she feels lost without her. They patch things up and return to the br

Max sees red when Khadijah's visiting college chum takes advantage of Khadijah's hospitality.

Charles is the recipient of an award, but is reluctant to attend the ceremony, as he considers everyone in that social circle to be snobs. After the guests treat Khadijah rudely, Charles tells them what they can do with their award. Khadijah fears for Charles's career and asks his kindly boss to smooth things over. Charles is angry with Khadijah for speaking for him, and they realize that they are both incredibly stubborn. Regine goes to the party as Russell's date and uses his connections to make friends with some of the guests. When the women stick Regine with a huge bill at the Russian Tea Room, Russell has to save her. Max spends all her Christmas money on a massage chair for herself, which she has delivered to the girls' apartment, but won't let anyone else use. Kyle, Overton and Synclaire plot revenge, but are hopelessly overmatched. Tag: Max regains control of the chair. Music: Variation of ""Deck the Halls,"" sung by Erika Alexander

Khadijah's estranged father asks her to keep an eye on her spoiled half-sister, Stephanie, while she is in town for a track meet. Khadijah asks Ivan to take her out and keep her out of trouble, but she slips away at a party and gets really drunk. She has a terrible hangover the morning of the finals. Khadijah forces her to get in the blocks, but she has to quit the race to go throw up. Khadijah can't understand why Stephanie would throw her opportunity away, but Stephanie explains that she is tired of being touted as a future Olympian; she would rather be a regular college student. Khadijah doesn't sympathize, pointing out that Stephanie at least has a father to pressure her. She is surprised to learn that their father always holds up Khadijah as a role model to her sister. Regine suspects that Max penned a letter to a magazine expressing concern about her habit of pushing men away (one in particular). She and Kyle pester Max about this, but she steadfastly denies it. Overton, however,

Synclaire overflows with holiday spirit despite the season's crass commercialism and her cranky roommates.

It's raining men for Khadijah, who must choose between old friend "Scooter" and schoolteacher Alonzo.

Denise Hatcher, Khadijah's high school basketball rival, comes to the Flavor office to complain about a sportswriter's comments about her coaching ability. They begin to argue about an incident in an all-star game in which they were teammates. Denise is still bitter because Khadijah was named MVP after scoring the winning basket by supposedly stepping on Denise's foot and stealing a pass intended for her. Denise challenges Khadijah to a game of one-on-one, with the MVP trophy going to the winner. While Khadijah is at the gym with Overton and Scooter, Denise shows up and throws down a thunderous dunk. Khadijah is ready to call off the game, but Max and Synclaire urge her not to quit. Khadijah trains hard, but is still hopelessly overmatched. During a time-out, Denise tries to get a weary Khadijah to concede, and boasts that she will shut her out. A rejuvenated Khadijah picks up her defense, then steals the ball and scores at the buzzer. Denise says she respects Khadijah's effort, and ad

Kyle and Max's attempts to sneak around are complicated when Overton takes a second job as a handyman in her building. She is evicted after he inadvertently exposes her illegal satellite dish to the landlord. She lays the blame on Overton, and storms out. Overton orders Kyle to come out of the bedroom to discuss the situation, but Kyle doesn't feel much like defending Max. Khadijah shows Max the error of her ways and convinces her to apologize. Overton hatches a scheme to trick the landlord into giving Max her apartment back. Regine, Synclaire and Khadijah hire a housekeeper, but he nearly quits when Synclaire's enthusiastic efforts to help out leave him feeling inadequate.

Synclaire hasn't had a date in months, then a veterinarian asks her out, and suddenly she has a social calendar along with another dogged admirer.

Khadijah lands in the middle of a standoff between Regine and Max, who is dating Regine's latest cast-off.

Regine's purse is snatched and the apartment is burglarized, but Khadijah can't get used to living with an alarm system.

Max drives the girls crazy by spending all her time at their apartment (even having her calls forwarded). They rejoice when Evans and Bell call her back to work. However, Max is frustrated by the loss of her clients and office and the realization that the partners will never stop punishing her for her mistake. She quits during her first day. Khadijah insists that she has acted rashly, and advises her to ask for her job back. Max refuses, insisting that a better offer will come along. After a week of rejections, Max is finally offered an interview. Although the interview goes very well, the firm decides to hire someone else. Max begins to lose confidence, although her friends assure her that she is an excellent lawyer. Max breaks down and calls Evans and Bell to plead for forgiveness, but hangs up without speaking to them. Meanwhile, Overton and Regine become convinced that an elderly woman in Max's building has committed a murder. Kyle finally talks to the woman and discovers that the

Max and Khadijah grow weary of Regine's spineless boyfriend, John, so they joke about sending him a letter from Regine asking him to set her free. Max follows through with the plan, and Regine is devastated when John breaks up with her. Max and Khadijah go to John's house to explain the joke and ask him to take Regine back. They also suggest that he stand up for himself occasionally, rather than letting Regine walk all over him. Before John can come to the apartment to make up with Regine, she brings home her new boyfriend Keith, an artist who was painting a mural at the television studio. John arrives with flowers to tell Regine that their relationship is over, and begins pursuing Max. (He believes she sent the letter because she wanted him for herself.) Kyle's new girlfriend, Kimberly, begins coming on to Overton every time they are left alone together. Kyle refuses to believe this, but Kimberly freely admits to it when he confronts her on the roof. Kyle orders her to leave, and a be

When Max's former flame Preston August becomes her new boss, they try to mix business and romance, but find that it is hopeless. They fail to get any work done, and each is insanely jealous when the other confers with co-workers of the opposite sex. They realize they must break up. Kyle is furious when a typo in his Flavor bio states that he is married, until he finds that being unavailable makes him more attractive. Tag: Kyle tries out his married persona in bar.

Khadijah insists on settling an accident claim civilly--and out of court--until she realizes she's up against a weaselly lawyer.