Girlfriends Episode Guide

1 :01x01 - Toe Sucking

First aired: Sep/11/2000
Writer: Mara Brock Akil
Director: Leonard R. Garner, Jr.
Guest star: Jason Winston George (Charles), Alexander Folk (Minister), James Giordano (Treadmill Guy), Eloy Mendez (Bagger)

Joan uses William to get back at Toni for dating her ex-toe sucking boyfriend at her 29th birthday party.

2 :01x02 - One Night Stand?

First aired: Sep/18/2000
Writer: Mara Brock Akil
Director: Leonard R. Garner, Jr.
Guest star: Randy J. Goodwin (Davis Hamilton), Morocco Omari (Man at Bar), Haskell V. Anderson III (Man #3), Kendahl King (Woman at Table), Doug Spearman (Man #2), Geoff Brown (Man #1)

Joan lies to Toni and Lynn about how she spent her night with the engaged to be married Davis.

3 :01x03 - Girlfrenzy

First aired: Sep/25/2000
Writer: Bernadette Luckett
Director: Erma Elzy-Jones
Guest star: Bess Richardson (White Woman #1), Tera Hendrickson (White Woman #2), Damon Standifer (Trey), Leslie Danon (White Woman #3), Randy J. Goodwin (Davis Hamilton), Michele Morgan (Woman at Club)

Joan looks on as Toni, Lynn and Maya get in a brawl outside a nightclub, causing Toni to question their friendship. In the end, Toni confesses that she feels her relationship with Joan is slipping way and the two have a heart to heart.

4 :01x04 - Hip-Ocracy

First aired: Oct/02/2000
Writer: Regina Hicks
Director: Leonard R. Garner, Jr.
Guest star: Rodney Van Johnson (Marcus Stokes), Cee Cee Michaela (Yvonne Blackwell), Rodney Charles (Del Toussaint), Randy J. Goodwin (Davis Hamilton)

Despite Maya's warning, Joan, Lynn and Toni resort to using online dating to find men.

5 :01x05 - I Pity the Fool

First aired: Oct/09/2000
Writer: David Silverman, Marcy Gray Rubin
Director: Leonard R. Garner, Jr.
Guest star: Theodore Borders (College Guy), Larry O. Williams, Jr. (Man), Tre Wood (Young Boy), Rodney Van Johnson (Marcus Stokes)

Joan tries to summon the courage to break up with wide hips, Marcus (Guest star Rodney Van Johnson), but her friends decide to step in to do it for her. Joan decides to face Marcus in the end, but in the heat of breaking up, she gets turned on and has pity sex, eventually coming to an understanding, they break up.

6 :01x06 - The Remains of the Date

First aired: Oct/30/2000
Writer: Tim Edwards
Director: Leonard R. Garner, Jr.
Guest star: Tanner Scott Richards (Jabari Wilkes), Carl Banks (Eric), Natashia Williams (Debbie Rae Porter), Aloma Wright (Laurie's Mother), Rhonda Ross Kendrick (Laurie), Flex Alexander (Darnell Wilkes), Cee Cee Michaela (Yvonne Blackwell), Randy J. Goodwin (Davis Hamilton), Ray Proscia (Policeman #2)

Joan and William have an ongoing practical joke competition that heats up at Joan's Halloween bash where she pairs William with a spooky date, Meanwhile, Toni is turned off when she discovers her new boyfriend has a weird fetish for using teddy bears during sex. In the end, Joan's initial plan fails but luckly her back up plan works: getting the police to mistreat William blaming it as a racial thing, which turns out to be a prank. Unfortunately, the police that she hires are partners with Yvonne, the derange cop that William met on the Internet who's looking for revenge since he hasn't called her.

7 :01x07 - Everything Fishy Ain't Fish

First aired: Nov/06/2000
Writer: Beverly D. Hunter
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Scott Atkinson (Tim Borden), Flex Alexander (Darnell Wilkes), Robert Cesario (Reporter)

After seeing Maya's husband with another woman, Joan struggles over whether to tell her friend what she saw. But when Maya eventually does find out, she has a surprising reaction to the news. Meanwhile, Toni starts dating a white mayoral candidate, who inadvertently reveals one of Toni's beauty secrets on the local news.

8 :01x08 - Pregnant Pause

First aired: Nov/13/2000
Writer: Regina Hicks
Director: Sheldon Epps

Joan's period is 10 days late, making the girls wonder if she's pregnant. But when the test reveals positive, Joan worries about becoming a mother, Meanwhile, Lynn receives a box from her mother, causing her to reflect on her "white" childhood. In the end, Joan receives a call from her doctor, revealing that she isn't pregnant.

9 :01x09 - Fried Turkey

First aired: Nov/20/2000
Writer: Mark Alton Brown, Dee LaDuke
Director: Leonard R. Garner, Jr.
Guest star: Randy J. Goodwin (Davis Hamilton), Kelsey Grammer (Himself), Duane Martin (Preston Hall)

Joan is disappointed when her friends flake out on a Thanksgiving get-together, but things start to look up when she is introduced to Davis' friend, Preston Hall. She invites him over for a Thanksgiving meal before he catches a flight but things don't go as planned when her girlfriends suddenly show up, not as eager to leave as she would like.

10 :01x10 - Never a Bridesmaid

First aired: Nov/27/2000
Writer: Temi Akinyemi
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Flex Alexander (Darnell Wilkes), Bridgette Bentley (Cousin Juanita), Charmin Lee (Jeannette), Crystal Scales (Neeka), Tanner Scott Richards (Jabari Wilkes)

When Maya decides to renew her wedding vows, Joan offers to host the ceremony at her place and help with all the preparations. But when Joan dismisses all of Maya's ideas in favor of her own, Maya quickly dismisses her from the wedding ceremony. Meanwhile, Toni and Lynn are determined to find William an African-American girlfriend after dicussing the recent trend of black men dating white women.

11 :01x11 - The Importance of Being Frank

First aired: Dec/11/2000
Writer: Michael B. Kaplan
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Sherri Saum (Angela), Kent Faulcon (Frank Anderson), Nigél Thatch (Keith)

Joan's new boyfriend (guest star Kent Faulcon) seems sublime until his wife shows up at her office. With Tracee Ellis Ross and Jill Marie Jones.

12 :01x12 - The List

First aired: Jan/15/2001
Writer: Michael B. Kaplan
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Chuma Hunter-Gault (Greg Sparks), Cee Cee Michaela (Yvonne Blackwell), Morocco Omari (Dexter Owens), Dondre T. Whitfield (Sean Ellis)

At Maya's suggestion, Joan, Lynn, Toni and William make a list of what they want in a lover and put it under their pillows. The next day at an art gallery, Joan falls for an architect named Sean, who surprising fits all of her qualifications for her ideal man, Meanwhile, Toni runs into her ex, Greg, whom she decides to rekindle the flame with, and Lynn questions the meaning of a painting of a red triangle. Also at the art gallery, William runs into Yvonne again, deciding to give their relationship a try.

13 :01x13 - They've Gotta Have It

First aired: Feb/05/2001
Writer: Mara Brock Akil
Director: Henry Chan
Guest star: Chuma Hunter-Gault (Greg Sparks), Dondre T. Whitfield (Sean Ellis), Cee Cee Michaela (Yvonne Blackwell)

Joan is puzzled by her boyfriend Sean's (Guest star Dondre T. Whitfield) lack of interest in sex, but she soon learns that the reason for his resistance is because he is a sex addict, Meanwhile, Yvonne reveals a secret about William's anatomy to Maya, causing William to become upset with her.

14 :01x14 - Bad Timing

First aired: Feb/12/2001
Writer: Bernadette Luckett
Director: Tony Singletary
Guest star: Randy J. Goodwin (Davis Hamilton), Chuma Hunter-Gault (Greg Sparks), Cee Cee Michaela (Yvonne Blackwell), Ahmed Ahmed (Fred), Flex Alexander (Darnell Wilkes), Dondre T. Whitfield (Sean Ellis), Kara Brock (Ava Malone)

Joan and Davis (Guest star Randy J. Goodwin) play while her boyfriend's away, Meanwhile, Lynn volunteers at a suicide hotline on Valentine's Day, hooking up with one of the callers.

15 :01x15 - Old Dog

First aired: Feb/19/2001
Writer: Marcy Gray Rubin, David Silverman
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Dondre T. Whitfield (Sean Ellis), Jocelyn Elders (Dr. Dunn), Shar Jackson (Niecy Jackson)

Joan breaks her three month rule with Sean as Maya seeks help in conceiving another child with Darnell.

16 :01x16 - Friends, Colleagues, Brothers

First aired: Feb/26/2001
Writer: Temi Akinyemi
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Phil Reeves (Charles Swedelson), Robert Cesario (Philip Starr), Christopher Darden (Himself), Christopher Daniel Barnes (Ken Duncan)

Joan (Tracee Ellis Ross) battles a "boys club" mentality when her law firm hires Christopher Darden (guest starring as himself) for an important case. Meanwhile Maya tries yoga to relieve her stress, but finds her instructor a bit too friendly.

17 :01x17 - The Declaration of Lynndependence

First aired: Mar/05/2001
Writer: Tim Edwards
Director: Ken Whittingham
Guest star: Cee Cee Michaela (Yvonne Blackwell)

Tired of Lynn's freeloading, Joan and Toni try an intervention, giving her a warning to find a job in seven days. While Joan worries that she may be an "enabler" to Lynn like Toni says, and Lynn tries to find employment, William encourages Yvonne to start hanging out with Joan and her friends so he can have his much-needed "guy time."

18 :01x18 - Diss-regard

First aired: Mar/12/2001
Writer: Regina Hicks
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Kira Tirimacco (Nurse Dula), Dondre T. Whitfield (Sean Ellis), Phil Morris (Dr. Clay Spencer), Chuma Hunter-Gault (Greg Sparks)

Joan's friends complain that she's spending too much time with Sean and not enough with them, a theory that's tested when Joan has to choose between staying with Maya before her surgery or accompanying Sean to an important business dinner. Meanwhile, after Maya checks in to the hospital, Toni checks out Maya's rich, handsome doctor.

19 :01x19 - A Kiss Before Lying

First aired: Apr/16/2001
Writer: Michael B. Kaplan
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Dondre T. Whitfield (Sean Ellis), Chuma Hunter-Gault (Greg Sparks), Randy J. Goodwin (Davis Hamilton), Flex Alexander (Darnell Wilkes), Phil Reeves (Charles Swedelson), Kara Brock (Ava Malone), Phil Morris (Dr. Clay Spencer)

Sean (guest star Dondre T. Whitfield) orders Joan (Tracee Ellis Ross) to stop hanging out at Davis' (guest star Randy Goodwin) restaurant; Maya (Golden Brooks) fends off her frisky husband (guest star Flex Alexander).

20 :01x20 - The Burning Vagina Monologues

First aired: Apr/30/2001
Writer: Kevin Marburger, Judy Dent
Director: Ken Whittingham
Guest star: Phil Morris (Dr. Clay Spencer), Dondre T. Whitfield (Sean Ellis), Chuma Hunter-Gault (Greg Sparks), Denise Dowse (Emily Griffin)

Joan (Tracee Ellis Ross) worries that Sean (guest star Dondre T. Whitfield) hasn't said "I love you"; Toni (Jill Marie Jones) suffers the consequences of cheating on Greg.

21 :01x21 - Loose Lips Sink Relationships

First aired: May/07/2001
Writer: Mark Alton Brown, Dee LaDuke, Mark Brown
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Bernard C. Parks (Himself), Phil Morris (Dr. Clay Spencer), Chuma Hunter-Gault (Greg Sparks), Cee Cee Michaela (Yvonne Blackwell)

A five-carat diamond ring and an unexpected marriage proposal forces Toni to finally choose between Clay and Greg, but the choice may be made for her when Joan accidentally reveals the proposal to the other man. Meanwhile, William's girlfriend Yvonne is wounded in the line of duty.

22 :01x22 - Jamaic-Up?

First aired: May/14/2001
Writer: Mara Brock Akil
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Cee Cee Michaela (Yvonne Blackwell), Dondre T. Whitfield (Sean Ellis), John L. Adams (Vosco), Chuma Hunter-Gault (Greg Sparks), Sinbad (Himself), Terrell Davis (Himself)

The girls' trip to Jamaica is cut short when a furious Toni finds out that Joan is the cause of her break-up with Greg. Dejected, Joan returns home to find that Toni's revenge may be more than she can bear.

Toe Sucking

First aired: Unaired
Writer: Mara Brock Akil
Guest star: Leslie Silva (Maya Wilkes), Christina Cox (Lynn Searcy)

The original pilot of the series featuring a different Maya and Lynn. This episode would have featured Joan just being promoted to junior partner at the law firm. She hires Maya to be her assistant. She also deals with Toni and Lynn, who try to help her in her failed love life.

23 :02x01 - The Fallout

First aired: Sep/10/2001
Writer: Mara Brock Akil
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Cee Cee Michaela (Yvonne Blackwell), Dondre T. Whitfield (Sean Ellis), Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes), Fred Willard (Dr. Percy Bales), Kaori Sato (Waitress)

After Joan returns home from Jamaica to find Toni in the vengeful act of seducing Sean, Joan's boyfriend, she must decide whether their friendship can survive the ultimate betrayal. Additionally, Maya questions whether she's changed or her marriage has changed; and William and Yvonne become giddy over their recent engagement.

24 :02x02 - Just Say No

First aired: Sep/17/2001
Writer: Dee LaDuke, Mark Brown, Mark Alton Brown
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Fred Willard (Dr. Percy Bales), John L. Adams (Vosco), Patti Lewis (Kyra), Lisa Anderson (Regina)

Dr. Bales advises Joan to end her friendship with Toni; a newly engaged William discovers that he's irresistible to the opposite sex; Lynn's new boyfriend secretly moves into Joan's house.

25 :02x03 - A Full Court Conspiracy

First aired: Sep/24/2001
Writer: Lamont Ferrell, Norman Vance, Jr.
Director: Leonard R. Garner, Jr.
Guest star: Lauren Sanchez (Anchorwoman), Charmin Lee (Jeannette), Sean G. Griffin (Bernie Cross), Dwayne Adway (Trey Johnson), John L. Adams (Vosco), Phil Reeves (Charles Swedelson), Danny Bakewell (Himself), Rainbow Borden (Man #2)

When Joan and William are chosen by their law firm to defend a company accused of racism, they must field questions from their friends and the black community

26 :02x04 - Un-Treatable

First aired: Oct/01/2001
Writer: Bernadette Luckett
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Taira Soo (Woman #1), Julie Claire (Gabby), Dondre T. Whitfield (Sean Ellis), Temple Parker (Woman #2), Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes), Tanner Scott Richards (Jabari Wilkes), Cee Cee Michaela (Yvonne Blackwell)

The gang goes on a shopping binge, creating financial and marital problems for Maya and Darnell; Joan tries to infuse sex into her long-distance relationship with Sean.

27 :02x05 - Buh-Bye

First aired: Oct/08/2001
Writer: Regina Hicks
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Phil Reeves (Charles Swedelson), John L. Adams (Vosco)

Toni violates a trust when she tells Joan's boss an intimate secret about Joan; Lynn grows frustrated with her Jamaican boyfriend Vosco's continued unemployment.

28 :02x06 - Willie or Won't He?

First aired: Oct/15/2001
Writer: Michael B. Kaplan
Director: Henry Chan
Guest star: Cee Cee Michaela (Yvonne Blackwell), Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes), John L. Adams (Vosco), Chuma Hunter-Gault (Greg Sparks)

When Yvonne shares her worries about William's reluctance to set a wedding date, Joan suggests that William and Yvonne test the domestic waters by moving in together. William has other ideas, however, and abruptly breaks off the engagement - while blaming the whole fiasco on Joan. Meanwhile, Toni is caught off-guard when Greg wants her back.

29 :02x07 - Trick or Truth

First aired: Oct/29/2001
Writer: Mara Brock Akil
Director: Leonard R. Garner, Jr.
Guest star: Donnie McClurkin (Himself), Steven Cojocaru (Tas), Chuma Hunter-Gault (Greg Sparks), Jennia Fredrique (Niecy), Celina Belizan (Larisa)

Toni's life hits a frightful low when she finds she's been excluded from Joan's Halloween party -- then catches Greg en flagrant with another woman. Her misery finally sends to her to seek spiritual uplift in church and inspires Joan to rethink the path their friendship has taken.

30 :02x08 - Joan's Birthday Suit

First aired: Nov/05/2001
Writer: David L. Sliverman, Marcy Gray Rubin, David Silverman
Director: Henry Chan
Guest star: Michael Warren (Bill Clayton), Cee Cee Michaela (Yvonne Blackwell)

After playing the drinking game "I never" with girlfriends on her 30th birthday, Joan comes to the realization that she's led an incredibly conservative - if not boring - life, and decides to take a walk on the wild side. But her journey towards liberation takes an unexpected turn when she finds herself face-to-face (and buck naked) on a nude beach with of THE most influential man in her life. Later, William and Yvonne battle over a pre-nuptial agreement while Toni introduces her Lil' Jesus.

31 :02x09 - Maya Takes a Stan

First aired: Nov/12/2001
Writer: Michael B. Kaplan, Regina Hicks
Director: Ken Whittingham
Guest star: Esther Scott (Selma), Kurt Loder (Himself), Don Franklin (Stan Wright)

Maya meets the perfect man for Joan - until she decides that he may actually be the perfect man for her instead. Meanwhile, William seeks a best man for his upcoming nuptials and Toni shows up on MTV while protesting against a misogynistic rapper.

32 :02x10 - Mom's the Word

First aired: Nov/19/2001
Writer: Bonita Alford
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: David Ramsey (Randall Potter), Chelsea Colwell (Courtney Potter), Willie Gault (Jackson Vance), AmyKate Storey (Sabrina Savage)

33 :02x11 - You Better Watch Out

First aired: Dec/17/2001
Writer: Regina Hicks
Director: Chip Hurd
Guest star: Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes), John L. Adams (Vosco), Tanner Scott Richards (Jabari Wilkes), AmyKate Storey (Sabrina Savage), Don Franklin (Stan Wright)

Maya receives the perfect Christmas gift - a fabulously expensive watch -- from her new friend Stan. When Darnell discovers the pricey timepiece, Maya fibs that Joan gave it to her, further straining the already tense relationship between Joan and Darnell and ultimately threatening to end the two women's friendship. Meanwhile, William learns to enjoy playing Santa for the office party, Toni spends Christmas on a budget and Lynn finds a devoted new companion.

34 :02x12 - I Have a Dream House

First aired: Jan/21/2002
Writer: Tim Edwards
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Don Franklin (Stan Wright), Akasia Riggins (Avery), Cee Cee Michaela (Yvonne Blackwell), Sunia Riggins (Sarah), Eugene Goring, II (Keith), Tanner Scott Richards (Jabari Wilkes), Norman Vance III (Norman), Phil Reeves (Charles Swedelson), Malcolm David Kelley (Malcolm), Rhyon Nicole Brown (Lily)

Joan lobbies her law firm to recognize the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, but convincing her very old-fashioned, "boys club" boss that it's a good idea turns out to be an uphill battle. Meanwhile, William tries to fulfill his own dreams by buying a house for his bride-to-be, and Maya's emotional infidelity turns passionate as she risks it all during a secret rendezvous with her new male friend Stan.

35 :02x13 - Sister, Sistah

First aired: Feb/04/2002
Writer: Bernadette Luckett
Director: Leonard R. Garner, Jr.
Guest star: Ross Leon (Keith), Eliza Schneider (Tanya Searcy), Heather L. Hodges (Relaxer Woman), Shawn Harrison (Peaches), Lewis Dix, Jr. (Curtis), Lamont Johnson (Ronnie), Ernie Lee Banks (Uncle Harvey)

Lynn's bi-racial background hits home when her Caucasian sister becomes too well assimilated into African-American culture and gets playful by using an offensive racial epithet. Meanwhile Joan struggles to pull off a successful bachelor party for William.

36 :02x14 - Willie or Won't He II: The Last Chapter?

First aired: Feb/11/2002
Writer: Michael B. Kaplan
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Rick Fitts (Minister), Stanford Poon (Bar Guy), Chanté Moore (Singer), Ethel Ayler (Nana Blackwell), Patricia Belcher (Iva), Kim Hamilton (Mrs. Dent), Cee Cee Michaela (Yvonne Blackwell)

William's fiancé, Yvonne, panics when she learns that William has not told his mother about the wedding.

37 :02x15 - Can't Stan Ya!

First aired: Feb/25/2002
Writer: Lamont Ferrell, Norman Vance, Jr.
Director: Mary Lou Belli
Guest star: Don Franklin (Stan Wright), Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes)

Maya loses herself in a moment of infidelity with Stan but regrets her indiscretion when he begins to reveal his dark side. Meanwhile, Joan tries to console William after he's left at the altar.

38 :02x16 - Take Me Out After the Ballgame

First aired: Mar/04/2002
Writer: Regina Hicks, Michael B. Kaplan
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Don Franklin (Stan Wright), Phil Reeves (Charles Swedelson), RonReaco Lee (Chris Dennison), Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes)

Joan's attempts to keep a dalliance out of the office gossip mill have a stinging side effect. Meanwhile, Maya enlists Darnell to join the company softball team, and faces off with an increasingly obsessive Stan.

39 :02x17 - Childs in Charge

First aired: Mar/18/2002
Writer: Karin Gist
Director: Leonard R. Garner, Jr.
Guest star: Wendell Pierce (Anthony Jackson), Phil Reeves (Charles Swedelson)

When a successful real-estate tycoon challenges Toni, she plans to open her own business.

40 :02x18 - Taming of the Realtess

First aired: Mar/25/2002
Writer: Michele Marburger, Kevin Marburger
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Cynthia Graham (Kim Wilkes), Heidi Mokrycki (Shelby Girard), Danny Bonaduce (Himself), Phil Reeves (Charles Swedelson), David Doty (Judge Hackett)

Toni struggles to arrange a flashy grand opening for her real-estate business.

41 :02x19 - X Does Not Mark the Spot

First aired: Apr/29/2002
Writer: Keith Josef Adkins
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: RonReaco Lee (Chris Dennison), Todd Felix (Carl Edwards), Master P (Himself), Tracy Vilar (Gigi)

Joan goes on a wild adventure with her new young boyfriend but their trip to a hot dance club leads to cold consequences when she accidentally takes Ecstasy. Meanwhile, Toni retains William as legal counsel for her business but proceeds to overload him with trivial matters. Hip-hop mogul Master P. makes a cameo appearance.

42 :02x20 - My Mother, Myself

First aired: May/06/2002
Writer: Mark Brown, Dee LaDuke, Mark Alton Brown
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Mecca White (Savannah), Harry J. Lennix (Earl), Charmin Lee (Jeannette), Tanner Scott Richards (Jabari Wilkes), Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes), Jenifer Lewis (Veretta Childs)

As Joan plans a Mother's Day brunch, Maya trips out when she learns that her mom is moving away to live with her new beau. In addition, Toni and William have motherly issues of their own as Toni's loud momma visits from the country and William loses track of his mom after she misses her train. Meanwhile, Lynn is faced with finding a new home after the Maya's mom sells the house in preparation for her move.

43 :02x21 - Just Dessert

First aired: May/13/2002
Writer: Tim Edwards
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Heidi Mokrycki (Shelby Girard), Tanner Scott Richards (Jabari Wilkes), Niecy Nash (LaShelle Treadway), John L. Adams (Vosco)

When Lynn moves in with William, they console each other after recent breakups and contemplate moving their friendship into the bedroom. Meanwhile Maya's new assistant gives her some hairstyling tips.

44 :02x22 - Into the Woods

First aired: May/20/2002
Writer: Mara Brock Akil
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: RonReaco Lee (Chris Dennison), Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes), Ralph Grairl (Akira), Beverly Peele (Nicole), Una Damon (Myoshi), Dondre T. Whitfield (Sean Ellis)

Joan's ex-boyfriend returns to town and shocks her with an alarming announcement. Meanwhile Darnell finds out about Maya's indiscretion on the second season finale.

45 :03x01 - Coming to Terms

First aired: Sep/23/2002
Writer: Mara Brock Akil
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: RonReaco Lee (Chris Dennison), Michelle Davison (Ma), Jeff De Serrano (Joe), Karen Bankhead (Carla), Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes), Tanner Scott Richards (Jabari Wilkes), Adam Lazarre-White (Steven)

Joan (Tracee Ellis Ross) invites her friends’ ex-boyfriends to a party in a desperate attempt to meet "Mr. Right" in all the wrong ways. Joan’s strategy to meet the perfect man backfires on a bad date. Meanwhile, Maya (Golden Brooks) struggles with living with Joan while trying to repair her broken marriage; and William (Reggie Hayes) encourages Lynn (Persia White) to get a job.

46 :03x02 - Getting Our Act Together

First aired: Sep/30/2002
Writer: Norman Vance, Jr., Lamont Ferrell
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Tanner Scott Richards (Jabari Wilkes), Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes), Dominic Catrambone (Man), Sung Kang (Bartender), Phil Reeves (Charles Swedelson), Ed Bernard (Minister)

Maya get her hopes up for a reconciliation after she convinces Darnell (Khalil Kain) to attend a marriage counseling session with the church reverend. Meanwhile, William gets his edge back when he competes with Joan for a rumored partnership in the firm.

47 :03x03 - Secrets and Eyes

First aired: Oct/07/2002
Writer: Regina Hicks
Director: Mary Lou Belli
Guest star: Jason Pace (Dr. Todd Garrett), Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks), Tanner Scott Richards (Jabari Wilkes)

The girlfriends discover that Toni has been hiding her real age when Joan throws her a surprise birthday party. Later, Toni attempts to maintain her youth with a Botox treatment that garners a suspicious result. Meanwhile, William tries to get his edge back in pursuit of a one-night stand.

48 :03x04 - Star Craving Mad

First aired: Oct/14/2002
Writer: Michael B. Kaplan
Director: Mary Lou Belli
Guest star: Bobby Pappas (Treadmill Man), Adrian Lester (Ellis Carter), George Alan (Bartender), Peter Paige (Zellner)

Joan’s relationship with a movie star (Adrian Lester) starts off on the wrong foot when she fights with him over a treadmill at the gym. Joan thinks the celebrity is pompous until Toni makes a move on him. Meanwhile, William learns his sister is a lesbian when she makes a very personal request of him.

49 :03x05 - Don't Leave Me a Loan

First aired: Oct/21/2002
Writer: Tim Edwards
Director: Mary Lou Belli
Guest star: Cliff DeYoung (Ed Searcy), Charmin Lee (Jeannette), Alley Mills (Bess Searcy), Michelle Banks (Roberta Hyson), Tanner Scott Richards (Jabari Wilkes)

When Lynn learns that her financial debt may cost her parents their retirement dream, she tries to shed her carefree spirit to fit into the corporate working world. Meanwhile, Maya attempts to hide her marriage problems from her mother who plans to return for a visit.

50 :03x06 - Invasion of the Gold Digger

First aired: Oct/28/2002
Writer: Keith Josef Adkins
Director: Mary Lou Belli
Guest star: Marci Brickhouse (Bartender), George Alan (Bartender), Jason Pace (Dr. Todd Garrett), Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks)

When the girlfriends discover William’s new love interest (Keesha Sharp) is a "gold digger," they confront her in an effort to protect William from her conniving ways. Later, William undermines Joan, who is shocked to discover that not only is William aware of his new lady’s ulterior motives, but enjoys them. Meanwhile, Toni’s flirtatiously antagonistic relationship with her plastic surgeon (Jason Pace) escalates when they end up on a date.

51 :03x07 - Blinded by the Lights

First aired: Nov/04/2002
Writer: Karin Gist
Director: Steve Zuckerman
Guest star: Angie Stone (Darla Mason), Laila Ali (Herself), Ted Michaels (Clerk), Adrian Lester (Ellis Carter), Elisa Leonetti (Reporter)

Joan gets excited to attend her first movie premiere with her famous beau, but is edged into the shadows when his publicist fears that Joan may ruin his celebrity playboy image. Meanwhile, in trying to find a new house for boxing champion Laila Ali, Toni inadvertently winds up with a new celebrity friend that she can’t seem to shake. Boxing Champion Laila Ali Guest Stars.

52 :03x08 - Handling Baggage

First aired: Nov/11/2002
Writer: Norman Vance, Jr., Lamont Ferrell
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes), Lamont Johnson (Ronnie), Maurice Smith (Baggage Handler), George Alan (Bartender), Shawn Harrison (Peaches), Ricky Luna (Carlos Trujillo), Kellie Shanygne Williams (Cecily), Tanner Scott Richards (Jabari Wilkes)

When Maya thinks she may lose her husband to another woman, she makes a desperate attempt to save her marriage. Later, Darnell makes a decision that will affect their marriage forever.

53 :03x09 - The Mommy Returns

First aired: Nov/18/2002
Writer: Michele Marburger, Kevin Marburger
Director: Leonard R. Garner, Jr.
Guest star: Michelle Banks (Roberta Hyson), Richard Kuhlman (Tom Novak), Karen Austin (Sandy Bickle)

Lynn's birthmother tracks her down and offers her a job working alongside her on a documentary. William and Lynn temporarily move in with Joan while his house is tented for fleas.

54 :03x10 - A Little Romance

First aired: Nov/25/2002
Writer: Gloria Ketterer
Director: Leonard R. Garner, Jr.
Guest star: George Alan (Bartender), Tony Lee (Server), John Salley (Byron), Johnny Kastl (Guy), Jason Pace (Dr. Todd Garrett), Adrian Lester (Ellis Carter)

Toni discovers that size may not matter and considers the culmination of the relationship with the rather short Dr. Todd Garrett (Jason Pace). Joan’s confidence in her self-image is shaken when she pressures her boyfriend to rate her beauty and is disappointed in the answer. Later, Toni goes out with a tall date (Salley) and tries to deny her growing interest in the stunted doctor.

55 :03x11 - Santa v. Monica

First aired: Dec/16/2002
Writer: Michael B. Kaplan
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Phil Reeves (Charles Swedelson), Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks), Marilyn Love (Flight Attendant), Jason Pace (Dr. Todd Garrett), Tanner Scott Richards (Jabari Wilkes)

William must choose between playing Santa Claus for Maya’s son, Jabari (Tanner Scott Richards), or helping out his career by hosting an extravagant office holiday party set up by his power hungry girlfriend Monica (Keesha Sharp). Meanwhile, Toni becomes obsessed with her own fabulousness when her new beau gives her a doll made in her own image.

56 :03x12 - Take This Poem and Call Me in the Morning

First aired: Jan/06/2003
Writer: Lamont Ferrell, Norman Vance, Jr.
Director: Katy Garretson
Guest star: Adrian Lester (Ellis Carter), Leaf Newman (Rice), Saul Williams (Sivad), Indigo (Red Beans), Common (Omar), Michael Datcher (Mike D)

Lynn swoons over a sexy - but celibate - spoken-word peformer (Saul Williams), to the bemusement of her friends. Meahwile Joan tries to console Ellis (Adrian Lester) after his latest film bombs and he's accused of being a sellout.

57 :03x13 - Howdy Partner

First aired: Jan/07/2003
Writer: Tim Edwards
Director: Leslie Kolins-Small
Guest star: Anne-Marie Johnson (Sharon Upton Farley), David Groh (Michael Goldberg)

Swedelson (Phil Reeves) welcomes a newcomer (Anne Marie Johnson) to his law firm, while Joan and William vie for a vacant partnership position.

58 :03x14 - Single Mama Drama

First aired: Feb/03/2003
Writer: Lamont Ferrell, Norman Vance, Jr.
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Tanner Scott Richards (Jabari Wilkes), Devika Parikh (Mary), Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes), Damani Roberts (Lil' Larry), Jo D. Christopher Jonz (Sticks), Terri J. Vaughn (Tasha), T. J. Hall (Junior), Ted Michaels (Chapman)

A soon-to-be-divorced Maya finds a kindred spirit in a brassy single mother (Terri Vaughn) whose carefree attitude irritates Joan. Meanwhile William insinuates himself into Lynn's workplace. Mary: Devika Parikh. Sticks: Jo D. Jonz.

59 :03x15 - Happy Valentine's Day...Baby?

First aired: Feb/10/2003
Writer: Mara Brock Akil
Director: Ken Whittingham
Guest star: Jason Pace (Dr. Todd Garrett), Saul Williams (Sivad), Adrian Lester (Ellis Carter), Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks), Kevin Eubanks (Guitarist), Tony Lee (Server), Lisa Ann Cabasa (Sylvia)

On Valentine's Day, Joan is surprised when Ellis (Adrian Lester) discovers his ex is pregnant with his child. Toni believes that Todd (Jason Pace) thinks of her only as his ebony fantasy. Kevin Eubanks guest stars as himself.

60 :03x16 - Sex, Lies and Books

First aired: Feb/17/2003
Writer: Regina Hicks
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Bebe Moore Campbell (Herself), Jackie Collins (Herself), Marcia Clark (Herself), Jason Pace (Dr. Todd Garrett), Anne-Marie Johnson (Sharon Upton Farley), Rockmond Dunbar (Jalen), Orlando Jones (Dr. Darren Lucas), Suzanne De Passe (Herself), Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks)

Maya jumps into the single social scene by going on a blind date with Dr. Darren Isaac (guest star Orlando Jones) and making the moves on her new sexy neighbor (guest star Rockmond Dunbar). Meanwhile, Joan tries to score points with the boss (Anne-Marie Johnson) by hosting an intense book club meeting comprised of an overly elite group of women (guest stars Bebe Moore Campbell, Jackie Collins, Suzanne de Passe, Marsha Clark). Later, William takes Monica on a luxurious vacation to try to soften the blow when he confesses that he left the law firm."

61 :03x17 - A Stiff Good Man Is Easy to Find

First aired: Feb/24/2003
Writer: Keith Josef Adkins
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Denver Dowridge (Counter Guy), Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks), Anne-Marie Johnson (Sharon Upton Farley), Jason Pace (Dr. Todd Garrett)

After confessing to Monica (Keesha Sharp) his attraction to the new senior partner Sharon (Anne-Marie Johnson), William is shocked when Monica tells him to act on it in order to get back into the firm. Toni and Todd (Jason Pace) argue about marriage.

62 :03x18 - Runaway Bridesmaid

First aired: Feb/24/2003
Writer: Karin Gist
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Jason Pace (Dr. Todd Garrett), Adrian Lester (Ellis Carter)

Joan is jealous of Toni's recent engagement, and she takes out her frustration on Ellis (Adrian Lester); Toni anticipates getting gifts from her friends.

63 :03x19 - The Pact

First aired: Mar/17/2003
Writer: Kevin Marburger, Michele Marburger
Director: Katy Garretson
Guest star: Denver Dowridge (Lance), Kimberly Elise (Reesie Jackson), Linda Porter (Mrs. Nussbaum), Phil Reeves (Charles Swedelson), Timon Kyle Durrett (Brian)

When Joan's college friend-turned-enemy comes to town to be a bridesmaid in Toni's wedding, the girlfriends learn she is HIV positive.

64 :03x20 - Where Everyone Knows My Name

First aired: Apr/21/2003
Writer: Regina Hicks
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Chenoa Maxwell (Lena), Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes), George Loving Jackson (Maverick), BernNadette Stanis (Herself), Alex Thomas (Peanut Singleton)

When Maya runs into Darnell at one of their old hang outs, she is upset to learn that he has moved on with his life, both professionally and personally. William takes time off work to become a "Soul Train" dancer.

65 :03x21 - Too Much Sharin'

First aired: Apr/28/2003
Writer: Michael B. Kaplan
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Anne-Marie Johnson (Sharon Upton Farley)

When Joan tells Sharon she knows about Sharon's relationship with William, it causes rifts in Joan's relationship with William and William's relationship with Sharon.

66 :03x22 - Blood Is Thicker Than Liquor (a.k.a. Blood Is Thicker Than Water)

First aired: May/05/2003
Writer: Mark Alton Brown, Dee LaDuke
Director: Mary Lou Belli
Guest star: Jane Daly (Mrs. Alysa Garrett), Yvette Nicole Brown (Sherri Childs), Jenifer Lewis (Veretta Childs), Paul Terrell Clayton (Evan James), Karimah Westbrook (Melanie Childs), Lou Wagner (Dr. Michael Garrett), Jason Pace (Dr. Todd Garrett), Isaac Hayes (Eugene Childs)

When the bride and groom’s families first meet in an attempt to celebrate the upcoming wedding, family secrets are unveiled when Toni’s mom (guest star Jenifer Lewis) becomes too outspoken after drinking. Meanwhile, when Maya flirts with William’s new friend Evan, William tries to jeopardize the budding romance in order to prevent Maya from monopolizing Evan’s time.

67 :03x23 - The Fast Track & the Furious

First aired: May/12/2003
Writer: Susan Watanabe
Director: Leonard R. Garner, Jr.
Guest star: Karen Austin (Sandy Bickle), Ellen Geer (Elizabeth Bickle), Kimberly Elise (Reesie Jackson)

When William returns to the law firm with an obvious substantial raise, Maya realizes that he is on a much faster career track than Joan, who tries to prevent Maya from becoming William's new assistant. Meanwhile, Lynn seeks out her birth mother for support with their AIDS documentary, which features the profile of Lynn's college friend Reesie (guest star Kimberly Elise). Later, Lynn discovers surprising information about her family history.

68 :03x24 - Wedding (1)

First aired: May/19/2003
Writer: Mara Brock Akil
Director: Salim Akil
Guest star: Jenifer Lewis (Veretta Childs), Russell Hornsby (Antoine Childs), Saul Williams (Sivad), Adrian Lester (Ellis Carter), Vincent Ward (Security Guard), Lisa Ann Cabasa (Sylvia)

Toni plans a glamorous wedding weekend in a rented Malibu mansion, but finds that her obsessive and materialistic needs may be too much for her the girlfriends ... and her fiancé Todd to deal with. Meanwhile, Joan focuses on her troubled relationship with her boyfriend Ellis and abandons Toni, who on the verge of an emotional meltdown seeks solace from her father (guest star Isaac Hayes). Later, Maya makes the moves on Toni's brother, Antoine (guest star Russell Hornsby), despite the protests of Toni and Antoine's mom, Veretta (guest star Jenifer Lewis).

69 :03x25 - Wedding (2)

First aired: May/19/2003
Writer: Mara Brock Akil
Director: Salim Akil
Guest star: Jenifer Lewis (Veretta Childs), Jason Pace (Dr. Todd Garrett), Isaac Hayes (Eugene Childs), Saul Williams (Sivad), Tom Carey (Rabbi Kaplan), Russell Hornsby (Antoine Childs), Alexander Folk (Reverend Hoskins), Lou Wagner (Dr. Michael Garrett), Jane Daly (Mrs. Alysa Garrett), Adrian Lester (Ellis Carter), Karimah Westbrook (Melanie Childs), Yvette Nicole Brown (Sherri Childs)

70 :04x01 - Some Enchanted Evening

First aired: Sep/15/2003
Writer: Mara Brock Akil
Director: Leonard R. Garner, Jr.
Guest star: Malik Yoba (Brock Harris), Jason Pace (Dr. Todd Garrett), Adrian Lester (Ellis Carter), Saul Williams (Sivad)

Just when Joan thinks she might manage a steady relationship with boyfriend Ellis, she is tempted to cheat on him after a steamy encounter with a handsome stranger (Malik Yoba), who is actually Ellis’ agent. Meanwhile, Toni hunts for a house with her new husband and discovers his real financial status. Later, Lynn’s boyfriend Sivad insists that she move out of William’s house.

71 :04x02 - If It's Broke, Fix It

First aired: Sep/22/2003
Writer: Mark Alton Brown, Dee LaDuke
Director: Leonard R. Garner, Jr.
Guest star: Jason Pace (Dr. Todd Garrett), Shawn Harrison (Peaches), Jackie Harris (Woman)

Maya is envious when Joan confides in her new assistant (Shawn Harrison); Toni fears her wedding ring will be repossessed on account of Todd's poor financial state.

72 :04x03 - Snoop, There It Is

First aired: Sep/29/2003
Writer: Regina Hicks
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Dorian Gregory (Robert), Saul Williams (Sivad), Bahni Turpin (Anita)

Frustrated with Sivad's celibacy, Lynn calls his ex-girlfriend and learns of the secret he's been keeping from her; Toni works herself ragged to afford an outrageously expensive purse; William counsels Joan about her affair.

73 :04x04 - You Ain't Gotta Go Home but...You Know the Rest

First aired: Oct/06/2003
Writer: Norman Vance, Jr.
Director: Katy Garretson
Guest star: Dana Carter (Jamie), Maia Madison (Rita), Darius McCrary (Antoine Childs), Jason Pace (Dr. Todd Garrett), Mary J. Hill (Vivian)

Toni's brother Antoine (Darius McCrary) falls madly in love with Maya and refuses to budge from her bathroom until she reciprocates his feelings; Lynn plots to move back in with William; Joan is torn between Brock and Ellis.

74 :04x05 - Hopelessly Devoted to Two

First aired: Oct/13/2003
Writer: Karin Gist
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Adrian Lester (Ellis Carter), Malik Yoba (Brock Harris)

Afraid to choose between Ellis and Brock, Joan seeks Toni's advice to get out of a dinner date with the pair; Maya's free-spirited approach to her secretarial duties annoys William

75 :04x06 - Inherit the Lynn

First aired: Oct/20/2003
Writer: Michele Marburger, Kevin Marburger
Director: Katy Garretson
Guest star: Denise Dowse (Lucyruth), Tanner Scott Richards (Jabari Wilkes), Robert Cesario (Clifford), Candace Kita (Waitress), Peisha Arten (Woman)

Lynn learns a lesson in humility and true struggle after living with Maya for a week.

76 :04x07 - And Baby Makes Four

First aired: Nov/03/2003
Writer: Michael B. Kaplan
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Sandra Bernhard (Marcia), Jason Pace (Dr. Todd Garrett), Samaria Graham (Kira), Matt Samson (Employee), Dawnn Lewis (Linda Dent)

The baby shower for William's sister Linda and her pregnant girlfriend Kira turns Joan's living room into a maternity ward when Kira goes into labor, and William, the surrogate father of his sister's child, begins to question his place in the baby's life. Sandra Bernhard ("Roseanne") guest stars as Kira's midwife.

77 :04x08 - Viva Las Vegas

First aired: Nov/10/2003
Writer: Mara Brock Akil
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Ajay Vidure (Salesman), Malik Yoba (Brock Harris), Dawnn Lewis (Linda Dent)

When Brock (guest star Malik Yoba) asks Joan to go to Vegas with him, she assumes that they're running off to get married, but as she obsesses over it, she begins to get cold feet.

78 :04x09 - Between Brock and a Hard Place

First aired: Nov/17/2003
Writer: Veronica Chambers
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Anne-Marie Johnson (Sharon Upton Farley), Malik Yoba (Brock Harris), Joe Torry (Mel), Jerry McGee (Justice of the Peace), Tanner Scott Richards (Jabari Wilkes)

When Brock tells Joan that he doesn't want children, she's begins to question their future together.

79 :04x10 - Don't You Want Me Baby?

First aired: Nov/24/2003
Writer: Tim Edwards
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Jason Pace (Dr. Todd Garrett), Chuma Hunter-Gault (Greg Sparks), Tanner Scott Richards (Jabari Wilkes)

When Toni discovers that Todd kept a message from an ex-boyfriend from her, distrust and jealousy put their marriage in jeopardy.

80 :04x11 - Merry Ex-mas

First aired: Dec/15/2003
Writer: Keith Josef Adkins
Director: Mary Lou Belli
Guest star: Chenoa Maxwell (Lena), Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes), Rockmond Dunbar (Jalen), Tanner Scott Richards (Jabari Wilkes)

Maya gets into the holiday spirit when she invites her ex-husband Darnell and his new woman, Lena, to enjoy a tree trimming party with the girlfriends, but turns into a grinch when she realizes Lena has purchased Jabari an expensive Christmas gift. Later, when Maya catches Lena on a date with another man, she gives her advice on how to communicate with Darnell, but it backfires. Meanwhile, hyper holiday-spirited Joan sings sour notes when her carolers quit the group.

81 :04x12 - Prophet and Loss

First aired: Jan/12/2004
Writer: Michael B. Kaplan
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: CCH Pounder (Dr. Myers), Jill Scott (Donna Williams), Delaney Gaines (Katie), Malik Yoba (Brock Harris), Richard Kind (Peter Miller)

Joan and William listen to the advice of a mysterious street oracle (Richard Kind) who leads Joan to re-examine her relationship with Brock (Malik Yoba) and William to seek a potential new love (Jill Scott).

82 :04x13 - Comedy of Eros

First aired: Feb/09/2004
Writer: Tim Edwards
Director: Mary Lou Belli
Guest star: Greg Siff (Holden Hills), Jason Pace (Dr. Todd Garrett), Ken Michelman (Edward), Randy J. Goodwin (Davis Hamilton), Keith Josef Adkins (Theater Manager), Shannon Pence (Student), Stephen Bishop (Alex Mendoza), Adolphus Ambrose Ward (Old Man), Jill Scott (Donna Williams), Phil Abrams (Instructor)

On Valentine's Day, Joan runs into a past love (Davis) at a movie theatre, William pursues the bus stop woman (Donna) that the soothsayer guided him to, and Maya meets a pro athlete at school who won’t take no for an answer.

83 :04x14 - Leggo My Ego

First aired: Feb/16/2004
Writer: Regina Hicks
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Stephen DeCordova (Man), Julie Hagerty (Dr. Rachel Miller), Beverly Johnson (Herself), Brad Maynard (Jimmy Carter)

After Toni relentlessly tracks down her idol Beverly Johnson (guest stars as herself), she is shocked when the supermodel suggest that Toni seek psychological help from a therapist (Julie Hagerty).

84 :04x15 - Good Catch or Bad Hop?

First aired: Feb/23/2004
Writer: Norman Vance, Jr.
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Bryan Oakes Fuller (Dan), Muhleek Wright (Muhleek), Danielle Chuchran (Lily), Norman Vance III (Tre), Aaron Brumfield (Bouncer), Kent Alexander Styles-McLean (Will), Rockmond Dunbar (Jalen), Stephen Bishop (Alex Mendoza)

Maya enjoys the star treatment dating the pro athlete, but isn’t sure she’s the only girl in his life. Lynn babysits for a bunch of single moms she’s been interviewing for her new documentary while the moms go to a job fair.

85 :04x16 - On the Couch

First aired: Mar/01/2004
Writer: Mark Alton Brown, Dee LaDuke
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Jenifer Lewis (Veretta Childs), Jason Pace (Dr. Todd Garrett), Jill Scott (Donna Williams), Tracia Daye (Waitress), Julie Hagerty (Dr. Rachel Miller)

Veretta’s visit puts Toni in the middle of her mother and her husband when strife arises between Veretta and Todd. Special Guest Star: Jill Scott as Donna, Julie Haggerty as Dr. Miller, Jenifer Lewis as Veretta.

86 :04x17 - Love, Peace and Hair Grease

First aired: Mar/29/2004
Writer: Karin Gist
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Patrick Fischler (Clark), Owen Curry (Blackberry), Shawn Harrison (Peaches), Marcia Wright (Raina), Phil Reeves (Charles Swedelson), Laura Kaplan (Marsha), Anne-Marie Johnson (Sharon Upton Farley), Lamont Johnson (Ronnie (as Ernest Lamont Johnson)), Leslie Jones (Mable (as Leslie))

After Joan confides to her immediate boss (Anne-Marie Johnson) that she's unhappy, word reaches Mr. Swedelson. Elsewhere, an assignment of Maya's earns her a D from the professor, but raves from the women at the salon.

87 :04x18 - Wieners and Losers

First aired: Apr/12/2004
Writer: Regina Hicks
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Lance Roberts (Rhonda), Nicole Mansour (Missy), Charnele Brown (Beverly), Justice Pratt (Customer), Aaron Wulf (Bartender), Darmirra Brunson (Jenifer), John Churchill (Guy), Elisabeth Donaldson (Waitress), Tanner Scott Richards (Jabari Wilkes)

After William's promotion to senior partner, Joan puts her legal career on hold in favor of a new job---at the mall; Maya's fervent essay doesn't impress her professor, but inspires her classmates.

88 :04x19 - He Loves Her, He Loves Me Not

First aired: Apr/26/2004
Writer: Keith Josef Adkins
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Lisa Lang (Misa), Crystal Kwon (Tina), Jill Scott (Donna Williams), Harper Roisman (Herman), Michelle Noh (Jane), Cece Tsou (Lan), San Jones (Senior Man)

When William introduces his girlfriend Donna (guest star Jill Scott) to Joan, tensions rise as the annoying banter between Joan and William leads Donna to believe that her boyfriend William harbors deeper feelings for Joan than he is willing to admit.

89 :04x20 - A Partnerless Partner

First aired: May/03/2004
Writer: Michael B. Kaplan
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Joe Torry (Mel), Anne-Marie Johnson (Sharon Upton Farley), Elaine Kao (Sarah), Phil Reeves (Charles Swedelson), Traci Bingham (Candy), Wil Young (Lee)

William becomase a senior partner and after a date with Candy, he realizes that he misses Joan. Meanwhile, when Toni tells her girlfriends about a massage therapist’s extra satisfying massages, Maya, Lynn and even Joan make appointments to experience it for themselves.

90 :04x21 - Just the Three of Us

First aired: May/10/2004
Writer: Veronica Chambers
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Zsa Zsa Gooden (Woman), Brittney Powell (Natalie Kyle), Jason Pace (Dr. Todd Garrett), Julie Hagerty (Dr. Rachel Miller)

After another round of intense therapy with Dr. Miller (guest star Julie Hagerty), Toni finds that she is more capable of expressing her love for her friends than her husband, leaving Todd frustrated and possibly seeking comfort elsewhere. Meanwhile, Maya tries to hide her now-completed book from Joan because she fears that Joan’s pretentiousness will not allow her to relate to its subject matter

91 :04x22 - Love Thy Neighbor

First aired: May/17/2004
Writer: Michele Marburger, Kevin Marburger
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Alex Araujo (Pepito), Jason Pace (Dr. Todd Garrett), Rockmond Dunbar (Jalen)

After Maya rejects advances from her handsome neighbor Jalen (guest star Rockmund Dunbar), he gets passionately close to Lynn, until Maya erroneously finds reasons to interrupt their date. Meanwhile, Todd tells Toni that he has accepted a job in New York and wants a separation.

92 :04x23 - New York Bound (1)

First aired: May/24/2004
Writer: Mara Brock Akil
Director: Salim Akil
Guest star: Karen Austin (Sandy Bickle), Kenya Moore (Kara), Ellen Geer (Elizabeth Bickle), Lamont Johnson (Ronnie (as Ernest Lamont Johnson)), Cindy Williams (Lisa James), Lenin Lora (Lenny James), Tanner Scott Richards (Jabari Wilkes), Loni Love (Woman), Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs (Leonard James)

Maya arrives in New York to meet a publisher with a book deal offer, only to find that she must fight to maintain the integrity of her novel. Meanwhile, instead of addressing William’s impromptu kiss and declaration of love, Joan flees to New York with Toni, who’s there to track down Todd and save their marriage. Fearing her new lover may be a half-brother, Lynn seeks the truth from his mother (guest star Cindy Williams) and goes to New York in search of her real father.

93 :04x24 - New York Unbound (2)

First aired: May/24/2004
Writer: Mara Brock Akil
Director: Salim Akil
Guest star: Lamont Johnson (Ronnie (as Ernest Lamont Johnson)), Christinna Chauncey (Julie Fageaux), Jason Pace (Dr. Todd Garrett), Brittney Powell (Natalie Kyle), Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks), Federico Dordei (Albert Loya), Tanner Scott Richards (Jabari Wilkes), Karen Austin (Sandy Bickle), Katie Kreisler (Susan Park), Dayo Ade (Vendor), Mo Collins (Naisa Johnson), Ellen Geer (Elizabeth Bickle), Demond Wilson (Kenneth Miles), Amie Peterson (Hotel Clerk)

94 :05x01 - L.A. Bound

First aired: Sep/20/2004
Writer: Mara Brock Akil
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Lauren Stamile (Anya), Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks), Demond Wilson (Kenneth Miles), Jo Marie Payton (Annette Miles), Robert Machray (Otis), Aldis Hodge (Matthew), Ryan Michelle Bathe (Becky), J. David Shanks (Attendant), Shelly Desai (Cab Driver), Jason Pace (Dr. Todd Garrett), Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth (Trina)

After following William to New York City to confess her true feelings for him, Joan quickly chickens out when she sees him with his ex-girlfriend Monica, and to make matters worse, Joan gets chased around Manhattan by Trina (guest star Omarosa Stallworth), who mistakenly accuses Joan of having an affair with her girlfriend. Meanwhile, Lynn pays her birth father an unexpected visit to learn why he abandoned her as a child. Later, Toni tries to stop the airplane from leaving, convinced that her husband Todd will be coming home with her.

95 :05x02 - The Rabbit Died

First aired: Sep/27/2004
Writer: Dee LaDuke, Mark Alton Brown
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Jason Pace (Dr. Todd Garrett), Luck Hari (Nurse), Al Sharpton (Himself)

The girls think Toni is pretending to be pregnant to get Todd back and William is encouraged by Reverand Al Sharpton to fire Maya.

96 :05x03 - A Mile in Her Loubous

First aired: Oct/04/2004
Writer: Veronica Chambers
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Shawn Harrison (Peaches), Lamont Johnson (Ronnie), David Shatraw (Tim Karnewich), Tanner Scott Richards (Jabari Wilkes), Ray Campbell (Trent), Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks)

Maya signs with a literary agent to promote her book, despite Ronnie's help to get it published, so Ronnie demands a payment for his efforts. Elsewhere, Joan pretends to date a shoe salesman to make William jealous.

97 :05x04 - The J-Spot

First aired: Oct/11/2004
Writer: Michael B. Kaplan
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Patrick Fischler (Clark), Laura Kaplan (Marsha)

When Joan's dream of opening a restaurant is in jeopardy due to lack of funding, Toni turns to William, the one person she knows who can help Joan, but also the one person Joan wants nothing to do with. Meanwhile, Joan and Maya confront Lynn about her crazy behavior after seeing her take on odd jobs as a street performer and a tour guide.

98 :05x05 - Maybe Baby

First aired: Oct/18/2004
Writer: Karin Gist
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Kenya Moore (Kara), James Avery (Dr. Couch), Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks), Luck Hari (Nurse), Jason Pace (Dr. Todd Garrett)

Todd drops a bombshell on Toni during a prenatal checkup when he tells her that he wants a divorce. Elsewhere, Joan tries to sabotage William's love life by pitting two women he's dating against each other.

99 :05x06 - Too Big for Her Britches

First aired: Oct/25/2004
Writer: Tim Edwards
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: David Shatraw (Tim Karnewich), Scot Zeller (Avery)

Maya is offered a three-book deal by her publisher, so she begins to slack off at work, which forces William to fire her. Elsewhere, Toni annoys her friends with her complaints about her weight; and Lynn takes up photography with hopes of joining the paparazzi.

100 :05x07 - The Mother of All Episodes (1)

First aired: Nov/08/2004
Writer: Mara Brock Akil
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Robert Mailhouse (Georg), Christina Souza (Receptionist), Joan Pringle (Carol Hart), Tanner Scott Richards (Jabari Wilkes)

In the series' 100th episode, Joan gets a surprise visit from her mother, who gives Joan grief about her plans to open a restaurant. Elsewhere, Maya discovers that her son has been watching pay-per-view porno movies, so she decides to discuss the birds and the bees with him.

101 :05x08 - When Hearts Attack (2)

First aired: Nov/15/2004
Writer: Regina Hicks
Director: Mary Lou Belli
Guest star: Tom McCleister (Bob), Joan Pringle (Carol Hart), Iqbal Theba (Dr. Narayan)

Joan is hospitalized after a traumatic event involving her mother, then her recuperation at home is interrupted by a visit from William. Elsewhere, Lynn invites Maya to appear on her public-access show to promote her book.

102 :05x09 - Who's Your Daddy?

First aired: Nov/22/2004
Writer: Tim Edwards
Director: Mary Lou Belli
Guest star: Demond Wilson (Kenneth Miles), Cliff DeYoung (Ed Searcy), E. K. Butler (Man), Teresa Marie Sanchez (Tour Guide), Jo Marie Payton (Annette Miles)

Lynn gets a visit from her birth father (Demond Wilson) and his wife, a woman who spoils the trip by insisting they do everything she wants. Meanwhile, Lynn's adopted father shows up to check out his competition; and Toni tries to avoid signing divorce papers.

103 :05x10 - Porn to Write

First aired: Nov/29/2004
Writer: Kevin Marburger, Michele Marburger
Director: Leonard R. Garner, Jr.
Guest star: Sandra P. Grant (Pregnant Woman #1), Al Sharpton (Himself), Penn Jillette (Clem Valesco), John Ross Bowie (Ian Greenfeld), Chanet Johnson (Ellen), Phil Reeves (Charles Swedelson), Carla Toutz (Streetwalker), David Shatraw (Tim Karnewich), Caren Saiet (Pregnant Woman #2), Aixa Clemente (Woman)

Maya looks for a job after she learns that publishers aren't interested in her book, and she finds the search for employment frustrating. Elsewhere, Joan argues with William after he celebrates Thanksgiving without her. The Rev. Al Sharpton appears as himself.

104 :05x11 - All the Creatures Were Stirring

First aired: Dec/13/2004
Writer: Regina Hicks
Director: Leonard R. Garner, Jr.
Guest star: Michael Naughton (Gate Agent)

William surprises Joan with a trip to Puerto Rico for Christmas, but their holiday takes a turn for the worse when they are stranded in Cincinnati during a snowstorm. Elsewhere, Joan's pals stay in her home for the holiday and open the presents Joan bought for them, but the gifts are not what the gals expected.

105 :05x12 - P.D.A. - D.O.A.

First aired: Jan/03/2005
Writer: Mark Alton Brown, Dee LaDuke
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Malik Yoba (Brock Harris), Nate Torrence (Movie Goer), Lana Underwood (Woman), Cindy Williams (Lisa James), Michael Richard Robinson (Man)

Joan and William agree to be more affectionate in public, but William gets the cold shoulder when they see Joan's ex-boyfriend. Elsewhere, a woman tries to get Lynn to go out with her son, a man Lynn once dated.

106 :05x13 - All in a Panic

First aired: Feb/07/2005
Writer: Karin Gist
Director: Katy Garretson
Guest star: Idris Elba (Paul Raymond), Paulette Ivory (Desiree Le Grange), Jason Pace (Dr. Todd Garrett)

Joan thinks she has landed a top chef for her new restaurant, but excitement turns to hysteria when she learns that her choice is William's ex-girlfriend. Meanwhile, Toni finally comes to terms with her divorce and accepts an invitation for dinner with an ex-boyfriend Paul (guest star Idris Elba).

107 :05x14 - Great Sexpectations

First aired: Feb/14/2005
Writer: Michael B. Kaplan
Director: Roger Christiansen

When Joan tries to make her first Valentine's Day with William special, it turns into an evening of sexual awkwardness. Meanwhile, dateless on Valentine's Day, Toni, Maya and Lynn decide to spend it together and end up revealing secrets about one another.

108 :05x15 - The Way We Were

First aired: Feb/21/2005
Writer: Kevin Marburger, Michele Marburger
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Lauren Pritchard (Veronica), Lamont Johnson (Ronnie), Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes), Tanner Scott Richards (Jabari Wilkes), Charmin Lee (Jeannette), Steven Montfort (Security Guard)

When Maya's ex-husband, Darnell, comes to her book signing and congratulates her, she thinks he is interested in getting back together.

109 :05x16 - See J-Spot Run

First aired: Feb/28/2005
Writer: Veronica Chambers
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Tasha Smith (Shandara Durrani), Michelle Griffin (Caroline Lawrence), Mo'Nique (Herself)

When Joan's publicist quits on the eve of her restaurant opening, the girls are left to their own devices to try to secure a celebrity for the big night. Meanwhile, still sensitive over the break-up, Joan is upset when she believes she has also been replaced as William's best friend.

110 :05x17 - Good News, Bad News

First aired: Mar/28/2005
Writer: Shauna Robinson
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Todd Hunter (Vocalist), Tricky (Finn Robinson), Aldis Hodge (Matthew Miles), Demond Wilson (Kenneth Miles)

When Lynn's brother Matthew comes to town hoping to join a band, Lynn inadvertently steals his spotlight and gets the job offer instead.

111 :05x18 - Kids Say the Darndest Things

First aired: Apr/25/2005
Writer: Prentice Penny
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes), Tanner Scott Richards (Jabari Wilkes)

Unhappy about his father's remarriage, Jabari begins to act out and runs away, hoping to get his parents back together. Meanwhile, Lynn and Toni don't believe William is depressed over a failed smog test, so he pretends that he is sad over the Joan break-up to get them off his back.

112 :05x19 - Finn-ished

First aired: May/02/2005
Writer: Michael B. Kaplan
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Fanessa Pineda (Maria), Yvonne Caro Caro (Lupe), Tricky (Finn Robinson)

After Lynn has a brief fling with her womanizing bandmate Finn (guest star Tricky), she finds herself starting to have feelings for him. Meanwhile, William is not too thrilled when he learns that Toni has given his family's antique cradle to her housekeeper.

113 :05x20 - The Bridges of Fresno County

First aired: May/09/2005
Writer: Mark Alton Brown, Dee LaDuke
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Rain Denise Wilson (Olivia), Eileen Galindo (Suzanne), Jeanne Chinn (Patron #1), Scot Zeller (Avery), Jenifer Lewis (Veretta Childs), Roy Lee Jones (Pastor Hill), Janina Gavankar (Waitress), Gavin Glennon (Patron #2), Rocco Vienhage (Man)

When her mother Veretta (guest star Jenifer Lewis) comes for a visit and starts to act suspicious, Toni suspects that she is having an affair. Meanwhile, Joan panics when her restaurant hits its first lull.

114 :05x21 - Wedding on the Rocks

First aired: May/16/2005
Writer: Regina Hicks
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: Nyima Funk (Nurse Gwen), Alfred Dennis (Driver), Alisha Davis (Woman), Tricky (Finn Robinson), Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes), Chenoa Maxwell (Lena Turner), Dawn Wells (Herself)

The night before his wedding, Darnell, in a drunken stupor, admits to Maya that he is still in love with her. Meanwhile, Lynn agrees to an open relationship with Finn, but soon regrets that decision. Later, William and Joan share a drunk-filled night helping restore their friendship.

115 :05x22 - …With a Twist

First aired: May/23/2005
Writer: Mara Brock Akil
Director: Sheldon Epps
Guest star: John Eric Bentley (Preacher), Rudy Hornish (Rudy), Tricky (Finn Robinson), Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes), Mary Ann Jarou (Groupie #2), Chenoa Maxwell (Lena Turner), May Tan (Groupie #1), Jason Pace (Dr. Todd Garrett), Carson Elrod (Dr. Hicks), Alfred Dennis (Driver), Tanner Scott Richards (Jabari Wilkes), Hattie Winston (Nurse Helen), Nyima Funk (Nurse Gwen), G-Thang (Man)

Maya admits to her friends that she is still in love with her ex-husband, Darnell, but decides to attend his wedding and keep her mouth shut. Meanwhile, Toni has her baby. Later, Lynn confesses her true feelings to Finn and quits the band.

116 :06x01 - Fits & Starts (1)

First aired: Sep/19/2005
Writer: Mara Brock Akil
Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood
Guest star: Rebecca Creskoff (Jennifer), Jason Pace (Dr. Todd Garrett), Brendan Paul (Preacher)

After calling off his wedding to another woman, Darnell admits his true feelings for Maya, and they run off to Las Vegas to get re-married. Meanwhile, after giving birth to their daughter, Toni realizes that she and Todd may not have a future together. Also, during a hike in the mountains, Lynn encounters a despondent woman, and in a last ditch effort to make her feel better, Lynn spontaneously proposes marriage to her. Later, Joan is freaked out after spending an intimate night with William.

117 :06x02 - Odds & Ends (2)

First aired: Sep/26/2005
Writer: Regina Hicks
Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood
Guest star: Rebecca Creskoff (Jennifer), Rueben Grundy (Ben), Jill Remez (Nurse), Jason Pace (Dr. Todd Garrett)

Desperately trying to tell Jennifer that getting married is a huge mistake, Lynn digs herself in deeper when she tries to break up with Jennifer, but ends up agreeing to a wedding in Hawaii. Meanwhile, Toni and Todd struggle with the decision whether or not to stay married as Maya and Darnell confront some of their own marital issues only being back together for a week. Later, Joan is outraged when she learns that William revealed intimate details to her girlfriends about the night they spent together.

118 :06x03 - And Nanny Makes Three

First aired: Oct/03/2005
Writer: Kevin Marburger, Michele Marburger
Director: Roger Christiansen
Guest star: Lillian Hurst (Concepcion Immaculate), Jason Pace (Dr. Todd Garrett)

Completely overwhelmed by being a new mom, Toni's irresponsible behavior from accidentally locking the baby in the house alone to missing the baby's first doctor's appointment, causes Todd to take drastic action. Meanwhile, Joan is trying to deal with the fact that the J-Spot isn't doing well, and her friends don't seem to notice.

119 :06x04 - Latching on and Lashing Out

First aired: Oct/10/2005
Writer: Dee LaDuke, Mark Alton Brown
Director: Salim Akil
Guest star: Rebecca Creskoff (Jennifer), Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes), Tanner Scott Richards (Jabari Wilkes)

Joan persuades a resistant Toni that she must start breast-feeding so that the baby will become dependent on her so that Todd won't be able to get full custody of Morgan. Meanwhile, Maya and Darnell must deal with some unresolved newlywed issues when Joan offers to throw them a post-marriage party and Darnell refuses to go. Later, Jennifer thinks that Lynn is avoiding sex with her because she is secretly in love with Joan.

120 :06x05 - Judging Edward

First aired: Oct/17/2005
Writer: Vincent Brown
Director: Salim Akil
Guest star: Jonathan Biggs (Young William), Bernie Casey (Judge Edward Dent), Lynne Denise Burnett (Moviegoer)

When his mother needs an operation, William heads home to be with her, but is also faced with memories of his childhood and a father who never quite understood him. Meanwhile, the girlfriends must learn how to adjust to Toni's new lifestyle as a mom.

121 :06x06 - Everything Old Is New Again

First aired: Oct/24/2005
Writer: Tim Edwards
Director: Roger Christiansen
Guest star: Ka'Ramuu Kush (Gordon), Adrian Tibbs (Bill), Christine Lucas (Hostess #2), April Custodio (Hostess #1), Terry Savage (Rick), Melvin Van Peebles (Kenneth Daly)

As she stresses over her decision to continue with her restaurant or return to her legal career, Joan finds herself pursued by a much older man (guest star Melvin Van Peebles), but she questions whether or not she should date him because of the age difference. Meanwhile, having trouble with the pitch for her second book, Maya's publishers threaten to take back their advance.

122 :06x07 - Trial and Errors

First aired: Nov/07/2005
Writer: Karin Gist
Director: Debbie Allen
Guest star: Colin Ferguson (Eric Stone), Loretta Devine (Judge Jackson), Meredith Scott Lynn (Doreen Reznik), Melvin Van Peebles (Kenneth Daly), Noureen DeWulf (Jasmine Crane), Jason Pace (Dr. Todd Garrett), Christopher Goodson (Bailiff), Toccara Jones (Waitress)

Completely unprepared for her custody battle with Todd for their daughter, Toni is taken aback when Todd's attorney portrays her as a bad mother putting her in jeopardy of losing Morgan. Meanwhile, surprised that sex with her older boyfriend, Kenneth (guest star Melvin Van Peebles) has been so great, Joan is convinced he is taking Viagra. Later, William starts to date a much younger woman. Toccara ("AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL) guest stars as a waitress, and Loretta Devine ("Boston Public") guest stars as a family court judge.

123 :06x08 - Hot Girl on Girl Action

First aired: Nov/14/2005
Writer: Michael B. Kaplan
Director: Arlene Sanford

Trying everything in her power to put off having sex with her partner Jennifer, Lynn realizes she must make a decision one way or the other, but Jennifer surprises Lynn with something completely unexpected.

Meanwhile, Joan, Toni and Maya convince William's much younger girlfriend that he is trying to change her with his controlling ways.

124 :06x09 - Sleeping Dogs

First aired: Nov/21/2005
Writer: Kenya Barris
Director: Mary Lou Belli
Guest star: Katt Williams (Rick Beatty)

While on a blind date with one of Darnell's friends, Joan learns that Darnell may have slept with another woman the night before he re-married Maya, Meanwhile, Desperate to hang with the guys, William is excited when Darnell includes him in one of his outings.

125 :06x10 - My Business, Not Your Business

First aired: Nov/28/2005
Writer: Prentice Penny
Director: Eric Laneuville

As Joan wrestles with the future of her failing restaurant, her business partner William unexpectedly finds success turning the J-Spot into a sports bar and tries to convince her to be a part of the new venture.

Later, after seeing Joan desperate to not let her dream disappear, the girlfriends come together to try and help.

126 :06x11 - All God's Children

First aired: Dec/12/2005
Writer: Dee LaDuke, Mark Alton Brown
Director: Vito Giambalvo

After sharing the holidays with both families for Morgan's first Christmas and Hannukah, Todd offers Toni full custody of their daughter on the condition that she raises her Jewish. Later, as Toni struggles between what is best for her daughter and her faith, the girlfriends don't hesitate giving their opinions, which only confuses Toni further.

127 :06x12 - The Music In Me

First aired: Jan/16/2006
Writer: Vincent Brown
Director: Keith Truesdell
Guest star: Carolyn Hennesy (Melora Stewart), Scot Zeller (Avery), Rebecca Creskoff (Jennifer Miller)

After Lynn and Jennifer end their co-dependent friendship, Lynn feels lonely and without a focus, so the girlfriends try to get Lynn back on her feet by helping her rediscover her passion for music.

Later, fed up with working crazy hours, William's assistant turns to drastic measures to convince William to get a life outside the office.

128 :06x13 - The It Girl

First aired: Feb/06/2006
Writer: Mara Brock Akil
Director: Eric Laneuville
Guest star: Tony Yalda (Lem), Mustafa Shakir (Jevon Dennis), Wayne Brady (Derek Tyler), Barry Zito (Himself)

With the renewed success of the J-Spot, Joan lands the cover of a trendy magazine as the "It Girl" of L.A., but is then concerned that it may because she slept with the reporter.

Later, William gives Lynn a guitar so she can finally learn how to play it and start to follow her passion for music.

129 :06x14 - Work in Progress

First aired: Feb/13/2006
Writer: Prentice Penny
Director: Eric Laneuville
Guest star: Andrew Maguire (Waiter), Tanner Scott Richards (Jabari Wilkes), Christian C. Campbell (Employee), Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes)

Upset that Maya is making more money than he is, Darnell decides to sell the garage and pursue his dream of working on a NASCAR pit crew.

130 :06x15 - Oh, Hell Yes: The Seminar

First aired: Feb/20/2006
Writer: Michele Marburger, Kevin Marburger
Director: Eric Laneuville
Guest star: Burnadean Jones (Audience Member), Drew Sidora (Sage), Brian Michael Jones (Band Member), Kelly Rowland (Tammy Hamilton), Jessica Stroup (Riley)

After being rejected for a spot in two bands, Lynn's frustration grows as she tries to steal some of the limelight and attention during Maya's seminar, only to get thrown out and confronted later by Maya about her lack of commitment, Meanwhile, Joan becomes insecure when she thinks she is being upstaged by the other participants, and despite telling the attendees not to ask her for a job, Toni is approached by an ambitious young woman, Tammy Hamilton, who begs her for an internship.

131 :06x16 - Game Over

First aired: Feb/27/2006
Writer: Tim Edwards
Director: Mary Lou Belli
Guest star: Tanner Scott Richards (Jabari Wilkes), Mustafa Shakir (Jevon Dennis), Adam Mayfield (Valet), Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes)

After firing her nanny, Toni starts to lean on the usually reliable Joan, who is so caught up in her new life as the "it girl of LA" that her self-involved behavior begins to cause a strain on their friendship.

Meanwhile, when Darnell teaches William how to excel at playing video games, William becomes completely obsessed and competitive.

132 :06x17 - I'll Be There for You... But Not Right Now

First aired: Mar/27/2006
Writer: Regina Hicks
Director: Mary Lou Belli
Guest star: Terrell Tilford (Michael Daniels), Charlene Amoia (Wife), Kelly Rowland (Tammy Hamilton), Kevin Earley (Husband), Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes)

When Toni starts spending time with her old ex-boyfriend, she can't manage all the other aspects of her life: single motherhood, a custody battle, her career and her girlfriends, and realizes that something has to give, Meanwhile, when Maya and Darnell decide to buy a house, they turn to Toni, who is too busy to take a real interest in helping them. Later, Joan ditches William in favor of enjoying her new life as the "it " girl.

133 :06x18 - The Game

First aired: Apr/17/2006
Writer: Mara Brock Akil
Director: Salim Akil
Guest star: Tia Mowry (Melanie), Jennifer Baxter (Kelly), Hosea Chanchez (Malik), Wendy Raquel Robinson (Tasha), Coby Bell (Jason), Aldis Hodge (Derwin)

Joan's concerned about her cousin, Melanie (Tia Mowry), who is putting her life on hold to help her boyfriend, Derwin (Aldis Hodge), a rookie with the San Diego Sabers. Guest stars: Wendy Raquel Robinson as Tasha, Jennifer Baxter as Kelly and Shanti Lowry as Dionne.

134 :06x19 - It's Raining Men

First aired: Apr/24/2006
Director: Linda Mendoza
Guest star: Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks), Wayne Brady (Derek Tyler), Marina Sirtis (Gina Richards), Mustafa Shakir (Jevon Dennis)

Consumed with her very active social life, Joan starts dating three men, Derek, Jevon and Kurtis, at the same time, causing more problems with her relationship with Toni, Meanwhile, William signs up with an elite dating service only to be matched with his former-flame Monica.

135 :06x20 - I Don't Wanna Be A Player No More

First aired: May/01/2006
Writer: Kenya Barris
Director: Linda Mendoza
Guest star: Jason Pace (Dr. Todd Garrett), Wayne Brady (Derek Tyler), Kelly Rowland (Tammy Hamilton), Claude Brooks (Kurtis Carter), Mustafa Shakir (Jevon Dennis)

When she thinks she is ready to settle down with her basketball-player boyfriend Jevon, Joan decides to break it off with Derek (guest star Wayne Brady) and Kurtis, but she's disappointed to learn that Jevon has other ideas about their relationship, Meanwhile, after learning that her protégé Tammy (guest star Kelly Rowland) has set her up to be carjacked and put Morgan in harm's way, Toni attacks Tammy and gets thrown in jail instead.

136 :06x21 - Party Over Here

First aired: May/08/2006
Writer: Mara Brock Akil
Director: Salim Akil
Guest star: Jason Pace (Dr. Todd Garrett), Jenifer Lewis (Veretta Childs), Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks), Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes), Marina Sirtis (Gina Richards), Loretta Devine (Judge Jackson), Tanner Scott Richards (Jabari Wilkes), Wayne Brady (Derek Tyler)

Part 1 of two. Joan leaves Maya's housewarming to attend a Hollywood party, where she gets drunk and embarrasses herself. Meanwhile, William tries to convince Monica that they're meant to be together.

137 :06x22 - Ain't Nothing Over There

First aired: May/08/2006
Writer: Michael B. Kaplan
Director: Salim Akil
Guest star: Wayne Brady (Derek Tyler), Jenifer Lewis (Veretta Childs), Tanner Scott Richards (Jabari Wilkes), Marina Sirtis (Gina Richards), Jason Pace (Dr. Todd Garrett), Loretta Devine (Judge Jackson), Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks), Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes)

Toni is upset with the fact how Joan didnt keep her promise to go to the custody court. Maya and Darnell faces trouble after learning that Darnell is leaving for Florida. Lynn writes a song of how the four of them are drifting apart.

138 :07x01 - After The Storm

First aired: Oct/02/2006
Writer: Mara Brock Akil
Director: Salim Akil
Guest star: Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes), Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks), Richard T. Jones (Aaron), Kendre Berry (Jabari Wilkes)

Joan has spent the last three months working in Lousiana help Habitat for the Humanity. She returns home and discovers Toni has moved to New York and William in engaged to Monica.

139 :07x02 - In Too Deep

First aired: Oct/09/2006
Writer: Regina Hicks
Director: Salim Akil
Guest star: Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks), John Rubinstein (Dr. Wulfberg), Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes), Rob Swanson (Jason)

Joan fumes when she finds Monica running the J-Spot, and she learns that William is having doubts about marrying Monica. Meanwhile, Darnell is facing pressure from Maya to have a baby, but he doesn't want another child.

140 :07x03 - Bad Blood

First aired: Oct/16/2006
Writer: Mark Alton Brown, Dee LaDuke
Director: Salim Akil
Guest star: Kendre Berry (Jabari Wilkes), John Rubinstein (Dr. Wulfberg), Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks), Christina Vidal (Samatha)

Joan gets concerned about Maya's house becoming the main hangout of the girls. Joan also deals with having to get a personal trainer for health reasons.

141 :07x04 - Hustle & Dough

First aired: Oct/23/2006
Writer: Vincent Brown
Director: Mary Lou Belli
Guest star: Zack Ward (Mike), Taran Killam (Record Label Scout), Courtney Abbiati (Waitress), Rob Swanson (Jason Stark), Nina Storey (Herself), Tracey Amos (Herself)

Lynn tells the girls that she is performing at a club to start up her music career. She meets a record executive that wants to help her, but she realizes that he only wants sex from her. William & Joan discover money is missing from the J Spot.

142 :07x05 - Everybody Hates Monica

First aired: Oct/30/2006
Writer: Karin Gist
Director: Arlene Sanford
Guest star: Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks), Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes)

Joan learns that Maya and Lynn did not tell her about a recent outing with Toni; Joan insists on bringing Monica into the circle of friends.

143 :07x06 - If You Can't Stand The Heat, Get Out Of The Boonies

First aired: Nov/06/2006
Writer: Prentice Penny
Director: Mary Lou Belli
Guest star: Kendre Berry (Jabari Wilkes)

Maya gets concerned about Jabari's behavior that features him skipping school and stealing. Lynn thinks he's acting out as he gets use to a new enviroment and Maya balks at the concept. Until he gets arrested.

144 :07x07 - Just Joan

First aired: Nov/13/2006
Writer: Gregory Storm
Director: Salim Akil
Guest star: Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks)

William tires to hide the fact that he was married to Lynn from Monica as Joan gets use to being single.

145 :07x08 - Karaoke-Dokee

First aired: Nov/20/2006
Writer: Kevin Marburger, Michele Marburger
Director: Salim Akil
Guest star: Big Boi (Himself), Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks)

Lynn has resorted to signing at karaokee bar to help her singing career. Monica tries ways to have fun with William like he and Joan seem to.

146 :07x09 - He Had A Dream

First aired: Nov/27/2006
Writer: Dee LaDuke, Mark Alton Brown
Director: Roger Christiansen
Guest star: Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes), Big Boi (Himself), Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks), Kendre Berry (Jabari Wilkes)

Maya continues to have trouble with Jabari and things get worst when she fights with Darnell over the phone. Lynn and Big Boi clash over thier music as William and Monica battle over seating for thier wedding.

147 :07x10 - I'll Have A Blue Line Christmas

First aired: Dec/11/2006
Writer: Regina Hicks
Director: Debbie Allen
Guest star: Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes), Richard T. Jones (Aaron), Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks)

Joan reunites with Aaron after he returns to the city from New Orleans. Joan goes on a date with him and looks for what is wrong with the date. Maya and Darnell deal with thier neighbors Christmas spirit.

148 :07x11 - Wrong Side of the Tracks

First aired: Jan/22/2007
Writer: Vincent Brown
Director: Mary Lou Belli
Guest star: Big Boi (Himself), Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes)

Lynn considers leaving Los Angeles after learning Big Bio can't use her music. Darnell has to deal with the new owner of his garage.

149 :07x12 - I Want My Baby Back

First aired: Jan/29/2007
Writer: Kevin Marburger, Michele Marburger
Director: Debbie Allen
Guest star: Jordan-Claire Green (Kelly), Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks), Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes), Devon Keaton (Andy), Kendre Berry (Jabari Wilkes)

Maya isn't too happy to learn from Darnell about Jabari's sexual activity. Meanwhile William wants Lynn to give sex tips to Monica.

150 :07x13 - Hot For Preacher

First aired: Feb/05/2007
Writer: Karin Gist
Director: Vito Giambalvo
Guest star: Kadeem Hardison (Eldon Perry), Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks)

Lynn discovers the guy she is seeing is a preacher as Maya and Joan try to have a truce with Monica.

151 :07x14 - Time to Man Up

First aired: Feb/12/2007
Writer: Prentice Penny
Director: Eric Laneuville
Guest star: Richard T. Jones (Aaron), Carl Anthony Payne (Ray), China Jesusita Shavers (Alicia), Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks), Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes)

Maya thinks that her new neighborhoods are having an abusive relationship. Joan discovers Aaron doesn't like Valentine's Day.

152 :07x15 - Willie He or Won't He III: This Time It's Personal

First aired: Feb/19/2007
Writer: Michael B. Kaplan
Director: Millicent Shelton
Guest star: Kendre Berry (Jabari Wilkes), Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks), Phil Reeves (Charles Swedelson), Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes)

William accidently reveals that he has doubts about marrying Monica. Meanwhile Maya is upset that Darnell knew about it all along and never told her.

153 :07x16 - What Had Happened Was....

First aired: Feb/26/2007
Writer: Karin Gist
Director: Mary Lou Belli
Guest star: Troy Winbush (Kieth Atwood), Richard T. Jones (Aaron), Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks)

Aaron and Joan try to come clean about thier past relationships as William deals with his breakup with Monica.

154 :07x17 - Church Lady

First aired: Mar/19/2007
Writer: Michele Marburger, Kevin Marburger
Director: Keith Truesdell
Guest star: Kadeem Hardison (Eldon Perry), Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes)

Lynn continues her quest to win over Perry as William continues his "revenge" on the girls for ruining his marriage by not talking to them.

155 :07x18 - Operation Does She Yield

First aired: Mar/26/2007
Guest star: Jonelle Allen (Mrs. Brooks), Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks)

The girls go to Chicage and attempt to get Monica to return to William. In thier quest they discover that Monica is broke and cutoff form her family funds.

156 :07x19 - A Dingo Ate My Dream House

First aired: Apr/23/2007
Writer: Shawn Thomas, Lorin Wertheimer
Director: Roger Christiansen
Guest star: Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes), Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks Dent)

Darnell wants to move back to the city, however Maya doesn't want to. Her reason isn't revealed until Joan and Lynn discover that she is pregnant.

157 :07x20 - A House Divided

First aired: Apr/30/2007
Writer: Mark Alton Brown, Dee LaDuke
Director: Keith Truesdell
Guest star: Richard T. Jones (Aaron), Kadeem Hardison (Eldon Perry), Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes)

Now that Eldon has decided to choose Lynn as his girlfriend, he faces opposition form his church members. Joan and Aaron decided to buy a house together and end up having thier first fight.

158 :07x21 - To Be Determined…

First aired: May/07/2007
Writer: Mara Brock Akil, Regina Hicks
Director: Salim Akil
Guest star: Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks Dent), Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes), Kendre Berry (Jabari Wilkes), Malik Yoba (Brock Harris), Richard T. Jones (Aaron)

Joan and Aaron work on Aaron's new house, Joan asked Aaron to marry him. The reply has her reevaluate her relationships as an old boyfriend returns.

159 :07x22 - It's Been Determined

First aired: May/07/2007
Writer: Regina Hicks, Mara Brock Akil
Director: Salim Akil
Guest star: Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes), Michael Warren (Bill Clayton), Malik Yoba (Brock Harris), Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks Dent), Charmin Lee (Jeannette), Pooch Hall (Derwin Davis), Lamont Johnson (Ronnie), Ken Cosby (Brian), Kendre Berry (Jabari Wilkes), Shawn Harrison (Peaches), Tia Mowry (Melanie), Joan Pringle (Carol Hart), Richard T. Jones (Aaron), Phil Reeves (Charles Swedelson), Jamil Walker Smith (Kenny (Listed as Jamil Walker)), Mara Brock Akil (Law School Friend)

Maya and Darnell find thier dream home and must debate on whether to buy it or Darnell's old garage. Joan deals with feelings about Aaron and Brock as Aaron decides on his future.

160 :08x01 - Range of Emotions

First aired: Oct/01/2007
Writer: Mara Brock Akil
Director: Debbie Allen
Guest star: Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks Dent), Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes), Richard T. Jones (Aaron), Kendre Berry (Jabari Wilkes)

Aaron and Joan have a major fight over a new kitchen range, that Joan bought without talking to Aaron.

161 :08x02 - Baghdad, My Bad

First aired: Oct/08/2007
Writer: Regina Hicks
Director: Debbie Allen
Guest star: Richard T. Jones (Aaron)

Joan kidnaps Aaron and whisks him away to Mexico in an effort to prevent his departure for Iraq; and Maya discovers marijuana in the house and assumes it belongs to Jabari.

162 :08x03 - Where Did Lynn-digo?

First aired: Oct/15/2007
Writer: Michele Marburger, Kevin Marburger
Director: Debbie Allen
Guest star: Kendre Berry (Jabari Wilkes), Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks Dent), Quddus (Xander), Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes)

Lynn meets a handsome student from UCLA who asks her to perform at a pro-environment rally, but she's torn when she gets a gig at the House of Blues for the same day. Meanwhile, Maya hears Jabari use the “B” word.

163 :08x04 - Losing It

First aired: Oct/22/2007
Writer: Mark Alton Brown, Dee LaDuke
Director: Millicent Shelton
Guest star: Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes), Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks Dent)

Maya puts her pregancy at risk as she deals with writers block and calls from her publisher. Joan discovers renting her apartment to William, Monica and Lynn isn't the best thing to do.

164 :08x05 - Good Grief

First aired: Oct/29/2007
Writer: Prentice Penny
Director: Millicent Shelton
Guest star: Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks Dent), Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes)

The friends worry about Maya when she accuses Darnell of blaming her for a recent tragedy. Meanwhile, Monica and William prepare for their first dinner party.

165 :08x06 - Spree to Be Free

First aired: Nov/05/2007
Writer: Karin Gist
Director: Millicent Shelton
Guest star: Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks Dent)

Joan takes Maya shopping as a form of therapy, but Maya realizes Joan's the one who needs consoling. Meanwhile, Monica tells William she's pregnant, but his response isn't what she expected.

166 :08x07 - Snap Back

First aired: Nov/12/2007
Writer: Golden Brooks
Director: Mary Lou Belli
Guest star: Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks Dent), Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes)

Darnell is worried that Maya is still having trouble dealing with the death of their baby. Lynn discovers that a record label wants to sign her and William fears his sex life is now over since Monica is expecting.

167 :08x08 - Save The Last Dance

First aired: Nov/19/2007
Writer: Vanessa Middleton
Director: Mary Lou Belli
Guest star: Quddus (Xander), Obba Babatundé (Ray)

While taking Maya, Joan and William out for a night on the town, Lynn runs into Xander. Who still hasn't forgiven her for baling out on him and his rally.

168 :08x09 - R-E-S-P-E-C-T, Find Out What It Means To William"

First aired: Nov/26/2007
Writer: Michael B. Kaplan
Director: Mary Lou Belli
Guest star: Phil Reeves (Charles Swedelson), Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks Dent)

William considers leaving the firm as he feels disrespected at work. Maya starts to write a neighborhood newsletter as Joan feels Lynn doesn't like her housewarming gift.

169 :08x10 - Deck the Halls With Bags and Folly

First aired: Dec/10/2007
Writer: Regina Hicks
Director: Debbie Allen
Guest star: Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes), Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks Dent)

Joan holds a fund-raiser to earn money for a holiday party for the support group of relatives for the soldiers in Iraq. Meanwhile, Monica learns of William's holiday traditions.

170 :08x11 - Adapt to Adopt

First aired: Feb/04/2008
Writer: Mark Alton Brown, Dee LaDuke
Director: Debbie Allen
Guest star: Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes)

Maya and Darnell consider adopting a child while a neighborhood meeting presents them with the chance.

171 :08x12 - What's Black-A-Lackin'?

First aired: Feb/11/2008
Writer: Michele Marburger, Kevin Marburger
Director: Tracee Ellis Ross
Guest star: Khalil Kain (Darnell Wilkes), Evan Ross (Marco), Chrisette Michele (Herself), Keesha Sharp (Monica Charles Brooks Dent)

William and Monica battle over learning the sex of the baby. Lynn deals with the fact she might not be marketable to Blacks.

172 :08x13 - Stand and Deliver

First aired: Feb/11/2008
Writer: Prentice Penny
Director: Debbie Allen
Guest star: Kendre Berry (Jabari Wilkes)

Maya helps Joan try to reach Aaron's kids, as she tries to read them a letter Aaron wrote to his students. William tries to teach Jabari how to drive.