Necessity Is a Mother

what happens

Dylan cannot stand the fact that his free-spirited mother, Iris, has moved in with him. He begins drinking, skips school, and spends all of his time at a pool hall. Brenda resents Iris for abandoning Dylan as a child, and for trying to step in and control his every move. Cindy, however, forms a bond with Iris and joins her for a number of new-age experiences. Brandon tries to watch over Dylan, who loses a lot of money in a pool game and is beaten when he can't pay off the debt. Although she wants to be a part of her son's life, Iris realizes that her presence is only hurting Dylan. She decides to return to Hawaii, and sets up a trust fund for Dylan with money Jack had once paid her to stay away. Brandon takes Dylan to an AA meeting. After Donna displays a knack for picking stocks in an economics assignment, Steve talks her into investing in the market with him. Music: ""Mother-in-Law"" by Ernie K-Doe (#1, 1961); ""Born Under a Bad Sign"" by Albert King

who made it

directed

Jefferson Kibbee

guest cast

Billed for this episode only — the turn people remember an episode for.

• Joe E. Tata as Nat Bussichio
• Darwyn Carson as Bank Teller
• Stephanie Beacham as Iris McKay
• Craig Hurley as Bobby Falcone
• Nick Toth as Economics Teacher
• JJay Arlen Jones as Bartender