Feather in the Storm

Jerri attempts to balance her desire to be on the debate team with her growing eating disorder in this installment of the irreverent Comedy Central series. Confessing her desire to join the debate team to Mr. Noblot (Stephen Colbert), the hungry teacher reveals that Jerri must lose some weight before she signs on to the team, as appearance is a major factor in winning debates. At first taking Mr. Noblot's advise to heart, his words are soon forgotten as Jerri and Toby (Devin Palmer) race to see who can be the first to the cafeteria for empanadas. Subsequently self-conscious about her weight, Jerri decides to embark on a strict diet despite the fact that the Blanks have invited over family meat man Stew (David Pasquesi) for dinner that night. Noticing that Jerri has become deathly thin the following day at school, Mr. Jellineck (Paul Dinello) warns Jerri of the dangers of purging despite the fact that he frequently does so regularly. Having never even considered this option, Jerri decides that this would be a great way to lose weight, and Mr. Jellineck's warning actually encourages her to take up the practice. Jerri's debating skills are noticeably sharpened by her new appearance, but Mr. Jellineck nevertheless decides to take his concerns to Jerri's stepmother, Sara (Deborah Rush). Shocked that Jerri has been stealing her appetite suppressants, diuretics, and suppositories, Sara decides to send Jerri to bed without dinner as punishment. Passing out from malnutrition-induced exhaustion during a debate with Lizzie (Ellen Pompeo) the following day, Mr. Jellineck organizes an intervention with Jerri's family and Stew to take place later that evening. Though Jerri has clearly relished being the center of attention through the crisis, Mr. Jellineck appears with a special dinner to celebrate her newfound appetite.