4. Cory's Alternative Friends

Complete story — includes the ending

Shawn and Cory are partners for a presentation about air pollution in Mr. Feeny's class, but turn it into an off-topic discussion about the Philadelphia Phillies. Mr. Feeny blames himself for letting Cory and Shawn become partners. For their next assignment, Mr. Feeny assigns the partners. Shawn is partnered up with Minkus and is thrilled because he will do all of the work. Meanwhile, Cory is not so thrilled with his partner Topanga Lawrence, a hippie nerd who it part of the "out-cast" group and sits with the "weird-kids" at lunch. Cory tries to persuade Mr. Feeny, but he made his decision. At lunch, Cory hears some girls talking about a "total Brillo-head" and thought that they were talking about him. Later, Topanga goes to Cory's house to make him sign a petition to stop the librarian from retiring. When Topanga leaves, Cory informs Shawn about his "hair problem", and they call Shawn's sister and get something to straighten his hair. Cory and Topanga work on their project with Cory wanting a quick presentation, while Topanga wants to go to the performing arts route. Topanga them performs a poem and tells Cory that he shouldn't be embarrassed to show his true self. Topanga tells Cory that she doesn't care when people make fun of her, and that Cory blends in well. Cory tricks Topanga into leaving. Cory and Shawn check his hair and are shocked when his hair turns out different because they left the chemicals in too long. Cory decides not to go to school, but Alan and Amy refuse. At school, everyone makes fun of and laughs at Cory's hair and he sits at the "Weird-Kids lunch table". Cory helps Topanga and her friends to get their petition for the school librarian. Despite he is embarrassed of his hair, Cory doesn't want to let Topanga and his new friends down. After they finished their goal, Minkus and everyone else left, while Cory and Topanga shared their first kiss ever, with Cory handcuffed to a locker. Cory is so embarrassed and shocked. Cory's hair returns to normal, and he confronts the girls who were talking about him, and realize they were talking about another boy. Topanga and Cory share a look, with Topanga showing off her new red baseball cap. Guest stars: Danielle Fishel as Topanga, Marla Sokoloff as Paige, Megan Parlen as Barbara, Katie Jane Johnston as Hillary, Marty York as Larry, Sam Horrigan as Student #1, Chris Owen as Ned Note: Danielle Fishel as Topanga Lawrence (later Matthews), is a recurring character for the first season, but starting in season 2, Danielle Fishel joined the main cast as Topanga, and is credited in the opening credits.