The mother (Claire) on this show always appears to be either mad or sly...like she's up to something or secretly about to kill or seduce someone...does anyone else get this impression?? She talks to everyone with a stern attitude and seems like she's trying to intimidate the others in a crafty manner....WHY???

Didn't you mean to post this topic on The Cosby Show board instead of the Cosby board? Ruth is the name of the character that Phylicia Rashad played on Cosby. She was Clair on The Cosby Show.

Oh yeah whoops you're right, thanks DJ!!!