Factual error: When Reese Witherspoon's character is sitting at the desk reading, there is a cheerleading trophy and the cheerleader on it is wearing a mini skirt, - they didn't have mini skirts on the cheerleading outfits then. (01:08:20)
Factual error: You can see the 3 point line painted out on the basketball court, they never had 3 point lines in the 50s. (00:21:55)
Factual error: The flag on the fire engine has 50 stars on it. In 1958, the US had 48 states. (Alaska and Hawaii joined in Jan and Aug of 1959 respectively). NB. the flag shown outside the school earlier in the film is correct. (00:48:45)
Factual error: When the townspeople try to undo the changes brought about by David and Jennifer's presence, they declare that only certain recordings will be permitted, including those of Jack Jones. The action takes place in 1958. Jack Jones did not sign his first record contract until 1959.
Answer: We don't see much of the "real world" after David returns other than his conversation with his mother. I am sure in time she would have been worried but there seem to be many unanswered questions which might make it not so simple.
Lummie ★
Considering that a couple of days in Pleasantville turned out to be just an hour in the real world, it's possible Jennifer could spend 3-4 years in uni and cone back with it being just a weekend in the real world. David could just make up something in that period she's gone.
Actually if a couple of days is just an hour than 3-4 years is more than 2 weeks.
lionhead