Frankie makes a deal with her kids, that if they do their homework and keep chores she won't nag them. Meanwhile, Mike takes a job as a night driver with Bob.

While Frankie's parents Tag and Pat visit for Christmas, Mike is less than thrilled. To make matters worse, the Hecks have a disagreement with them over Frankie's idea on how to celebrate the holiday without exchanging presents

Frankie rescues a lost dog and takes solace in the unconditional love she receives; Sue surprises her parents when she makes the volleyball team; Axl asks Brick for help with school.

Mike and Frankie agree to house-sit for Frankie's sister in hope of having a romantic, kid-free weekend; Axl, Darrin and Sean go on a road trip.

Frankie acts like a teenager when she hangs out with Pam Staggs, a former classmate who was popular in high school. Meanwhile, Brick surprises Mike by winning an athletic award; Sue pursues some odd hobbies; and Axl seeks a date with Devin Levin.

Each member of the Heck family finds themselves in situations reminiscent of "The Twilight Zone."

Frankie clashes with a coworker at her Thanksgiving job, Sue offers to work to see a guy she likes, Axl has an embarrassing moment at the bar, and Mike and Brick are bored at home after a blackout.

Frankie decides that April is not good enough to be with Axl and does anything she can to keep her out of the annual family Christmas photo. Frankie must fight for Axl's attention when he announces that he will be spending Thanksgiving with April.

Trashy neighbor Rita Glossner talks an apprehensive Frankie into taking a road trip to an unknown destination. Mike takes an embarrassing fall at the quarry and has to deal with even more embarrassment when OSHA is called in to investigate. Sue attempts to convince Axl to end his estrangement with the family after learning their true feelings about April.

Frankie becomes sad when her doctor informs her that her ovaries are shriveled up, which means her days of having kids are over. In an attempt to cheer her up, Mike offers to have him and Frankie babysit the neighbor's baby overnight, which puts some perspective on being an older parent. Meanwhile, Sue and Axl are a bit shocked when romantic sparks fly between Sean Donahue and Sue's roommate Lexie; and Brick tries his best to hone up on his font knowledge when he meets Gibson, a worthy font opponent.

It's the Orson showdown of the century when the Hecks - along with the Donahues and Bill Norwood - wage a war against the Glossners after they steal Sue's car.