It's 1956 Brooklyn, where Jules and Sophie Berger live in the same apartment as their daughter, son-in-law, and two grandchildren, who experience meaningful events in this opener: his budding social life separates 14 year-old Alan from his less mature friends, while 9 year-old Nathaniel meets Dodger great Gil Hodges.

For Sophie, the funeral of her Uncle Ira (whom no one really liked) requires total family attendance—on the Sunday of Alan's Dodger game date with Katie Monahan.