Little White Lies Part 2
Original air date: May 17, 2004

What's the message: It's all about forgiveness.

What's up with Pete: He avoids seeing Maria, the foreign exchange student who is staying with the Camdens. He thinks Maria wants to be his girlfriend and he doesn't like her in that way. He tells Vic about his problem with Maria, and Vic tells him he's nuts. Meanwhile, Maria is packing for home. She wants to leave the U.S. because nobody likes her.

What's up with Martin: Cecilia won't talk to him about their breakup. Mac stops by to apologize for his part in their breakup and informs Martin that Cecelia has been talking to Simon. When Cecilia still refuses to talk to him, he has lunch with her dad instead.

What's up with Cecelia: Her father encourages her to apologize to Martin. Simon calls her but she doesn't talk to him for long and she doesn't tell him about Martin and her troubles.

What's up with Matt: He skips church in order to spend more time with Heather. He asks Heather what she wants out of their newfound relationship. She says she'd like to do it all over again and not marry the man she married. Matt tells her he's going to ask Sarah for a divorce.

What's up with Chandler: Jeffery's tutor, Kendall informs Chandler that she can't tutor Jeffery anymore if Chandler wants to date her. He tells her he's not interested in her as a girlfriend - plus she already has a boyfriend. They agree that they don't like each other. However, later in the day Kendall shows up and kisses Chandler passionately. Jeffery catches them kissing, and so does Kendall's boyfriend, Sean.

What's up with Lucy and Kevin: They are arguing again. However, they both learn what Roxanne is up to, and it's not a promotion.

What is up with Carlos: Mary is in labor and he's frustrated because she refuses to let any family members come to the hospital. However, Sarah finds out and Carlos asks her to call Eric and Annie to let them know about Mary.

How it all ends up: On Vic's advice, Pete apologizes to Maria. Maria explains that false rumors about her reputation have spread around the school and she just wants to leave. Pete convinces her to stay and tells her that he and Ruthie will be her friends. She agrees to stay. Vic announces he has taken a job in Glenoak and is moving. Paris kisses Vic after hearing the news.

Cecelia tells Martin she's sorry about their fight, but she wants to break up with him because she doesn't love him. Martin thinks she is breaking up with him in order to be with Simon who is on his way home for the summer. Simon arrives and finds Cecilia crying. She tells him about her breakup with Martin and he asks if that means there's a chance for him. She tells Simon she's not sure. They hug while Martin looks on from the house.

When Sarah calls Eric to tell them the news, Matt answers the phone and he and Sarah fight again. However, Matt doesn't ask her for a divorce. Later, he tells Heather that he still loves Sarah and is flying back to New York that night to see her (and Mary too). When he goes home to pack, Sarah is there. They agree to fix their marriage even if it means Matt has to get a new job in New York.

Kendall tells Chandler that she has just been accepted into business school in Pennsylvania and she asks him and Jeffery to join her there.
Lucy and Kevin learn that Roxanne is joining the Army and wants to go to Iraq. She finds out soon if she's passed the test. Lucy tells Kevin she wants to have a baby right away. Kevin says OK. Then Lucy admits she's already pregnant. Kevin faints.

Eric and Annie arrive in New York and Carlos introduces them to their grandson: Charles Miguel - named after both of their grandfathers who've passed away. [Back to top]

Little White Lies Part 1
Original air date: May 10, 2004

What's the message: Lies will catch up with you.

What's up Matt: He and Sarah are back together. However, Sarah stays behind in New York to retake a class while Matt returns to Glenoak. On the plane back home, Matt runs into his ex-girlfriend, Heather. Matt tells her his marriage is on the rocks. Heather admits she's been divorced for 3 months. They both agree that they enjoyed seeing each other and want to do so again. Matt invites her to dinner. Later, Matt tells Eric he's having dinner with Heather - 'just as friends.' Eric asks Matt if he plans to tell Sarah about having dinner with Heather.

What's up with Martin and Cecilia: Martin learns, through his friend, Mac, that everyone in school and on the baseball team believes that Martin and Cecilia are having sex. Martin tells Mac that they are not doing it. Martin tells Cecilia what Mac thought and Cecilia is extremely upset that Martin was discussing their personal relationship with Mac.

What's up with Chandler: He needs to get a tutor for Jeffery and asks for Eric's help. Chandler meets the tutor, Kendall, who is extremely pretty. Chandler thinks Eric has set him up, and that Kendall is really dating material - not a tutor. Much to Jeffrey's dismay, Chandler doesn't hire Kendall. Chandler learns from Eric that Kendall is extremely smart and a very apt tutor.

What's up with Lucy and Kevin: Roxanne is too busy to go out with Lucy and Lucy thinks she's up to something. Kevin insists he doesn't know what Roxanne is up to. Lucy pokes around and thinks she knows what Roxanne is up to: She's going to take the test to become a detective. Lucy thinks Kevin should be the one to be promoted before Roxanne. Kevin says he's happy being on the beat right now and doesn't want a promotion. He warns Lucy to stay out of it - again!

What's up with Ruthie: She neglects to tell her parents that she has volunteered to host a foreign exchange student from Mexico, Maria. Maria shows up on the Camden's doorstep and is greeted by a very confused Annie.

What's up with Carlos (Mary's husband): He convinces Annie not to visit the very pregnant Mary yet. He says if she comes to visit, then his whole family will want to come to and he's not ready for that. He races to the hospital after getting a call that Mary is there. However, once he gets there, Mary is already gone. Back at home, he calls the hospital because Mary is in active labor.

How will it all end up? Issues to be continued…..
Peter answers a phone call at the Camdens' (it's Sarah looking for Matt) not knowing any better, Peter tells Sarah Matt is out with Heather. …
Matt and Heather hesitantly decide to go ahead with their dinner plans. …
Cecilia breaks up with Martin and then Simon calls - announcing he's coming home for the summer. …
Chandler apologizes to Kendall and she agrees to tutor Jeffery. She tells Chandler that Jeffrey is actually gifted and she wants to come up with a plan to help him get his grades up. Later, Kendall introduces Jeffery and Chandler to her boyfriend. Jeffery and Chandler are clearly disappointed that she has a boyfriend. …
Kevin continues to be angry at Lucy for her meddling. No one knows for sure what Roxanne is up to….
Ruthie admits she wanted to host the foreign exchange student because she wants to study in Mexico next semester. Maria flirts with Pete. …
Following the advice from the hospital, Carlos calls 9-1-1. …[Back to top]

Lost and Found
Original air date: May 3, 2004

For more information on The Lost Boys, visit www.lostboysofsudan.com.

What's the message: We all feel lost sometimes, but someone always comes along to help you realize that you are not truly lost.

What's up with Peter and Ruthie: They are on their umpteenth field trip to the zoo. Ruthie says she feels like humans are really captives living in their own zoo. As everyone is lining up to take the bus back to school, Peter convinces Ruthie to grab a hot dog -- assuming the bus will not leave on time. However, the bus does leave without them. Peter, who is already in trouble with his parents, doesn't want to call home for help. He convinces Ruthie that they can take the train home. But, they get lost for hours trying to get to the train. Ruthie stops two men on the street to ask them for help.

What's up with Chandler: He is having difficulty juggling his work responsibilities and taking care of Jeffery. Jeffery is struggle in school and not doing his homework. He just whines and wants Chandler to do his homework for him. Eric offers a sympathetic ear, but Chandler says Eric wouldn't understand juggling a family and a job.

What's up with Cecilia and Martin: They argue when Cecilia refuses to blow off work to spend time with Martin, and he refuses to blow off baseball practice to spend time with her. The fight causes Martin to screw up at practice and the coach blasts him - telling him he had better focus more on the game and less on his girlfriend. Cecilia gets in trouble at work when her father catches her chatting on the phone with Martin.

What's up with Kevin and Lucy: Kevin and Roxanne are going on a plain-clothes police assignment. Lucy is miffed because she needed Kevin's help with household stuff. Lucy complains to Annie that she feels overwhelmed with schoolwork and housework - but Annie suggests maybe she's really a little jealous of Kevin spending time with Roxanne. Meanwhile, Kevin and Roxanne are bored sitting in a car during their stakeout. When Roxanne's foot falls asleep, she convinces Kevin to rub it - and she offers to rub his aching neck.

What's up with Eric: He struggles to come up with a sermon topic. When Annie asks him to help out by picking up the dry cleaning, he says he's way to busy with work to do that. Annie is annoyed, but is understanding.

How it all ends up: Chandler spends time helping Jeffery with his homework. Chandler calls Eric to thank him for helping him out and covering for him.

Lucy decides she needs to apologize to Kevin by bringing a pie to him while he and Roxanne are on their stake out. She arrives in time to see Kevin massaging Roxanne's feet and thinks the worst. She smashes the pie into their windshield. Later, they argue at home.

Ruthie calls Eric and he sets out to pick them up. While Ruthie and Pete wait for Eric, they learn more about the men who have helped them. They are Jacob and Nicodemus, from the Sudan. They explain that they are "Lost Boys" - part of a group of orphaned children from the Sudan who were rescued by a miracle. They explain they, along with thousands of boys no older than 11, wandered around Africa after a deadly civil war forced them to flee for their lives. Many of the children died. The Lost Boys explained they walked more than 1,000 miles, sometimes eating weeds and mud to survive before they reached a United Nations refugee camp. They explain they are now very, very lucky. When Eric arrives to pick up Ruthie and Pete, he thanks Jacob and Nicodemus and asks them if he can give them money. Instead of money, they ask for Eric's prayers - for peace and for an end to slavery.

In his sermon, Eric tells the congregation of the story of the Lost Boys. He quotes lost boy Jacob (who is in the church with other lost boys): "I may be called a lost boy, but I was never lost to God." [Back to top]

High and Dry
Original air date: April 26, 2004

What's the message: It's not necessary to drink alcohol to fit in or to make yourself feel better.

What's up with Peter: He makes plans to meet up with some guy friends at school later that night. When Ruthie asks him if he's available to help her babysit the twins, he lies to her and tells her he's going out with his father. However, later, Paris calls Ruthie and asks to speak to Peter and they both realize he has lied to them. They freak out about him being missing.

What's up with Ruthie: She's having a bit of a tough time babysitting the twins, who get into a fight and Sam decides he's moving into Simon's room. To make matters worse, Ruthie gets the call from Paris whose looking for Pete. Ruthie springs into action and calls Eric and Annie, Kevin and Lucy to come home.

What's up with Lucy and Kevin: It's their first wedding anniversary. They go out to a fancy dinner and Kevin orders a $200 bottle of champagne, but Lucy refuses to drink. Lucy wants to discuss a 5-year plan for their marriage. Kevin doesn't want to discuss their future, he just wants to enjoy the night. Lucy says she'll drink a glass of champagne if he'll discuss their future. However, their dinner is interrupted when Ruthie calls, requesting Kevin and Lucy come home to help look for Peter.

What's up with Jeffery and Chandler: Jeffery is spending the night at Chandler's because his grandma is in the hospital for tests. Nosey Jeffery sees an open bottle of wine in Chandler's refrigerator. He reminds Chandler of his promise not to drink and makes Chandler dump out the wine. Later Jeffery finds a bottle of brandy in a cabinet and Chandler explains it's a very, very expensive bottle of brandy that was given to him by his father. Chandler says the bottle reminds him of his father - and how he doesn't want to be like him. He refuses to dump the bottle's contents down the drain. Jeffrey asks Chandler why he hasn't asked him why it's so important that there be no alcohol around.

What's up with Martin and Cecilia: They discuss the possibility of her going away to college in the fall and/or his moving away when his father returns. Martin suggests that they should cool their relationship before it gets any more serious. He tells her he's worried about her going away to college and drinking and partying. She tells him she's not a drinker, even if her friends are.

How it all ends up: Chandler asks Jeffery why he doesn't want alcohol around. Jeffery explains that his mother had problems with drugs and she was never in control. Now, she's not around. Jeffrey tells Chandler that he's surprised Chandler needs alcohol to remind him he's a good person. After Jeffrey says goodnight, Chandler dumps out the bottle of brandy.

Kevin tells Lucy he's ready to talk about their future, but Lucy tells him she doesn't want to - she just wants to think about tonight.

Cecilia and Martin realize they don't want to cool off their relationship - they tell each other they love each other and don't want to give up on their relationship.

Eric and Kevin set out to look for Pete and Eric convinces Paris that she should involve Vic in the search. Vic comes along, but is annoyed that Kevin has alcohol on his breath. They find Peter in a park with his friends. Pete has been drinking.

Back at home, Peter tells Paris and Vic he's sorry, but he only tried a little bit of beer and didn't like it. Vic tells Peter that's exactly how he started drinking - but he was a year older that Peter is now. He tells Peter that he didn't like beer at first either, but as the years went on, and he drank more and more, he lost more and more of his life. In tears, he tells Peter that not a day goes by that he doesn't wish that he didn't take that first drink. Vic tells Peter that he won't have to quit drinking if he doesn't ever start drinking.

Before he's put on restriction, Peter calls Ruthie to apologize. Ruthie tells Peter she loves him and still wants him to be her boyfriend, but she will always look at him differently now. Peter tells her that he's not going to drink again, and to help he's going to start attending Ala-Teen meetings. [Back to top]

No Place Like It
Original air date: April 20, 2004

What's the message: Home is not necessarily a physical place, but a place in your heart.

What's up with Lucy and Kevin: They want to buy old Mr. Sugg's house which is right down the street from the Camden's house. However, they learn there's already a bid on the house. Lucy wants to outbid the other buyer, but Mr. Sugg isn't sure he wants to sell it to them and Kevin doesn't want to pay more than the old, run-down house is worth. Later, they learn Chandler is the one who has bid on the house.

What's up with Chandler: Chandler is getting used to being a father figure for Jeffery, who is very inquisitive. Chandler and Jeffery have a run-in with Lucy, Kevin, Eric and Annie at Mr. Sugg's house. Lucy tries to talk Chandler out of buying "her" house. When Lucy says she wants the house so she can be close to her parents, Chandler points out that the Camdens don't own their house - the church owns it - and Rev. Camden could be reassigned at any time.

What's up with Eric and Annie: They realize Chandler has a point about their house and they decide they want to buy the house from the church. They plan to put Annie's inheritance and their savings together for the down payment. However, they learn the church's asking price is too high.

What's up with Ruthie: While Kevin and Lucy talk about moving, Ruthie feels she should be able to move in the apartment. Annie and Eric tell her she's too young to move into the apartment. Ruthie assumes Martin will now get the apartment, so she becomes angry with Martin and snaps at him.

What's up with Pete: He suspects his father is dating someone and he wants Ruthie to help him spy to find out who it is. Pete wants to break the relationship up so that his father is still free to date his mother. They spy his father having coffee with Eric's married sister Julie.

What's up with Roxanne: Lucy begs Roxanne to seduce Chandler and get him to change his mind about the house. Roxanne tells Lucy she's petty and selfish, and shouldn't be trying to edge Chandler out of buying a house he needs for himself and Jeffery.

How it all ends up: Lucy realizes Roxanne is right. She tells Chandler she is sorry and she wants him to have the house. She tells Kevin she realizes it doesn't matter where they live - they'll be happy anywhere as long as they have each other. The church buys Mr. Sugg's house to use as a rental property.

However, Chandler tells Lucy he has withdrawn the bid for the house. It turns out Jeffery didn't like the house and neither of them are ready to move.

Ruthie and Pete confront his father and learn the truth about him and Julie - they are just friends who meet for coffee after AA meetings. Vic asks Pete to trust him more in the future.

Eric talks to Ruthie again about living in the Camden house. He convinces her that she really needs to live with the rest of the family because they all need her - she's the "go to girl" in the house. Ruthie apologizes to Martin and encourages him to make his room at the Camdens' more like his own.

Meanwhile, Chandler has offered to buy the Camdens their house as a gift. (Chandler has a large inheritance.) Annie and Eric thank him for his wonderful gesture. But they decline. Eric says he and Annie did not get into the ministry to own things. He says they will trust in God's plan for them, knowing that they will always have a home together. [Back to top]

Angel
Original air date: March 1, 2004

What's the message: Heaven on earth is having family and friends all around you.

What's up with Annie: She is surprisingly joyful and her mood is contagious. Even though her father has just died, Annie tells Eric she is happy because she knows her dad is in heaven and her happiness is a gift from him. She is secretly plotting something with Kevin and Lucy and she agrees to tell Eric what she's up to if he tells her what he's up to.

What's up with Eric: He invites Chandler to spend more time with the Camdens. He tells him that he thinks Chandler is lonely. He even suggests Chandler consider adopting a child.

What's up with Chandler: He declines several offers to spend time with friends and decides to grab a pizza and watch a movie alone. However, while he waits for his pizza, a young girl, Angela, approaches him. She knows who he is. She tells Chandler he has to go to 4701 Chapel Lane. Chandler's pizza comes and the girl vanishes. He tries to find her but no one seems to have seen her. Chandler has a strange dream where all the families he knows - the Camdens, Paris, Vic and Pete, Cecelia and her parents - are all dancing. He wakes up screaming at midnight. He drives to 4701 Chapel Lane and falls asleep in front of the strange house. He is awakened in the morning by a young boy who invites him into his house. The boy asks Chandler "have you ever thought of adopting?" The boy says he has no parents (he lives with his dying grandmother) and he needs someone.

What's up with Lucy and Kevin: Annie wants Kevin and Lucy to spend more time together by having dinner alone. But Lucy thinks Annie is avoiding her. However, Lucy and Kevin do have a nice evening together eating pizza and taking a walk. Both agree they've been especially happy lately.

What's up with Paris and Vic: Paris, Vic and Pete go out for dinner together and have a great time. They all admit they've been especially happy lately, too. Vic offers to come over and help Paris and Pete clean house.

What's up with Martin: He admits that for the first time since his mom's death he feels happy. He tells Annie he was able to look at his mom's picture for the first time and not feel sad, but felt happy that she was his mom.

What's up with Ruthie: She's a little freaked out by Annie's happiness. She and Pete talk and they agree that they love each other in a "14-year-old crush kinda way," and that they may get married one day.

How it all ends up: Chandler tells Eric about his strange evening. He confesses that he thought he saw an angel at Pete's Pizza who told him to go meet up with a boy who needs to be adopted. Eric cuts Chandler off - telling him he'll talk to him later at Pete's Pizza. When Chandler gets there he learns that Angela is Pete's niece. Pete told Angela to tell Chandler to meet Jeffrey at 4701 Chapel Lane. Jeffrey, who is 10, does want to be adopted. Eric had arranged the whole thing. He even has a lawyer meet Chandler. Chandler agrees he will get to know Jeffrey better - with the intention of one day adopting him.
Annie tells Eric what she was up to: She and Kevin plotted to get Lucy to notice a house for sale in the neighborhood while she and Kevin were walking. Lucy fell in love with the house and she and Kevin are going to try to buy it. [Back to top]

Two Weddings, An Engagement, and a Funeral
Original air date: February 23, 2004

What's the message: Sometimes love decides when the timing is right to get married.

Wedding #1: Miss Bink and Fred:
Miss Bink and Fred ask Chandler to marry them. Because of their advanced age they are in a hurry to get married and spend whatever time they have left together. Chandler agrees to forgo the usual prenuptial counseling. Later, however, Fred's mother attacks Chandler with her cane and insists that Chandler not marry Fred and Bink because she thinks Bink is a gold digger. Fred's mom claims Fred's kids don't want him to marry Bink either. Chandler visits Fred's adult children and realizes that the whole family, except for Fred, is crazy. Chandler discusses the issue with Bink and Fred. Fred is fearful of his mother. Bink, who points out that she has more money then Fred, tells him he had better stand up to his mother and marry her anyway. Fred cries.
Chandler enlists Eric's help and they come up with a plan. They arrange for Bink and Fred to "elope." Bink agrees to keep the marriage a secret from Fred's mother. The Camden clan brings Bink and Fred to the church and Chandler marries them.

The engagement: Pat and Jimmy:
Pat, a developmentally challenged adult, asks Chandler to marry her and her boyfriend Jimmy. She and Jimmy have had just one date, but Pat claims Jimmy asked her to marry him. Chandler talks to Jimmy and Jimmy's father. Jimmy, who is also developmentally disabled, doesn't really remember asking Pat to marry him, but he claims he does love her. Jimmy's father tells Chandler that there is no way his son can get married. Chandler agrees to talk it over with Jimmy and Pat. Pat and Jimmy insist that they do love each other and want to get married right away. Chandler tries to convince them to take their relationship slower.

Later, Jimmy and Pat are no where to be found and their parents are frantic. However, Chandler finds them at the church, waiting for him to marry them. Chandler succeeds in convincing their parents that Pat and Jimmy are in love and should be allowed to make decisions for themselves. Pat and Jimmy agree to take it slower.

Wedding #2: Lilly and Derrick:
Annie's half-sister, Lilly is getting married in GlenOak so she can be with the Camdens. Lilly asks Eric to perform the ceremony. Annie is upset with Lilly because Lilly asked their father, who is suffering from Alzheimer's, to walk her down the aisle. Annie has a bad feeling that something is going to happen to her father. She believes Lilly should never have asked their father to travel to the wedding - his health is too frail. Lilly senses Annie is angry with her and confronts her. Annie tells her why she's upset. Lilly then becomes upset with herself for being selfish. However, she and Annie agree they are both so glad to have each other for sisters. Annie tells her it's to late to ask Ginger not to bring their father to the wedding. Annie reassures Lilly that her "bad feeling" about their father has gone.

The funeral:
Lilly and Derrick's wedding day arrives and as Annie and the Camdens are on their way to the church, Eric gets the call: Annie's father has died. Annie insists they don't tell Lilly until after the wedding reception - her father would have wanted it that way. Later, Annie, with her family all around her, reminisces about her father - looking through a photo album Lilly has put together. [Back to top]

The Anniversary
Original air date: February 16, 2004

What's the message: Anniversaries celebrate all kinds of relationships.

What's up with Vic & Paris: He tells Pete he wants to ask Paris on a date and he asks for Pete's help to convince his mom to go out with him. Looking for advice on the matter, Paris consults Chandler. Chandler encourages her to go, saying Vic probably just wants them all to get along. Paris reluctantly agrees to go to dinner with Vic. Before the date, however, she spies Vic looking at engagement rings in a jewelry shop. She suspects Vic is going to ask her to marry him - something she doesn't want at all.

What's up with Matt & Ruthie: Matt comes back to GlenOak, but doesn't tell any of the Camdens - except Ruthie. He plans to stay with Sarah's parents, Rabbi Glass and Rosina. Matt makes plans to meet Ruthie only.

What's up with Lucy, Annie & Eric: Lucy spots Matt in town and she, Eric and Annie try to figure out why he's in town and hasn't informed any of them. They all think the worst - Matt has either dropped out of medical school, divorced Sarah, or both. Lucy calls Rabbi Glass to try to get information from him. Eric calls Rosina for the same reason. Annie calls Matt's hospital and talks to a nurse who knows Matt and tries to get information out of him. None of them learn anything about Matt.

What's up with Cecilia & Martin: Cecilia discovers Martin has lied to her about his whereabouts all day. However, later in the evening, Martin sneaks into Cecilia's room and convinces her to follow him to a surprise location. She agrees.

How it all ends up: Vic and Paris go to dinner. She admits to him that she saw him looking at engagement rings. Vic claims he was only looking for a gift for her to thank her for including him in her and Pete's lives. He also wanted to celebrate his sobriety anniversary. While Paris is in the restroom, Vic pulls out an engagement ring. Back at home, Paris tells Peter that she thought Vic was going to propose. Pete admits Vic told him he was going to ask Paris to marry him. Paris tracks down Vic who is in a bar with a shot of whiskey, untouched, in front of him. Vic tells her he still loves her and doesn't want to lose her. She convinces him not to take a drink. He convinces her to leave the door open for the possibility they might get back together.

Ruthie and Matt meet up for dinner and a movie. They are celebrating the anniversary of the first time Matt and Sarah met and Ruthie kept their secret. Matt tells Ruthie he still loves Sarah and he's still in med school. Ruthie goes home and the rest of the Camdens realize she was the one out with Matt. She assures everyone that Matt is fine. Matt goes back to New York without seeing any other Camden.

Martin takes Cecilia to a park. Then he takes her home and tells her what he's really been doing all day. He was honoring his mother's memory by doing all the things she used to do including volunteering at a soup kitchen in the morning. Going to a park was part of the ritual - and that's the part he shared with Cecilia. He tells her he's never told anyone else, not even his father, that he honors his mother on this day in this way every year. Cecilia asks why he's telling her this now. He says it's because he loves her. [Back to top]

Don't Speak Ill of the Dead or the Living
Original air date: February 9, 2004

What's the message: Mistakes aren't the only thing you want to remember someone by.

What's up with Eric and Annie: Eric pries information from Annie about her half-sister Lilly. Eric admits that Lilly called him asking if he knew if anything was wrong with Annie. Eric suggests Annie ask Lilly to spend more time with their dying father. However, Annie has been avoiding Lilly. Annie is angry with Eric for snooping on Lilly's behalf. She tells Eric she doesn't want to talk about what's bothering her about Lilly.

What's up with Roxanne: She has some sort of a moral dilemma that she won't share with Kevin or Lucy. She cancels her pizza night with Lucy in order to have pizza with Chandler. She wants to talk to him about her mysterious problem. Kevin thinks Roxanne's dilemma involved Lt. Michaels. Lucy guesses Roxanne's dilemma is she's dating Lt. Michaels.

What's up with Cecilia and Martin: Martin asks Cecilia to fix his friend Mac up with Pam, whose locker is next to Cecilia. Pam says she'd love to go out with Mac. However, when Mac hears it's Pam who wants to go out with him, he tells Martin "no way." Mac won't go out with Pam because she wet her pants in front of the whole class in first grade. Mac thinks the guys on the baseball team will make fun of him if he goes out with "Pampers." Martin tells Mac he's wrong. Cecilia finds out why Mac won't go out with Pam and she tells him she's sending her father over to beat him up.

What's up with Pete and Ruthie: They are working together on a school project in honor of President's Day. Bored with all the traditional Lincoln and Washington projects, they decide to put together a tabloid-style newspaper pointing out all the mistakes and bad things both presidents did. Trouble is, they make the whole thing up.

How it all ends up: Lilly comes to visit Annie. Annie reveals she's been avoiding Lilly because she's upset that Lilly took a box of family photos. Lilly explains Ginger gave her permission to take the photos, which Lilly then copied and returned. Annie admits she was upset that Lilly was looking at her family's personal photos. However, Annie comes to the understanding that Lilly just wants to reach out to her and her family. They agree to be better friends to one another.

At a meeting at the station, Lt. Michael reveals that Roxanne has been volunteering at the prison-teaching inmates to read. One of those inmates is Lt. Michael's brother. He didn't want to put Roxanne in the position of having to cover the fact up, so he tells everyone. Later, Roxanne helps arrange a surprise party for Lt. Michael who has been promoted to captain.

Cecilia's father talks to Mac and Martin and convinces Mac that he's tough enough to endure a little ribbing for dating Pam. Mac does ask Pam out and they have a nice time.

Ruthie and Pete pass out their tabloid paper to their class. Their teacher almost immediately confiscates it, and fails them - threatening to tell their parents. However, Ruthie and Pete beg her for another chance and she gives them one more day to turn in a proper report. Next day, they deliver a speech to the class about the lives of Lincoln and Washington, and they convince Annie and Eric to dress as Martha and George, and Lucy and Kevin to be Mary and Abraham. They all serve the class cherry pie. (Back to top]

Healing Old Wounds
Original air date: January 23, 2003

What's the message: There won't be peace in the world until you look into the mirror and see peace.

What's up with Martin's dad: He's coming home on leave from Iraq. He's supposed to talk to Martin about his decision whether or not to go to college or play Major League Baseball. He arrives at the Camdens' for dinner and is met in the backyard by Roxanne. They are instantly attracted to each other. After dinner Roxanne and Martin's dad debate the war in Iraq and President Bush's policy. Roxanne is against the war and doesn't think Bush should even be president. Martin's dad defends Bush and the war - but stops his argument in order to kiss Roxanne. They talk, then kiss, talk, then kiss. Eventually, Martin finds them and hollers at his father to stop.

What's up with Martin: He's angry with his father. They haven't spent any time talking about Martin's big decision. But Martin's really angry because he has just seen his father kissing a woman, other than his mom, for the first time.

What's up with Vic: He overhears Pete talking to Martin about being proud of him. Vic decides he needs to do something to really make Pete, and Paris, proud of him. Inspired by all the respect Martin's dad is getting, he decides to join the U.S. Marines. However, the recruiter tells him he's too old. Vic admits to the recruiter that he wanted to join only to impress his son. He explains he's a recovering alcoholic. The recruiter suggests that Vic should try to join a group that will have him: Vic goes to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. He's feeling good about himself and goes to visit Pete and Paris again. While there he hears a phone message from Roxanne that says Chandler is still in love with Paris. Vic is crushed.

What's up with Chandler: He watches Paris and Vic having a conversation and wonders aloud to Kevin what it is that Paris sees in Vic. Chandler and Paris talk. She admits to Chandler that she is very confused. Chandler realizes this is the beginning of the "it's not you it's me speech." Later, Betsy, Martin's aunt tells Chandler he's rich, smart and handsome and has no reason to be depressed. He says that Roxanne and Paris are not good enough for him. It cheers him up, and they continue talking.

What's up with Peter: Paris tells him she doesn't think she'll ever get back with his father. Pete says he understands.

What's up with Kevin and Lucy: Lucy is at the Camdens' and Kevin as at home. He calls her to come home for "dessert." Lucy does. Kevin says he was "in the mood" because Lucy was flirting with him all through dinner. Lucy admits she was flirting with Kevin to keep his attention from Roxanne. Seems that Lucy is still a bit jealous of Roxanne. Kevin also tells Lucy that he saw how unhappy Chandler, Paris and Vic are and he realized how lucky he was to have a wife who loves him.

How it all ends up: Martin has stormed off without telling his father where he was going. Cecilia tells Martin's father where he can find Martin - the bleachers at the baseball diamond. Eric offers to drive him over to see him. Martin's dad tells Eric that it's difficult to know the right things to say to Martin because it may be the last conversation they ever have, since he's going back to Iraq.

Martin and his father do talk. Initially, they only discuss their feelings about Martin's mom's death. Later, he tells Martin that he will allow him to make his own decision about baseball.

Ruthie asks Eric when there will ever be peace in the world. Eric says there will be peace when everyone looks in the mirror and sees peace. In the last scene, each Camden, Chandler, Vic, Martin, Cecilia, Martin's dad, Roxanne, Betsy, Pete and Paris all look in mirrors and smile. [back to top]

Major League
Original air date: January 19, 2003

What is the message: Being a parent is difficult. Parenting a parent is even harder.

What's up with Martin: He officially moves into the Camden's house. He makes himself at home. Later, after baseball practice, he is approached by a Major League baseball scout who offers him a deal to play for the Florida Gators. Martin, who is just 16, is excited about the prospect of leaving high school early-- he'll earn his high school equivalency while playing on a farm league and play in the majors when he's 18.

What's up with Eric: Eric and Annie both struggle with how to treat Martin - do they treat him like a son or like a boarder? Eric is put to the test when he learns of Martin's baseball offer. He tells Martin he doesn't think he should quit high school to pursue baseball. He tells Martin he should finish high school and college - the majors will be there for him when he's through. Martin doesn't agree and tells Eric he's glad he's not his father.

What's up with Ruthie: She and Pete are invited to a couple's party at Susanna's house. Trouble is, Eric and Annie don't know Susanna or her parents, and, it's a Camden rule that they can't go to parties where they don't know the hosts or the host's parents. Ruthie really wants to go to the party so she enlists the help of Lucy to convince Annie to let her go.

What's up with Lucy: Lucy agrees to help Ruthie, even though Kevin warns her she shouldn't get in the middle. Lucy and Ruthie talk to Annie about the party - saying maybe Annie could drop Ruthie off at the party and then meet the parents. Annie resents Lucy's involvement and kicks her out of the conversation.

What's up with Chandler: He's upset because his father has made him executor of his will. This puts Chandler in a bad position - his mother and his brother Sid want their money immediately. However, his father's will did not provide for that. Chandler's mother comes to town to ask Chandler to give her and Sid their share of the estate. Clearly their father didn't want Sid and his wife to have the money: Sid is in and out of rehab and Chandler's mother had no interest in her husband's business when he was alive. Chandler's mother threatens to sue Chandler for her share.

What's up with Annie: She is upset to learn that Cecilia taught the twins how to ride bikes - that's always something Annie taught her kids. Annie also discovers the party Ruthie wants to go to will be unsupervised - the girl's parents are out of town.

How it all ends up: Eric e-mails Martin's father to let him know about the baseball deal - something Martin failed to do. Martin is angry with Eric for telling him. Martin tells Eric that his father is coming home on an emergency leave from Iraq - just to help Martin figure out what to do.
Annie interrupts Lucy and Ruthie and kicks Lucy out again so she can tells Ruthie that she can't go to the party because it is unsupervised. Lucy takes offense. Lucy confronts Annie, trying to intervene on Lucy's behalf again. Annie explains to Lucy that the party was going to be unsupervised. She also tells Lucy to butt out. Lucy angrily tells Annie that she and Kevin will be moving out in 30 days. Kevin is angry with Lucy and tells her they are not moving and that she needs to apologize to Annie. Both Ruthie and Lucy eventually apologize to Annie.
Annie offers her support to Chandler who is in the same position as Annie is - parenting a parent. Chandler holds firm and refuses to release the money to his mother and brother. He convinces his mom to drop the lawsuit. [back to top]

The Prodigal Father
Original air date: January 12, 2003

What's the message: No matter how difficult a person can be, surrounding them with love can only help.

What's up with Paris & Pete: Paris' ex-husband, Vic, who is now sober and has his life together, wants to be a part of Pete's life again. Paris finds that Vic is still as annoying as he always was, but she does believe he has a right to see his son. Pete doesn't want to see his father: He's still very angry with him for all the hurt he caused while he was drinking. Pete turns to every Camden for advice on how to speak to his father. He is disappointed with everyone's advice. However, he does relate to Kevin - who is the only one who tells Pete to just speak his mind and say whatever he wants to his father. Paris turns to Eric for counseling. She asks Eric to speak to Vic.

What's up with Chandler: Initially he's threatened by Vic's return. Paris and Chandler quarrel. Paris is especially upset to learn that Chandler has talked to Peter about the possibility of marrying her. Paris admits to Eric that she's not anywhere near ready to marry Chandler.

What's up with Eric: He meets with Vic and finds him very, very difficult to like. Vic admits to Eric that he doesn't like people - or himself.

What's up with Annie: She advises Chandler to let Paris and Pete go. She also tells Chandler the church and the community needs him and maybe he should concentrate on that. Chandler agrees.

What's up with Ruthie: Pete basically shuts her out, telling her he doesn't want her "sage" advise. Ruthie turns to Lucy for some sisterly advice.

What's up with Kevin: He agrees to go with Pete to meet his father. However, he does have Roxanne run a police check on Vic to see if he's been in any trouble. Her check reveals Vic hasn't had any trouble with the law.

How it all ends up: Eric is determined to find a way to like Vic - and get everyone else to embrace Vic - if only to show their love for Pete.
Pete agrees to meet Vic only if Kevin can come along. Pete rehearses all the mean things he plans on saying to his dad. However, when he and Kevin meet Vic, Pete runs to Vic's arms and gives him a huge hug. Pete tells his father he is angry with him for leaving. And, in his gruff way, Vic sort of apologizes.

Chandler organizes a youth group to help folks move into a new home. He enlists the help of all the Camdens and their extended family. Later, he learns that Paris, Pete and Vic will be there.

Moving day comes. Everyone is there to help a several special needs adults move into a group home. The new residents are very grateful and very loving. Paris tells two of the residents about her problems with Pete and Vic. The women are sympathetic and Cecilia and Lucy realize they failed to understand that Paris might need their friendship.
Pete and Vic are the last to arrive. Vic has made a painting for the group home. However, as he's taking it out of the car, he rips the canvas. He calls himself stupid and yells at himself. The group home residents bring him down to earth. They say the painting is not perfect now - and nobody's perfect. They love the painting just the way it is. They give Vic a group hug.

Eric tells Chandler that when you need a lot of heart, you go to those who have the biggest hearts. [back to top]

When Bad Conversations Happen to Good People
Original air date: January 5, 2003

What's the message: Difficult conversations are part of normal family life.

What's up with Matt: He's home from New York. Sarah has left him. He hides this fact from all of the Camdens and only confides in Rabbi Richard Glass - his father-in-law. It seems that the pressures of being in medical school together became too difficult for Matt and Sarah to handle.

What's up with Kevin and Lucy: Kevin's ex-wife, Mindy, is in town. Kevin has told her he and Lucy will have dinner with her. However, Kevin has neglected to tell Lucy this. First he lies to Mindy, telling her he might have to work late and miss the dinner. Then, he tries to tell Lucy about the dinner plans, but says instead that he might have to work late. Then he blurts out that Mindy is in town and wants to have dinner with them. Lucy is angry with Kevin for his initial lie. Later, Lt. Michael actually makes Kevin work late.

What's up with Pete: His mom is out of town for the night and he's staying with the Camdens. Pete confesses to Chandler that he fears his mom isn't really on a business trip. Chandler invites Pete out for pizza to talk about his fears.

What's up with Martin: His aunt wants to meet with Eric. She's a young, pretty stocking and underwear designer. She wants to move to New York to launch her designing career. She wants to take Martin with her - and she wants Eric to break the news to him. Martin doesn't want to go to New York.

What's up with Ruthie: She breaks the cookie jar and hides it in the twin's food cabinet.

What's up with Annie: She spends the day trying to get the twins to confess to breaking her cookie jar. The twins confess to all sorts of things - like wearing two pairs of underwear and hiding cookies under their pillows - but not to breaking the jar.

How it all ends up: Annie figures out Ruthie must have broken the jar. She confronts Ruthie, who admits to breaking the jar. Annie says while she did care about the cookie jar, she really is more concerned about having an honest relationship with Ruthie.
Annie and Eric agree to ask Martin to stay with them. Martin wants to stay with them. Martin's aunt is initially mad that Eric didn't ask her first; however, she does agree to let him stay with them.
Chandler tells Pete he might like to marry his mom in the future, and asks Pete how he feels about that. Pete's answer is a big hug. Chandler tells Pete he loves him. He asks Pete not to tell Paris that he's thinking of marriage.
Mindy calls Kevin and Lucy's house, and Lucy picks up when she hears Mindy start to leave a message. Kevin checks in and Lucy apologizes for snapping at him earlier. She informs Kevin that she and Mindy are going to have dinner together - without him.
Richard convinces Matt he needs to talk to Eric and Annie. Matt tells them not only has Sarah left him but he's decided to drop out of med school too. Annie tells him he'll regret making such a snap decision. She tells him he must do everything he can to be a doctor. She bites her tongue when it comes to talking about Sarah. Eric agrees that dropping out of medical school will not help him save his marriage. Eric offers to help Matt out financially - and emotionally. [back to top]

The One Thing
Original air date: November 24, 2003

What's the message: Finding that one true thing that makes you stand out is difficult.

What's up with Matt & Sarah: Matt and Sarah prepare to spend their first day as residents in the ER. Sarah is in a panic, but Matt is calm. Sarah sleeps through the alarm making them both late. Just as they are leaving, Matt's cell phone goes off. It's Annie. Matt's angry with Sarah for giving out his cell phone number to his family. They race out of the apartment. Matt loses his dorky black doctor's bag on the subway. They arrive late for rounds and the attending Dr. Norton is annoyed with them. Matt gets a cell call during rounds - it's Eric just wanting to chat. Matt begs Eric to throw the phone number away.

As the students go through rounds, it becomes apparent that Matt is better at performing procedures than the other students - including Sarah. Sarah tells Matt he's showing off. An unconscious patient comes in with a friend. Dr. Norton tells Matt to get the patient's history from the friend, and lets Sarah attempt a difficult procedure on the patient. Matt learns the friend, Miss Martin, is the patient's neighbor. But before he can get any more info, Miss Martin almost faints - she's diabetic. Dr. Norton calls Matt back in to take over the procedure that Sarah was unable to complete.

Later, when asked by another doctor about her relationship with Matt, Sarah neglects to admit she's married to Matt. She just says she "knows him." Meanwhile, Matt keeps getting interrupted by cell phone calls from the Camdens. Dr. Norton throws Matt's phone away.

All the residents plan to go out to celebrate surviving their first day, but Matt declines to go out. Sarah is upset with Matt for not fitting in with the students.

How it all ends up: Dr. Norton tells Matt to let the nurses take care of the emotional aspects of dealing with patients' family and friends. Matt disregards this and allows Miss Martin to visit the friend she came in with. While Matt is talking to a nurse who has been nice to him all day, Miss Martin faints. It's Sarah who administers the treatment that saves Miss Martin.

Finally their first day in the ER is over. However, Matt gets scolded by Dr. Norton for not completing the three cases he was responsible for. Matt sticks around after his shift is over. Miss Martin crashes. Matt tries to save her even after Dr. Norton pronounces her dead. Later, Dr. Norton calls Matt arrogant and a "walking disaster" but he plans to make Matt a doctor anyway.

Matt goes home to Sarah - toting Miss Martin's dog, Spence. He tells Sarah he doesn't want to talk about his day. But, he tells Sarah he's not sure if he chose the right one thing to be - a doctor. Then he sees his doctor's bag. Sarah retrieved it from the subway's lost and found. [back to top]

Go Ask Alice
Original air date: November 17, 2003

What's the message: It's easier to believe bad things about people than good things.

What's up with Eric: Parents at the high school ask him to intervene with principal Ms. Jones. Ms. Jones insists on adhering to a strict "no visitors on campus" policy. The parents of Allison Miller are especially troubled - they want their son, Griffith to pick up their daughter, Allison, everyday but Ms. Jones refuses to compromise. Later, other parents appeal to Eric to intervene again. It seems that many parents have complaints about how strict Ms. Jones is. Some of the complaints include Ms. Jones not letting the kids leave the campus to go out for lunch and Ms. Jones getting her haircut at a barbershop.

What's up with Cecilia: Rumors are circulating at school that Martin is a spy for Ms. Jones. The talk is Martin isn't really high-school age, and he is only attending school to help the baseball team win. Ruthie brings the rumors up to Cecilia, who is initially defensive of Martin. However, Cecilia eventually confronts Martin about the rumors. He's disappointed that she believes what other people are saying. Martin explains to Cecilia that he (unlike the whole student population) likes Ms. Jones because she sticks to the rules and doesn't favor any student. As a transfer student, Martin can appreciate that. Cecilia turns to Annie for advice.

What's up with Kevin and Lucy: Lucy tells Kevin about Ms. Jones and her "no visitors on campus"policy. Kevin agrees that Ms. Jones is right to uphold the policy. Later, Kevin spots Ms. Jones and Griffith talking in the school parking lot. Ms. Jones is telling Griffith he must leave. Kevin intervenes and shoos him away. Meanwhile, Roxanne runs Griffith's plates. A while later, Lucy sees Ms. Jones talking to Allison. Ms. Jones begs Lucy to pretend she didn't see them talking - and begs Lucy not to tell Kevin. Lucy says she'll need more information to keep quiet.

What's up with Ms. Jones: When Griffith is unable to pick Allison up after school, Allison races to Ms. Jones' office in a panic. Ms. Jones asks her to talk about what is going on with her life.

How it all ends up: Roxanne's sleuthing reveals Griffith has several unpaid parking tickets - enough to detain Griffith for questioning. While Griffith is at the station, Kevin learns that Griffith's father Mr. Miller, is a big contributor to police department causes. Meanwhile, Mr. Miller reports his daughter missing and an Amber Alert is issued for her. Police report Allison was last seen with Ms. Jones. She becomes a suspect. Mr. Miller said Allison is angry because he won't let her leave for college a year early (she's received a basketball scholarship). Furthermore, Mr. Miller thinks Allison is angry enough to make up stories about him and the family. Mr. Miller claims he had Griffith pick Allison up from school everyday in order to keep her from running away. Eric and Lt. Michael are suspicious of the story.

Back at the Camden house: Annie tells Cecilia not to believe the rumors about Martin. Cecilia apologizes to Martin. Lucy tells Kevin she was wrong about Ms. Jones - though she doesn't say what has changed her mind.

Everyone learns Allison is in the custody of child services. She tells Ms. Jones that she was being abused by her father (Mr. Miller) and that Griffith was also but he had to keep a close watch over her or their dad would tell everyone that Griffith was abusing her. Griffith complied because he wanted to protect Allison. It turns out, their mother was abused as a child by her father and is an alcoholic which is why she didn't intervene when she knew what was going on. Allison ends up going to a foster home and Griffith goes to stay with people Eric knows. Eric reassures Allison and Griffith that they did nothing wrong.

Everyone thanks Ms. Jones.

(For more information about handling child abuse, visit www.childhelpusa.com.)

[back to top]

Baggage
Original air date: November 10, 2003

What's the message: Sometimes just showing up is the hardest part.

What's up with Chandler: He and Paris plan their first "real" date. Paris hints that Peter will be staying over at the Camdens - it comes out worse than she meant. Chandler runs into Roxanne who tells him she's broken up with her boyfriend. She asks Chandler to dinner, but he tells her he's dating someone.

What's up with Lucy: She discovers Kevin has been playing on a husband and wife softball team without her. She insists on playing, even though she stinks at softball. She gets the new neighbor, Martin, to coach her. Martin agrees but asks if his girlfriend can tag along. They go to pick up his girlfriend - Cecilia. Lucy blows her first game. She is so bad Kevin benches her. Later, Lucy pouts at home and tells Kevin he and his team are a bunch of cheaters because none of the guys wives play on the team.

What's up with Cecilia: She has been avoiding the Camdens. She feels that it will upset Annie to know she's dating Martin. She decides to break up with Martin in order to spare Annie.

What's up with Annie: She is upset that Cecilia hasn't been spending as much time with her. When Cecilia finally tells her why, Annie tells her she's happy she's moving on. However, Annie admits to Eric that she is upset that Cecilia isn't hanging around anymore because it means the Simon is really gone.

What's up with Pete: He takes his dog to visit patients in the rehab clinic. He hits it off with one man, Nick. Nick asks Pete to deliver a letter to a man at a bookshop on the Promenade. Pete delivers the letter - it's Nick's son Alfred. Alfred rejects the letter and tells Pete he hates his alcoholic father.

What's up with Ruthie: She is jealous of all the attention Cecilia is getting from Annie. She finally tells Annie that she wishes Annie would have asked her to help out around the house instead of leaning on Cecilia.

How it all ends up: Just before his big date with Paris, Chandler gets a letter from Roxanne. He breaks his date with Paris in order to meet with Roxanne to discuss the letter. Roxanne tells Chandler that she's still in love with him and kisses him. Paris spies them kissing. Next morning, Chandler comes over to apologize again for breaking their date. Paris accuses him of spending the night with Roxanne. Chandler tells her he did spend the evening talking with Roxanne about their relationship is over. Chandler and Paris kiss.

Kevin admits his team was cheating, and he has called all the team's wives and invited them to join. Lucy tells Kevin even though she stinks at softball, she was hurt that she wasn't even asked to play. Meanwhile, Annie gathers Martin, Cecilia and Ruthie together before church. She tells Cecilia she wants her to still be a part of the Camden family - and she wants her to date Martin. She apologizes to Ruthie for not reaching out to her for help with the family.

Eric takes Pete back to the rehab clinic to talk to Nick. Pete tells Nick that his dad was also an alcoholic, but he just left Pete and Paris in the middle of the night. Pete urges Nick to try to patch things up with his son. Eric and Pete take Nick to meet Alfred. Nick and Alfred shake hands. [back to top]

Getting To Know You
Original air date: November 3, 2003

What's the message: Prejudice can be overcome.

What's up with Kevin: Initially no one is interested in his neighborhood watch program. In order to get the neighbors to come to his first meeting, Annie suggests telling the neighbors it's a party. The party and the initial neighborhood watch meeting are a success.

What's up with Annie: She also plans a block party as a welcome party for Ruthie's new friend, Jill and her parents who are new to the neighborhood.

What's up with Ruthie: She doesn't tell Eric and Annie that Jill and her parents are Muslim. Ruthie didn't think her parents would care about the DuPrees being Muslim. Jill calls Ruthie to tell say that she and her parents won't be attending the block party - they don't want to be harassed for being Muslim.

What's up with Chandler: He meets Paris (Pete's Mom) at the neighborhood watch party. Next day, he asks her to lunch and they spend the day together "as friends" since neither of them are ready to date yet.

What's up with Roxanne: Through her volunteering at the youth center, she is asked to counsel a troubled teen, Jordan, who has been through several counselors already. She meets Jordan who seems a bit shifty, but Roxanne decides to give him chance and trust him.

What's up with Cecilia: Their house is robbed and all her jewelry is stolen - including the earrings Simon gave her.

What's up with Eric: He learns that the DuPrees are not coming to the block party. He also learns most of the neighbors are not going to come to the block party. He meets with the DuPrees and begs them to reconsider coming to the party. Later on, they accept. However, Eric learns from Mrs. Bink (who plans to attend the party) that all the neighbors think the DuPrees are from France. And, because the French didn't support the U.S.'s actions in Iraq, the neighbors are shunning the DuPrees. Under the guise of a neighborhood watch meeting, Eric calls the neighbors back to his house.

How does it all end up? Eric appeals to the neighbors to come to the block party and show the DuPrees what their neighborhood is made of. On the night of the party, he picks up the DuPrees, preparing them for the possibility that many of the neighbors might not show.

Meanwhile, Jordan gives Roxanne a gift - Cecilia's earrings. Though Jordan didn't rob Cecelia's house, his friends did. Roxanne convinces Jordan to turn his friends in - and Jordan apologizes to Cecilia and her father.

After their "non-date" is over, Paris and Chandler both admit they don't want to be just friends and they kiss passionately. Pete discovers them kissing. Later, Pete tells Chandler it's OK if he dates his mom.

The DuPrees show up to the mostly empty block party. However, they thank Eric for throwing the party and decide to make the best of it. The doorbell rings and Annie answers it to find all her neighbors waiting at the door to join the block party. Ruthie thanks her father. [back to top]

Charity Begins at Home
Original air date: October 20, 2003

What's the message: Since Sept. 11, 2001, the feelings of pessimism have been spreading. Rev. Camden tells his parishioners he wants to change that: He asks each of them to take their talents and reach out to someone in need. He asks everyone to write down one good thing they will do throughout the year, a project to help someone in need. "Be the wind beneath the wings of our faith," Eric tells the congregation.
Here's what each commit to doing:

Ruthie: She decides to befriend the new girl in school, Jill.

Kevin: He's going to start a neighborhood watch program to help fight crime. He asks Lucy to be part of his team. Lucy is hesitant, but agrees to help anyway.

Chandler: He volunteers to council at a teens at risk program. However, he discovers Roxanne has also volunteered there.

Pete: He's been smothering Ruthie with too much attention. When Ruthie asks him to back off a bit, Pete admits that Ruthie is his good deed project.

Eric: At first, he tells Ruthie and Pete that his project is helping other people fulfill their commitments. Ruthie and Pete hint that that's not really a project. Eric then calls Carlos (Mary's new husband) and summons him to hop on a flight to GlenOak.

How it all ends up: Jill gives Ruthie the cold shoulder. Ruthie learns Jill was teased at her old school. Jill finally admits that she doesn't trust other kids. Turns out that Jill was teased because she is Muslim. Ruthie convinces her that that doesn't matter to her, or her friends. Pete agrees to be a better friend to Ruthie and not smother her so much.

After blowing off Kevin's first community watch meeting, Lucy finally admits to Kevin she really wants to have a project of her own. She's going back to volunteer at Habitat for Humanity.
Chandler and Roxanne argue about his not being over their relationship. Chandler admits he's still in love with her. He visits her at home and they share a passionate kiss. However, Roxanne says the kiss doesn't mean they are back together again. She tells him he must move on. Chandler is further hurt when he learns Roxanne is dating the director of the teen center, Paul.

Annie, who is visiting her ailing father in Phoenix, calls home to check on the twins. She gets upset when she learns the twins are spending so much time with Cecelia. Annie yells at Cecelia over the phone - telling her she has been spending too much time with the Camden family. A hurt Cecelia, says she is sorry and won't spend any more time with the twins. However, Annie returns home early and goes straight to Cecelia's to apologize. Cecelia offers to help Annie and the Camdens out in any way she can while Annie tries to spend time with her father who has Alzheimer's. It's Cecelia's project. Annie says that is the answer to her prayers.

Speaking of prayers - that appears to be the twins' project. They both pray for all the Camdens - especially Simon.
A very nervous Carlos arrives in GlenOak and his relieved when Eric tells him he only wanted to see him face-to-face to welcome him to the Camden family. Eric tells Carlos he is going to spend the next year getting to know Carlos better and keeping in better touch with Mary. [back to top]

The Kid is Out of the Picture
Simon's Home Video
Original air date: October 13, 2003

What's the theme: Simon creates a home video as part of his college entrance application. The video chronicles what it's like to be a Camden.

Simon outlines everyone's relationships: "Mom and Dad are all hot for each other," Simon says. All the Camden kids want that in their relationships. "It's like being in 7th Heaven permanently," he adds.
About Lucy: She really won when she waited for Kevin to propose to her, then married him.
About Mary: She really surprised everyone when she secretly married Carlos, a man the family hardly knows.
About Matt: It was love at first sight for him and Sarah.
About Ruthie: She made a good choice for a first boyfriend in Peter. He's a winner.
About himself: He admits he's in love with Cecilia, but he's not ready to be in love - he wants to see the world.

Simon catalogs everyone's friendships: Every Camden has befriended and helped those in need. They've also gotten mixed up with some shady characters as well. From pregnant, unwed teens to drug addicts, to chimpanzees, the Camdens have been involved with them all.

Simon highlights everyone's mistakes:
About the twins: They've stolen money and a visitor's hat.
About Matt: He's wrecked the church van, got fired from jobs, and got caught with a joint.
About Mary: She's gotten into more trouble than any other Camden, Simon says. Her highlights include vandalizing the school gym and getting arrested, lying and stealing money.
About Lucy: Simon says she gets into trouble because she's overly emotional. Her troubles include slapping her boyfriend and fighting with Mary.
About Ruthie: Her mistakes include Happy's credit card, sticking a mint up her nose during church, and bribing the twins with cookies.
About himself: Simon admits to smoking, shoplifting, drunkenness, and running a high school escort service. Simon also admits he's killed a 13-year-old boy in a car accident, which is the whole reason he's trying to get into college early. He adds that he just wants to deal with his guilt and other problems in a new environment. He needs to be away, but he'll miss his family.

Simon's parting words about the Camdens:
About Matt: He's the best big brother a guy could have. Simon says Matt's always there for him. And, it was Matt who helped Simon see that the accident was all part of God's plan.
About Mary: Though she's been away, he feels she's always there for him. He thinks Mary is the happiest Camden because she trusts life.
About Lucy: She'll be the Camden who will write letters and call and send brownies. She'll keep Simon up to date on the other Camdens.
About the twins: He says their adorable childhood antics have helped through the difficult summer. They helped him realize how lucky he is to be part of the Camden family.
About Ruthie: She'll be the hardest one to leave and the hardest one to hang on to. Simon said he feels closest to her, but that it's probably best that he puts some distance between them: He doesn't want his accident to impact her life.

Simon says he has been raised with strength and courage and is ready to go into the world a man.
"Every journey begins with the first step." [back to top]

I Wasn't Expecting That!
Original air date: October 6, 2003

What's the message: Be thankful for the unexpected.

What's up with Kevin and Lucy: Kevin gets injured during a police call on a domestic dispute. He feels emasculated because it was a woman who attacked him. Lucy tries to tell Kevin she loves how he protects women, and she loves how manly he is. Kevin is annoyed by Lucy's comments.

What's up with Simon: He's getting ready to leave for college. He warns Eric not to get too emotional about his leaving because that will send the whole family into an emotional meltdown. Simon then mopes around because none of the Camdens seem to care that he's leaving in a few days.

What's up with Eric: A distraught Rabbi Richard Glass confides in him that he's split with his wife, Rosina. Seems that Richard caught Rosina kissing another man. Eric tries to tell Richard that he must be mistaken about the kiss and that there must be a reasonable explanation.

What's up with Annie: She comes home from visiting her father. Eric leaves Richard to explain to Annie why he's over at their house. Richard explains he's left Rosina because he caught her kissing another man. Annie says she's sure Richard has it wrong. So, Richard re-enacts the kiss with Annie. Ruthie sees the kiss.

What's up with Ruthie: She and Pete head to the Camdens to work on a school project. They are followed home by a strange young man who lets himself into the house. Ruthie introduces herself to the guy who's name is Martin. When Ruthie asks him if he's a friend of Simon's, he says yes.

Who is Martin? Throughout the course of the day, Martin meets all the Camdens and everyone thinks he's Simon's friend. But, when Simon asks Martin what he's doing in the house, he says he's there to see Rev. Camden.

How it all ends up: Ruthie destroys the coalmine project on which she and Pete have been working so hard. She tells Pete she's upset because she's seen her mom kissing Rabbi Glass. Pete tries to tell her the kiss probably wasn't what it seemed. Ruthie confronts Annie, who tells Ruthie the truth - Richard was crazed over Rosina kissing another man and did a crazy thing by kissing her.

Later, Chandler invites Kevin out for a beer. Richard invites himself along and tells Eric to join them. Annie encourages Eric to go along - hoping that he can talk Richard into returning to Rosina.

Cecilia comes over to borrow boots from Lucy and runs into Simon. She tells him she's not going to cancel her plans just to say good-bye to Simon before he goes off to college. She tells him she's not saying good-bye because she's sure he'll be back for holidays and breaks. She skips off and Simon says under his breath it is good-bye.

Martin calls Rosina. He claims to be a bartender at the pool hall and tells Rosina she had better go pick up her husband who is acting strange. It works: Rosina picks up Richard and explains to him that the man who kissed her was distraught over his divorce and misinterpreted her kindness for attraction. Richard said he understood.

Also at the pool hall, Kevin confesses he's upset because he and Lucy haven't had sex since he got beaten up by a woman. Eric walks away from that topic and Chandler steps in to give Kevin advice.

Back at the house, Simon confesses to Martin that he's scared about going to college. Simon also tells him he's upset none of the Camdens seem to care that he's going off to college. Martin tells Simon that the family is planning a surprise going away party for him. Martin then gives Ruthie some instructions for a simpler history project. On his way out, Martin runs into Eric. Martin gives Eric the run-down of where all the Camdens are. And, he tells Eric he has to throw Simon a going away party. Eric quizzes Martin about who he really is. It turns out Martin is just trying to get to know the neighborhood. He's new to the area and he's all alone - his father is in the U.S. Marine Corp in Iraq. His mother died of cancer. He tells Eric he just came into the Camden's house on a whim. He says it's nice to see how the rest of America lives.
Eric tells Martin that it must seem like all of America has forgotten about the soldiers still in Iraq. He tells Martin he's welcome to come back to the Camdens anytime. [back to top]

PK
Original air date: September 29, 2003

What's up with Eric: Annie is out of town visiting her ailing father. Eric is left to care for the twins. He's got to meet with a school counselor and Simon. And, he's got an important budget meeting coming up. He plans on bringing the twins with him everywhere.

What's up with Simon: He and Eric meet with the school counselor to discuss Simon's options for early graduation. The counselor is sympathetic with Simon - he, too, is a preacher's kid (PK). When Eric steps away from the meeting, the counselor tells Simon there may be a way for Simon to get into college early.

What's up with Kevin: Detective Michaels ropes him into babysitting his granddaughter, Hayley. Det. Michaels claims he's going out with his wife to celebrate their wedding anniversary. However, Kevin learns from Hayley that Det. Michaels and his wife have been divorced for years.

What's up with Lucy: She catches Chandler kissing a divorcee parishioner. She also overhears Chandler accepting a date with another parishioner. She tells Chandler she thinks he's moving to fast. Then, she accuses Eric of encouraging Chandler to date parishioners because it is raising the church's attendance. Lucy goes out for a girls' night with Roxanne and tells her she should start dating again because Chandler already is.

What's up with Ruthie: The school bully teases her for having a killer brother. The bully also tells Ruthie the Camdens must think they are above the law because their father is a preacher. Pete overhears the exchange and defends Ruthie. He tells the bully that he'll let him beat him up for three minutes if the bully will agree to stop harassing Ruthie. Pete takes the beating.

How did it all end up? Lucy tells Eric the only person who is likely to convince Simon to stay at home is Cecilia. That gives Eric an idea, he calls Cecilia to babysit the twins while he goes to his budget meeting. The twins love Cecilia, but Simon's not too happy to see her. But, they do talk and Simon tells Cecilia that the counselor told him of a way that he can get an early acceptance into the Northern California School of Art. Eric overhears the conversation. Meanwhile, Det. Michaels is not out on an anniversary date, he's actually working undercover at a convenience store. He catches Justin Smith buying rolling papers. Later Det. Michaels tells Simon that he discovered Justin was the one who gave drugs to his younger brother, who was high when Simon hit him. Simon says that doesn't change anything: He still wants to leave home.

Eric breaks the news to Annie - he doesn't think they can stop Simon from leaving home. [back to top]

An Early Fall (Part 2)
Original air date: September 22, 2003

What's the message? Be honest with yourself and your feelings.

What's up with Simon: He and Mary fly back to GlenOak together after Mary admits she's going home to reveal her marriage to Carlos. Simon believes Mary's news might take the pressure off of him for a while. Once back in GlenOak he tells Cecilia that he can't even be friends with her anymore -- he needs time to be alone. He tells Eric he needs to find the meaning behind the horrible accident.

What's up with Roxanne and Chandler: They have broken up since Roxanne won't commit to marriage. She reveals to Lucy that she believes she's too ''unholy" to be a preacher's wife. Chandler refuses to talk about the break-up to anyone. Chandler does come up with an idea for Simon's future: He tells Eric Simon should test out of high school and begin college courses early.

What's up with Eric: He thinks Chandler's idea for Simon is a good one. He proposes it to Simon, suggesting he take courses at the community college.

What's up with Annie: She worries that Simon will turn out like Mary. But, she looks forward to Mary's return.

What's up with Kevin and Lucy: Lucy tries to convince Carlos not to tell Eric and Annie about his marriage to Mary until Mary arrives. Kevin tells Roxanne that Chandler was right to break up with her if she has no intention of marrying him.

What's up with Mary and Carlos: Carlos arrives at the Camdens first and awkwardly tries to set Eric up for his big news. Mary arrives and awkwardly begins to explain that she more than remembers Carlos….

How everyone finds out about Mary & Carlos: The family grapevine has informed every one, including Pete, Roxanne, Chandler, Cecilia, and Kevin. Only Eric, Annie and the twins don't know about the secret marriage. Everyone is gathered for dinner at the Camdens -- Roxanne because she wants to talk to Chandler, Cecilia because she wants to talk to Simon, Chandler because Eric asked him to talk to Simon, and Pete because he's spending time with Ruthie. Everyone is in the living room when Mary and Carlos explain the Eric and Annie that they are more than acquainted. Mary says she ran into Carlos at the airport last May. They began dating, but Mary explains they are not dating anymore. Annie thinks this means they've broken up, but then comes to the conclusion that they are engaged. Mary says, no they are not engaged. Finally Mary blurts out that they are married and have been since a week after Lucy and Kevin's marriage. Mary says she didn't tell them sooner because she was going to have the marriage annulled, thinking she and Carlos could do the whole thing again with the family's blessing. This is news to Carlos. He demands to speak to Mary alone.

How does it all end up: Carlos rants in Spanish at Mary, but ultimately they make up. Eric tells Annie he thinks marriage might be a good thing for Mary. Annie says she just hopes Mary's not pregnant. She also tells Eric he needs to make sure Simon doesn't leave home until after he finishes college.
Lucy tells Kevin she's not ready to have a baby.
Mary tells Carlos she is pregnant. [back to top]

The Long Bad Summer (Part 1)
Season Premiere
Original air date: September 15, 2003

What's the message? Hiding from the truth doesn't make it go away.

What's up with Simon? Over the summer, Simon got into a car accident and hit a young cyclist, Paul Smith, the brother of one of his classmates. The boy died. Though it was an accident, Simon blames himself. The Smith family is suing the Camdens and the court date is approaching. Simon isolates himself from the rest of the family and Cecilia. He tells Eric and Annie that he doesn't want to return to school where he will have a difficult time facing Paul's brother, Justin.

What's up with Kevin and Lucy? They are not pregnant; however, Kevin says he'd like to have a baby and Lucy agrees. She says it would be great to do something life-affirming after such a difficult summer. They are also harboring a secret about Mary.

What's up with Eric? When his attempts to counsel Simon fail, he asks God for help - and a distraction. Eric and Annie fight when Eric believes Annie blames him for Simon's accident. (Eric should have been driving that night, not Simon.) Eric learns someone has defaced the church's sign with graffiti saying "Thou Shalt Not Kill." He avoids telling Simon.

What's up with Chandler and Roxanne? Chandler begs Roxanne to marry him - soon. She keeps stalling, saying it's too soon after the death of Chandler's father. Chandler says, "let's get married or…." But he doesn't finish the sentence.

What's up with Ruthie and Pete? Over the summer Pete has become an honorary Camden. He even goes on vacation with the family. Eric keeps shooing him away, but finds Pete's penchant for overhearing gossip useful. Ruthie runs into Carlos as he's working up the nerve to ring the Camdens' doorbell. Carlos was a homeless man the Camden family helped get back to his hometown, New York. Pete overhears Ruthie and Lucy discussing Mary and Carlos' secret marriage. However, Pete refuses to tell Eric what he overheard. Ruthie and Lucy argue over telling Eric and Annie about Mary's marriage before Carlos has the chance to tell them.

How it all ends up: Simon runs away to New York to visit Matt. When he arrives at Matt's hospital, a nosey nurse tells him Matt and Sarah are on vacation. Nosey nurse suggests Simon stay with Mary and Carlos. Simon asks the nurse if Mary and Carlos are married, but she won't say. Meanwhile, Paul Smith's parents tell Eric they are dropping their lawsuit. They also tell Eric that Paul was under the influence when the accident happened, so it really wasn't Simon's fault. The Smiths tell Eric that Justin was the one who defaced the church sign. They also tell Eric they fear Justin will harm Simon in some way. They request that Simon go to a different school for his own protection. Eric agrees that would be the best for everyone.
To be continued… [back to top]