Mark's first day of junior high is marred by a bully andmdash; a young girl named Fox. But when he stands up for himself, he learns that words can hurt more than fists.

A chance encounter at a funeral parlour leads to Mark's first date. Meanwhile, Mary tries to convince Dick to sell her an old station truck.

When Mark's cello is taken by a gang of bullies, Fox begrudgingly comes to his rescue. Meanwhile, Pop and Sister Rose take a stroll down memory lane when it's revealed they used to be an item.

When Ritchie invites himself to a sleepover, Mark scrambles to hide his family's 'eccentric' behaviour. Meanwhile, Mike Sr. takes a staunch pro-cucumber stance when a grocer buys ad time on VOCM.

Mark fears he'll be outed as a Monarchist when he's chosen to give flowers to a visiting Lady Diana. Meanwhile, a gift from Dick comes between Mike Sr. and Mary.

Mark and Ritchie receive police protection after witnessing a grizzly crime on Halloween night. Fox grows tired of her brother's increasingly delinquent behaviour.

Mark is considering what life would be like as a priest. But as rumours of scandal amongst the clergy start to mount, Mark reassesses what his religion means to him.

Mark collects Christmas toys for the needy, which leads to an uncomfortable discovery about one of his classmates. Meanwhile, Pop's prodigal son shows up.

Mark and Mike Sr unexpectedly bond over Mark's role in a school play. Meanwhile, Pop turns to Mary for help after the CRA learns he's been collecting his dead wife's pension checks.

The Critch men are left to their own devices after Mary is hospitalized for a minor procedure. Mark has trouble balancing the household chores and accidentally gives Pops the wrong pills.

Mark is forced to participate in the school's Sports Day. Meanwhile, Fox fights for her mother's attention and attempts to break the school record for gold medals.

Mark and Fox find themselves on a maybe-date to the Fair. Meanwhile, Ritchie's family hosts some new Filipino-Canadians who make him feel insecure about his heritage.

Mark is hurt to learn that Fox has been spending time alone with Ritchie. With the future of his job in doubt, Mike Sr learns how to DJ... at the school dance.