The Walshes sign up for a neighborhood security patrol, but can't figure out how to work the alarm system. A wealthy African American family moves into the neighborhood. Brandon befriends freshman Robbie (who tries out for Blaze staff photographer), but gets into a car accident with his sister Charise. Charise commutes to her old school because she thinks that West Beverly is full of snobs. While Charise is having dinner with Brandon, her boyfriend Devo tries to visit her house and bring her flowers. He is harassed and beaten by the security patrol for no reason. Brandon wants to write a story about the incident, but initially receives little cooperation from Devo, Robbie and Charise.

After a misunderstanding at work, Homer is committed to a mental institution, where he meets an interesting man claiming to be Michael Jackson. Meanwhile, Lisas birthday is fast approaching and a reluctant Bart is forced with the task of getting Lisa a birthday present.

Sam and Rebecca each separately turn to the Drs. Crane for help in conceiving a baby.

When an unconscious young girl's admitted to the hospital's casualty unit, foul play's suspected by Duffy. The man with her later admits he picked her up and took her home for sex. They both show signs of carbon monoxide and she's a teenage runaway. Charlie shows more than a passing interest in Trish Barnes, a new member of staff. A father's outing with his two young children causes more problems with his ex-wife when their daughter is injured and a woman caught shop-lifting collapses but is distraught about her baby. Trish is called upon to help and when the police go to her home they find the baby has died. Beth discovers that she's going to be sued for negligence and is upset by Julian's lack of support.