Dylan cannot stand the fact that his free-spirited mother, Iris, has moved in with him. He begins drinking, skips school, and spends all of his time at a pool hall. Brenda resents Iris for abandoning Dylan as a child, and for trying to step in and control his every move. Cindy, however, forms a bond with Iris and joins her for a number of new-age experiences. Brandon tries to watch over Dylan, who loses a lot of money in a pool game and is beaten when he can't pay off the debt. Although she wants to be a part of her son's life, Iris realizes that her presence is only hurting Dylan. She decides to return to Hawaii, and sets up a trust fund for Dylan with money Jack had once paid her to stay away. Brandon takes Dylan to an AA meeting. After Donna displays a knack for picking stocks in an economics assignment, Steve talks her into investing in the market with him. Music: 'Mother-in-Law' by Ernie K-Doe, 'Born Under a Bad Sign' by Albert King, 'The Forecast (Calls For Pain)' by Robert Cray.

Lisa enters a nationwide patriotism themed essay contest, and the Simpson family heads off to Washington D.C. for an all expenses paid trip, when Lisa qualifies for the essay contest finals to be held at the Kennedy Center.

Frasier takes the guys on a trip to rediscover the "inner man" while the gals discover Carla's cousin Frankie when he fills in at the bar.

An old woman refuses to talk when examined and it causes problems for the staff. When frightened by a snake, she starts talking and the mystery's solved but Jimmy wonders if snake charming was in his job description, as he has to find it. Julian's promotion prospects suffer a set-back when he meets a rival for the new consultant's post and two children are in a serious condition after being trapped in an abandoned fridge. A man's heavy drinking results in him dying and Ash having to console the dead man's lady friend. Kelly's career goes from bad to worse. Trish Barnes and Charlie make a date.