Vivian is disappointed when she's not made a partner at her law firm, and Michael does precisely the wrong thing upon hearing the news.

Vivian and Michael are reluctantly drawn into a comedic dating circus when Al decides to pursue Vivian's best friend, Laura, and asks for Michael's help.

It looks as if the torch is being passed when a new producer retools the guys' show - Mike is in (the studio) and Al is out (in the field).

Without consulting each other, the Atwoods drop some big money: Mike buys a big-screen TV from a ""guy"" whom Al knows; Vivian loses interest in Laura's shop.

Mike's mother, who thinks her son has married beneath him, visits from Chicago. Her cooking scores with Matthew, but Vivian can't stomach her nit-picking nature.