Uprooted to a new neighborhood and bussed to a predominantly white middle school two-hours away by his strict, hard-working parents, Chris struggles to find his place while keeping his siblings in line at home and dealing with the school bully, Joey.

When Chris's mother, Rochelle, hires the girl next door, Keisha, to tutor Drew at Math, Chris sees this as an ideal chance to impress her. But someone else may have the same intentions. Meanwhile, Julius finds himself in an awkward position when he becomes attracted to another woman, Sheila.

Chris joins the school Bastketball team even though he can't play, but a failed pop quiz threatens to get him dropped.Back at home Julius gets a lodger after he offers 6 months rent up front, despite the fact he makes Rochelle nervous.

When Julius buys a big crate of sausage, he makes everyone eat it with every meal. But Tonya refuses to, causing friction between the pair. While at school, Chris is sentenced to 3 days of detention after a rumour goes round about him beating up the schoo

Chris lets a neighbourhood kid ride his bike, despite Julius's warnings, and he takes off with it.

When Julius's co-workers go on strike he takes up some of the housework, much to Rochelle's annoyance.

It's Halloween and Chris is excited when another girl invites him to a costume party. But Caruso has plans for him...

Back at home, Julius buys cheap candy for the local kids.