Patrick reluctantly agrees to let Alex pose as macho action hero Kyle Britton's girlfriend – in order to stave off rumors that Kyle's gay – and then to stage a phony breakup. But an open mic backstage at a talk show could threaten to out Alex and Kyle's sham relationship and force Kyle out of the closet.

When Alex discovers that former friend and fellow actress Ivy Tyler has been released from rehab and doesn't have a place to live, she decides to take her into her home. But Patrick thinks Alex is making a huge mistake letting her wayward friend back into her life, as she still blames herself for ruining Ivy's career over a decade ago. Meanwhile, while setting up an Oscar voter's campaign at the Motion Picture Retirement Home, Cheri is mortified to meet a woman who has been her movie star sister's assistant for 60 years, and Stevie forms a bond with the elderly residents and finds himself taking on some of their traits.

After Patrick gets into an argument with fashion critic Joan Rivers over a trivial matter, Alex discovers that not one fashion designer will create an Oscar gown for her in fear that Alex and her garments will be thrashed by Ms. Rivers on the red carpet. But in order to rectify the situation, Patrick must seek the aid of Alex's ruthless agent, Elliot, whose solution could land the teacher in even more hot water.

With the Oscars just around the corner, Alex's nerves are put even more on edge when her domineering mother, Suzanne, shows up without warning and expects to accompany her daughter to the ceremony. This leaves Alex in the unenviable position of choosing between Patrick and Cheri as her second guest. Meanwhile, Stevie's decision to make a big impression on Alex at the awards gala doesn't quite go off as planned.

While trying to cope with her Oscar loss, Alex doesn't feel like leaving the house and upsets Patrick by refusing to accompany him to his own awards ceremony when he is nominated for Teacher of the Year. Meanwhile, Alex begins to wonder if her mother, Suzanne, is jealous of her fame.