Reverend Camden helps a new family in the congregation who has a son suffering from Tourette's Syndrome. With the assistance of Simon, Simon sticks up for the boy at school when bullies pick on him. Meanwhile, Annie takes matters into her own hands when she horrifyingly learns from Lucy that Ruthie's teacher has reportedly been calling her ""stupid."" Simon unknowingly hurts Mary's feelings with something he said to her earlier, and Matt puts his girlfriend Shana on the silent treatment when he contemplates calling things off.

In the fifth season-opener, big changes are afoot in the Camden household this fall as Eric is distressed by the fact that his daughter Mary has opted to postpone college in favor of a little soul searching and the glory of minimum wage. Mary decides to buy a car. Also, Annie leaves Eric with a handful at home so she can complete her teaching degree. Meanwhile, Simon attempts to fit in with the treacherous terrain of high school, and Lucy looks forward to ruling the school as a senior. Lucy can't wait to start a relationship with Andrew Nayloss, except he hasn't come back from summer vacation yet. Meanwhile, Heather and Matt's on-again-off-again relationship threatens to be off-again--- permanently. Matt considers the pre-med track at college and Ruthie learns that she will have to spend another year with her despised third grade teacher, Ms. Riddle.

Annie quits her job at the private school without discussing it with Eric first and he feels completely left out. Mary tries to call Wilson and learns from his landlord that he has moved out of his apartment. Simon uses Robbie's car to practice driving and gets him in trouble when Simon smashes into Matt's car. Robbie's brother Ronald stops by at the Camden home for a visit. Mary gets an unexpected visit from Ben, the fireman she kissed. Ruthie's old teacher Ms. Riddle starts working at Ruthie's school.

After various personal items disappear from the house, the family finds Ruthie in the garage apartment entertaining a friend with the pilfered items. The would-be bandit explains that she is hiding her pal from a pair of older boys, who have been harassing the girl because of her Muslim background. Touched by her plight, Mary and Lucy try to get their neighbors to sign a petition in support of the girl's family. Matt and Simon decide on a less civic solution and go hunting for the perpetrators.