In the Pilot episode, Cate decides to return back to work while Paul tends with the family. Paul discovers that his oldest daughter, Bridget, is dating his co-worker's Tommy's son Kyle. Paul sees that Kyle might hurt his daughter's heart, and gives Kyle a little talk about the way he feels. Kerry, Paul's second daughter, is suspended from school for ditching school.
Cate attends a seminar, while Paul stays home to watching the big Michigan/Ohio State football game. Bridget is accused of shoplifting at a local drugstore, while Kerry is upset over the treatment of animals during circus shows.
Paul gets angry at Bridget for spending too much money on fashion, and tells her to find a job to learn more about money responsibility. Bridget gets a job at a local clothing store. Bridget receives a 40% discount off merchandise for being an employee of the store. She abuses the discount and overspends and receives no money on her first paycheck.
Paul is trying to get Kerry and Bridget to talk to each other after they both date Kyle. Kyle tries to get Bridget back and has his brother's apartment for the weekend. Paul, frustrated by the whole thing, dozes off and dream Kyle is Jack Tripper, his daughters are Janet and Chrissy, He and Cate are the Ropers with Rory is Larry from Three's Company.
Rory wants a monkey, so Paul gives him baseball cards instead. But Rory won't give up so easily... Cate is about to get a promotion, which means more work and less time for Bridget, of which she is not happy, so Paul tries to help Bridget.
Paul is now left out from the sports writers' poker nights, so he enlists Bridget to help get him back in. On "take your children to work" day Paul takes the girls and Cate takes Rory.
Everyone in the neighborhood uses every possible excuse to distance themselves from the religious weirdos, The Doyles. However, despite their best efforts, the Hennessys end up in central roles in the wedding of one of the Doyle girls.
Donny takes Bridget out on a date, then invites her to a formal. Kyle just keeps spending time at the Hennessys' and then... with Kerry. Cate's sister, bitter after her husband left her, comes for a visit.
Maggie has decided to change her attitude (and dress style). Then she gives Kerry some provocative clothing. Bridget misses Donnie. Paul finds a used pregnancy test.