Frankie's job is on the line as she has not yet sold a car. Meanwhile, Sue wants to try out for the school choir and Brick wants Frankie to go into school dressed as a superhero.
As the Heck's drier breaks down, they're swamped with payments that weren't due until 2009. In a bid to save her job, Frankie organises a publicity stunt at work. Meanwhile, Sue fails to make the Swim Team and Brick is unable to get new books from the library.
Frankie and Mike's anniversary plans are interrupted by family problems. As Axl and Brick become more independent, Frankie finds her self spending more time looking after her two elderly aunts.
Sue finally succeeds at something after selling thousands of dollars worth of cheese and sausage for school, but when the school fails to recognise her achievement she may not be eligible to go on a school trip to the state capitol.
Mike tries to encourage Brick to join the basketball team after a school teacher says Brick is "socially challenged".
The Hecks are left without a front door after Axl accidentally breaks it and Mike insists Axl should fix it.
After Frankie accidentally throws a beer bottle at Brick, the Heck family end up in the social services system.
Frankie's plans for the perfect Thanksgiving are scuppered when Mr. Ehlert makes his staff work over the holiday. Meanwhile, Axl loses Brick in a corn maze.
Frankie encounters three "perfect" siblings and sets out to stop her kids from fighting. Meanwhile, Mike considers firing Aunt Edie.
With Frankie practising a solo she'll be singing at Midnight Mass, Mike takes over the Christmas preparations.