Episode list

Tom Baxter pays a visit to Pat Matthews, and she blithely dismisses it to her parents. Jim decides to check on his sister-in-law Liz, whose husband Will, Jim's brother, just recently passed away. Mary confides in Grandma Matthews that she and Jim don't trust Tom Baxter with Pat because of his reputation. Jim advises a grief stricken Liz to remember that she has a son and daughter to think about. Susan avoids Liz's overtures and admits that they have never been close. After speaking with Susan, Liz turns her attention to son Bill, who declares "man of the house."

Jim advises a grief stricken Liz to remember that she has a son and daughter to think about. Susan avoids Liz's overtures and admits that they have never been close. After speaking with Susan, Liz turns her attention to son Bill, who declares "man of the house."

Jim cautioned Mary that if they push too hard against Pat and Tom's relationship it could backfire and make the situation worse. Grandma Matthews and Jim discussed Janet's distance from the family and seeming lack of a social life. Meanwhile Janet met secretly with coworker from the ad agency Ken Baxter at her apartment where Ken avoided a conversation about his family. Janet told Ken a little bit about her family and their personalities.

Janet continued to feel discontented with married man Ken who reiterated his refusal to discuss his wife Laura and son Tim. Jim and Mary hoped their daughters Pat and Alice would have fuller lives than unhappy Janet. Liz blanched when daughter Susan admitted she admires her Aunt Janet. Liz pressured son Bill to pursue accounting instead of the law career he dreams about.

Missy Palmer leaves San Diego to join her friend Ann, a social worker, in Bay City. Missy meets Bill the first day on the college campus. Alice tell Granny her brother Russ and parents went to Oakdale.

Jim and Mary debated whether or not youngest daughter Alice is ready for the responsibility of going away for the summer to be a camp counselor. Pat's beau Tom Baxter considered getting a master's then doctoral degree in psychology in lieu of going into the military. Mary suggested that Jim be more attentive to their son Russ. Worried about Pat's serious attachment to Tom, Jim gave her fatherly advice about keeping their relationship chaste.

Missy rebuffed Bill's offer to take her out for supper. Tom encouraged Pat to accompany him on a weekend trip to his parents' lake house for the Memorial Day holiday, but she dreaded Jim and Mary's reaction. Ken hurt Janet when he said he'd have to stand her up to keep a regular dinner date with Tom. Tom reassured his father that he intends to keep things casual with the girl he's seeing. .

Missy's social worker Ann Fuller lent an ear when Missy wanted to talk about Bill. Liz lamented to Grandma Matthews about the distance between herself and daughter Susan. Pat tipped off Mary that Russ feels inadequate due to his poor marks in school compared to Alice and her academic achievements. Then she laid minimal groundwork for her upcoming trip to the lake with Tom.

Russ confessed his academic failure to his parents but said he wanted to drop out and work instead of attending summer school. Bill and Liz had a serious heart to heart talk about Susan and the reason she seems so distant to her mother. Jim promised Mary he would have a word with Tom when they surmised what Pat's holiday plans were really about. Liz's interest was piqued by Bill's comments about Missy. A lonely Missy couldn't think of anything else but Bill.

Pat begs Alice to get money from her savings account so she can purchase a stylish bathing suit.

Missy talked with Ann about being embarrassed that she's illegitimate, and later Bill made a faux pas when he mentioned Missy's birthday. Tom let Bill know how annoyed he was over Bill telling everyone that he's a playboy. Alice considered not attending college just yet. Bill kept quiet when tried to fish for information about Pat's relationship with Tom.

Janet finds out her recently deceased father Will kept his serious heart condition a secret from his family for five years.

Missy told Bill that Tom isn't good enough for Pat, who Missy thinks is a fine lady. Meanwhile Pat decided to go to the lake with Tom after Susan suggested Jim and Mary keep their children on a short leash. Bill and Susan discussed Dr. Bradford's personal life. Missy continued to have feelings of poor self-worth. Mary and Pat debated Pat's holiday plans.

After Pat groused about Mary, Missy wistfully admitted she'd like a mother just like her. Russ told Pat he feels like he's going to be a failure in their parents' eyes. Jim had a heart to heart with Russ and convinced him to give summer school a try. Jim and Pat were equally stubborn in their opinions about Pat's proposed trip.

Ken and Janet mulled over an end to their relationship. Susan learned she won't inherit any money from her father's estate, then Liz declined her request of a loan to move out. Bill admitted to his mother that Susan was once on the verge of telling him why she doesn't want to be close to Liz. Susan visited Janet who offered to loan her money on the proviso that Susan not become estranged from the Matthews family like Janet did.

The Baxter family gather on their patio.

Ann tried to comfort orphaned Missy by revealing her own unhappy family experiences. Susan balked at Pat's decision to go away with Tom. Missy was in awe of Bill's Matthews family stories, but became frightened when he innocently touched her. Susan confided in Bill that she feels as if Liz doesn't want her around and cited an incident several years earlier when Liz tried to goad her and former fiance George into marriage.

Mary didn't concur when Liz speculated it might be a good idea for Jim to try to dissuade Susan from moving into her own apartment. While having after work drinks together, Ken attempted to talk Janet into giving him back the spare key to her apartment. Liz got Janet's address.

Preparing to go away with Tom, Pat felt unhappy that she couldn't receive Jim and Mary's approval. Alice was accepted into Sarah Lawrence college and admitted she wants to achieve something before settling down, while Pat could only think of marriage and a family. A visit from Liz turned ugly for Janet when Liz lit into her for interfering with Susan.

Tom and Pat were joined at the lake by Tim's friend Phil and his girl Rita. Jim shared Mary his hope that Bill decides to work for the accounting firm as Will's death has left him with more than he can handle. Mary couldn't help thinking constantly about Pat being away with Tom. Tom and Pat became cozy under the stars by the lake, and caught up in the romance of the moment, Pat didn't yield when Tom began to make love to her for the first time.

Russ tells Jim he doesn't feel smart enough to go to college.

Liz tried to learn more about Missy from Pat. Pat wouldn't share details of her weekend with a nosy Susan. Grandma Matthews was upset when Mary took her complaints lightly. Tom stopped by the Matthews house to see Pat, who was out, and he accidentally spilled the beans to Mary that Pat has considered getting an apartment with a friend.

Bill advised his mother that nothing can stop Susan from moving out if she sets her mind to it. Later he apologized to Missy for the incident that made her recoil. Liz experienced chest pains, prompting them to phone for Dr. Bradford. Liz's pains frightened Bill and Susan who were reminded of their father's recent death.

Dr. Bradford diagnosed Liz's pains as psychosomatic. Susan speculated that Liz's illness was a trick to gain the sympathy of her children, but Bill insisted she wouldn't do that and suggested that he and Susan be more attentive to their mother. Talking about art school, Alice mentioned Janet and got her family's attention.

Mary advised Alice against art school since she wants her to get a college education. Mary refused to confide in Jim the reason she and Liz do not get along which dates back to an incident that happened years ago. Janet wouldn't answer when Ken asked why she didn't have a husband and family. Later Alice visited Janet and decided to enroll in art school.

Mary was upset to learn that based on Janet's endorsement of the art institute that Alice had decided to ignore her advice about college. Pat chastised Mary for not allowing her kids to be who they are. Janet realized her faux pas with Alice. Jim and Mary conceded to letting Alice follow her own career path. Pat and Alice speculated about why Janet chose a career over marriage.

Missy, who was abandoned with no documentation of her birth, decided to henceforth celebrate her birthday on Valentine's Day. Liz pushed Susan to give back the loan to Janet, but Susan wouldn't agree. Missy introduced Bill to Ann, and Bill realized that it was time to introduce Missy to his family.

Bill didn't understand the full implication of what she meant when Missy confessed to him that Ann is a social worker. Tom told Pat that Phil and Rita had to get married because she's going to have a baby. Pat couldn't answer when Mary wanted to know if Pat is truly in love with Tom.

Janet contemplated leaving the ad agency since too many people know about her relationship with Ken. Tom stopped by Ken's office, met Janet, and noting her attractiveness, realized something's going on with her and Ken. Ken gave Tom money to help out with his expenses. Pat daydreamed about the night she and Tom made love.

An unexcited Pat prepared for her senior prom and didn't touch the corsage Tom sent. Mary cautioned Jim to remain neutral when Bill visited with news that Susan has moved out of their house. Tom became enchanted by Pat wearing her white prom dress and after the dance took her back to the lake house. When he attempted to have sex again, Pat became agitated and insisted that Tom take her home.

Laura's proposed dinner party to celebrate Tom's graduation didn't enthuse him. Mary fretted that a liberal institution like the art school might have a negative effect on Alice. Laura remarked to Ken that she needs more money in her account. Mary realized something was wrong when a forlorn Pat arrived home early from the prom. Tom balked when Ken warned him that his mother wants to know who his current girlfriend is.

Missy was sad that she will miss out on all the things Pat and Alice experience like school proms. Ken confided in Janet that he's happier in town with her than with his family life in the suburbs, but Janet was skeptical. Janet insisted to Mary that Alice has the talent to successfully pursue a career as an artist.

Tom barely humored his mother when Laura talked about his upcoming graduation dinner. Missy warning's about Tom's character moved Pat to defend him. Ken and Laura thought of Tom's bright future. Pat turned down Tom who attempted to interest her in his graduation dinner party.

Alice and Mary discussed Tom, Pat, and Janet's relationships. Bill failed to talk Liz out of dropping in on Janet without an invitation but with a check to pay Susan's loan. Ken noted that Janet's fondness for Alice contradicts her insistence that she has no interest in kids. Liz arrived unannounced at Janet's apartment, causing an embarrassed Ken to flee. Liz's antics pushed Janet into a state of hysteria.

Pat encouraged Mary to give Tom a chance and become better acquainted with him. Pat became ill while getting friendly with Missy at the Kopper Kettle, and Missy took her home. Alice offered to draw her, but Missy declined. After Mary invited her to stay for supper, Missy watched everyone intently and enjoyed being a part of the Matthews family dinner. Pat joined the table though she didn't have much of an appetite.

Missy told Ann all about the beautiful Matthews dinner. Jim and Mary talked about Granny Matthews leaving to take care of her niece who's about to have a new baby. Tom ignored Pat's story of Missy helping her home from the restaurant when she felt ill and tried to convince her to go for a ride with him. Jim told Mary he's trying to be attentive to Liz because he feels indebted to Will for hiring him as a partner in the firm. Pat suggested that her parents have Tom over for supper as the first step in getting to know him.

Liz failed in her attempt to turn Jim and Bill against Janet by suggesting she has affairs with married men. Missy doesn't want to meet Liz and warned a skeptical Bill that he would find her unsuitable if he knew more about her. Ken didn't believe Janet's claim that she has never been hurt by a man.

Pat discussed marriage and family with Mary then remarked she'd like more than one child but all boys. Tom cringed after he impulsively accepted Pat's invitation to have supper with her family. Janet vowed she would attend Alice's graduation party. Mary and Alice quarreled when Alice decided to skip summer camp to attend art school.

After Alice revealed she was class valedictorian, everyone tried to ease any tension with Russ. Bill suggested he and Liz stay long enough at Alice's party to visit with Susan who hasn't asked Liz to see the new apartment. Janet arrived and was bent out of shape that no one had told her Granny Matthews left town. The issue of whether Alice should attend college or the art institute over the summer reared its ugly head with Liz leading the crusade against it, and when Janet was close to being drawn into the conflict, she became upset and left.

The Baxters discussed their life together, while Tom wondered about the stability of his parents' marriage. Alice questioned Pat about her feelings toward Tom. Jim and Mary contemplated the possibility that Janet's presence might push Alice away from them. Tom called Pat and lied that he couldn't have supper with her family because he'd forgotten a previous engagement with his parents, but he assured her they still have a date for Independence Day. A forlorn Pat remembered sleeping with Tom over their last holiday weekend together.

Jim defended Janet when Mary blamed her for Alice foregoing college. Ken advised Janet to express her feelings more and admitted to her that Tom is a great guy except for the way he mistreats his girlfriends. Pat accused Alice of upsetting Mary over art school then groused about Alice's interest in her relationship with Tom. Tom sweet-talked Pat while encouraging her to spend another weekend with him at the lake. Jim offered Pat sage fatherly advice about Tom and men.

Jim and Mary agreed they won't pay Alice's tuition to art school. Laura spoke with Ken about the long nights he spends at work and talked with Tom about his inability to commit to anything in life. Tom admitted he didn't want to settle down because of his parents' marriage. Janet suggested to Ken that Laura secretly knows about their affair and cautioned him he has to choose because she won't wait forever. Later, Ken went home and reached an understanding with Laura.

Alice moped when Jim told her they wouldn't support art school because she reneged on her previous plan to be a camp counselor. Alice insisted to Alice that Jim and Mary are wrong about Janet being a bad influence, but they're right about Tom. Tom apologized to the Matthewses for missing their supper, but Jim and Mary felt didn't really care. Alice slipped out of the house to pay a visit to Janet. Janet wasn't happy that Alice left home without permission, while Mary realized Alice was gone.

Bill discovered that Liz took it upon herself to make plans for them, and told her he wants her to meet Missy. Ann pressed an angry and fearful Missy to tell Bill the truth about her life. Mary realized her behavior was similar to Liz's after Jim commented that Liz unjustly blames Janet for Susan's decision to leave home. Missy admitted to Pat she has no family. Pat bristled at Missy opinion of a womanizing Tom.

Pat and Tom speculated about Missy's odd behavior around men. Tom chastised Pat for her behavior toward him. Alice continued to push Pat into revealing what's going on between her and Tom. Tom admitted to Ken that's he's determined to find out why Pat has become so cold and moody. After Bill broke their date for Independence Day because he didn't want to leave Liz alone, Missy secretly decided he didn't want to be with her and became upset.

Ken admitted to Laura that he's having an affair and their marriage survival depends on her willingness to move back into town away from the suburban social life that bores him. Janet received an unexpected encounter with her former fiance Mike while awaiting drinks with Ken. Ken filled Janet in on his talk with Laura. Mary reassured Alice that she and Jim will stand by their children no matter what after Alice told her about a couple at school who got into trouble, and Alice remarked that Pat has refused Tom's request that they spend another weekend at the lake.

Liz held her tongue as Bill told her all about Missy and was annoyed that he had to break his date with her because of Liz. Liz agreed to meet Missy when Bill admitted he has strong feelings for her. Jim and Mary contemplated a vacation alone. Pat made a few comments about Tom drew Alice's attention. Bill encouraged Pat to visit Missy since she looks up to Pat. Bill subtly let Liz know he doesn't want to take his father's place in the accounting firm.

Pat admitted to her mother that she's in love with Tom and is afraid to confess her feelings. Ken told Tom not to worry about his parents' marriage, and Tom defended his own relationships by expressing the idea that he hasn't hurt anyone and won't let women fall in love with him. Ann gave Missy a stern reality check. Pat arrived to visit Missy and met Ann.

Mary disappointed Tom who stopped by to see Pat. Mary sensed that Pat was actively avoiding Tom. Missy enjoyed spending the evening with Pat and Ann who got along famously. Ann encouraged Pat to cultivate a friendship with Missy. Mary felt sorry for a nice hard working girl like Missy who has few friends and no family. Alice explained to her mother how much Janet's encouragement meant to her. When Pat questioned Ann about her social work and the options unwed mothers might have, Ann replied that she would advise a girl in that situation to get married.

Laura admitted to Ken she's jealous of the other woman he sees. Tom and Pat had a long talk about her behavior lately and she advised him to consider the possible reasons that would make her personality and moods change so drastically. After Ken confessed that he and Laura had breakfast together and discussed their relationship, Janet reminded him that she and he have a no strings understanding. Jim stopped by to see Janet who apologized for influencing Alice's decision to take art school over college. Jim noticed two used glasses on Janet's table and suggested she not become a bad influence on Alice. When Janet realized Jim was referring to her friendships with men, she become agitated and told him to leave.