The twins TV hero. the 'Purple Avenger' (played by Dom De Luise) was their Mom's old school boyfriend. He is about to visit, creating a few challenges.
Joan has used a man's pen name for a story in a 'girlie' magazine. Things become complicated when the publishers decide to visit, to interview what they assume is the male writer.
Jim is someone inclined to indoor, scholarly pursuits so he's at a loss when ordered to entertain Roland Cunningham. The guest approaches each endeavor with vigor and enthusiasm sending the family into exhaustion.
The Nash clan is to be profiled on the university's TV show "At Home with the Faculty." The attention creates chaos on the home front as Joan wants to present an artificial look at their life instead of reality.
Joan and neighbor, Marge, have a fallout over who won the raffle ticket prize of a pool table. To resolve the dispute, they mutually agree to sell the pool table.
The Nash's holiday in a new caravan trailer is a disaster, so they decide to sell it. Jim's boss, Dean Carter, wants to buy it. The Nash's try to put him off with photos and stories of their trailer escapades.
Kyle and Joel try out for various roles at the community playhouse but seem to miss out on being cast. When Joel doesn't get a part he really wanted he gets depressed and his parents try to boost his ego.
The twins believe a nearby house is haunted, but discover an older man and his dog residing within. The man in question happens to be someone from Jim's past.
Joan is named ' Woman writer of the Year', by a New York newspaper, and minimizing Jim's role as a professor and drama teacher. The inevitable jealousy ensues.
During another chaotic day in the Nash household, the twins have inadvertently glued the family's tax return to their painting, which is being auctioned at a charity event. Joan frantically bids on the painting .
Drama coach Jim tries to spark Joan into finishing her third act. Jim's professional reputation hangs in the balance: he's entered Joan's play in a drama competition.
The Righteous Brothers encounter the Nash family at a PTA event. The hit group perform "Sticks and Stones" plus "Along Came Jones." Joan and Jim join them in singing "King of the Road."
A bachelor friend of Jim and Herb, convinces them to come with him on a male only camping/fishing trip. Joan and Marge however have a surprise in store for them.
Neighbor, Herb comes to stay at the Nashe's, while his house is being fumigated. He wants to help out around the house ,insisting on doing unwanted repairs on a vacuum cleaner and TV set, with disastrous results.
Joan, trying to please everyone, says yes to too many organizations. The new housekeeper Martha fights a losing battle in trying to maintain order on the home front.