Research indicates news shows are getting stale so Miles hires consultant Chris Bishop to shake things up at FYI. Jim gets a perm, Frank wears leather and Murphy gets a segment where she will interview an average citizen on their views. The interview takes an unexpected turn.
Frank feels an obligation to give his parents an 50th anniversary party but does so reluctantly because of their negativity. As his family gathers at Murphy's home, Frank keeps finding reasons to avoid the celebration and deal with his parent's disapproval.
The on-air talent at FYI goes on strike, and Miles struggles to put on a show. He learns to appreciate what Murphy and the rest do when he attempts to replace them with Miller, Gene Kinsella and himself.
Network executives hire Jerry Gold to appeal to a conservative crowd, dismaying the FYI staff. Miles has the idea to team Murphy and Jerry in a debating segment which rekindles their opposite attracts romance.
Murphy's mother Avery arrives unannounced for a visit, and meets a charming gentleman named Theodore. It turns out his son Bob is Murphy's age, so Avery talks her daughter into a double date.
Murphy causes Jim to laugh during a live news break, and he becomes upset over his lack of professionalism. She goes overboard in trying to make amends.
Murphy's practical jokes have alienated the FYI staff, so when she is taken hostage by environmentalists, they don't believe her. The kidnappers have their hands full, as it's Murphy who is making all the demands.
Because Murphy had remarked that she had always wanted a sibling, Frank hires an actress to portray her sister for Murphy's 42nd birthday. But Maddy does her job too well, and Murphy's amusement soon turns to irritation.
Corky is trying hard to be the perfect wife to Will while still having a career, but finds it increasingly difficult. She confides in Murphy, which inspires Corky to host a dinner part - with disastrous results.
Getting co-workers Christmas gifts is causing unhappiness, so Murphy suggests they donate to charity instead. But after Murphy secretly buys presents anyway, the rest become frantic trying to purchase items at the last minute.
Miles thinks the on-air FYI staff need to bond closer, so he schedules a retreat run by an over-enthusiastic director Justin. Murphy is only interested in the bonding that comes with getting revenge on the other participants.
Murphy has a party, and a guest offers to buy one of Eldin's art pieces. He feels ambivalent about the possibility of commercial success, especially after he is given his first gallery exhibition.
Murphy's contract is up, and other news organizations make a huge effort to sign her - to the distress of Miles. With Murphy having the upper hand, she makes outrageous demands, and things turn contentious.
Murphy loses her voice right after getting her credentials restored to the White House press room after a ten-year ban. She desperately needs a quote from the president for an important story.
Corky lands her first TV special, and manipulates Murphy into appearing as a guest. Everyone expects Corky's interviews to be lightweight fluff, but she may surprise them all.
Murphy is outraged when a tabloid declares she has started drinking again. and is convinced the source is on the FYI staff. She makes every effort to uncover the person's identity.