Matt blames his first-ever bad grade, for the crucial course organic chemistry, on everyone and collect excuses to delay studying rather then seek help. Simon is desperately lonely again after Jim's ma absurdly blamed him, but finds unhoped popularity when helping Lucy campaign for ball queen. Eric worries more about a surprise visit then the obvious reason, another attempt to make Mary see sense now she's behind with her car insurance payments.

Exasperation reaches an all-time high in the Camden household, as Eric and Annie helplessly watch Mary and her worrisome friends continue to head down the path of destruction and into the hands of the law. When Frankie expresses interest in signing up for college classes, Mary starts checking out Lucy's early application packets. Meanwhile, Simon has a hot date, and Lucy gets a weird proposition from a classmate. Lastly, Ruthie discovers the manipulative fun of keeping a diary.