Robbie admits to the Camden tribe, but only after long guessing and the facts, that his Valentine's date was with Cheryl again, but it actually provides closure, for he still wants Mary. Jeremy impresses Lucy with a fancy dinner and more, regardless of her exes popping up everywhere. The other siblings miss out on dates, but still dislike the twins' birthday party, the childishness of which finally gets through to the parents.

Robbie's father Ed Palmer, a deadbeat who left the boys very young, turns up and slickly gets free board, next convinces his boy to move out and rent a room together. Eric perseveres to make Robbie realize he can't waste his future on a super-dad that never existed, as his very imperfect mother always claimed. Simon's social life clashes badly with parental essay standard demands. Matt is furious to find Ruthie lied to use him in willful disobedience. Lucy hangs out with classmate Ashley's 'cool' mother Serena, only to find a 'regular' mother is better.