In this pilot episode of the sole prime-time scripted U.S. series since the 1950s to present a full season live, the menfolk of the Emerson family of East Baltimore separately plan their birthday gifts for Roc's wife Eleanor, whom they all adore. The thrifty Roc is proud to have furnished their home with salvage from his job on a sanitation truck, so he has her gift at hand, but his boom or bust brother Joey is flat broke, staying over on their couch until his trumpet-playing lip heals up. Their father Andrew always honors Eleanor with the same present. Hard-working Eleanor would love a surprise for a change. Can the Emersons make this a birthday she'll never forget ?