Financially strapped newlyweds Matt and Alex Landis move into the suburban home of the bride's well-off parents, Victor and Marlene Pellet. From the get-go, there's tension between the affable Matt, a would-be chef, and his inflexible father-in-law. Victor's immediate annoyance with Matt over petty matters prompts him to gruffly call for ""private convo times,"" shorthand for one-on-one conversations with his son-in-law, which are intended to intimidate the young man. That they do, until Matt decides to have his own private showdown with his new relation at a fancy restaurant.
Matt's smashup of Victor's vintage Cadillac is but a prelude to other revelations of covered-up accidents that befell the prized vehicle.
After their squeaky mattress puts their sex-life on display, Matt and Alex want a new bed and are talked into going to the ""Mattress King"" by Victor—which leads to a male struggle for dominance as both of the men in Alex' life try to prove their superiority through a mattress purchase. Meanwhile, Marlene befriends a co-worker, a condescending former classmate of Alex who ridiculed her throughout school.
From TV Guide: The romantic dinner that Matt and Alex hope to share balloons into a big bash thanks to Victor, who invites himself, Marlene---and a band.
A family Monopoly game is dicey for Matt, who's vexed by the Pellets' quirky rules, inside jokes, and freewheeling currency exchanges.
Matt and Alex meet a new young couple, and Victor hopes to inherit the position of head of his civic organization.
A neighbor's home sale sparks a family feud: Marlene's made a deal, but Victor blows it—because he hates the buyer's pet bird.
Matt inadvertently reignites a fierce competition for the best decorated house on the block.
After initially beating Vic in a raquetball game, Matt throws the next game at Alex' request.
A day at the races bonds Victor and Matt, whose ""jinx-in-law"" has a streak of beginner's luck that summons the duo back to the track.
Vic and Marlene become suspicious when they learn that Matt's cooking partner is a sexy young woman.
Marlene's dad comes to visit for the holiday—and suddenly Matt is not the only one in the house with an abusive father-in-law.
Showdown time: Matt meets Alex's former beau, an accomplished Adonis who has his own tales to tell about Victor.
Matt, Alex, Victor and Marlene go away for the weekend and unwisely stay in adjoining hotel rooms.
Patti LuPone plays Matt's outspoken mother, an environmental activist battling Victor over his plans to build on protected wetlands.