Deserted by his wife and her mother, Donald Marshack and daughter Miranda are left to fend for themselves in Racine, Wis., where, in the opener, they are besieged by well-meaning friends and co-workers offering comfort and casseroles.
Donald grounds Miranda after she takes an unauthorized road trip, but neither of them is quite sure how the house-arrest deal works.
Marcine (wonders if her friendship with Miranda will stand the test of time when Miranda seems to be spending most of hers with Jack.
Miranda has agreed to a date with a boy from another school. Despite Marcine's helpful hints on dating and romance — mostly gleaned from syrupy teen romance novels — Miranda is petrified. Donald does his best to balance exhilaration and parental concern. The date's father turns out to be kind of a jerk who wants to cut a business deal with Donald. The two dads agree to let daughter and son go to the movies alone. After the date, on the front porch, Miranda experiences her first big kiss.
Miranda's high fever sparks some strange dreams, including a hot dance number with Jack and an ironing nightmare.
Miranda and Donald do their best to have a very merry Christmas with the Hoodenpyles, but are confronted by memories of the holiday with Mom.
Marcine and Miranda are Miranda-ized when Marcine is caught shoplifting after a fight with her mother.
Miranda is thrilled at the prospect of Uncle Russell settling down when he announces that he intends to get married.