Relationships are strained as the couples ride the train toward Thanksgiving with their families. Jamie asks Paul to give up his bachelor pad, which he sublets to a guy called Kramer ( Michael Richards of Seinfeld). Paul meets his former film-school classmate ( Steve Buscemi), who now works as a token clerk in the subway after dropping out.
Paul tries to be happy for Jamie when she lands a huge assignment at work on the same day his film is rejected. When next seen (in season 3), the roles would be played by John Karlen and Penny Fuller in season 5 the roles would be recast again with Carroll O'Connor and Carol Burnett. This episode marks the only time Dooley and Dussault would play Jamie's parents. When Jamie's parents ( Paul Dooley and Nancy Dussault) come for a visit, it causes anxiety for everyone. Paul's college crush comes to town, stirring up old feelings. Paul and Jamie debate what to do together while working their way through the Sunday New York Times.
The new couple shops for a sofa with Jamie's best friends, Fran and Mark. Paul and Jamie try to find a moment to themselves while dealing with an unplanned dinner party.
