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's high fever sparks some strange dreams, including a hot dance number with Jack and an ironing nightmare.