Bill proves himself too eager to please when his master-of-the-guilt-trip mother pays a surprise visit. That is, until Judy suggests he stop placating the woman and start ignoring her, a strategy that ends up backfiring on Bill when he hurts his mom's feelings and she runs away.

After Louise's husband kicks in money towards a Sweet Sixteen party for grand-daughter Lauren, she feels this means she gets to run the show. Meanwhile, Brian struggles to get money for a college application.

With Brian facing a failing grade if he can't climb a wall, Bill's attempt to fix the situation ends up hurting rather than helping. Meanwhile, with Johnny in Japan, Louise decides the family should learn crafty skills, such as needlepoint.

Louise winning a car during a taping of Oprah puts a rift between her and Judy. Meanwhile, Brian and his meteorology club friends decide how to spend a club surplus.

When Judy discovers Al has told his fiance that he's a millionaire, Bill confronts him, but it turns out Bill's the one who's been lied to. Meanwhile, Brian seeks a way to help pay for college.