Katie tries to set workplace boundaries with Carol, but when a big story about an escaped bear lands in her lap, her mom can't help but meddle. Meanwhile, Greg tries to get Chuck and Portia to do a little friendly banter at the end of the show.

Katie's secret war reporter boyfriend, Trip, is back in town and working at the MMN offices. Despite Katie's best efforts, Carol quickly uncovers the covert relationship using a plan she stole from "Days of Our Lives". Meanwhile, Chuck, feeling threatened by Trip, is determined to return to the field. Greg and Justin support the idea until they find footage of Chuck's time as a war reporter in the '90s.

Katie gets an opportunity to appear on the air after a field reporter is exposed as an arsonist, leading Carol to embrace the role of stage mom. Meanwhile, Chuck tries to compose a new theme song for the show after growing jealous of Portia's creative pursuits.

Katie makes a huge discovery about the story she's been chasing and, with the help of Carol and the rest of the staff, concocts a scheme to get the story out. Greg struggles with balancing his conflicting loyalties to his family, co-workers and conscience.

Diana has been promoted again, this time to the head of the corporation that owns MMN, but before she leaves she finds herself embroiled in a sexual harassment scandal. This leaves Katie unsure who to believe - her mentor or her friends in the office. Carol becomes head intern and struggles to prove to the other interns, and herself, that she deserves the job.

Carol finds herself in a reverse "Christmas Carol" during which she learns that she has too much Christmas spirit and is driving everyone around her insane. Meanwhile, Chuck's estranged son, Petey, visits the office and Katie, who has been charged with babysitting him, tries to get the father and son to reconnect.