In 1976, Mary Ann Singleton comes to San Francisco and, after crashing with her school friend, takes a flat at 28 Barbary Lane in a house owned by the bohemian, pot-growing Mrs. Anna Madrigal.

Whilst Anna and Edgar continue their platonic friendship, Mary Ann allows herself to spend a weekend with Beauchamp at a hotel, where the promised Z-bed does not materialize.

After her first night as a volunteer on a Samaritan-type switchboard, Mary Ann comes back to be confronted by DeDe, holding the scarf she left in Beauchamp's car.

Michael's parents visit and he shows them around the city, keeping a discreet silence about his sexuality. Anna and Edgar also try to keep their affair secret as he stays the night.

Brian continues to have more disastrous pick-ups, including with two waitresses who turn out to be a mother and daughter.

Jon, who has met DeDe as her gynecologist and likes her, breaks things off with Beauchamp, informing him of his wife's pregnancy.