Family

With all the children nearly ready to venture out on their own, Kate looks forward to a quieter way of life. But the entire family is challenged by the unexpected arrival of a new addition, eleven-year-old Annie Cooper.

Buddy is faced with a very large decision when her boyfriend tells her it's time to become a woman.

Jeff's wild notions and impractical plans for the future cause Nancy to realize her dreams of marriage to him are folly.

When Doug helps aspiring entertainer Annie with her magic act, and Kate helps rock singer Caddie Wilde to face reality, everyone finds that love is the greatest magic of all.

When Willie meets a gorgeous girl with brains, he falls in love only to discover that she is a married woman. Then he must decide whether or not to pursue their relationship.

Nancy must face the decision of whether to play along with her boss or lose her job.

The Lawrence family anticipates its best Christmas ever, but Annie becomes forlorn and distant when a package arrives for her.

Doug rates his loyalty to a close friend with loyalty to himself and Kate.

Buddy is caught in the middle of a feud between Kate and Kate's old friend, a famous actress.

Parolee Bob Gantry visits Doug, the man instrumental in sending him to prison for wife and child battery.

Nancy has become involved with Dr. Joe Alcott, a school psychologist. As he proposes marriage to her, their intimate moment is interrupted by a young student, Beth Ingersol. Later, Joe tells Nancy that he has been dismissed from his position as a result of claims by Beth that he tried to molest her. Doug advises Joe to take the case to court but Joe is reluctant. He admits being involved with Mrs. Ingersol once and also discloses a morals' arrest earlier on. Knowing of the arrest and affair with Beth's Mother does not dissuade Nancy but when Joe gives Annie an affectionate hug, Nancy's over-reaction frightens Joe away. She confronts Mrs. Ingersol and extracts the truth from Beth, but because of Joe's background and the humiliation he has undergone, their relationship cannot continue.

When Willie has an affair with his Mother's friend and musical partner, Kate finds her own moral values being tested.

Buddy's dance class partner, Julie Granger, invites her to meet a movie casting director at a nightclub. Buddy locates Julie in the chaotic discotheque. Julie is drunk but will borrow a car and drive her home. Julie stops at a liquor store and leaves a drink in the car; a policeman spots Buddy in the car, inspects the drink and holds Buddy under arrest. Julie discreetly watches from afar. The cop brings Buddy home to her furious father. Buddy explains later her reasoning. The quest for independence was a disaster; but for it, she surely has matured. Buddy confronts Julie who shrugs off the incident. Buddy ends their friendship, lambasting Julie for her irresponsibility and immaturity.

As a hospital volunteer, Buddy meet's star basketball player, Jake McAllister. Jake's leg is broken. However, Buddy learns Jake may have bone cancer and becomes emotionally involved when he tearfully confides in her.

Buddy learns through the suicide of a fellow student, that winning isn't everything.

Willie meets Josephine Conrad, star of the ballet troupe in town. She talks sadly about being devoid of social life and decides to "break training" and spend the night with him.

When Nancy meets a young man who seems helpless without her, she learns better and manages to get away from him long enough to study for her bar exams.

Kate begins instructing (teaching) a senior music class at Buddy's school. Her trepidations about the job are correct when Philip Ogden consistently disrupts the class.

For a few days Kate and Buddy are faced with similar romantic yearnings - Kate for the past and Buddy for the future.

Willie is prevented from pursuing his writing career by his current job with "The Dame Game."

Kate decides to escort a Russian composer.