Family

Doug refuses to accept his father's senility and the consequences thereof.

Pains in his chest make Doug think this Christmas might be his last. To make matters worse, Willie wants to spend less time with the family at a time when Doug needs him the most.

To the outrage of the Lawrence family and Buddy in particular, Nancy gets involved with a college student.

Much to everybody's surprise, Kate becomes pregnant. She contemplates having the baby and inexorably changing everyone's lives. Willie is desperately pursued by a zany girl, determined to lose her virginity.

With Nancy working full time, Timmy acts out in school. Nancy must come to terms with her behavior.

Buddy falls under the spell of a flamboyant young teacher at her school, causing her friends to think she is having an affair. Annie tries to help promote Willie's writing.

Willie sells a play to a local theater group and finds himself as involved with its director (a woman) as with the work.

Kate helps a male student prepare for an important audition, which she feels Buddy's attentions jeopardize. Annie teaches Nancy to roller skate for a party and assumes she is also invited.

A life long friendship is threatened when Elaine Hogan is arrested for shoplifting.

Buddy fears leaving home, especially Willie, and considers not going to college. By sharing his interest in baseball, Annie tries to get closer to Doug.

Annie suffers the stigma of being the smartest kid in her class. Buddy studies for the S.A.T.'s. (College entrance exams).

Doug finds it difficult to accept Buddy's first serious boyfriend.