Episode 7 unfolds under the glow of Lydia Morgan's (Lisa Kudrow) concert night, casting a vibrant backdrop to the impending family dynamics. Emily Morgan (Chloe East) chooses to immerse herself in studies at Stacey's residence for the night, while Jacob Morgan (Wyatt Aubrey) feigns illness, much to Lydia's nonchalant acceptance. However, Paul Morgan (Ray Romano)'s demeanor sharply contrasts, as he spirals into a panic, unable to reach either Lydia or Mikey Morgan (Denis Leary). His hysterical voice messages pile up, leavening an already tense atmosphere.
Just when it seems like things couldn't worsen, Greg Boycelane (Matt Rogers) arrives, bearing grim tidings. The Morgan family's offer has been rescinded due to a financial shortfall, and the house's future hangs in peril, shrouded by scurrilous rumors circulating on the Citizen app. Greg's attention eerily deflects from the newly formed breach in the wall, instead fixating on the potential of an additional 400 square feet he envisions as a prime expansion.
Paul's relentless attempts finally connect with Lydia's phone, but relief is a fleeting illusion as Mikey answers. Paul's imagination runs wild with worst-case scenarios, despite Mikey's reassurances of all being well. The conversation's tense strings tighten further when Lydia's voice pierces through, revealing her recent discovery of Paul's concealment of Jacob's theft. As for the house, she grants Paul latitude to decide, her tone resigned.
Elsewhere, the night air carries the murmured gratitude of Mikey to Lydia for the ride home, which she humbly deems her least effort in repayment. Lydia's concern for the mysterious men he claimed were in pursuit lingers, but Mikey dismisses it as a mere bluff. Just as Lydia bids him farewell, Mikey summons Nate Morgan (Kevin Alves) to his apartment, the episode's climax leaving more questions than answers amidst a swirl of family secrets and unfolding crises.
Dennis Sampson (portrayed by O-T Fagbenle) arrives at Carla Owen's (Teyonah Parris) side at a crucial juncture, only to discover that Dr. Cutler has been waylaid by a family emergency and cannot attend the delivery. Panic ensues among the family members, but the situation takes a turn for the worse when Denise Sampson (Anna Maria Horsford), Dennis's mother, volunteers to assist with the birth. Dennis swiftly assumes control, tactfully sending his mother off to fetch him a sandwich while reassuring Carla that everything would proceed smoothly.
Meanwhile, Bobby Barnett (Rory Scovel) and Margo/Luann Starling (Linda Cardellini) observe JD Campbell (Luke Wilson) from a distance, their expressions a mixture of caution and curiosity. When Margo finally approaches JD, he explodes in anger over her deception. She confesses her embarrassment regarding Bobby and her origins, to which JD retaliates by reminding her of his own humble beginnings in Possum’s Hollow. Margo apologizes for doubting their fate, but JD persists, railing against her sob story, the false claims of a fire, her lies, and infidelities. To his astonishment, Margo affirms that the fire was, in fact, real. Eventually, Margo agrees to escort Bobby back to their boat, pack his belongings, and ensure his departure, but JD offers to handle it himself. As Margo and JD step away from the curb, preparing to re-enter the building, Sarah Weber (Poppy Liu) and Leslie Fisher (Abbi Jacobson) catch a fleeting glimpse of them, their conversation momentarily halted when Sarah receives a hospital call.
Elsewhere, Lydia attends Emily Morgan's (Chloe East) live performance at a quaint café, while Paul Morgan (Ray Romano) returns home to sift through Mikey’s evidence box. He makes significant progress, uncovering and charging Jacob’s phone, until Gwen Delvecchio (Kate Moennig) unexpectedly arrives at his doorstep with an offer to purchase his home. Initially pleased with the prospect of a swift sale, Paul's mood sours when she proposes a sum $200,000 less than the asking price. Insulted, he queries her rationale. To his bewilderment, she reveals that she is aware Jacob was murdered in the home during an armed robbery, noting Paul's three-year delay in putting it on the market to avoid disclosing this grim history.
Gwen never ventures beyond the neighborhood without first making a triumphant stop at Margo's house, boasting about her victory in securing the dream home. She also shares with Margo the humbling news that her offer was turned down due to insufficient funds. Meanwhile, Bobby and JD have already reached the boat. JD, eager to uncover more about Margo's past, finds himself skeptical of everything Bobby utters. In an unexpected turn, JD brandishes his handgun and insists that Bobby drop his pants to verify Margo's story about a fiery incident. To JD's astonishment, Margo's tale proves to be true. This revelation prompts Bobby, almost inadvertently, to disclose that Margo orchestrated their meeting at Tulsa Regional Airport. JD, pressing further, coerces Bobby to confess that Margo intends to stay married to him long enough to cash in on their prenuptial agreement. Fuelled by rage, JD eventually shoves Bobby into the water, leaving a chilling impression that Bobby might have drowned.
The narrative abruptly shifts to Carla, in the throes of childbirth. Her obstetrician, revealed as Sarah, exhibits remarkable empathy and support. This tender scene concludes almost as swiftly as it began, with Sarah remarking to the Simpsons that they seem somewhat familiar. The storyline then pivots to Emily and Lydia, indulging in a quiet drink together. Lydia, awkwardly, apologizes for her shortcomings as a mother, while Emily inquiries about selling the house. Emily assures Lydia that a change of scenery might bring her relief, but Lydia hesitates, sensing Jacob's presence in the house. To Lydia's astonishment, Emily admits that she too feels Jacob's influence during her performances.
Elsewhere, Paul experiences a poignant moment as he paints over the door jamb that once served as a growth chart for him and Mikey, with Jacob's marks also etched alongside. After finishing his task, he retreats to Jacob's room to read Dennis's letter, a heartfelt plea to purchase their home. The letter is narrated in Dennis's voice, intercut with visuals of Carla giving birth, JD at the boat, Margo confirming JD's financial ruin, and Lydia returning to the house, memories of happier times flickering like a worn-out film reel. Having finished the letter, Paul reaches for the phone to call Greg but ultimately holds back, distracted by an incoming call from Lydia. Realizing it's her voice on the voicemail, Paul listens intently.
By this juncture, Carla has given birth, and Dennis's joy knows no bounds, despite his lingering apprehension that he might not witness long enough years to etch his memory in his son's heart. This revelation, however, takes a sudden turn when Carla delivers the bombshell that Dennis is not Jimmy's biological father. Though this startling discovery sends Dennis reeling, he's scarcely given time to ponder over it, as the Morgans' acceptance of their offer swiftly diverts his attention. Meanwhile, Sarah's recent encounter with the Sampson family now clicks, explaining the eerie sense of familiarity she had felt earlier.
Elsewhere, Margo stirs up a storm as she picks up Harper Campbell (Joni Reiss) from dance practice, fabricating that her mother is caught in a traffic jam. Simultaneously, Lydia returns to her abode to gather some clothing, her demeanor anything but receptive to Paul's jests about cohabitating with Mikey. Their banter quickly escalates into a heated exchange, culminating in Lydia revealing her fury over Paul's concealment of Jacob's theft. Paul defends his actions, dismissing it as a harmless act of taking a pair of earrings for a girl. As their discussion intensifies, the tension mounts, reaching a crescendo when Lydia suggests that Paul's disciplinary measures towards Jacob's misdemeanors were inadequate. Paul counters by stating that perhaps Jacob would still be alive had Lydia not introduced a gun into their home. This statement strikes Lydia deeply, prompting her to confess that she punishes herself daily for it. This admission leads Lydia to question if Paul hates her, her anger mounting with each of his denials, until she provokes him into acknowledging his frequent desires to leave her over the years. He claims that his sole reason for staying was the guilt he'd feel at abandoning her.
The argument stagnated abruptly as Emily made her entrance, stumbling upon Mikey's incriminating evidence box. Her inquiry to Paul about the contents provoked an unexpected response from Lydia, who claimed it was all meant to safeguard her. A flashback then unfolded, concluding the scene from the episode's opening, revealing that Emily had beaten Jacob home that fateful night. Later, when Jacob attempted to covertly reenter their residence, Emily, mistaking him for an intruder, discharged her firearm, striking him. Paul, seizing the evidence box from her grasp, made a startling revelation: two shell casings resided within. This discovery was crucial, for Emily had only pulled the trigger once that evening, and the casing containing the fatal bullet that slew Jacob was hidden upstairs, tucked inside a pillowcase.
Returning to her abode, Sarah eagerly sought out Leslie to impart the news about the Morgans' house. However, Leslie had her own piece of information to convey. Having meticulously scrutinized the autopsy report, she postulated that the bullet that ended Jacob's life had originated from JD's .40 caliber firearm, adding a twist to an already intricate narrative.
