As the curtains draw shut on the finale of "The Four Seasons," Kate (portrayed by Tina Fey) and Anne (Kerri Kenney) check into a motel, their steps heavy with unspoken emotions. The receptionist, Mikayla, misinterprets their solemn demeanor as the prelude to a wedding. Kate corrects her gently, revealing that they are attending an event far from celebratory—Anne's ex-husband's funeral.
Later, Anne and Lila (Julia Lester) reminisce about bygone days, their laughter a stark contrast to the somber occasion ahead. Ginny (Erika Henningsen) joins them, bringing with her a thoughtful assortment of Nick’s cherished belongings and some ideas for the service. Anne assures her that everything is under control, inviting Ginny to simply unwind. Ginny, undeterred, insists on contributing, while Kate discreetly steers her towards working on the slideshow.
Kate then informs Jack (Will Forte) of her dual task: fetching cousins from the train station and negotiating with the funeral home, which she believes is overcharging them. Jack, eager to lend a hand, volunteers to tackle the latter. Kate hesitates, aware of her past doubts about his efficacy in such situations. Jack, sensing her reservations, urges her to entrust him, reminding her of their shared resilience through trials. Reluctantly, she concedes.
Jack reassures Kate, revisiting their history of overcoming adversity. As they sift through photos for the slideshow, Kate finds Ginny’s contributions lacking in tact. Jack, sensing an opportunity for Ginny to heal through speech, suggests she address the gathering. Kate, however, is unconvinced. Ginny departs soon after, leaving an uneasy tension in her wake.
During dinner, Kate broaches the topic of Ginny's speech with Anne, who坚决反对, believing the platform should solely belong to immediate family. Jack and Kate's private dispute escalates, with Jack puzzled by her sudden scrutiny and Kate accusing him of perpetuating problems. Lila’s interruption for a toothbrush provides a temporary reprieve.
Once she exits, Jack confesses to Ginny’s inclusion out of pity. Kate retorts that her photos lacked sensitivity. Jack pleads for a modicum of trust, while Kate asserts that his actions often betray that trust.
The morning of the funeral dawns, and at the funeral home, Kate discovers their service slotted in a desolate corner labeled the 'bereavement zone.' Jack checks in on Anne, confessing his decision about Ginny. Anne remains steadfast in her belief that Ginny’s presence would detract from the family’s moment.
Ginny approaches Kate, hopeful for her speaking slot, only to be told by Kate that Anne will speak alone. Ginny protests, acknowledging her own detachment from Nick’s recent life. Meanwhile, Kyler (Cole Tristan Murphy) arrives with a bright red shoe, explaining it’s the one Kate had ordered for the deceased—a poignant reminder of life’s unfinished business. Danny, overhearing, absorbs the revelation.
In this poignant tableau, emotions swirl like autumn leaves, each character grappling with loss, memories, and the delicate balance of love and forgiveness.
Kyler shared that the decision to alter their plans rested solely with his father, prompting him to retreat to his fishing cabin nestled in the upstate wilderness upon learning of the funeral's modest scale. Danny, undeterred, suggested they press on regardless. Kate confided in Anne, reassuring her that the urn, though makeshift, would be rectified the following day. Anne, addressing the somber gathering, confessed her limited acquaintance with the deceased, expressing her belief that someone else might be better suited for this task. She inquired about Claude's thoughts on the mug, to which Claude replied enigmatically, likening Nick to a butterfly now. The group then made their way back to the house, bearing the red shoe urn, with Jack praising the dignity of Nick's farewell. Ginny, however, expressed disbelief and dissatisfaction, arguing that her voice, too, deserved to be heard in honor of their shared aspirations for a shared future. She stepped outside for air, her departure met with concern when night fell and she failed to return. Worried, the others embarked on a search for her.
Danny, frustrated, accused Claude of failing to grant him room to grieve authentically, asserting that Nick's absence was an undeniable reality. He begged Claude to allow him his sorrow, desiring only to walk through it. Jack and Kate, walking together, thought they heard a distant noise, leading to Kate's unfortunate plunge into the lake as the ice gave way beneath her. Left alone with Ginny's photographs, Anne ventured outdoors to console her, apologizing for silencing her and confessing her fear that Ginny's kind words would undermine the legitimacy of her own 25-year past. Anne admitted to seeking one final act of retribution against Nick. Ginny, wishing to speak well of him, revealed they had been arguing before his fatal accident, prompting his trip to the grocery store. Ginny acknowledged that perhaps their happiness hadn't been as perfect as she once believed. Anne, having seen the photos, disputed this, insisting that Nick had never seemed happier.
Danny and Claude discovered Jack struggling to rescue Kate from the icy waters, Jack urging her to concentrate as they extended their bodies to roll safely ashore—a technique Claude recognized from his Napoleonic readings. They emerged unscathed, embracing tightly. Claude, at last, conceded the gravity of their circumstances. Back at the house, Jack tended to Kate, their bond fortified by the ordeal. Kate confessed Jack to be her soul mate. Claude, acknowledging his own intensity, received assurance from Danny that he was exactly as needed. Danny found a butterfly drawing intended for 'daddy,' adding a poignant touch.
At dinner, Anne encouraged Ginny to read her tribute, which Ginny internally deemed inadequate. Danny proposed a trip in Nick's memory, and they all toasted his memory. Kate's realization that Ginny was pregnant dawned when she abstained from drinking alongside them, marking a tender, unexpected twist in their collective mourning.
