Episode 4 of "Unstable" kicks off with Anna delivering a bombshell to Ellis: his eccentric photograph has ignited a viral firestorm, spawning countless memes that have taken the internet by storm. As she delves into strategies for damage control, Ellis, his quirky mind wandering, finds himself transported to a fantastical realm of trees and monkeys, only to be jolted back to reality by Anna's voice.
With a snap back to the present, Anna announces that Jean, Ellis' steadfast friend and ally on the board, has arrived to lend a helping hand.
Elsewhere, Malcolm's mundane coffee break takes an unexpected turn when he stumbles upon an HR representative, leading to an awkward exchange that veers into uncharted territory—spanking.
The reunion between Ellis and Jean is a heartwarming sight, with Ellis beaming at the sight of her. Their conversation turns poignant as Ellis confesses his longing for his wife, a sentiment Jean echoes, revealing her own missing her presence. Jean apologizes for missing the crucial board meeting, divulging that his replacement is a hot topic among the board members. She encourages Ellis to focus on damage control by immersing himself in lab work, a suggestion he readily embraces.
In the lab, Ruby and Luna engage in a heart-to-heart about Jackson. Ruby confesses her attraction to him and seeks Luna's blessing to pursue him, only to receive a subtle hint of disapproval. Respecting Luna's feelings, Ruby decides to hold off on her plans. Malcolm's entrance interrupts their conversation, revealing his own romantic dilemma—a crush on the HR guy that he fears could jeopardize his job if acted upon. Ruby, ever the scientist, proposes a daring plan: to use science to gauge the HR representative's interest, empowering Malcolm to make a move with confidence.
Anna, with purposeful strides, guides Ellis towards the laboratory, her determination palpable as she's made the decision to embark on their work endeavors. She promptly informs Jackson, Luna, and Ruby of this new chapter, each word laced with anticipation before she gracefully retreats from the scene.
As Ellis delves into his work with the microscope, an uncontrollable well of tears springs forth, his emotions spilling over in a torrent. Jackson, ever the compassionate soul, attempts to soothe him with gentle words and gestures, but to no avail.
Anna, strategic in her approach, visits the twins at their abode, wielding a powerful leverage: an embarrassing video of them indulging in a pilgrim-like charade. She cunningly leverages their vulnerability to discrimination by friends, blackmailing them into keeping their hands clean and not disrupting Ellis's path. The twins, realizing the gravity of the situation, reluctantly back down.
Elsewhere, the harmonious melodies of Jean's house fill the air as she and Jackson engage in a musical duet. Jackson's heartfelt revelation about witnessing his father's vulnerability in the lab triggers a deeper conversation. Jean, sensing the opportunity, urges Jackson to lend a helping hand to his dad in navigating these emotional waters.
In a heart-to-heart session, Ellis and his therapist-turned-friend sit, their bond deepening as they discuss Ellis's struggles. The therapist, with a touch of camaraderie, suggests a respite – a holiday to Spain as an escape. Just then, Jackson enters the frame, his voice laced with concern as he recounts the lab incident and offers Ellis a quirky yet effective coping mechanism: pinching his butt when overwhelmed. Jackson shares his personal experience, explaining how the physical pain acts as an anchor, grounding him in the present. Ellis, touched by the sincerity and ingenuity of the advice, expresses his gratitude with a heartfelt thank you.
The twins stride into Anna's office the very next day, only to stumble upon her awkwardly amusing fan fiction about their workplace, sending them into fits of amusement. Seizing the moment, they devise a cunning plan, threatening to expose her literary endeavors to her colleagues if she dares to unleash their videos to the world.
Meanwhile, in the depths of the lab, Ruby and Luna conspire to unravel the mysterious sentiments of the HR representative towards Malcolm, meticulously coaching him on the art of subtle investigation. To their surprise, the HR gentleman indeed harbors feelings for Malcolm, yet the romantic prospects falter. In an unexpected twist, Luna's experiment also hints at a possible spark between her and Jackson, sending her into a tailspin given her commitment to another. Flustered, she turns to Ruby, begging her to explore the connection with Jackson.
Ellis arrives at the lab, steeling himself against the usual onslaught of tears thanks to Jackson's advice, only to find himself emotionally overwhelmed once more. Disappointed by the inefficacy of Jackson's counsel, Ellis finally concedes that his tears stem from a profound fear of disappointing his beloved, late wife. Jackson, moved by this revelation, endeavors to comfort and reassure Ellis.
As Ellis attains a remarkable achievement, Anna beams with pride, rewarding him with a heartfelt praise. Recognizing an opportunity for redemption, they plot together to enact a cunning prank on the twins, striking back at their blackmail attempts. In the heat of the moment, however, Ellis's prank takes an unforeseen turn, resulting in a harrowing mishap where he inadvertently collides with one of the twins with his car, leaving a jarring aftermath.
