When Howard invests Edna's savings into a questionable gold mine she's convinced he has a gambling addiction. A visit to a psychiatrist does little good as Howard doesn't think he has a problem. Edna still wants her cash back.
George, an former boyfriend of Edna's, shows up to help celebrate her birthday. Over dinner Howard learns Edna and George were once married. Howard fails to control his jealousy.
Howard and her other co-workers were think Marlene has joined a cult. Howard decides to infiltrate the organization in disguise to convince Marlene to quit.
Edna suggest Cobb's offer child care to parents as to they shop and it's a success. At the end of one day though a child is not picked up and remains mute as to his name or address. The staff struggles with what to do.
Howard learns Viker has been kicked out by his wife and is sleeping at the store. Howard offers to house him temporarily with disastrous results. Banister works to reconcile the married couple and get his sanity back.
Howard receives a chain letter and declines to continue despite the urging of his superstitious co-workers. Then accidents start to occur at Cobbs and Marlene heads to the hospital. Howard starts to rethink his actions.
After an unpleasant encounter with mobster Meatloaf Rothko the police ask Howard to wear a wire and meet with Rothko. Reluctant, Howard's staff urges him to do it and be a hero.
The city plans on removal of a stately old tree and Howard galvanized Cobbs employees to protest. Howard, Viker, Leslie, and Jake are thrown in jail and have to plead their case before a judge.
While Edna is on vacation Molly, a woman from Howard's past, shows up with a boy who she claims is Howard's son. While Bannister adjusts to the idea of being a dad he also bonds with the teen Mickey.
Howard is worried about not being a big success when he decides to attend his class reunion. His rival Lester looks young plus he's wealthy with a gorgeous wife. Howard becomes angry with envy.
Cobbs is sold to a huge hotel conglomerate and Howard dreams of being made manager of a luxurious resort. He's informed he is staying, at the grocery store and must wear a smock. In frustration he quits.
Jack meets Marlene's friend Barbara and asks her for a date. They get together for dinner and Jack is very surprised she has a 10-year old son Peter. Jack hastily leaves, regrets it, and returns to ask for a second chance.