Clarissa gets a major crush on local weatherman Flip Fontana. Her rational head is horrified by the foolish state of her heart. Despite her best efforts, she can't stop daydreaming about him and trying to concoct ways to meet him.
With a Mazda Miata grand prize as incentive, Clarissa enters a magazine contest, "My Brother - What a Guy" and grossly exaggerates Ferguson's qualities.
Sam stays with the Darlings while his father is away and becomes the perfect son. Sam and Clarissa are working on a school project, but he spends so much time being polite to her parents, that he never has time for Clarissa, and she feels left out.
Aunt Mafalda has been tasked with overseeing Clarissa and Ferguson while their parents are out of town. Clarissa worries that her demonstrative aunt will ruin her planned slumber party.
A great debate begins after the Darlings realize that Marshall's dream project is the same planned mini-mall development being protested by Janet. Clarissa worries that the debate may result in divorce.
Clarissa is picked as the understudy for the lead actor of the school play. She's overjoyed by the 'easy' assignment until the lead falls ill on opening night. Clarissa attempts to quickly learn her lines but Ferguson's help interferes.
Clarissa's overbearing guidance counselor encourages her to participate in normal teenage girl activities. After giving the recommended activities a try, Clarissa decides that being normal is overrated.