Ernie and Rizzo undergo a period of comedic adjustment to their newly formed family unit. But when Rizzo is nearly killed on a case, he begins to seriously question the wisdom of his parental commitment. In the opener, Ernie runs away from home when his relationship with Jake hits rough spots. Ernie disappears after Rizzo blows up at his overzealous attempts at interior decorating.

Rizzo faces a touching dilemma when he is assigned to a major investigation, but can't find anyone to cover for him to attend Ernie's open house. Jake bakes a cake but can't shake a stakeout to attend an open house at Ernie's school.

When a series of personal and professional frustrations causes Rizzo to consider quitting his job and moving to Montana, Ernie rallies the reluctant neighbors into giving Ernie a goodbye party. Rizzo responds to annoying neighbors and the city's crime problem by considering a job in a small town.