When Rizzo is framed for a crime and arrested. Ernie is moved from the home and Rizzo becomes more aware of the depths of their emotional attachment to each other. Ernie's concerns about expensive merchandise in the house and Rizzo's secrecy seem justified when Internal Affairs takes them both into custody.

Ernie causes headaches for Jake Rizzo when he brings home a drifter who is wanted by the police. Ernie (Ernie Reyes Jr.) saves a raggedy stranger from a pair of toughs, then brings him home.

Ernie thwarts a robbery in a parking lot, garnering local news attention. El DeBarge is impressed and invites the youngster to feature in a music video. Meanwhile, a shady promoter views this as an opportunity to settle his debts with a loan shark.