The Sweathogs join the school newspaper and investigate the break-in at the principal's office. During their investigation, they discover some shady happenings at Buchanan High School.

Kotter's father travels 1,400 miles to see him and to see what he does at school. While the senior Kotter observes his son teaching about the Great Depression, he tries to take over the class and tell stories of living through that time.

Kotter needs $1,400 to fix his teeth. He becomes so desperate he starts moonlighting at a second job only to be discovered by the Sweathogs.