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.

Horshack takes on the role of Cyrano de Bergerac for the school play. But when the other Sweathogs rank on him, he gets upset and runs away. Now, since nobody can find Horshack, Barbarino has to go on stage in his place as Cyrano.