At Christmas, Joanie is hurt by Jim's disapproval of her second unwed pregnancy, and fears Burt will abandon her. Meanwhile, Syd helps an ailing choir singer mend family fences.

On Lynda's birthday, Syd suddenly recalls a buried memory---and realizes that her late mother had a sinful secret. Elsewhere, Joanie befriends some shady ladies, while Robbie mixes with local mobsters.

Gun violence lands on the Hansen doorstep along with the morning paper; Joanie hires a wacky home organizer; and Robbie breaks into TV infomercials.