A ruptured sewer line and the noise from heavy equipment takes its toll on Mary's nerves. Loretta decides that Merle's Chicago revival might be a great way to showcase her act, and she convinces a reluctant Charlie. Martha and Grandpa Larkin join Billy Twelvetrees in his protest against the loss of Native American fishing rights at a local river. Howard and Ed reach a final decision about their future. Mary warns Loretta not to go to Chicago with Merle, leading Loretta to decide that maybe they aren't best friends after all. Martha consoles Mary over a shattered mirror, and Mary is forced to catch a plane to New York for the David Susskind Show when the Hartman house must be evacuated.
—Skip Eastport