Mark’s first day of junior high is marred by a bully — a young girl named Fox. But when he stands up for himself, he learns that words can hurt more than fists.

A chance encounter at a funeral parlour leads to Mark’s first date with a girl. As he risks life and limb in a race across town to meet her, Fox finds herself unexpectedly jealous. Meanwhile, Mary tries to convince Dick to sell her the old radio station truck.

Mark and Ritchie receive police protection after witnessing a grizzly crime on Halloween night. Fox grows tired of her brother’s increasingly delinquent behaviour.

Having realized his feelings for Fox, Mark is hurt to learn she’s been spending time alone with Ritche. And, with the future of VOCM in doubt, Mike Sr attempts to learn how to DJ… at Mark’s school-end dance.

Fox's boyfriend threatens to beat Mark up after school. Mary learns Mike Sr is making less money than their son, and pushes her husband to demand a raise.

Mark is determined to raise the most money for the 24-hour famine; the refrigerator breaks at the Critch house and forces the family to cook all its food at once.

The kids are allowed to wear jeans at school for Spirit Week. The only problem is that Mark doesn’t own a pair. Meanwhile, Sister Rose picks Mary to join her choir.