When Mel thinks Henry is becoming a slacker, he takes him into work to show him what success looks like. Seeing his dad in action, Henry learns an unexpected lesson that helps him step out of his father's shadow. Meanwhile, Joyce and Katie decide that in Mel's absence, they need to stand up for themselves, which makes for a couple of bold, and embarrassing, confrontations in the returns department of a furniture store.

When the divorce papers arrive in the mail, Mel is determined to preserve for Henry and Katie a sense of normalcy, and keeps their annual family trip on the books. When Joyce's online date walks out on her, Mel grudgingly invites her along. To their surprise, while on what has previously been a vacation from hell, Mel and Joyce discover that their separation has allowed them to finally appreciate one another - just as they're ready to sign the divorce papers. Meanwhile, Henry's crush, Jenny, tags along on the vacation, which forces Henry to overcome his fear of horses so he can make the most of this getaway with the girl of his dreams.