The show opens with Seth asking Ryan to cover for the fact that he snuck out and spent the night with Alex. As Ryan contemplates lying on behalf of his pseudo brother, Kirsten is accusing Sandy of forgetting their 20th wedding anniversary. As the married couple come downstairs, they quickly realize that Seth spent the night at Alex's and Ryan attempted to mislead them.
At school, Summer is jealous of Seth and Alex, assuming they had sex. She wants to "take it to the next level" with Zach, who assumes that means meeting his mother and sister. In response to Ryan and Seth's mischief, the twosome are grounded. However, Sandy catches Seth attempting to sneak out again and Kirsten catches Ryan and Lindsay half naked and kissing. Unsure how to punish Seth more, Sandy talks to Alex and asks her to be a good influence on his soon. The result is hesitance on Alex's part to continue with the relationship.
Mad at Sandy for being too lenient with Seth, Kirsten cancels the couple's weekend plans. Meanwhile, Julie offers DJ $5,000 to leave Marissa. In the end, he gives the money to Marissa, but still ends the relationship because she never really cared about him. Both Ryan and Kirsten tell Linsday that they wish to be just friends and she is sad.
At lunch, Summer cannot follow the current events that Zach's mother and sister discuss. She fears that he will dump her, but she embraces her at the end of the night for being smart in her own way. Also, because Sandy asked cops to watch Ryan and Seth, he and Kirsten go out to dinner. Unfortunately, the cops show up and claim that Seth and Ryan got away. It all turns out to be a set up, as the gang arrives at The Bait Shop. Sandy serenades Kirsten as Ryan and Linsday make up and Alex is introduced to the family.
"The Power of Love" File: