Past Episodes
October 8
Pilot Episode
From the writer/producers of 'The Late Show with David Letterman,' this one-hour romantic comedy centers on Ed Stevens (Tom Cavanagh, NBC’s 'Providence'), a former New York lawyer who, after being fired and catching his wife cheating on him, decides to return to his hometown of Stuckeyville, Ohio.
Once there, Ed makes an effort to recapture his past. He pursues Carol Vessey (Julie Bowen, NBC’s 'ER'), the most popular girl from his high school class; and he moves in with his best friend Mike (Josh Randall, 'Angel'), a doctor whose multi-tasking wife Nancy (Jana Marie Hupp, NBC’s 'Friends') is valiantly trying to balance work and parenting. On an impulse, Ed buys the local bowling alley which becomes his impromptu law office. In no time, Stuckeybowl becomes the main hub of activity in town, allowing Ed to see his hometown and its eccentric citizens with fresh eyes.
While Carol is initially disinterested in Ed’s advances, she begins to succumb to her persistent suitor, encouraged by her persistent best friend and colleague Molly (Lesley Boone, 'High Incident').
'Ed' is produced by NBC Studios in association with Worldwide Pants, Inc. and Viacom Productions. The creators are Rob Burnett ('The Late Show with David Letterman') and Jon Beckerman ('The Late Show with David Letterman'). The executive producers are Rob Burnett, Jon Beckerman and David Letterman.
Sunday, October 15
Episode 2 - The World Of Possibility
When the evil Masked Magician (John Cariani) begins revealing the trade secrets of the town's beloved magician, Stuckeyville Stan (Eddie Bracken), Ed is hired to defend the aging trickster's honor. Ed finds the one piece of evidence that could salvage the prestidigitator's reputation in Carol's childhood diary, and uncovers her schoolgirl crush. Meanwhile, Phil has taken charge for the grand re-opening of Stuckeybowl.
Sunday, October 22
Episode 3 - Just Friends
With a crackpot team of lawyers by his side, Ed goes to court over a contract scrawled on a bar napkin by four high school buddies. When one of the friends strikes it rich, a la Bill Gates, and denies the contract, he hires a big-city law firm as his counsel, which just happens to be the same firm that fired Ed. Meanwhile, Ed has the daunting task of finding a manager for Stuckeybowl and realizes his only choices are Phil, Kenny or Shirley...
Sunday, October 29
Episode 4-Pretty Girls and Waffles
When Carol reaches the sobering conclusion that her longtime boyfriend (Gregory Harrison) just isn't spontaneous or fun-loving enough for her, she decides to break up with him, which is lovely music to Ed's ears. Elsewhere, Ed represents an attractive woman (Joanna Going) whose employer, a fast-talking used-car salesman (Peter Gerety), has been slipping extra money in her paychecks and now sues her to get back almost $5,000... TV-PG
Sunday, November 5
Episode 5-Better Days
When Ed's cohorts advise him to remain friends with Carol, he makes another attempt to win over her newly broken heart, and later finds himself commiserating with Nick. Since attendance at Stuckeybowl has been low, Ed succumbs to Phil's idea for the first ever Stuckeybowl commercial and in true Phil style, he takes charge, and creative license, as director. Meanwhile, in an effort to wisely use what little time they have together, Nancy tries to plan some mind-expanding activities with Mike. TV-PG
Sunday, November 12
Episode 6-Home Is Where the Ducks Are
In an effort to energize his reelection campaign, The Mayor of Stuckeyville, (M. Emmet Walsh) has persuaded Ed to escort a travel and leisure critic throughout town and convince her that Stuckeyville isn't just your average small town. And to go the extra mile, Ed concocts the first ever 'Festival of Ducks' to hopefully save the reputation of his quaint, and often quirky, hometown...
Sunday, November 19
Episode 7-Something Old, Something New
Now footloose and fancy-free, Ed decides to start his ownThanksgiving tradition by inviting Carol and all of his friends and their families for an unconventional dinner at the Stuckeybowl, but he soon discovers that starting new traditions is more difficult than ending old ones. In the meantime, Ed agrees to represent an odd teenager (Max Rosmairn) who is suing the owner (John Randolph Jones) of an old lake shack after he was injured while breaking in on Halloween.. TV-PG
Wednesday, December 6
Episode 8-The Whole Truth
Molly`s grandfather (Edmund Lyndeck) hires Ed to write his will and reveals a shocking secret about his past; Mike has a new rival (Mark Deklin) at the doctor`s office; and Phil hosts an open-mike night at Stuckeybowl.
Wednesday, December 20
Episode 9-Your Life is Now
Carol's life is turned upside down when her former high school beau, Troy (Grant Show), decides to look her up while he's home for the holidays. When she hears how 'perfect' his life is, she begins re-evaluating her own life and turns to Ed for advice, but Ed has his own ax to grind since Troy was his high school tormentor...
Wednesday, January 10
Episode 10-Losing Streak
Ed's parents make a surprise visit to Stuckeyville and he's hurt when they openly display their disappointment that he left his successful life in Manhattan to practice law in a bowling alley. Meanwhile, Carol volunteers as coach of the failing girl's JV basketball team at the high school despite the fact that she's never played the game before.
Wednesday, January 17
Episode 11-Opposites Distract
Sparks fly when Ed goes head-to-head with a pretty district attorney (Rena Sofer) over the fate of a good Samaritan (Michael Mulheren) guilty of putting quarters into others' expired parking meters. Molly chides Carol for taking Ed for granted. Meanwhile, Phil searches for his personal catch phrase
Wednesday, January 24
Episode 12-Hook, Line and Sinker
Ed gears up for an appeal of his parking meter case until his sexy opponent -- the assistant district attorney (guest star Rena Sofer, 'Melrose Place') --drops the case and unexpectedly asks him out, which irritates Carol because she thinks Ed automatically assumed she would be jealous. In the meantime, Ed also represents a downtrodden life insurance salesman whose new boss callously decides to fire him based on what a fast-talking bass novelty toy will say next...
Wednesday, February 07
Episode 13-The Music Box
Ed is torn between his longing for Carol and his budding romance with the beautiful assistant district attorney Bonnie but his relationships really get awkward when he tries to retrieve Carol's expensive stolen music box by pushing Bonnie to get involved -- allowing the two women to finally meet and size each other up..
Wednesday, February 14
Episode 14-Valentine's Day
Ed represents a dedicated reverend whose church president wants to terminate him after 30 years because he feels the clergyman's preaching style is outdated. Meanwhile Ed must decide whether to spend Valentine's Day with Carol -- or the attractive assistant district attorney. Elsewhere in Stuckeyville, an enterprising Phil launches a mismatched speed-dating club for love-starved local yokels.
Wednesday, February 20
Ed senses trouble when Big Rudy, the back-slapping former owner of Stuckeybowl, ambles back into town and admires Ed's improvements to the joint so much that he wants to buy it back ... the good ol' boy won't take 'no' for an answer. Elsewhere: Ed's fast-track romance with Bonnie takes a detour when she's offered an exciting job in Washington, D.C. Meanwhile, Carol reluctantly ends up 'dating' a handsome young man whom Molly has been eyeing.
Wednesday, February 28
Ed frets that he's aging far too fast as he shepherds a middle-aged client whose near-death experience revitalizes him so much that he vows to live life to the fullest at every turn -- even if it means bumping heads with the law. While Ed is obsessed with matching any deed or athletic achievement from his teenaged years, current high school student Warren tries to impress Jessica with his studious knowledge of Henry David Thoreau's simplified lifestyle.
Wednesday, March 28
Carol recruits Ed to argue on behalf of her prized student, a brainiac whose failing grade in gym class could derail his scholarship to a prestigious college -- but upon further review, Ed risks her wrath when he not only agrees with the stubborn gym coach (guest star Michael Gaston), but switches to become his lawyer in a civil suit. Meanwhile, Mike's professional skills as a doctor are challenged when he is humiliated by his older, more sadistic colleague, Dr. Jerome, and Shirley (Rachel Cronin) coaxes a skeptical Ed to give her a tryout as his official legal assistant.
Wednesday, April 4
Heads turn when Ed represents his former high school girlfriend after she suspects her husband of cheating on her and hires a sexy woman to test him. Elsewhere: Carol launches a campaign to win back school funding for the high school's music program and its veteran teacher when budget cuts make it expendable; an uneasy Nancy suspects that her nanny isn't qualified to take care of her baby and intends to find out more about her.
Wednesday, May 2
A concerned Ed urges Carol to help him convince a carefree young couple (guest stars Brian Geraghty, Amy Spanger) from tying the knot in his bowling alley on a whim because he fears they haven't taken the time to properly know each other for the long run. Meanwhile, Ed goes to court on behalf of an excessively overweight man (guest star Del Pentecost) who seeks a restraining order against his well-intentioned brother (guest star Shawn Powell) who resorts to outright bullying to prevent his sibling from eating himself into an early grave. In addition, moony Warren confronts his teen angst -- and hormones -- when he finally asks out Donna Tozzi (guest star Tessa Ghylin).
Wednesday, May 9
Worried that Stuckeybowl might not outlast him, Ed wants the bowling alley designated as a landmark that will preserve its recreational status forever while he represents an arthritic friend (guest star Ray Aranha) who was hornswoggled when he unknowingly shelled out big money for sugar pills from a doctor (guest star Jamie Goodwin). Elsewhere, Molly chills her promising new relationship with a hunk (guest star David Eigenberg) when she learns that her beau had first asked out Carol, while Ed welcomes a group of oldtimers who annually rent out the lanes for a reunion.
Wednesday, May 16 Episode 21-Mixed Signals
While wheeler-dealer Phil puts his latest scheme into motion with "Vega$ Night" at the bowling alley, Carol disputes Ed's well-intended advice to nerdy Warren urging him to abandon caution and ask out the girl of his dreams to the school prom. Meanwhile, Ed represents a teed-off golfer (guest star Tom Bloom) who blew a match's prize money on the last putt when a nearby fan heckled him. In addition, Mike is reluctantly drafted into arranging a tribute banquet to honor the despicable Dr. Jerome , who threatens him if the event is not conducted in a reverential manner.
Wednesday, May 23
Episode 22-Prom Night (Season finale)
Ed agrees to help her chaperone at the high school prom while his former law associate pays a visit - and tempts him to forgo his small-town life and return to the high-powered firm, which has undergone positive changes. Meanwhile, while Ed ponders his newly promoted friend's meaningful casework, he tries to help a local woman keep her heat from being shut off. In addition, a dateless Warren considers hiring a leggy employee from an escort service to accompany him to the prom...
Wednesday, October 10
Episode 23-The Stars Align
Continuing from the conclusion of last season's finale, Ed (Tom Cavanagh) is shocked to see his ex-flame Bonnie (guest star Rena Sofer, "Melrose Place") appear on his doorstep just as his budding relationship with Carol (Julie Bowen) is percolating. In the legal world, Ed is called on to represent a desperate Warren (Justin Long) in court when the trouble-prone teen is arrested for supplying the beer at a party where a fellow student is injured. Elsewhere: new homebody Nancy (Jana Marie Hupp) is driven to distraction by her domestic duties, which include dealing with dismissive service repairmen, and Kenny (Mike Starr) is befuddled by the delivery of a pony that was supposedly ordered by an absent Phil (Michael Ian Black). Josh Randall, Lesley Boone and Rachel Cronin also star.
Wednesday, October 17
Episode 24- Changes
When Ed (Tom Cavanagh) senses the heat generated from the friction between Carol (Julie Bowen) and the unruffled new school principal (guest star John Slattery, "Sex and the City"), he decides that he too needs to affect a "cooler" look that has a laughable effect on his appearance. At the same time, Ed is curious when asked by an odd stranger to help him legally change his name and identity. Elsewhere: just when Mike (Josh Randall) is about to blow his top with the insufferable Dr. Jerome, the old coot surprises him; Molly (Lesley Boone) is intrigued by an affable bowling alley salesman whose magic tricks could charm the pants off her; and Phil's (Michael Ian Black) latest get-chicks-quick scheme has him posing a la famous magician David Blaine.
Wednesday, October 24
Episode 25- A Job Well Done
Ed (Tom Cavanagh) runs afoul of Molly (Lesley Boone) when he represents a shifty clothing store owner (guest star David Garrison) who's being sued for sexual harassment by a former saleswoman who had to wear skimpy garments on the job -- but when Ed learns the truth, the presiding judge (guest star Charles Dumas) won't let him back out. Meanwhile, Carol (Julie Bowen) resents the strange new principal's (guest star John Slattery, "Sex and the City") unorthodox methods to break her out of her stale teaching habits. Also, Mike (Josh Randall) pressures an overwhelmed Nancy (Jana Marie Hupp) to have a a second baby while Phil (Michael Ian Black) embarks on a quest to retrieve a bowler's prized ball which was lost somewhere in the pin-sweeping machinery.
Wednesday, October 31
Episode 26- Crazy Time
At a wild Halloween party at Stuckeybowl, Ed (Tom Cavanagh) is upset when he learns that Dr. Crazy (guest star Evan Handler, "It's Like, You Know..."), a famed but depressed children's TV entertainer hired to emcee, encourages a trusting child to run away from home -- and when the child complies, Ed is hired by the boy's parents to sue the personality for abusing his status as a youth role model. In other parts of town, Molly (Lesley Boone) berates herself for failing to inspire her latest beau (guest star Pat Finn) to ask her out rather than remaining just friends, while teen student Warren (Justin Long) hatches a disastrous scheme to make a name for himself at a giant school bonfire rally. Josh Randall, Jana Marie Hupp, Michael Ian Black, Mike Starr and Rachel Cronin also star.
Wednesday, November 7
Episode 27-Closure
While Ed (Tom Cavanagh) is immersed in a complicated divorce case in representing a Brazilian woman (guest star Patricia Velasquez, "The Mummy Returns") accused of marrying an American solely to gain citizenship, he re-thinks his decision to leave his ex-wife (guest star Melissa Errico) and arranges his first meeting with her since he caught her cheating. Elsewhere, Molly (Lesley Boone) overthinks her budding romance with a bowling alley repairman (guest star Patrick Finn) and fears getting hurt; once again, Dr. Jerome (guest star Martin Chatinover) embarrasses Mike (Josh Randall) and asks him to perform a Herculean task; and Phil (Michael Ian Black) is determined to find out who leaked an answer in a guessing contest. Melanie Mayron ("thirtysomething") directs.
Wednesday, November 14
Episode 28-Replacements
Ed (Tom Cavanagh) sees his life flash before him; unfortunately, it's in the form of a poseur (guest star Neil Patrick Harris) who has fashioned himself in Ed's image and now bills himself as the "best bowling-alley lawyer in town" -- backed by knockoffs of the original Stuckeybowl crew -- but it's no laughing matter when he succeeds in stealing clients. Elsewhere, Carol (Julie Bowen) is infuriated with the latest antics of her peculiar new high school principal (John Slattery) but her attempts to find common ground only make Molly (Lesley Boone) believe that she's secretly infatuated with him. Warren (Justin Long) tries to make an impression on a girl by joining the wrestling team but the only impressions made are the bruises on his body.
Wednesday, November 21
Episode 29-The New World
Ed (Tom Cavanagh) is asked by the mysterious principal Dennis (John Slattery) to represent him after a minor parking lot fender-bender but when the other party's unscrupulous lawyer (guest star Chris Elliott, "Get a Life!") asks for an exorbitant amount, Ed's client abruptly asks him to settle at any cost because he fears exposing his murky past in court. Meanwhile, Ed tries to resurrect the annual Thanksgiving Day parade but is further torn when he notices the romantic relationship between Carol (Julie Bowen) and Dennis continues to percolate. Elsewhere, Nancy (Jana Marie Hupp) declares war on her fellow "cookie moms" when she is sabotaged while launching her own cookie line.
Wednesday, December 03
Episode 30-Goodbye, Sadie
Ed (Tom Cavanagh) is hesitant to represent a veteran teacher (guest star Mark Blum) who admits he refused to cast a talented African-American student in a play, until he learns that his client is actually the one who is the true victim of discrimination. Elsewhere, Warren (Justin Long) gets an image makeover when his friend Diane (Ginnifer Goodwin) asks her cousin (guest star Amy Hohn) -- a professional publicist -- to turn around his lovable loser reputation. In addition, Molly (Lesley Boone) resists her new boyfriend's (guest star Pat Finn) efforts to sell her old, beat-up jalopy for a newer model. Josh Randall, Jana Marie Hupp, Michael Ian Black and Rachel Cronin also star.
Wednesday, December 12
Episode 31-Charity Cases
Stuckeyville's leading philanthropist (guest star Barrie Ingham) asks Ed (Tom Cavanagh) to play elf to his Santa when he decides to give away his fortune to the locals but Ed's cheer earns him jeers when he learns that the gifts have depleted the eccentric multi-millionaire's charitable foundation -- and he intends to host a Christmas fundraising party to reclaim the endowment. Elsewhere, Carol (Julie Bowen) throws caution to the wind in her percolating romantic relationship with her school principal Dennis (John Slattery) while Nancy (Jana Marie Hupp) and Mike (Josh Randall) worry that their wide-eyed young daughter isn't receiving a proper diet of culture in her formative years.
Wednesday, January 9
Episode 32-Small Town Guys
Ed (Tom Cavanagh) gladly represents a lovable loser (guest star Shuler Hensley) who is sued by a woman for breach of privacy after she rejected his romantic overtures and found her photo posted on his web site -- but the case is unduly complicated when a renowned lawyer (guest star Jay Thomas, "Love & War") with his own agenda asks to partner with Ed. Elsewhere, Mike (Josh Randall) finally gives vent to his full emotions about Dr. Jerome (guest star Martin Chatinover) when the older man betrays him. In addition, Warren (Justin Long) mistakenly believes that the way to Jessica's (guest star Robin Paul) heart is to become the school buffoon. Julie Bowen, Jana Marie Hupp, Lesley Boone, Michael Ian Black, Michael Starr and Rachel Cronin also star.
Wednesday, January 16
Episode 33-Two Days of Freedom
Ed (Tom Cavanagh) is perplexed when a middle-aged couple (guest stars Vincent Pastore, "The Sopranos," and Andrea Martin, "SCTV") hire him to supervise the husband's 48-hour birthday fling without any rules or boundaries -- but the wife insists that Ed dutifully report to her all that he sees during that libertine span. Meanwhile, when Carol (Julie Bowen) and Dennis (John Slattery) patch up their romantic split, Ed learns that she lied to him about her relationship with the troubled principal.. Elsewhere, Warren (Justin Long) at last wins a date from the dreamy Jessica (guest star Robin Paul) while Phil (Michael Ian Black) and Kenny (Mike Starr) whip up a sugary concoction destined for the culinary hall of shame. Josh Randall, Jana Marie Hupp, and Lesley Boone also star.
Wednesday, January 30
Episode 34-Ends and Means
Ed (Tom Cavanagh) begins dating an attractive, free-spirited claims adjuster (guest star Reiko Aylesworth) and even agrees to represent her when her former employer accuses her of embezzling thousands of dollars -- but he's shocked to hear her admission that she did it to help a dying man get a liver transplant. Meanwhile, Nancy (Jana Marie Hupp) tires of her housebound baby-care duties and seeks to become a part-time substitute teacher until she runs afoul of her fellow teachers for going outside the bounds of course instruction. Back at Stuckeybowl, Phil (Michael Ian Black) hatches an unpopular scheme to host birthday parties at the alley with a "celebrity roast" theme. Julie Bowen, Josh Randall, Lesley Boone, Rachel Cronin and Mike Starr also star.
Wednesday, February 6
Episode 35-Youth Bandits
Ed (Tom Cavanagh) is shocked to learn of the death of a former teen friend who formed a high school rock band while they were fellow students but he meets unexpected resistance from Carol (Julie Bowen) when he tries to re-team with ex-members Mike (Josh Randall) and Barney (guest star Andy Richter, NBC's "Late Night with Conan O'Brien") for the first time in 15 years to perform at the funeral. Elsewhere, an exasperated Molly (Lesley Boone) tries to coax and cajole a scamming Phil (Michael Ian Black) over the graduation finish line when he tries to obtain a high school equivalent degree -- without even cracking a book -- while teen boob Warren (Justin Long) ponders tattooing to declare his love for Jessica (guest star Robin Paul). Jana Marie Hupp also stars.
Wednesday, February 27
Episode 36-Things To Do Today
Ed (Tom Cavanagh) is intrigued by the romantic antics of a beautiful and flirtatious young woman (guest star Kelly Ripa, "Live with Regis and Kelly") whose free-spirited attitide inspires him to take a chance with her. Elsewhere, Carol (Julie Bowen) frets when she learns that Warren (Justin Long) has captured a private moment of hers on videotape. Ed (Tom Cavanagh) discovers a secret about Molly's (Lesley Boone) boyfriend Jim (guest star Pat Finn) and forces him to confess to Molly -- even though he knows his friend will be crushed.
Wednesday, March 06
Episode 37-Nice Guys Finish Last
Ed (Tom Cavanagh) wants to help a hapless lawyer (guest star Jason Kravitz) win his first case against a trucking firm that has re-routed giant semi-trailer rigs to rumble through peaceful Stuckeyville -- but the case is so important he wonders if the pushover attorney can actually gear up against the truckers' slick counsel. Elsewhere, Carol (Julie Bowen) makes the mistake of asking Dennis (John Slattery) to read her short story before she submits it to a famous visiting writer (guest star Keir Dullea, "2001: A Space Odyssey"). In addition, Molly (Lesley Boone) refuses to grant her persistent ex-boyfriend (guest star Pat Finn) an audience to explain his current marital status.
Wednesday, March 27
Episode 38-Wheel of Justice
Carol's (Julie Bowen) fears about contesting a speeding ticket ease when Ed (Tom Cavanagh) reassures her that she will be appearing before Judge Travis R. Donnelly (guest star Richard Easton) -- the same man who inspired him to become a lawyer -- until the judge's shocking behavior startles Ed. Elsewhere: Ed wants to make his bowling alley more kid-friendly, so he asks Phil (Michael Ian Black) and Kenny (Mike Starr) to hire a clown but the auditons are no laughing matter; Mike's (Josh Randall) excitement with his new practice sours as he unknowlingly risks his reputation while trying to drum up business.
Wednesday, April 03
Episode 39-Lloyd
Ed (Tom Cavanagh) is surprised when his ne'er-do-well older brother Lloyd (guest star Timothy Busfield, "NBC's The West Wing") blows into town with a typically harebrained idea of turning plain Stuckeybowl into a glossy bowling-nightclub -- and their disagreement threatens to drive them further apart. Elsewhere, goofy teenager Warren (Justin Long) tries to hook up with wild college women by infiltrating a fraternity but even he's amazed when one sultry coed (guest star Elizabeth Hobgood) comes on to him. In addition, when Nancy (Jana Marie Hupp) throws a party for fellow Billy Joel fans, she draws the attention of a weird, 13-year-old admirer (guest star Aaron Hamill).
Wednesday, April 10
Episode 40-Trust
Ed's (Tom Cavanagh) relationship with Mike (Josh Randall) is strained when his longtime buddy is sued for sexual harassment shortly after opening his new medical practice but after Ed agrees to represent him, he discovers some damaging evidence that undermines his case -- and his confidence in his pal. Elsewhere, when Carol's (Julie Bowen) first literary venture is rejected, she instead tries journalism as a substitute for her writing passion and soon discovers that Stuckeyville is virtually newsproof. Back at the alley, a frustrated Phil (Michael Ian Black) vows to unionize his fellow employees when Ed reprimands him for carting food home en masse.
Wednesday, April 24
Episode 41-The Shot
Ed (Tom Cavanagh) recoils when the 15th anniversary of his basketball team's loss in the championship nears -- since it was his last-second missed free throw that spelled defeat -- but he becomes obsessed with gaining redemption, even if it means re-gathering the same teams, crowd and referee (guest star Paul Shaffer, "Late Night with David Letterman") as he attempts the crucial shot once again. Meanwhile, Molly (Lesley Boone) shares an intimate moment with Jim (guest star Pat Finn) and issues an ultimatum forcing him to choose between his wife and her. Back at Stuckeybowl, Phil (Michael Ian Black) plays Cupid and uses hypnotism to pair off a shy Shirley (Rachel Cronin) with an appreciative deliveryman (guest star Reg Flowers).
Wednesday, May 1
Episode 42-Power of the Person
Carol (Julie Bowen) asks an eager Ed (Tom Cavanagh) to coach the high school "Quizbowl" team of outstanding students in hopes of inspiring a promising disadvantaged student (guest star James Ransone) -- but both are shocked when Principal Dennis (John Slattery) nixes the notion of including such an inferior pupil among the competitors. Elsewhere, Warren (Justin Long) begins "auditioning" clerics from a variety of faiths to help him choose the best religion while Phil (Michael Ian Black) fancies himself as a boxing promoter with Stuckeybowl as the squared circle.
Wednesday, May 08
Episode 43-Memory Lane
A despairing Ed (Tom Cavanagh) realizes how close he is to losing Carol (Julie Bowen) when he discovers that she and boyfriend Dennis (John Slattery) have set up housekeeping together - and that his romantic rival has even purchased a wedding ring and intends to propose. Meanwhile, he agrees to represent an elderly woman in court who lost all of her photo memories to a faulty photo-processing plant while Dennis challenges a snotty student leader to a school election.
Wednesday, May 15
Episode 44- Last Chance
In the season finale, a lathered-up Ed (Tom Cavanagh) suspects that his romantic rival Dennis (John Slattery) plans to propose to Carol (Julie Bowen) but he feels helpless to derail their marital wedding train. Elsewhere, Warren (Justin Long) feels betrayed and tries to freeze out his friends Diane (guest star Ginnifer Goodwin) and Mark (guest star Michael R. Genadry) after catching them in an intimate moment while Molly (Lesley Boone) is asked to judge the Stuckeyville talent show whose performers include the clueless Phil (Michael Ian Black).
Wednesday, September 25
Episode 45- Human Nature
In the season premiere, Ed (Tom Cavanagh) welcomes back Carol (Julie Bowen) after her summer-long travel fling with Dennis (John Slattery) and grills her about their farewell kiss last spring, but the attorney must also concentrate on his new client -- an abrasive scam artist (guest star Danny DeVito) who bilked Mike (Josh Randall) on a betting scheme. Elsewhere, Ed is forced to hire a new Stuckeybowl employee and one of the applicants (new series regular Daryl "Chill" Mitchell, "The John Larroquette Show") is a fast-talker who refuses to be ignored and brims over with radical new ideas.
Wednesday, October 2
Episode 46- Ms. Stuckeyville
Carol (Julie Bowen) is ecstatic over her new wedding engagement to Dennis, but she stresses about how to tell Ed (Tom Cavanagh) -- and when she does, he laughs so hard that he doesn't believe her. When he can't convince Carol to change her mind, a frustrated Ed transfers their war of wills to Diane (Ginnifer Goodwin) when she becomes an unlikely beauty contest candidate for Miss Stuckeyville, where he warns her not to follow in the tragic path of a former winner -- Carol. Back at the bowl, the excitable Eli (Daryl "Chill" Mitchell) clashes with the laid-back Phil (Michael Ian Black) over who will rule the alleys as the "alpha male."
Wednesday, October 9
Episode 47- The Road
Weary of his humdrum life -- and hearing the details of Carol's (Julie Bowen) impending marriage to Dennis (John Slattery) -- Ed (Tom Cavanagh) volunteers to accompany a habitual traveler (guest star Eric Thal) on the road to wherever in the vain hope of finding peace and freedom. Back at Stuckeyville, Carol chafes at Dennis' passive control of her wedding-day preferences, which include conducting the nuptials on a remote mountaintop. Nancy (JanaMarie Hupp) begins as a high school guidance counselor but her idealism is tested by an aimless slacker (guest start Jacob Pitts) who becomes her pet project. At the bowling alley, Phil (Michael Ian Black) challenges Eli (Daryl "Chill" Mitchell) to a game of hoops for the right to occupy Ed's office in his temporary absence.
Wednesday, October 16
Episode 48- Charlotte and Wilbur
Carol (Julie Bowen) worries that her charming visiting father (guest star Dan Lauria, "The Wonder Years") will be angry with her when he learns that she is engaged to be married -- but she hardly suspects that daddy dearest has an even bigger surprise for her. Elsewhere, a tanglefooted Ed (Tom Cavanagh) reluctantly volunteers to step in for Eli (Daryl "Chill" Mitchell) in a jitterbug dance contest against Eli's old rival (guest star Robert Scott Daye) while Molly (Lesley Boone) is confronted by a wild-eyed Warren (Justin Long) who protests the evils of the SAT college-placement system.
Wednesday, October 30
Episode 49- The Divorce
Ed (Tom Cavanagh) must referee a nasty breakup of two veteran morning-radio deejays (guest stars Horatio Sanz and Chris Parnell of NBC's "Saturday Night Live") who hire him to handle the legal wrangling over which one owns their routines -- but when Carol (Julie Bowen) prematurely prints a news story that exposes the split, the dyspeptic duo blames Ed. Meanwhile, Nancy (JanaMarie Hupp) and Mike (Josh Randall) consult a marriage therapist (guest star Lisa Ling of "The View") as a preemptive strike against future marital problems.
Wednesday, November 6
Episode 50- May the Best Man Win
Even though Ed's (Tom Cavanagh) romantic rival Dennis (John Slattery) doesn't want him at his wedding, he sarcastically asks the bowling alley lawyer to be his best man -- so Ed responds by arranging a blowout bachelor party, complete with strippers, just to embarrass the groom. Meanwhile, Ed is visited by the free-spirited Jennifer (guest star Kelly Ripa, "Live with Regis and Kelly"), his former romantic partner who breezes back into his life and asks for legal help to prevent eviction from her apartment. In addition, Nancy (Jana Marie Hupp) and Molly (Lesley Boone) steal into Carol's (Julie Bowen) house to swipe some embarrassing pictures for a video presentation of her life.
Wednesday, November 13
Episode 51- The Wedding
As a pensive Carol (Julie Bowen) nears her big wedding day, Ed (Tom Cavanagh) vacillates about what his role should be -- or even if he should attend -- while Jennifer (guest star Kelly Ripa), his new and free-spirited romantic interest, suggests a very bold and provocative alternative. Meanwhile, Carol's brassy kid sister (guest star Nicki Aycox) returns to town and strikes up an unlikely but close friendship with awkward student Warren (Justin Long).
Wednesday, November 20
Episode 52- Trapped
Weary of hearing Ed (Tom Cavanagh) and Carol (Julie Bowen) talk incessantly about each other, Mike (Josh Randall) and their other friends decide to lock up and isolate the potential lovebirds for the night -- or longer -- in Stuckeybowl until they agree to formulate new ground rules for their rollercoaster relationship. In the meantime, Mike lamely tries to entertain Nancy (JanaMarie Hupp) and Molly (Lesley Boone) while Phil (Michael Ian Black) challenges Eli (Daryl "Chill" Mitchell) to a game of Scrabble whose outcome could force Eli to summon enough courage to ask out a local woman for a date. Rachel Cronin also stars. Kelly Ripa ("Live with Regis and Kelly") guest-stars as Jennifer.
Wednesday, December 11
Episode 53- Makeovers
Ed's (Tom Cavanagh) hapless brother Lloyd (guest starTimothy Busfield, "thirtysomething") returns as Christmas nears with his latest get-rich-quick proposition -- a garish men's makeup line sold in the Stuckeybowl -- but Ed is reluctant to help when Lloyd is prosecuted for participating in a pyramid scheme. Meanwhile, Mike (Josh Randall) and Warren (Justin Long) try to sensitively coax hefty teenager Mark (Michael R. Genadry) to lose weight in order to avoid the fate of his heart-stricken father, and an exasperated Eli (Daryl "Chill" Mitchell) tries to inspire Shirley (Rachel Cronin) to festoon the alley with some appropriate Christmas decorations. Julie Bowen and JanaMarie Hupp, also star.
Wednesday, December 18
Episode 54- Neighbors
Ed (Tom Cavanagh) takes on a client whose neighbor is suing him for a frivolous reason, but while trying to appease the situation, Ed hatches a crazy plan that may actually make the people of Stuckeyville realize what really matters. Meanwhile, Stuckeyville High is in search of a new principal -- and Carol (Julie Bowen) uses her persuasive powers to convince Molly (Lesley Boone), that she indeed is the right candidate for the job. Elsewhere, a frustrated Phil (Michael Ian Black) turns to Eli (Daryl "Chill" Mitchell) for help in convincing a small Stuckeyville sandwich shop to adopt him as its spokesperson. Josh Randall, JanaMarie Hupp, Rachel Cronin and Justin Long also star.
Wednesday, January 8
Episode 55- Frankie
Just as Ed (Tom Cavanagh) agrees to represent a high school football quarterback who was unfairly injured by a rival player, he is blindsided by an bright and attractive young attorney (guest star Sabrina Lloyd, "Sports Night") who tries to convince him to hire her. Elsewhere: Molly (Lesley Boone) relishes her new school promotion but her attempt to win over the students -- by appearing to be too cool for school -- only backfires; Warren (Justin Long) and Diane (Ginnifer Goodwin) conspire with Eli (Daryl "Chill" Mitchell) to cook up the quintessential gourmet meal for Mark (Michael R. Genadry) before his gastric-bypass surgery.
Wednesday, January 15
Episode 56- Partners
Ed throws in with a client who's "outed"--Ed (Tom Cavanagh) and his new attorney Frankie (guest star Sabrina Lloyd. "Sports Night") agree to represent a stable owner (guest star Howard Spiegel) who once rented him a horse when the man is threatened by his well meaning sister (Margo Martindale) with being publicly 'outed'. Elsewhere, Mike (Josh Randall) sees his practice sabotaged by a vindictive Dr. Jerome (guest star Martin Chatinover) while a jilted Carol (Julie Bowen) is urged to survey Stuckeyville for new romantic prospects that just might be under her nose. Jana Marie Hupp, Leslie Boone, Michael Ian Black, Daryl "Chill" Mitchell and Rachel Cronin also star. Jim Gaffigan also guest stars.
Wednesday, January 22
Episode 57- Hyenas & Wildebeests
A desperate Carol (Julie Bowen) begs Ed (Tom Cavanagh) to defend her in court when she writes a scathing newspaper review of a restaurant owned by a former high school classmate (guest star Charles Borland) who once romantically humiliated her friend Molly (Lesley Boone) while they were students. Meanwhile, Molly has her hands full when she tries to protect and advise a geeky student (Matthew Stadelman) who is subjected to ridicule and bully threats by larger teens, and Phil's (Michael Ian Black) latest cockeyed scheme is aimed at attracting more youthful patrons to Stuckeybowl by providing them with edgy and dangerous stunts.
Wednesday, February 5
Episode 58- The Case
A desperate Eli (Daryl "Chill" Mitchell) recruits Ed (Tom Cavanagh) to defend his longtime buddy, who is accused of slaying a man accidentally killed in a familiar prank while cheating with the defendant's wife. However, Ed is reluctant, not only because it is his first murder case but because he can't prove that the fatal stunt dates back to a common high school practice. Meanwhile, Molly (Lesley Boone) finds herself sparking to a handsome fireman (guest star Tom Wilson) whose nerdy son (guest star Matthew Stadelmann) prefers online video games to the relationship with his father.
Wednesday, February 12
Episode 59- Blips
After receiving an estimate on how long he'll live, Ed (Tom Cavanagh) obsesses with what kind of legacy he'll leave behind -- especially when a famous artist (guest star Tim Matheson, NBC's "The West Wing") shows up and reminds the lawyer that he has created nothing memorable in his lifetime. Meanwhile, Carol's (Julie Bowen) free-spirited sister Stella (guest star Nicki Aycox) returns after breaking up with the celebrated artist, which gives new hope to lovestruck teenager Warren (Justin Long). Back at the alley, Phil (Michael Ian Black) recruits Eli's (Daryl "Chill" Mitchell) help in composing a new "Happy Birthday" song that will make them rich in royalties, while Ed and Frankie (guest star Sabrina Lloyd) continue to work closer together she breaks up with her boyfriend. Josh Randall, JanaMarie Hupp, Lesley Boone and Rachel Cronin also star.
Wednesday, February 19
Episode 60- Good Advice
When Ed (Tom Cavanagh) is sued for his Good Samaritan action in saving an injured motorist (guest star Ivan Martin), Frankie (Sabrina Lloyd) leaps to defend him, but a crucial courtroom mistake causes a rift between them -- and Ed's mood is further preturbed when Carol (Julie Bowen) offers a personal comment on his relationship with Frankie. Elsewhere, Warren (Justin Long) overreacts to his own budding romance with Carol's sister Stella (guest star Nikki Aycox), who's 10 years older than he is. In addition, an uncertain Molly (Lesley Boone) must come to terms with restive student Ryan (guest star Matthew Stadelmann) if she is to continue seeing his fireman father (guest star Tom Wilson). Josh Randall, Jana Marie Hupp, and Rachel Cronin also star.
Wednesday, February 26
Episode 61- Captain Lucidity
Ed (Tom Cavanagh) employs "lucid dreaming" -- in which he is in control of his own nocturnal dreams -- and reassesses his most recent romantic entanglements with Carol (Julie Bowen) and Frankie (guest star Sabrina Lloyd) sandwiched between bizarre encounters with film star Taye Diggs (from "Chicago," as himself) and singing duo Daryl Hall & John Oates. Josh Randall, JanaMarie Hupp, Lesley Boone and Rachel Cronin also star.
Wednesday, March 5
Episode 62- Business As Usual
While the budding romantic relationship bertween Ed (Tom Cavanagh) and Frankie (guest star Sabrina Lloyd) heats up, their professional camaraderie turns cool over a breach-of-contract lawsuit involving two former law students who once promised that they would marry each other by the time they were 35. As Ed and Frankie try to work out the kinks, Mike (Josh Randall) and the irascible Dr. Jerome (guest star Martin Chatinover) bicker over the office sign they share and Mark (Michael R. Genadry) learns that another student wants to undergo the same gastric bypass surgery that he had earlier.
Wednesday, March 12
Episode 63- Babysitting
While Frankie is away, a sunny Ed (Tom Cavanagh) volunteers to babysit Sarah for Mike (Josh Randall) and Nancy (JanaMarie Hupp) to allow them to spend some quiet time together on a vacation, but he soon calls on Carol (Julie Bowen) for help to quell the temperamental baby's non-stop crying jag. Meanwhile, Mike and Nancy find their bed-and-breakfast getaway is run like a summer camp by an annoying owner (guest star Molly Shannon, NBC's "Saturday Night Live") who coerces everyone into continuous group singalongs.
Wednesday, March 28
Episode 64- Second Chances
When Frankie (guest star Sabrina Lloyd) learns of Ed's (Tom Cavanagh) longtime interest in Carol (Julie Bowen), she decides to take on the competition with a romantic gesture of her own -- while Carol goes on a date with a handsome new high school teacher (guest star and singer Chris Isaak, "Wicked Game" and "The Chris Isaak Show"). Elsewhere, Eli (Daryl "Chill" Mitchell) tries to help the man (guest star Steve Schirripa, "The Sopranos") who purchased his restaurant restore the eatery to its former glory and he also takes stock of how his own life has changed since the accident that partially paralyzed him. Josh Randall, JanaMarie Hupp, Lesley Boone, Michael Ian Black, Justin Long and Rachel Cronin also star.
Wednesday, April 4
Episode 65- The Movie
Tension soars between Ed and Frankie when Carol finally makes her move to win Ed back, while Ed is distracted by the local shoestore owner(guest star Christopher Lloyd) who's trying to make a movie and comes to Stuckeybowl seeking Ed's legal advice. Elsewhere, Warren discovers the pain of a broken heart when Stella decides to move back to Boston. Josh Randall, Jana Marie Hupp, Lesley Boone, Michael Ian Black, Justin Long, Daryl "Chill" Mitchell, and Rachel Cronin also star.
Wednesday, April 11
Episode 66- The Decision
In the season finale, Ed (Tom Cavanagh) remains in a quandry about his choice between his romantic interests in Carol (Julie Bowen) and an impatient Frankie (guest star Sabrina Lloyd, "Sliders") -- until Frankie forces him to finally decide or she will leave town and return to her former boyfriend for good. Oddly, part of Ed's confusion could be resolved when Mike (Josh Randall) tells him of his relationship with a comely co-ed (guest star Sarah Jane Morris) who comes on to him. Elsewhere, Phil (Michael Ian Black) urges Eli (Daryl "Chill" Mitchell) to ask out an attractive woman to the big blowout celebrating Stuckeybowl's 75th anniversary. Jana Marie Hupp, Leslie Boone, Rachel Cronin, and Justin Long also star.
Wednesday, September 24
Episode 67- New School
Ed (Tom Cavanagh) and Carol (Julie Bowen) awkwardly sort out their newfound romance as they plan their first official date. Meanwhile, Ed represents Mike (Josh Randall) and Nancy (JanaMarie Hupp) when their newly purchased purebred puppy is a muddled mutt; Eli (Daryl "Chill" Mitchell) casts his eyes on the pies of a baking beauty (new series regular Marcy Harriell, "Rent") who is also a smart businesswoman; Phil (Michael Ian Black) takes it upon himself to find Ed a new apprentice lawyer. Rachel Cronin also stars.
Wednesday, October 1
Episode 68- New Car Smell
In a special episode, the point-of-view is seen through the viewfinder of cousin Benny (guest star Vinnie Favale ), Ed's aritistic relative who arrives to film a documentary about the life of a typical "bowling alley lawyer" -- but the voyeuristic camera only makes Ed's budding romance with Carol (Julie Bowen) even more awkward when the new lovers decide to move in together. Elsewhere, Mike (Josh Randall) warns Ed that the bloom will soon come off his new love life and as a result, Mike seeks to reinvigorate his own marriage to Nancy (JanaMarie Hupp). Back at school, Warren (Justin Long) tries to play a trick -- or "punk" -- Molly (Lesley Boone) while on camera. Michael Ian Black, Rachel Cronin and Daryl "Chill" Mitchell also star.
Wednesday, October 8
Episode 69- The Dream
Ed (Tom Cavanagh, who also directs) and Mike (Josh Randall) act on a whim -- and a whinny -- as they fulfill their childhood dream of owning a racehorse by overpaying at an auction but they discover that the sport of kings can soon consume the income of paupers. Meanwhile, Carol (Julie Bowen) is on the hot seat when she urges the SAT-challenged Warren (Justin Long) to consider forgoing college in favor of following his dream, which happens to be hosting a cable-access talk show. Back at the bowl, Eli (Daryl "Chill" Mitchell) engages in a war of the wills with pie entrepreneur Jennifer (Marcy Harriell), but their feud might only camouflage a growing mutual attraction. JanaMarie Hupp, Lesley Boone, Michael Ian Black and Rachel Cronin also star.
Wednesday, October 15
Episode 70- History Lessons
When Carol (Julie Bowen) hides her old love letters to a mysterious ex-flame, a jealous Ed (Tom Cavanagh) looks up the handsome man -- which later makes her angry for betraying her privacy -- while Ed also tries to save Stuckeyville's historic reputation and tourism when a historian questions the role of the town's founder in a famous Revolutionary War battle. Elsewhere, Mike (Josh Randall) and and Nancy (JanaMarie Hupp) fret that their baby girl will eventually learn of their youthful indiscretions while Eli (Daryl "Chill" Mitchell) tries to butter up the uptight, pie-baking Jennifer (Marcy Harriell). Lesley Boone, Michael Ian Black and Rachel Cronin also star.
Wednesday, October 22
Episode 71- Death, Debt, & Dating
A young man (guest star McCaleb Burnett) asks Ed (Tom Cavanagh) to defend him in civil court against his own father, a working-class man (guest star Joel Higgins) who settled for less in his own life and sues his college dropout son for the huge cost of education.that he promised to pay back -- trouble is, Ed might agree with his opponent. Elsewhere, Mike (Josh Randall) and Nancy (Jana Marie Hupp) secretly test their friends to see who might be the best guardian for their young daughter should they meet an untimely end. In addition, Molly (Lesley Boone) meets a gregarious stranger (guest star Reg Rodgers) who literally sweeps her off her feet and Phil (Michael Ian Black) faces off against a crotchety senior citizen with a lively way of bowling.
Wednesday, October 29
Episode 72- The Offer
One week before Halloween, Carol (Julie Bowen) impresses one of her students (guest star Jonathan Togo) -- now a famous writer -- with her writing samples, so he invites her and Ed (Tom Cavanagh) to meet with a demanding magazine editor in New York City while the new couple live it up on the town. Elsewhere, the cunning Dr. Jerome (guest star Martin Chatinover) asks likable Mike (Josh Randall) to come down hard on his visiting granddaughter (guest star Melissa Miller) to see if she has the makings of a good doctor. Teens Warren (Justin Long) and Mark (Michael Genadry) adopt an amiable new freshman (guest star Noah Fleiss) who's equally adept at mixing with the cool kids as he is with their more nerdy posse.