Season 1 (2002)
Episodes: 15
Star Cast: Dennis Farina , Elon Gold , Bonnie Somerville , Jean Smart ,
Episodes List
Ep.1 Pilot
Air Date: 2002-09-24
Financially strapped newlyweds Matt and Alex Landis move into the suburban home of the bride's well-off parents, Victor and Marlene Pellet. From the get-go, there's tension between the affable Matt, a would-be chef, and his inflexible father-in-law. Victor's immediate annoyance with Matt over petty matters prompts him to gruffly call for ""private convo times,"" shorthand for one-on-one conversations with his son-in-law, which are intended to intimidate the young man. That they do, until Matt decides to have his own private showdown with his new relation at a fancy restaurant.
Ep.2 Fleetwood Matt
Air Date: 2002-09-24
Matt's smashup of Victor's vintage Cadillac is but a prelude to other revelations of covered-up accidents that befell the prized vehicle.
Ep.3 The Mattress Kings
Air Date: 2002-10-01
After their squeaky mattress puts their sex-life on display, Matt and Alex want a new bed and are talked into going to the ""Mattress King"" by Victor—which leads to a male struggle for dominance as both of the men in Alex' life try to prove their superiority through a mattress purchase. Meanwhile, Marlene befriends a co-worker, a condescending former classmate of Alex who ridiculed her throughout school.
Ep.4 Love Is the Key
Air Date: 2002-10-01
From TV Guide: The romantic dinner that Matt and Alex hope to share balloons into a big bash thanks to Victor, who invites himself, Marlene---and a band.
Ep.5 Monopoly Report
Air Date: 2002-10-08
A family Monopoly game is dicey for Matt, who's vexed by the Pellets' quirky rules, inside jokes, and freewheeling currency exchanges.
Ep.6 Crown Vic
Air Date: 2002-10-15
Matt and Alex meet a new young couple, and Victor hopes to inherit the position of head of his civic organization.
Ep.7 Love Thy Neighbor
Air Date: 2002-10-22
A neighbor's home sale sparks a family feud: Marlene's made a deal, but Victor blows it—because he hates the buyer's pet bird.
Ep.8 Halloween: Resurrection
Air Date: 2002-10-29
Matt inadvertently reignites a fierce competition for the best decorated house on the block.
Ep.9 Games People Play
Air Date: 2002-11-12
After initially beating Vic in a raquetball game, Matt throws the next game at Alex' request.
Ep.10 Lucky Charms
Air Date: 2002-11-19
A day at the races bonds Victor and Matt, whose ""jinx-in-law"" has a streak of beginner's luck that summons the duo back to the track.
Ep.11 If You Can't Stand the Heat
Air Date: 2002-12-03
Vic and Marlene become suspicious when they learn that Matt's cooking partner is a sexy young woman.
Ep.12 Married Christmas
Air Date: 2002-12-03
Marlene's dad comes to visit for the holiday—and suddenly Matt is not the only one in the house with an abusive father-in-law.
Ep.13 Matt Goes into Labor
Air Date: 2003-01-07
Showdown time: Matt meets Alex's former beau, an accomplished Adonis who has his own tales to tell about Victor.
Ep.14 Two Rooms
Air Date: 2003-01-14
Matt, Alex, Victor and Marlene go away for the weekend and unwisely stay in adjoining hotel rooms.
Ep.15 Mother's Nature
Air Date:
Patti LuPone plays Matt's outspoken mother, an environmental activist battling Victor over his plans to build on protected wetlands.
