1x1 - Pilot

September 24, 2002

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.

1x2 - Fleetwood Matt

September 24, 2002

Matt's smashup of Victor's vintage Cadillac is but a prelude to other revelations of covered-up accidents that befell the prized vehicle.

1x3 - The Mattress Kings

October 1, 2002

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.

1x4 - Love Is the Key

October 1, 2002

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.

1x5 - Monopoly Report

October 8, 2002

A family Monopoly game is dicey for Matt, who's vexed by the Pellets' quirky rules, inside jokes, and freewheeling currency exchanges.

1x6 - Crown Vic

October 15, 2002

Matt and Alex meet a new young couple, and Victor hopes to inherit the position of head of his civic organization.

1x7 - Love Thy Neighbor

October 22, 2002

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.

1x8 - Halloween: Resurrection

October 29, 2002

Matt inadvertently reignites a fierce competition for the best decorated house on the block.

1x9 - Games People Play

November 12, 2002

After initially beating Vic in a raquetball game, Matt throws the next game at Alex' request.

1x10 - Lucky Charms

November 19, 2002

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.

1x11 - If You Can't Stand the Heat

December 3, 2002

Vic and Marlene become suspicious when they learn that Matt's cooking partner is a sexy young woman.

1x12 - Married Christmas

December 3, 2002

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.

1x13 - Matt Goes into Labor

January 7, 2003

Showdown time: Matt meets Alex's former beau, an accomplished Adonis who has his own tales to tell about Victor.

1x15 - Mother's Nature

Patti LuPone plays Matt's outspoken mother, an environmental activist battling Victor over his plans to build on protected wetlands.