John solicits advice from Mahalia and a ride from Dexter when he attempts to reconnect with his son. Meanwhile, both Gene and his senile mother put on brave faces when he moves her to a different nursing home.
As a favor to Carly, John reluctantly agrees to help her boyfriend, Karl, with his senate campaign. It becomes clear Karl's more into image than anything (which could hurt Carly), John throws his "ring into the hat" and runs himself.
It was a Dark and Stormy night at Bus Depot with a Bunch of clowns and it's John's Birthday and His Employees were on Lockdown because they've been held Hostage and John has to talk to him out of it.