Ep 13. Study Buddy

In the My Wife and Kids season 5 episode 13 titled "Study Buddy," the focus is on Junior as he's struggling to keep up with his studies. He's failing math due to his constant distractions and lack of focus, so Michael decides to take matters into his own hands and becomes Junior's tutor for the weekend. While Junior is initially reluctant to accept his father's help, he eventually agrees to let him tutor him after Michael offers him $50 for every math problem he solves correctly. However, their study session quickly turns into a disaster as they argue and bicker over the most basic concepts of math.

Meanwhile, Jay is busy trying to keep the house in order as she prepares for the arrival of her "secret shopper" from the department store where she works. She's determined to impress the shopper and secure the promotion she's been working towards, but things don't go quite as planned when her teenage niece, Claire, comes to visit for the weekend. Claire is a bit of a wild child and disrupts the household with her loud music and general disregard for rules. Jay struggles to keep her under control while also trying to impress her secret shopper.

As Michael and Junior continue their study session, they encounter a few bumps along the way. Michael's teaching methods are unorthodox and often confusing, leaving Junior more frustrated than enlightened. However, it's not just the math that's causing problems between them. Michael can't help but slip into his role as the father, critiquing Junior's every move and making him feel like a child rather than an adult. This leads to several heated arguments between them, with Junior accusing Michael of not trusting him to handle his own problems.

Despite the tension between them, Michael and Junior eventually find common ground and begin to understand each other better. They bond over their mutual love for basketball and reminisce about old memories of playing the game together. Michael even admits that he struggles with his own issues, such as insecurity and self-doubt. This vulnerability helps Junior see his father in a new light and creates a deeper connection between them.

Meanwhile, Jay's attempts to impress her secret shopper are interrupted by Claire's antics. Claire sneaks out of the house to attend a party and returns home drunk, causing a scene in front of the shopper. Jay is mortified and tries to cover up the situation, but the damage is already done. She confronts Claire and they have a heart-to-heart conversation about growing up and taking responsibility for one's actions. In the end, Jay learns that family is more important than any promotion or job title, while Claire gains a new perspective on life and matures a bit.

Overall, "Study Buddy" is a heartwarming episode that explores the complex relationships between family members. Through Michael and Junior's struggle to connect and Jay's attempts to balance work and family, the show highlights the importance of communication, understanding, and unconditional love. While it's not always easy to navigate these relationships, the show reminds us that the effort is always worth it in the end.