Ep 6. Don't Ask

In Step by Step season 5 episode 6, titled "Don't Ask", Frank and Carol both have secrets they're trying to keep from each other. Frank is meeting with an old Marine buddy and hasn't told Carol about it because he's worried she'll get upset. Meanwhile, Carol is secretly trying to plan a surprise party for Dana's 18th birthday without anyone finding out.

As Frank prepares for his meeting with his friend, Carol becomes suspicious and enlists the help of the rest of the family to figure out what he's up to. When Dana catches wind of the surprise party, she decides to team up with her mom and keep it a secret from the rest of the family.

As the day goes on, Frank's friend arrives and turns out to be a woman, which causes some tension between Frank and Carol as they both try to assert their trust and commitment to each other. Meanwhile, Dana's party planning hits a few snags and she begins to worry it won't be the perfect event she had envisioned.

Throughout the episode, the themes of trust and openness in relationships are explored as the characters struggle to keep their secrets hidden while also navigating the complications that arise when their secrets are revealed. The episode culminates in a heartwarming moment as the characters come together to celebrate Dana's birthday and reflect on the importance of honesty and communication in their relationships.

Overall, "Don't Ask" is an entertaining and insightful episode that grapples with issues of trust and honesty in relationships and showcases the strengths of the Step by Step ensemble cast.