Penelope and Schneider enjoy the day together until bad news comes their way, Lydia and Leslie help Alex find out if Nora is cheating on him, while Elena and Syd accidentally break the law.
When danger finds it’s way into Will and Grace’s apartment building, they’re forced to stay put with Jack and Karen. Fights ensue, feelings are hurt, and Grace gets to know her neighbor who isn’t as nice as he seems.
After Jake and Amy share some big news, Jake’s detective skills start to slip; meanwhile while Amy and Rosa are forced to cross paths with FDNY, and Boyle and Holt involuntarily involve everyone in their drama as they both run for office.
As Haley struggles with an English assignment, Phil and Claire are in a competition to prove who knows Alex better. Meanwhile, Mitchell seeks a closer bond with his family, Cam tries to overcome his separation anxiety and Manny is in search of the perfect wingman.
The dean throws New Year’s Eve-Redo party on campus. Everyone in the study group has a goal they want to accomplish before midnight but in this episode told backwards, their plans get thwarted along the way.
Lily asks a question that scares her parents, Alex has to decide whether or not to carry on a Dunphy family tradition, and Gloria realizes she's not ready for what lies ahead.
Ted’s marital status is up in the air thanks to Barney who does everything he can to get back in Lily and Ted’s good graces, while the super hot guy Robin’s dating has one glaring flaw that she struggles to get over.
Andy and P.J. reignite a prank war from their college days, while Stephanie does everything she can to stop it. Kenny looks for a shtick to call his own, and an unexpected visitor throws Bobby and P.J. for a loop.
P.J.’s bold reporting changes her career path, Andy and Bobby end up in a prank war, and Kenny tries to find his place in the world.