Fiona's Thanksgiving plans get put on the back burner when Frank tries to get help Monica out of her depression.
Following her breakup with Steve, Fiona lands a job tending bar at a local bar and makes a new acquaintance in an enterprising young businessman.
Frank spots a potential sugar momma in a bar patron named Dottie, whose health is failing fast but is living well on a city pension.
Fiona ponders the morality of getting involved with a high-school crush who's now married; Frank pulls out all the stops in an effort to stay in the good graces of his meal ticket, Dottie; and Harry's health issues leave Debbie obsessing over death.
After sleeping with Craig, Fiona is confronted by his angry wife - and on the family front, she's concerned that she is dumping too much responsibility on the Gallagher children.
When Eddie Jackson's body turns up, Frank thinks he should be in line to claim his pension benefits.
Debbie's day takes a turn with the arrival of Grammy Gallagher, who's been released on a medical grounds. She seeks Frank's help in finding an old pal who owes her a big debt.
Jasmine throws an end-of-summer blowout and invites Fiona down to David's boat but neglects to inform her that Steve and Estefania will also be on board.
While Jody and Sheila comfort a dying Grammy, Frank steps out and stops at the Kash and Grab, where he walks in on Ian and Mickey in a compromising position.
Monica blows back into town and immediately hooks up with Frank for more shenanigans, but the kids are left wondering if she's finally here to stay, and Frank is eager to pick up the ashes of his late mother and reclaim the cash he believes she's hidden.
With Monica around and pitching in, Fiona is able to devote more time to pursuing her GED and a promotion at the club.
Jimmy gets back into Fiona's good graces and decides to have her meet his family; Frank plots to free Monica from the psychiatric institution; and Jody and Sheila attempt to hide Karen's new-born.