Harper's headstrong daughter Brooke enrolls at Winslow High after she is kicked out of private school. Meanwhile, when Ronnie is disappointed that her class is not learning Shakespeare, her ex-suitor Matthew Baskin, who continues to pursue her, offers a unique way to reach her and her students.

A statutory-rape case entangles Ronnie with the enraged parents of the 15-year-old victim; an illicit-drug situation embroils Harper with his unsettled daughter

Harper reunites with his ex-wife at a holiday benefit; students ask Louisa, Marilyn and Marla to perform at the pageant; Senate stays mum about a student's tragic secret so that the boy's family can enjoy Christmas.