Hank rants against Railton College, calling it "Mediocrity’s Capitol," and the administration is pressured to fire him. Hank and Lily contemplate a future outside of Railton.

When George Saunders visits Railton College, the professors scramble to impress the celebrated writer, while Hank is reminded of his own failed writing career. Hank and Lily anticipate an announcement from their daughter Julie.

Hank spirals when a storage pod full of his father’s belongings is dropped in his front yard. The professors spiral when rumors of budget cuts threaten their tenured jobs.

Hank contends with the return of his father to Railton. Lily hunts for apartments in New York. Julie looks to Hank for help in Lily’s absence.

Hank is faced with an impossible decision at work, as his department’s jobs are on the line. Lily settles into a new normal in New York.