Michelle and Brendan pull out all the stops to see that their son gains admittance to a prestigious preschool.

Nostalgia-loving Jason returns to LA from Portland and informs Melanie of another Portland throwback trend; the Mayor of Portland tasks Fred and Carrie with redesigning the Portland Police Department's uniforms and image; an excited donor donates his old music LPs to an elite preschool, but protective parents Brendan and Michelle question his sonic sensibilities; a team of salespeople at Bad Art Good Walls specialize in supplying new coffee shops with horrible art.

Concerned parents Brendan and Michelle start a band that makes kids music; The Portland Nerd Council issues a Public Service Announcement; Malcom and Kris have an uncomfortable lunch at a vegan restaurant. The Feminist Bookstore hosts a comedy night.

Fred has an idea for a music documentary. Peter is reunited with his old band, The Bahama Knights, and his ex-wife is lead singer. Trudy and Craig produce a song. Carrie and Fred go home after a concert. Guest starring Maya Rudolph, Tuck & Patti and Jeff Tweedy.

Claire is finally fed up with Doug's childish behavior and breaks up with him. They both date new people and discover surprising things about themselves.