Don't Lose Hope

Episode One – Poo Flinging Gas Passers

On July 4 in Ojai, California, fantasy football widow Hope Jennings and her husband, Frank, host a dual celebration—America’s birthday and daughter Becky’s 17th birthday. Hope snaps when the talk turns to fantasy football and Frank denies women’s ability to play and be competitive. Hope throws out a risky challenge to Frank: compete against each other during the coming season. If she wins, he quits fantasy football for good; if he wins, she’ll silently endure his obsession. Meanwhile, Hope’s sister, Darlene, wants to quit her job and join the Peace Corps. Her husband, Moe, wants her to get a surgical enhancement. Another bet is made and the Shirts versus Skirts league is born.

Episode Two – I’m Not Comfortable Doing That

The Tower of Pizza Restaurant owners Debbie and Phil get in on the betting action: if Debbie loses, she will put her restaurant-expansion dreams on the shelf—but if she can manage to beat Phil, the franchise expansion moves forward. A fourth couple, Brenda and Bob, want in on the action as well. Their bet: Brenda takes them on a long vacation at a Jamaican resort or Bob enjoys sports on a big-screen TV in his favorite living room. Hope ups the ante with Frank. If he loses, he must ease up on pushing Becky toward law school. Betting fever runs wild.

Episode Three – The Spread Formation Isn’t What You Think

Knowing her mother has little football knowledge, Becky panics—this bet could either derail her dream to follow Papa Ed as a paratrooper or tear her family apart. Draft day arrives. Underestimating the women, Frank and the guys pick cringe-worthy fantasy teams while the women crush theirs. Will the families survive the competition?

Episode Four – Captain Pizza Pants

Phil and Debbie’s son Nick, who has a crush on Becky, wants her safely in college and on the way to a law degree. He also doesn’t want to have to work at two restaurants. Darlene makes a side bet with Frank: if she wins their contest that week, Frank has to endure taking her mother, Diana, to her appointments for the day. If he wins, Darlene must don a Vikings jersey for a week. Meanwhile, Hope desperately seeks trade offers to gain the advantage over Frank.

Episode Five – Keep Your Hands Where I Can See Them

Frank comes up short in his bet with Darlene and turns Diana’s appointment day into a disaster. He retaliates by sabotaging Moe’s luggage, but at the airport Darlene gets detained instead. A rude grocery-aisle encounter and Frank’s mess up during appointment day let to another side bet from Hope. If she wins, Frank must learn how women are often treated by wearing women’s clothes to go shopping. If she loses, she must push her boundaries by taking a full cart of groceries through the express lane.

Episode Six – Everything You Need and Nothing You Don’t

Becky wants to go on an unsupervised camping trip—and Frank caves but with some unfortunate conditions. Darlene retaliates for the airport incident by vandalizing something dear to Frank, causing a legal issue. Hope and Darlene bump into Howie Long in a bookstore—getting real fantasy tips. Becky calls from the wilderness with an emergency thanks to Frank. Time is ticking.

Episode Seven – I Can Cross Nuts Off The List

Frank’s prank attempt gets him stuck on Darlene’s roof. Papa Ed rescues him but pranks him right back. Meanwhile, Becky learns more about military life. Frank asks Moe to throw their match, but Moe’s dream is still alive and refuses. Frank retaliates with a prank that causes Moe to head to his local mechanic for help.

Episode Eight – A Sore Loser Lives Here

Tempers flare when Darlene confronts Hope for being selfish causing Hope to rethink her bet with Frank. Becky pleads with her to carry on—for her sake. Hope gives Moe money to cover his mechanic bills and plants a sign on Darlene’s lawn that brings the sisters back together.

Episode Nine – Sitting on the two-dollar table at a yard sale

Debbie talks Brenda into staying in the league. Darlene’s birthday is overshadowed when Diana receives an unwanted diagnosis. Nick has his heart broken. The focus shifts from fantasy to family.

Episode Ten – You Know What Rhetorical is Right?

Diana’s health is changing, but life isn’t on hold. Like father like daughter when both Becky and Frank secretly declare they won’t honor the bet. Papa Ed counsels patience and faith to both. Debbie sabotages Phil’s effort to set his lineup, costing him a game. The bets are nearly decided—who will get what they want?

Episode Eleven – She Just Roasted The Turkey

Thanksgiving proves messy. Moe adds some unpleasant accessories to Frank’s car and accidentally makes everyone think Diana’s health is declining. Despite winning his bet, Bob grants Brenda’s wish. A friendly side bet sets up a car-wash fiasco and Frank’s mechanic reveals Moe’s subterfuge.

Episode Twelve – Cooked spaghetti is Stiffer Competition

After a disastrous start, the car wash is a hit – literally. The men are humiliated, Nick and Becky are brought back together and an unruly customer is taught a lesson. Despite dire warnings from the women, the men’s prank spree continues with whipped cream and candy wrappers.  Becky’s school essay addresses a deeper theme and the final match ups loom.

Episode Thirteen – Like a Fart in a Fish Factory

A disappointed Papa Ed delivers a powerful message to his daughters. Pranks escalate when Moe makes an aromatic addition to Frank’s world. The season finale sees emotional reckonings and wins for four players – or does it.

Episode Fourteen – Permanent Injuries and Emotional Damage

The end of the season brings a prank reckoning, recruiting station drama, and bad news for Diana. Nick makes a surprise move at the Army Recruiting Station. A happy Brenda gives Bob more than he wanted. The car wash client reappears and Darlene’s dream may be derailed unexpectedly.