The Fitzpatricks

- Season 1

(1977)

Blue collar couple Mike and Maggie struggle financially with a large family. The four children, close in age, have the usual rivalries. The two oldest boys Sean and Jack compete for the affections of the same girl.

Max has his new bicycle stolen and his blames his best friend R.J. who was supposed to watch it.

Maureen is accused by her algebra teacher of cheating on a test. Mo vehemently denies the accusation and with her friend Kerry's assistance tries to establish her innocence.

Sean wants to help with expenses with the new baby coming so he takes an after school job. But with all his activities Sean soon finds himself cutting corners and lacking sleep which creates bad decisions.

Jack and Sean set out to defeat a neighborhood bully as Maureen worries over asking a boy to the Halloween dance.

Sean falls in love with a Lacy, a promising ice skater. The girl is involved in a bitter custody feud that if her mother wins she will have to move. Sean becomes upset when he learns his father Mike is testifying against the dad.

Maureen is told by a boy that she is a quiet type. Maureen decides to go out for cheerleader to change her image. But she's get more attention then she bargained for and doesn't know how to handle it.

It's an unusual time for the family as they prepare for Max's 1st communion. Mike is suspended at work for punching a co-worker while Sean is grounded and tries to figure out how to attend a concert he has tickets for.

Buddy, a champion swimmer, has a mental breakdown after his coach father dies suddenly. The older Fitzpatricks try to help the young man with his grief but Buddy realizes things are forever different.

Jack is in a work study program and is excited about the job. Then he discovers the boss is cheating the customers. Jack wants to report the man but also realizes the person is responsible for his grade.

Jack gives in to peer pressure and smokes some weed, the injures his hand while high. When his parents question Jack about the incident he fabricates a story. But one lie becomes several leaving Jack worried.

Maggie leaves cash on her dresser and it goes missing. Maureen's friend and neighbor Kerry is accused of the theft which the young girl denies. Distraught Kerry disappears and the Fitzpatricks join in the search.

Mike and Maggie head to a cabin for a vacation before the new baby arrives. With the parents gone the kids plan a party, one a special date, and another a guinea pig race. Things change whem Maggie goes into labor, returning early.