Larry Underwood is a young, narcissistic pop singer who has just released his debut single "Baby, Can You Dig Your Man?" He runs up a lot of debt while living in Los Angeles and travels to New York to hide out, on the pretense of visiting his loving, but deeply disapproving mother.

Mrs. Hardy and Victor journey home, saddened and puzzled by Miss Thompson’s abrupt departure. Later, Victor plays with his friend Andy by the railway line, and they talk about their mothers and teachers.

Joseph’s bullies try to goad him into a playground fight, but Joseph has been through worse in his life, and stands his ground. Things look bleak, and their teacher has lost control of her class. Will Joseph find a way to fit in?