A rich man meets the son he's never known. - Twelve-year-old Ricky Stratton is determined to finally meet the father he's never known and to make their "reunion" a permanent visit, but Edward Stratton III, his surprised "new" father, has a very different opinion.

Ricky's convinced his dad doesn't love him. - Young Ricky is convinced by arch-nemesis and neighbor Derek that his father, Edward, doesn't love him when Edward's punishment fails to fit Ricky's "crime."

Ricky tries reuniting his dad and granddad. - Undaunted by his father's admonitions, Ricky sets out to meet his austere grandfather and then attempts to reconcile his father and the stubborn patriarch, who haven't spoken "since the Bicentennial."

Mr. T teaches Ricky how to defend himself. - Young Ricky's gotten a black eye his first day in public school and Edward's got the "perfect" solution to prevent it from ever happening again - he hires menacing Mr. T. as Ricky's personal bodyguard.

Ricky is taken to court by a bully. - A battle to defend his father's honor leaves Ricky a "winner," but his newly-acquired status could be short-lived when the bully who picked the fight takes Ricky to court -- where an "unusual" jury awaits him.

Edward's advice turns Ricky into a Romeo. - Young Ricky is infatuated -- and speechless -- when a beautiful, new classmate approaches him, until Edward gives him some "fatherly" advice that turns a bashful Ricky into a smooth-talking Romeo.

Ricky's mom tries to take him from Edward. - Ricky is caught in the middle of a potentially bitter custody battle when his mother shows up prepared for legal action to take him away from his newfound father, Edward.

Ricky tries to play matchmaker for Edward. - Ricky's convinced that Kate has fallen in love with him, but he's determined to keep their relationship "strictly platonic" and concocts an enchanting scheme to shift the object of her affection onto the more "appropriate" Edward.

Ricky meets Arnold of "Diff'rent Strokes." - Computer wiz Ricky and hot-shot school reporter Arnold Jackson are wanted for treason when Ricky gains computer access to top-secret military intelligence and Arnold prints the explosive data in his school newspaper.

A camping trip takes a dangerous turn. - Novice campers Edward and Ricky venture into the wilderness for a "peaceful" father and son camping trip, but their serenity and safety are unexpectedly jeopardized when a dangerous intruder invades their territory.

Ricky wants to keep the cash he "captured." - Ricky's not monkeying around - he intends to keep for a pet the mysterious "monster" he and Derek "captured" on a midnight expedition.

Edward won't speak at his father's banquet. - Ricky may be the only one who can save Grandfather Stratton from an evening of embarrassment after Edward refuses to follow his father's orders to speak at a banquet in his honor.

Edward and Kate discuss their relationship. - Ricky's gallant matchmaking efforts are in for some major revamping when Edward and Kate decide to take the future of their relationship into their own hands.

Ricky poses as Derek's dream girl. - Ricky promises to come through with a date for Derek to take to a big dance, but when the "available" girls are suddenly "unavailable," Ricky's forced into taking drastic action to make good on his word - by posing as the girl of Derek's dreams.

Edward and Ricky help a family in need. - The Stratton "boys" - Edward and Ricky - celebrate their first Christmas together and discover the true spirit of the season when they decide to share their holiday with a family in need.

A toy wiz wants Ricky as a boyfriend. - A twelve-year-old girl with an uncanny knack for selecting successful new toys agrees to work for Edward's toy company on one condition -- that she "gets" Ricky as part of the deal.

Kate's old flame crashes his plane. - Trying times and big trouble await Ricky and Edward when an overbearing man from Kate's past settles into the Stratton household, after "conveniently" crashing his airplane on the grounds of the estate.

Ricky needs money for a school field trip. - Ricky confidently pledges a sizable cash donation from Edward, without permission, to finance his school orchestra's field trip, only to discover that Edward is equally confident about having Ricky raise the money himself.

Ricky manages an ice cream parlor. - Ricky has the chance to make his dream of being a business wiz come true when Edward lets him try his hand at managing an ice cream parlor, but what at first appears "simple" soon turns into a sticky mess.

Kate is at the "boy's only" ski trip. - A ski trip "alone" is meant to strengthen Ricky and Edward's relationship, but Kate's unexpected arrival prompts Ricky into a risky course of action to regain his father's attention.

Ricky and Grandpa debate about Kate. - Ricky's at odds with Grandfather Stratton when the family patriarch meddles in Edward's affairs-of-the-heart, determined to drive Kate out and make way for a "proper" marriage for Edward.

Ricky and friends watch an X-rated film. - Adolescent curiosity spells trouble for Ricky and his pals when Kate catches the boys watching an "X"-rated film on television, but Ricky's big problem lies ahead -- explaining to his father how and why the parental lock-device on the family television got unlocked.