When Ted's work reduces his hours he tosses in his job. Bob convinces him to go into partnership selling donuts. All they need is $15000 to start the business and buy a donut truck. They head off to the bank for a loan.
Ted decides to paint the lounge room ceiling. He buys some paint and wins a prize of a free funeral and cemetery plot. However, the paint turns out to be red. A tin is spilt on his chair and so it needs repair. How can he pay for it?
Ted takes over coaching Craig's basketball team and they start winning. When their star player breaks his led, Ted imports a ring-in to win the final match.
Ted is broke and borrows $500 from his brother Bob. In return, Bob expects Ted to do a commercial for his Datsun car business. The ads turn out to be very successful and Bob's business is booming.
Ted reads in his pay packet that he has been sacked. Sister Maria offers to give him an aptitude test, which determines that Ted is only suitable to be a process worker. Fortunately, Craig finds out that Ted hadn't really been sacked.
Ted buys a cheap burglar alarm from Thelma's cousin Reg and then tries to sell it to Bruno. When Bruno refuses, Ted hatches a plan to convince him that he needs one.
Merle is producing a play that she wrote. She is also acting in it, starring opposite Bob. Ted helps Bob learn his lines by playing Merle's part, which comes in handy when Merle injures herself. Ted rises to the challenge.
When having a clear out, some of the rubbish includes Ted's old magic equipment. He was an escapologist known as Ted Bullpitt, the Human Eel. However, time has meant that Ted is no longer able to do the tricks like he used to.
Ted is having trouble sleeping so Rosa offers to change bedrooms with him. Then, when Craig hears Ted is taking Rosa out to dinner, all the children think they are having an affair.
Merle's fashion style is found wanting but Bob tries to placate her by forging a letter from Hazel Hawke asking that she design a wardrobe for her. When Merle starts making the clothes Bob has to find a way to let her know what he's done.
