Enterprising Matt runs various scams, using a vacant apartment as his base. He meets his match when quick-witted writer Norman moves in and begins dating Matt's mother Eileen. Matt disapproves and is intent on driving them apart.
Matt's older sister Julie rejects Eli's invitation to the school dance. While Matt is engrossed in choosing his own date, his best friend Eli turns to Norman for dating advice.
Matt struggles to impress Stacey, the hottest girl in school. Secretive about his new night job, all is revealed when Norman collides with Matt on his"big date".
Matt's party plans are ruined after Julie hijacks the apartment for her slumber party. Realizing the revenge potential of Julie's "slam book", he schemes to discover it's hiding place.
Eileen asks Norman to keep an eye on Matt, while she's out of town with Julie. After thieves clean out the Burton apartment, Norman and Matt join forces to win prizes on the game show "Dad and Me".