Pearce announces he is going to be stepping down as the anchor of LateLine, however, executive producer Vic Kobb realizes it is just a ploy for Pearce to get more money. Al, however, believes he has a chance of becoming the new anchor.
Al is considered to be the author of a best selling political novel that has an anonymous author. Meanwhile, Gale is tasked with putting together a children's news show, Kid Line.
Al comes down with the flu and Gale has to deal with an easier going reporter which allows her to pursue a relationship. However, once she is dating someone, Pearce finds her irresistible and begins to lust after her.
LateLine is desperate for ideas for that night's show and even goes so far as to use one of Al's ideas. When Buddy Hackett is reportedly dead, Vic decides to air a tribute to Buddy's life instead of the show Al and Gale prepared for.
Pearce gets in Al's good graces after learning Julia Roberts will be attending a First Amendment benefit. Al gives Pearce a ticket to the benefit but reveals it was the one for Julia Roberts, causing Pearce to treat Al with contempt.