Lois discovers she has mono after a visit to the doctor. She then ends up giving it to Malcolm after her maternal instincts begin. As a result, both Lois and Malcolm are forced to spend an entire day and night together in the same room. Hal, meanwhile, is invited to all of his neighbors' parties after they know Lois will not be attending any of them.

The night before the Chinese New Year, a demon tries to steal a mystical staff, and a group called the Zodiacs asks for Piper's help in protecting the item. Meanwhile, Phoebe throws herself a housewarming party, a monk teaches Billie to use her powers to find her sister, and Paige tries to get to Henry to understand her magical attributes.

Now that Nolita has changed hands and Jack and Mimi are in charge, Nolita is nominated for an EPICURE Award. However, Jack soon realizes that Becky's restaurant is also nominated for the same award prompting a series of mistrust and hostility towards Jack for welcoming her back into his life. Seth finally discovers Jim's indiscretion and Ramon sees the Virgin Mary in a Prize Lobster.

Tom tries hard to bond with his new boss, but at the expense of his dignity when playing childish games at the office. Tom tries to get Lynette to help him out. Meanwhile, Susan gets some help from Edie and Karl on her situation of getting health insurance before her upcoming surgery. Edie and Karl coerce Susan to marry a gay man who's hiding the fact that he's gay from his mother. When the plan eventually fails Karl gives Susan an offer she can't refuse.



Also, Gabrielle becomes very attached to a temporary Chinese immigrant housekeeper who is staying with Solis' after being rescued by another slave owner employer. Lastly, Bree tries to uncover more about the Applewhites by sneaking into their house to meet Caleb, which eventually leads to a heart-to-heart conversation between Betty and Bree.

Derek is still operating when he finds out about Meredith's current situation. Meredith is freaking out about her situation. Webber and Bailey are dealing with medical health issues. Cristina and Izzie have their own issues to deal with because of Meredith's situation. Addison freaks out when George tries to find a solution to Bailey's impromtu postponement. Overall, Seattle Grace Hospital is still under code black and the situation is getting worse.

Bette gives Tina her consent - and a possible ultimatum - to explore her feelings for men. Jenny meets with a publisher about her manuscript for a book, Billie makes Moira a tempting, but shady offer, Kit gives in to Angus' advances, and Carmen lays down the law to Shane regarding their relationship. Alice offers her support to Lara and celebrations are cut short when the girls finally find out the truth about Dana's condition.

Riley, Gin Rummy and Ed Wuncler III attempt to kidnap Oprah, though Huey learns of their plan and sets upon stopping them.

Sam hears his mother's voice saying goodbye, and worries that doctors in 2006 are about to turn his life support system off. When a hostage situation crops up, he becomes convinced that resolving the crisis without a single casualty will cause him to wake up in his own time. But Gene is determined to go in with all guns blazing, putting everyone's safety at risk.