In the fifth season-opener, big changes are afoot in the Camden household this fall as Eric is distressed by the fact that his daughter Mary has opted to postpone college in favor of a little soul searching and the glory of minimum wage. Mary decides to buy a car. Also, Annie leaves Eric with a handful at home so she can complete her teaching degree. Meanwhile, Simon attempts to fit in with the treacherous terrain of high school, and Lucy looks forward to ruling the school as a senior. Lucy can't wait to start a relationship with Andrew Nayloss, except he hasn't come back from summer vacation yet. Meanwhile, Heather and Matt's on-again-off-again relationship threatens to be off-again - permanently. Matt considers the pre-med track at college and Ruthie learns that she will have to spend another year with her despised third grade teacher, Ms. Riddle.

Max and the others must rescue Michael after he is arrested for murder; Liz takes a job with a congresswoman who has a hidden agenda.

The Commonwealth vessel Andromeda, captained by Dylan Hunt, responds to an urgent distress call to find itself lured into a trap. Nietzschean warships surround them and open fire. Captain Hunt, in a last ditch effort, evacuates the ship and maneuvers toward a nearby black hole. Hunt's first officer, Rhade, a Nietzschean himself, betrays Hunt and attempts to kill him, but Hunt perseveres, killing Rhade in the process. Time dilation near the black hole slows time for the Andromeda and Dylan until a freighter tows it out 300 years later. Dylan now must fight off the band...

Ares needs Xena's help to restore his godly powers, but he gets more than he bargained for when the Furies attempt to drive him crazy with illusions.

While heading back to the training center, Sean is hit by Zack McEwan, a twenty year old riding his skateboard while carrying his surfboard. Unbeknownst to Sean, Zack is going to be one of the new trainees for the team. Not wanting Sean to know that he is a prospective team member, Zack hastily makes his way out of the area. Further down the road, Zack watches as Peggy, a pretty nineteen year old, tries to control her younger brother, Casey, who wants to dive off the road. Using Sean's very words, Zack warns the youth to take it easy. Of course, Casey doesn't listen and moments later has dived off the cliff. Fortunately, daredevil jet ski champion Cliff Tyler is in the area and radios the training center for help. Sean and Leigh head out. Sean warns Cliff to stay away, but ever the hot dogger, Cliff wants to get into the action. Instead, he causes trouble as Peggy's hair gets caught in the intake of his jet ski. Sean is forced to cut the tail pipe in order to free her hair. Cliff at fi

Carrie is turned on by an imitation of Rico done by Doug; Arthur tries to chronicle his own life story.

Tonight, actor Dean Cain.

Armando confesses to Marcela that he fell in love with Betty. Tais gives Betty advice on how to get rid of sadness. Catalina and Betty go to the arrival of the Buque Gloria, which is received by the President of the Republic.