A local garbage strike puts Tommy in a difficult position of mediation between the garbage collectors' union, controlled by Freddie Cork, and the mayor o f Providence. To end the strike, he is forced to surrender a piece of his independence to Judd. Eileen struggles to pull out of a tailspin after her lover Carl ends their illicit affair. Michael's continuing effort to expand his criminal activities is thwarted when he discovers tthat his old gang has lost its teeth-and that he and Pete are on their own. He's further disappointed when he goes to visit his old girlfriend Kath Perry and finds that she's married with two kids. In the end, Michael's frustration explodes in the wrong place-at the wrong time-in front of the wrong person-his eight year old niece, Noni.