Season 1

01 Pilot Episode 124th September 2002 Financially strapped newlyweds Matt and Alex Landis move into the suburban home of the bride's well-off parents, Victor and Marlene Pellet. From the get-go, there's tension between the affable Matt, a would-be chef, and his inflexible father-in-law. Victor's immediate annoyance with Matt over petty matters prompts him to gruffly call for ""private convo times,"" shorthand for one-on-one conversations with his son-in-law, which are intended to intimidate the young man. That they do, until Matt decides to have his own private showdown with his new relation at a fancy restaurant. 02 Fleetwood Matt Episode 224th September 2002 Matt's smashup of Victor's vintage Cadillac is but a prelude to other revelations of covered-up accidents that befell the prized vehicle. 03 The Mattress Kings Episode 31st October 2002 After their squeaky mattress puts their sex-life on display, Matt and Alex want a new bed and are talked into going to the ""Mattress King"" by Victor—which leads to a male struggle for dominance as both of the men in Alex' life try to prove their superiority through a mattress purchase. Meanwhile, Marlene befriends a co-worker, a condescending former classmate of Alex who ridiculed her throughout school. 04 Love Is the Key Episode 41st October 2002 From TV Guide: The romantic dinner that Matt and Alex hope to share balloons into a big bash thanks to Victor, who invites himself, Marlene---and a band. 05 Monopoly Report Episode 58th October 2002 A family Monopoly game is dicey for Matt, who's vexed by the Pellets' quirky rules, inside jokes, and freewheeling currency exchanges. 06 Crown Vic Episode 615th October 2002 Matt and Alex meet a new young couple, and Victor hopes to inherit the position of head of his civic organization. 07 Love Thy Neighbor Episode 722nd October 2002 A neighbor's home sale sparks a family feud: Marlene's made a deal, but Victor blows it—because he hates the buyer's pet bird. 08 Halloween: Resurrection Episode 829th October 2002 Matt inadvertently reignites a fierce competition for the best decorated house on the block. 09 Games People Play Episode 912th November 2002 After initially beating Vic in a raquetball game, Matt throws the next game at Alex' request. 10 Lucky Charms Episode 1019th November 2002 A day at the races bonds Victor and Matt, whose ""jinx-in-law"" has a streak of beginner's luck that summons the duo back to the track. 11 If You Can't Stand the Heat Episode 113rd December 2002 Vic and Marlene become suspicious when they learn that Matt's cooking partner is a sexy young woman. 12 Married Christmas Episode 123rd December 2002 Marlene's dad comes to visit for the holiday—and suddenly Matt is not the only one in the house with an abusive father-in-law. 13 Matt Goes into Labor Episode 137th January 2003 Showdown time: Matt meets Alex's former beau, an accomplished Adonis who has his own tales to tell about Victor. 14 Two Rooms Episode 1414th January 2003 Matt, Alex, Victor and Marlene go away for the weekend and unwisely stay in adjoining hotel rooms.