Son of a Critch

Mark's first day of grade six goes awry when a family of bullies take a special interest in making his life miserable. But when Mark stands up for himself and takes a shot at one of the bullies – a young girl named Fox – he learns that words can hurt a lot more than fists.

A chance encounter at a funeral parlour leads to Mark's first date with a girl. As he risks life and limb in a race across town to meet her, Fox finds herself unexpectedly jealous. Meanwhile, Mary tries to convince Dick to sell her the old radio station truck.

Mark fears being forced to play the cello will make him a social pariah. But when his cello is taken by a gang of bullies, Fox begrudgingly comes to his rescue. Meanwhile, Pop and Sister Rose take a stroll down memory lane when it's revealed they used to be an item.

When Ritche invites himself to a sleepover, Mark scrambles to hide his family's "eccentric" behaviour. Meanwhile, Mike Sr takes a staunch pro-cucumber stance when the new vegetable buys ad time on VOCM radio.

Mark fears he'll be outed as a Monarchist to his family when he's chosen to appear on television with the visiting Charles and Diana. Meanwhile, a gift from Dick comes between Mike Sr and Mary who's tired of feeling underappreciated by her husband.

Mark and Ritche receive police protection after witnessing a grizzly crime on Halloween night. Fox grows tired of her brother's increasingly delinquent behavior.

It's confirmation week and Mark is considering what life would be like if he became a priest. But when his mentor Father Moore is unexpectedly transferred, and rumors of child abuse among the clergy start to mount, Mark reassess what his religion means to him.

Mark and Ritche help make Christmas hampers for the needy, which leads to an uncomfortable discovery about one of their classmates. Meanwhile, Mike's Sr takes a second job at the mall after his visiting brother makes him feel bad about his lackluster gifts for the family.

Mark and Mike Sr unexpectedly bond over Mark's role in the upcoming Easter play. But when Mark is fired from the production, he pretends otherwise to keep his father's affections. Meanwhile, Pop turns to Mary for help after the CRA learns he's been collecting his dead wife's pension checks.

The Critch men are left to their own devices after Mary is hospitalized for a minor procedure. Mark has trouble balancing the household chores and accidently gives Pops the wrong pills.

Parents and students take the field on Sports Day. Mark decides to treat the all-day gym class as a comedy stage, much to his teammate's annoyance. Meanwhile, Fox fights for her mother's attention and attempts to break the school record for gold medals.

When Ritche bails on their plans to go to the circus, Mark and Fox find themselves going together on a maybe-date. Meanwhile, Ritche's family hosts some new Filipino-Canadians who make him feel insecure about his heritage.

Having realized his feelings for Fox, Mark is hurt to learn she's been spending time alone with Ritche. And, with the future of VOCM in doubt, Mike Sr attempts to learn how to DJ…at Mark's school-end dance.

Mark is devastated to learn Fox found a new boyfriend over the summer. Meanwhile, Mike Jr struggles to tell his dad that he dropped out of school.

Fox's boyfriend threatens to beat Mark up after school. Mary learns Mike Sr is making less money than their son, and pushes her husband to demand a raise.

Mark is determined to raise the most money for the 24-hour famine. Meanwhile, the refrigerator breaks at the Critch house forcing the family to cook all their food at once.

Desperate to seem more mature, Mark heads off school grounds for lunch, but things take a turn when the Fox boys offer Mark his first beer. Meanwhile, Mary takes a job selling Avon products.

Mark uncovers dark family secrets when he researches the Critch family tree. Meanwhile, a death in the family causes Pop to reassess his relationship with his son.

Mark falls under the spell of a visiting hypnotist and lets his grades slip. Meanwhile, Pop struggles to lose weight when he gets too fat for his pants.

Mark learns things about his parents he never knew, after a historic storm knocks out power to the Critch house. Meanwhile, when his father's back goes out, Mike Jr has to broadcast all night alone.

The kids are allowed to wear jeans at school for Spirit Week. The only problem is that Mark doesn't own a pair. Meanwhile, Sister Rose picks Mary to join her choir.

Mark tries to win back Fox during a school trip to "France." Meanwhile, Pop uses the trip to revisit his past life as a bootlegger with Al Capone.

Mark and Ritche pretend to be Protestant to fit in with a cool group of kids from another school. Meanwhile, Pop meets up with an old flame at a retirement home.

Mark tries to ‘fake healthy' after falling ill the day he is supposed to meet the Pope. Meanwhile, a rival radio station tries to tempt Mike Jr away from VOCM, breaking Mike Sr's heart.

When Fox's father gets arrested, Mark lobbies his father not to report on the crime. Meanwhile, Pop and Mary steal cable with a descrambler.

Mark is excited for Halley's Comet, but the magic is lost when he learns Fox is moving. Meanwhile, a new restaurant being built near the Critch house, threatens to change the family forever.

Mark is eager to begin his final year of elementary school; finally, he'll be at the top of the social food chain; when Mark discovers that he needs glasses, his cool guy dreams come tumbling down.

Mark and his friends compete on "Reach for the Top," but when the game starts and they face Mark's crush, Cara, Mark's heart sets his brain to stun.

Mark faces bathroom woes. Fox finds herself parenting her brothers. Poppy Bell visits and family tensions rise.

When Mark realizes his friends think his comic book collection is immature, Mark impulsively sells them all and quickly regrets it.

Mark and his friends are excited for Bonfire Night, but their innocent night takes a turn when Fox gets roped into her brother's illegal activities.

Mark is elated to find he has not one, but TWO valentines, but juggling two girls turns out to be harder than Mark expected, and so instead of two plus-ones, Mark ends up with none.

Mark has a near-death experience and he's left questioning life, death, and the afterlife. Is there a god? Has he chosen the right one? And most importantly, does this change how Fox feels about him?

Mark takes directing the school play too seriously and finds himself without a cast and crew. Mark stubbornly tries to perform the play alone but realizes he's not a one-man-show.

Mark discovers "Santa" has come early when he finds his brand-new gaming system hidden in the house. Mark can't help himself and starts playing with his gift, but he has to keep it under wraps!

When Mark starts a business venture as a school project, he quickly realizes that running a profitable company is more than having a good haircut, talking loudly, and exploiting underlings.

The Critches are doing their annual airing out the house ritual, but when some family secrets are uncovered, it turns out they've got some dirty laundry that needs to be aired too.

When Mark finally gets the chance to take the stage as a stand-up comedian, he realizes he doesn't have his own distinct voice. And so, Mark draws inspiration from those who matter the most to him.

It's end of school year, Mark is faced with changes and challenges ahead, but when he's tasked with giving the graduation speech he takes some time to reflect on how his friends and family shaped him.

Mark starts high school at a former girls' school, finding joy in theatre while navigating old friendships and new love. Pop's ham radio hobby leads him to an intercepted distress signal.

Tensions rise between rival schools as Fox finds a friend who invites her to a field party, but Mark worries about older kids. Mike Jr hires Dick's daughter as the new VOCM promo girl.

Mark uncovers proof Sister Rose cheated but hesitates to publish. Meanwhile, Mike Sr covers the Meech Lake Accord as Mary scores an exclusive. Pop does some redecorating.

On a moose-hunting trip, tensions rise between Pop and Poppy Bell, pushing Mark into a tough spot. Meanwhile, Fox distrusts her mom's new beau while Mike Sr worries about his future at VOCM.

Mark stars in a PSA for young women and meets experienced child actor Steve, who inspires him. Meanwhile, Mike Sr. relapses at Mr. Murphy's retirement event, leading to a confrontation.

On NYE Fox asks Mark to babysit while their parents double date. Ritche imparts advice leading to a big blowout. Meanwhile, Mike Jr and Amanda share sparks, and Pop has a blast at home!

On a field trip, Mark and Cara fall asleep in the same bed, resulting in a scandalous photo circulating school. Meanwhile, Mike Sr struggles with his memoirs and Mary has a mid-life crisis.

Mark invites Fox to a party with his grown-up theatre troupe where he frustrates her by acting like an adult. Dick is upset to find Mike Jr. dating his daughter.

Mark is stunned a friend dies and the school mourns a classmate few remember. Meanwhile, Mary takes a course but is mistaken for the instructor. Mike Sr and Pop take an emotional train ride.

Mark joins the Peace A Chord concert but takes the spotlight. The Fox family struggles with Susanne's engagement. Mary seeks support while Ritche's struggles to earn his father's approval.

When school is cancelled, Mark spends the day with Pop touring St. John's. Meanwhile, Mary enters the Miss Mall pageant, and Dick crashes Mike Jr.'s dinner with Amanda's mom.

Fox volunteers Paul's house for a chaotic party, while Mark struggles to keep order. Mike Jr., Dick, and Amanda drive the Party Wagon, and Mary juggles tasks for her internship.

Mark's sketch show gets its big break the same night as Fox's mom's wedding. Mary organizes it, and Fox finds the courage to give a speech. Mike Sr. confronts Pop over a health concern.