Nick learns Simon and Karen are secretly seeing each other, but he refuses to admit why it truly bothers him. Karen bails on the family tradition of watching "The Nutcracker" in order to accept Simon's invitation to meet a mysterious person.
Brian's suspension from the ministry thrusts him into an existential career crisis, and Letitia suggests he go to Tripp for guidance. Lisa guides Jeremy in his quest to impress Sofia by pretending to be a painter.
Meanwhile, Juliet has a visitor from the Seychelles, and Carmelita tells Patrick she thinks she's being watched.