Son of a Critch

Mark's first day of junior high is marred by a bully, a young girl named Fox; when he stands up for himself, he learns that words can hurt more than fists.

Worried that his material is stale, Mark tries to freshen up his comedy act with edgier material before the school’s public speaking contest. Sister Rose decides that Mark must play the cello, he fears the instrument 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.

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 struggles to accept the priest’s replacement. Meanwhile, Mike Sr and Mary are overwhelmed when they discover that a priest is coming for dinner.

Ritche’s mother decides that Mark is spending too much time at Ritche’s house. A heritage fair project at school drives a wedge between Mark and Ritche, straining their friendship. When Ritche cancels on their plans to go to the circus together, Mark and Fox find themselves going on their own. But is it a date? Meanwhile, Ritchie’s family hosts some new Filipino-Canadians who make him feel insecure about his heritage.

When an ice-storm causes a city-wide blackout, the Critch family is forced to sit and talk to each other. Mark learns things about his parents he never knew before. Meanwhile, when his father's back goes out, Mike Jr has to broadcast all night alone.