Charlie insists on attending an award ceremony with Linda to get her to prove that she's not embarrassed about dating him. Unfortunately, just before the big night, he takes a pill from Evelyn that causes him to hallucinate and act more embarrassing than Linda could have even dreamed of. Jake wants to go to a rock concert, but Alan refuses to let him go without adult supervision, which proves to be not enough to stop him.
Tropes
- Abusive Parents: Evelyn undermines Alan's attempts to protect his son, telling the story of the time Alan had, as a teenager, snuck out to see a concert against her wishes, and saying that parents have to accept that they're powerless to control teenage children. When Alan calls her out on this in private, asking why she couldn't just help him, she says that she was not put on Earth to help him. He points out that she's his mother, and she just counters that she's not a good one.
- Hypocrite: Judith chews Alan out for not keeping an eye on Jake on the night of the concert despite knowing that he wanted to go and knowing that Evelyn had all but suggested to Jake that he sneak out. Alan turns around and walks back to his car, just in time to see Jake about to sneak out the window of Judith's house. Alan is quite happy about this, as he now gets to throw Judith's own words back in her face.
- O.O.C. Is Serious Business: Typically, when Alan disciplines a disobedient Jake, the exchange is more comedic and silly due to the show being a sitcom. However, when Alan walks in on Jake after he tries to sneak back into his room through the window, he's very visibly pissed off at his son, and the scene is played completely straight except for Charlie interrupting due to his state of intoxication.
- Make Up or Break Up: After Charlie makes an ass of himself at an award ceremony where Linda was being honored, Linda breaks up with him. She does tell him that the breakup has more to do with her having aspirations of becoming a senator, and knowing that she can't be in a relationship with someone like Charlie in order to achieve that.
- Sneaking Out at Night: Jake wants to see a Bucket of Hate concert with his friends, but Alan won't allow it due to there not being any adult supervision. Evelyn gives Jake the idea to sneak out and go to the concert anyway. Alan checks Jake's room while he's gone, realizes what happened, and Jake finds himself in a ton of trouble when he gets back.
- Who's on First?: Berta says that Bucket of Hate reminds her of early Who, and Jake doesn't get it. When she tries to specify 'Band called Who', he thinks she's asking a question, and replies 'Bucket of Hate'.
- You Are Grounded!: Alan grounds Jake for three months after he sneaks out to see a concert with his friends.
