Alcohol-Induced Idiocy: Ned shows up to his interview at WKS completely drunk and, in making a complete ass of himself, ruins a promising job opportunity and chance to get back on his feet.
Comically Serious: When Ned finally agrees he has a drinking problem, and he goes to call AA about it, he still can't help but make jokes about the situation, like claiming maybe he can meet girls with common interests/struggles there. Even when he reaches AA, he jokes to them about their subscribing to Columbus Express, before finally admitting to them that he needs their help.
Continuity Nod: To "The Fugitive," where Ned reveals he had been fired from his previous job and is facing felony embezzlement charges. The former is used to frame most of this episode's story.
Drowning My Sorrows: Clearly, the reason Ned — having lost his previous job after embezzling millions from the company (purportedly to save the jobs he was ordered to cut) — is an alcoholic. It is strongly implied that he was unable to find work as a financial manager (due to a felony conviction and being blacklisted for his actions) ... so he has turned to drinking.
Heel Realization: After he assaults Alex, he finally realizes he might have a serious problem that is causing his life to be destroyed, and he reluctantly submits to Elise and Steve's demands to call AA, and get help.
Manchild: In many ways, this describes Ned ... or at least (due to his alcoholism) what he has devolved into: He is a borderline Narcissist and has a grossly overblown sense of self-importance, particularly after he lost his job with Syntram Corp. in a previous episode (for theft), and also believes that successful speaking engagements before organizations such as the World Bank are all that should define him. When Alex (politely) declines his offer to help study for a test, Ned angrily calls him an Ungrateful Bastard who thinks he isn't good enough to help out. During his interview at WKS where he is completely drunk, Ned acts like a total fool, as though he were saying he thought this opportunity to regain his footings were beneath him. Later, when Ned starts tossing newspaper clippings of his past accomplishments in the fireplace and Alex tries to stop him — he tries reminding him that he once was the top-ranking financial manager of a Fortune 500 company — Ned punches him out. Moreover, Ned refuses to accept responsibility for his actions that got him removed from his job at Syntram and resulted in him being arrested on federal theft charges, regardless of the legal or ethical reasons behind a company merger that would have resulted in hundreds of jobs being lost, is perfectly willing to blame others for his own mistakes and actions, and doesn't seem to care that he is at (or near) rock bottom and burning his bridges, with less than zero desire to rebuild his life.
Midnight Snack: Alex — up late to study for finals — raids the refrigerator to find a snack. He finds Uncle Ned making a midnight raid of his own: Through the pantry in search of anything containing alcohol.
Quick Nip: Ned's drinking has progressed to the point where it becomes impossible for him to function without constantly ingesting anything with even a trace of alcohol.
Ungrateful Bastard: Steven tries giving Ned an olive branch to allow him to redeem himself, both personally and professionally, by creating a position as financial analyst for WKS's news program. Ned's response is to show up drunk for the interview and make a complete ass of himself and embarrass Steven.
The night before, during the refrigerator run scene, Ned gets upset when Alex (nicely) turns down his offer to help him study for an economics final. Ned accuses Alex of being this, reminding him that he spoke before the World Bank and was a rising star in as a financial manager for a multi-billion-dollar company.
What Happened to the Mouse?: Ned is not seen nor referred to in future episodes, which has led to fan speculation as to the fate of his character. Some say he got help and was able to rebuild his career and somewhat restore relations with family and friends, while others suggest that he continued to burn his bridges, lost more than everything and eventually died a broken drunk.
