Tony’s habitual grumbling, a sort of personal affliction he jokingly refers to as a superpower, is beginning to wear down his colleagues. At the same time, a fresh face arrives at the Tambury Gazette, ready to contribute to the newsroom.

With a sense of desperation creeping in, Tony began to consider the possibility of using heroin. While watching his nephew, he found himself forming a tentative connection with Sandy, a glimmer of something akin to companionship.

Tony sought companionship, though not in the way one might assume. An evening at the comedy club quickly devolved into an uncomfortable situation. Later, a sharp-tongued remark from a nurse left him feeling exposed.

Tony resisted Matt’s suggestion of a blind date. He also offered an introduction to someone, a gesture followed by an apology that was quite out of character for him.

After considerable persuasion, Brian managed to bring Tony and the others to his apartment, hoping to gather material for a story. At the same time, Matt received a troubling phone call from his son’s school.

Striving for contentment, or at the very least, avoiding despair, Tony offers a heartfelt acknowledgment to those who have remained loyal.