Ep 9. Breaking Up and Breaking It

In the My Wife and Kids season 1 episode 9 titled "Breaking Up and Breaking It," the Kyle clan face relationship troubles, as Michael and Jay decide to help their eldest daughter, Claire, break up with her boyfriend, Tony.

The episode starts with Claire (Jazz Raycole) getting ready for a date with Tony (Andrew McFarlane), who has been her boyfriend for three weeks. Jay (Tisha Campbell-Martin) and Michael (Damon Wayans) overheard Claire on the phone with Tony, fighting over what to do on their date. Michael suggests that they take her out to dinner to help her resolve her problems with Tony. At dinner, Claire discloses Tony's annoying habits, such as his excessive use of cologne and his persistent jingling of his keys.

The couple shares almost nothing in common; Tony aspires to be a DJ someday, while Claire's interest lies in literature. Jay and Michael begin to take Tony's side when he promises never to wear cologne again. After dinner, Michael, feeling obligated to take Tony under his wing, offers to let Tony master his "karate skills."

Meanwhile, junior Kyle (George O. Gore II) sets his eyes on graduate student Melanie, but she considers him too young, as she is several years his senior. Michael snoops around trying to discover who has started the rumor that Junior is gay since it's on everyone's lips at school.

Later, Jay and Michael convince Tony and Claire to mutually agree to "see other people." They are excited about going on dates with new people until they realize that they know each other's exes. Disappointed that their parents intervened in their relationship. Claire tells them that their respective choices aren't up for discussion. Tony assents, saying that as long as they remain friends, he will support her choices.

Ultimately, junior Kyle remains single as Melanie is looking for an older person. Michael discovers that it was his classmates who started the rumor about Junior being gay.

The episode concludes with a touching moment, as both Tony and Claire come together and share a kiss. They appreciate each other's differences and agree to try it once again. Claire clarifies that they're starting dating again without any pressure for a long-term commitment, and Tony agrees.

Breaking Up and Breaking It is an entertaining episode that showcases the usual family dynamics in the Kyle household, highlighting the importance of parental support while allowing their children to make decisions of their own. The show continues to provide incredible humor and genuine character development, making it a favorite family sitcom.