Ep 15. Happy Bert Day

Kate, portrayed by Malin Akerman, is busy organizing a birthday party for Bert, played by Albert Tsai. Bert is Warren and Diane's adopted son and his birthday is around the corner, so Kate plans a surprise birthday party for him. She is excited to host a Disney-themed party and even hires a princess to make it extra special for Bert.

Meanwhile, Pete (Bradley Whitford), Kate's husband, is dealing with his own problems at work. His co-worker and friend, Kate's ex-boyfriend Ryan, played by Hayes MacArthur, is causing trouble in the office by flirting with their boss, Kate's friend Meg. Pete is worried that Ryan's behavior is jeopardizing Meg's position at the company, and he tries to talk to Ryan about it.

As the birthday party approaches, Kate grows increasingly anxious about making it perfect for Bert. She gets into a disagreement with Jackie, Warren's ex-wife and Bert's biological mother, played by Michaela Watkins, who wants to bring an extravagant present for Bert. Kate, on the other hand, wants to stick to her budget and not spoil Bert.

At the birthday party, Bert is thrilled with the decorations, presents, and princess, but it's not long before things start to go wrong. Jackie's present causes a commotion, and the princess hired to entertain the kids starts to lose her composure. To make matters worse, Warren and Diane are fighting, and the tension spills over into the party.

While dealing with all of these issues, Kate starts to feel like she's not good enough as a mother to Bert. She confides in Meg (Natalie Morales), who reassures her that it's normal to feel overwhelmed and that she's doing a great job. This conversation helps Kate realize that the most important thing is that Bert is surrounded by people who love him, whether it's at a fancy party or a low-key celebration.

In the end, Pete resolves the situation with Ryan at work, and the birthday party comes together despite the hiccups. Bert has a great time, and Kate learns to relax and enjoy the chaos of motherhood.

Overall, the episode is a heartwarming look at the challenges of parenting and the importance of love and support in a family. With a mix of humor and heartfelt moments, it's a great addition to the show's first season.