Son of a Critch

Mark’s first day of junior high is marred by a bully — a young girl named Fox. But when he stands up for himself, he learns that words can hurt more than fists.

Mark fears being forced to play the cello will make him a social pariah. But when his cello is taken by a gang of bullies, Fox begrudgingly comes to his rescue. Meanwhile, Pop and Sister Rose take a stroll down memory lane when it’s revealed they used to be an item.

Mark fears he’ll be outed as a Monarchist when he’s chosen to give flowers to a visiting Lady Diana. Meanwhile, a gift from Dick comes between Mike Sr and Mary.

Mark is considering what life would be like as a priest. But as rumours of scandal amongst the clergy start to mount, Mark reassesses what his religion means to him.

Mark and Mike Sr unexpectedly bond over Mark’s role in the upcoming Easter play. But when Mark is fired from the production, he pretends otherwise to keep his father’s affections. Meanwhile, Pop turns to Mary for help after the CRA learns he’s been collecting his dead wife’s pension checks.

Parents and students take the field on Sports Day. Mark decides to treat the all-day gym class as a comedy stage, much to his teammate’s annoyance. Meanwhile, Fox fights for her mother’s attention and attempts to break the school record for gold medals.

Having realized his feelings for Fox, Mark is hurt to learn she’s been spending time alone with Ritche. And, with the future of VOCM in doubt, Mike Sr attempts to learn how to DJ… at Mark’s school-end dance.

Foxs boyfriend threatens to beat Mark up after school. Mary learns Mike Sr is making less money than their son, and pushes her husband to demand a raise.

Desperate to seem more mature, Mark heads off school grounds for lunch, but things take a turn when the Fox boys offer Mark his first beer. Meanwhile, Mary takes a job selling Avon products.

Mark falls under the spell of a visiting hypnotist and lets his grades slip. Pop struggles to lose weight when he gets too fat for his pants.

The kids are allowed to wear jeans at school for Spirit Week. The only problem is that Mark doesn’t own a pair. Meanwhile, Sister Rose picks Mary to join her choir.

Mark and Ritche pretend to be Protestant to fit in with a cool group of kids from another school. Pop meets up with an old flame at a retirement home.

When Fox’s father gets arrested, Mark lobbies his father not to report on the crime. Meanwhile, Pop and Mary steal cable with a descrambler.

Mark is eager to begin his final year of elementary school. Finally, he’ll be at the top of the social food chain! But when Mark discovers that he needs glasses his cool guy dreams come tumbling down.

Mark faces bathroom woes. Fox finds herself parenting her brothers. Poppy Bell visits and family tensions rise.

Mark and his friends are excited for Bonfire Night, but their innocent night takes a turn when Fox gets roped into her brother’s illegal activities.

Mark has a near-death experience and he’s left questioning life, death, and the afterlife. Is there a god? Has he chosen the right one? And most importantly, does this change how Fox feels about him?

Mark discovers “Santa” has come early when he finds his brand-new gaming system hidden in the house. Mark can’t help himself and starts playing with his gift, but he has to keep it under wraps!

The Critches are doing their annual airing out the house ritual, but when some family secrets are uncovered, it turns out they’ve got some dirty laundry that needs to be aired too.

It’s end of school year. Mark is faced with changes and challenges ahead, but when he’s tasked with giving the graduation speech he takes some time to reflect on how his friends and family shaped him.

Tensions rise between rival schools as Fox finds a friend who invites her to a field party; Mark worries about older kids; Mike Jr hires Dicks daughter as the new VOCM promo girl.

On a moose-hunting trip, tensions rise between Pop and Poppy Bell, pushing Mark into a tough spot. Meanwhile, Fox distrusts her moms new beau while Mike Sr worries about his future at VOCM.

On NYE Fox asks Mark to babysit while their parents double date; Ritche imparts advice leading to a big blowout; Mike Jr and Amanda share sparks, and Pop has a blast at home.

Mark invites Fox to a party with his grown-up theatre troupe where he frustrates her by acting like an adult. Dick is upset to find Mike Jr. dating his daughter.

Mark joins the Peace A Chord concert but takes the spotlight; the Fox family struggles with Susannes engagement. Mary seeks support while Ritche struggles to earn his fathers approval.

Fox volunteers at Pauls house for a chaotic party, while Mark struggles to keep order. Mike Jr., Dick, and Amanda drive the Party Wagon, and Mary juggles tasks for her internship.