Emma, portrayed by Margaret Cho, is a recently divorced woman grappling with the significant changes in her life. As an empty nester, she faces challenges that stem from multiple fronts: her close friend Stan, played by Jesse Tyler Ferguson, is undergoing a mid-life crisis following the loss of his partner Craig several years earlier; her daughter Maggie, brought to life by Alice Lee, announces her plans to relocate to Australia with her boyfriend Nate; and the passing of her beloved dog Tanner has left her feeling even more isolated.
In her attempt to navigate these turbulent times, Emma decides to adopt a new dog named Sal. However, due to Sal's aggressive behavior, she ultimately finds herself having to return him. Additionally, Stan attempts to set Emma up with a date, but she dismisses him based on a seemingly trivial reason related to his name. As the narrative unfolds, Emma becomes increasingly disapproving of Maggie's aspirations to move away and her relationship with Nate, leading to a growing rift between mother and daughter.
The situation intensifies during Stan's birthday gathering where Emma presents him with a framed photo of him and Craig, a gesture that inadvertently disturbs Stan as he strives to embrace a new chapter in his life without his late partner. Emma's world is further complicated when she learns that her estranged ex-husband Andy, played by Kenneth Choi, has returned to town. Years ago, he had left both Emma and Maggie to chase his dreams of becoming an actor and, after achieving a degree of success and marrying in Singapore, his battles with alcohol led him back to California seeking sobriety.
Despite her initial hesitations, Emma reestablishes a physical relationship with Andy, a decision that Raven, her ex-sister-in-law, warns might jeopardize Andy's sobriety, prompting Emma to suddenly pull away. Seeking comfort, she confides in her work friend Kayla, played by Missi Pyle, who helps her connect with Tanner's spirit for emotional support during this transitional phase.
Tensions escalate when an argument with Stan regarding his new lifestyle leads Emma to reveal her rekindled connection with Andy. Stan, who has been a steadfast supporter of Emma and Maggie during Andy's absence, reacts with anger and disbelief, questioning Emma’s consideration of the potential effects on Maggie, who carries deep scars from her father's departure. This conflict reaches a critical point during Maggie's farewell party, where her emotional toast to Emma, Stan, and Tanner is overshadowed by the discovery of Andy's return and Emma's rekindled relationship.
As the story progresses, Emma and Stan work toward reconciling their friendship by reflecting on their shared pasts and the memory of Craig. Stan even proposes that he would consider giving Andy another chance if Emma truly believes in his change. The following day, Maggie, encouraged by Nate, decides to meet Andy at a local diner. Emma is hesitant, fearing that Andy may not show up, but to her surprise, he arrives. During their meal, Andy sincerely apologizes to Maggie for his past actions, and she wishes him well, signaling a potential for closure.
As Emma bids farewell to Maggie and Nate at the airport, she contemplates reaching out to her blind date once more. Moreover, she decides to try once again with Sal, vowing not to give up on him this time. In this journey of healing and reconnection, Tanner's spirit watches over Emma and Sal, observing as they begin to forge a new bond. The narrative beautifully captures the essence of facing change, embracing love, and the importance of family and friendship through life's ups and downs.
