Courtney looks forward to Jake’s return from China, but doesn’t know where she stands with him. Chris convinces Dylan to make a firm decision about Billy’s status in the band. Dave is concerned that Matt is taking up his old habits again.
New relationships are scrutinized amongst the students of Hillside. Billy deals with his emotions after being dropped from the band. Arseman angrily confronts Dylan and Chris over the decision. Jake approaches Matt about his recent behavior, but the encounter gets hostile.
Ashley is uneasy about Chris and Roxanne hanging out. Brooke aspires to audition for the band’s new lead singer. Matt’s friends decide to confront him about his drinking problem.
Erin is troubled about Matt’s departure to a substance abuse treatment center. Ashley feels guilty that she’s letting her concerns affect her relationship with Chris. After Brooke pranks Arseman over her activism, John and Stacy conspire to pull a prank of their own.
Courtney worries about Billy’s state of mind after hearing their father is remarrying. Dylan is not thrilled with Chris’s choice for the band’s new lead singer. Ashley’s friends speculate on her distant behavior. John tries his hand buzzer prank on the wrong person.
The students prepare for the school’s talent content. Ashley encourages Courtney to change her image. Brooke joins the cheerleading team to get Dylan’s attention. Billy’s attitude takes a turn for the worst when he begins to bully other students.
Courtney begins to question if her affection for Jake is merely platonic. Never having hired her, Dylan attempts to cut Roxanne from the band. Brooke misinterprets Dylan’s sarcasm as legitimate interest in a lunch date.
Courtney convinces Dylan to talk to Billy about his changed attitude. Arseman discovers Courtney’s lack of romantic feelings for Jake may not entirely be exclusive. Brooke seeks the vacated head cheerleader role, but the squad has a different candidate in mind. Chris capitalizes on an opportunity that Dylan is forced to turn down.
Courtney seeks actors for a play she’s producing. While Dylan struggles with school, a music opportunity opens up for him. Brooke finds out that Stacy is running against her for head cheerleader. Courtney confesses strong feelings for a student returning to Hillside.
Dave wants to impress Stacy, while Courtney comes along with an opportunity for exposure. Billy turns his angst on David after he stands up for John. Courtney approaches Matt about going to Dylan’s gig as more than just friends.
Brooke is incensed when she believes a mean-spirited character in Courtney’s play is based on her. Courtney chooses to protect Ashley at the expense of Matt’s feelings. Dylan makes a rash decision about his future.
Dave receives acclaim for his performance during the play. Brooke intends to use Chris to get under Roxanne’s skin. When Dylan hears about Billy’s bullying, he decides to make an example of him.
Brooke is excited about departing Hillside for Paris until she realizes what she’s leaving behind. Ashley and Matt are conflicted about their feelings for one another. Billy makes amends for his past actions. Dylan begins to regret his decision to drop out of school.