Alex begins his sophomore year of college and decides to attempt a relationship with one of the new freshman girls. He is successful in wooing Tricia Armstrong, but finds himself strangely attracted to her roommate, Ellen Reed. Despite the fact that they have nothing in common, Alex realises that he has very strong feelings for Ellen, and the two gradually grow closer while he continues to date Tricia. When Tricia reveals that Ellen is planning to return home and get married to her boyfriend Dennis, Alex's feelings only become stronger.
Examples:
- Bait-and-Switch Comment: Alex describing his relationship with Tricia:Alex: She's everything I hoped she'd be. She's beautiful. She's fun-loving. She's vivacious. And if I have to spend another minute with her, I'm gonna strangle both of us.
- Belligerent Sexual Tension: Most of the interactions between Alex and Ellen in this episode involve heated arguments, and yet Alex finds himself falling head over heels for her.
- Brainless Beauty: Tricia Armstrong.
- Corruption of a Minor: Played for Laughs. While Alex is babysitting Andy (and unknowingly being watched by Ellen), he pretends to suggest that Andy would like some alcohol:Alex: Well, big guy, looks like just you and me.Alex (as Andy): What do you want to do, Alex?Alex: I don't know. I thought maybe we'd pop open a couple of cold beers.Alex (as Andy): Okay, but I'm only nine months old. Make mine a light.Ellen: You're corrupting a minor, I'm calling the police.
- Establishing Character Moment: The audience's first introduction to Ellen involves her brutal deconstruction of Alex's characteristics, claiming she's giving him a hard time because of the constant socialisation she's had to endure with "insecure guys like [him]" trying to hook up with Tricia. Her comments are powerful enough to really strike a note with Alex.
- False Start: Despite finding out about Ellen's intentions to marry boyfriend Dennis, Alex and Ellen share a romantic dance while he's still going out with Tricia. They kiss briefly before Ellen breaks away and follows through on her marriage proposal, shutting down any hopes of a relationship between them.
- Head-Turning Beauty: Tricia's portrait in the freshman directory is enough for her to receive multiple phone calls from older boys who are interested in going out with her.
- Opposites Attract: Ellen is an arts student, whereas Alex is an economics student. Part of their first meeting involves Alex criticising the abstract artwork Ellen is painting.
