14. Hal Grieves

Complete story — includes the ending

Hal gets a devastating phone call that his father has died, but because he never knew his father well, he does not shed a tear. In an attempt to overcompensate with his sons, Hal buys the boys copious gifts and lets them miss school repeatedly. Abe thinks that a phone call from Leonard Nimoy will cheer up Hal, but George Takei arrives instead. Just before Hal signs his name to purchase an expensive car for Malcolm, the pen he is using reminds him of his father, and he breaks down in cathartic tears while Lois consoles him.