Rene's court case involves mentally challenged man who is fighting against being sterilized.In the past, Rene and Mary Elizabeth go to a concert with both black and whites in attendance.
Kelly Ann tries out the gothic look to confront her normality much to ME's chagrin. It begins a discussion between the two Simms women about faith.Young Rene performs a baptism on ME, the origins of her faith.
The search for a house strains Rene and Bill's relationship. M. E. thinks a male at her work is getting gender-based preferential treatment.
Rene and Bill have friction over parenting Bill's children. M. E. lies for a co-worker and has to face the heavy repercussions.
Rene takes the case of a man who says that he killed only in self-defense.
Problems arise between M. E., Colliar, Rene and Bill when a game of "I Never" brings new information on past relationships to light.
Rene's relationship continues to be unsure as she moves into her new home alone. She also must defend a driver who's accident resulted in a pregnant woman losing her baby. M. E. must decide how to balance her work and personal life when a school play and writer seminar take place simultaneously.
Mary Elizabeth takes a new job as a security guard. Rene has a visit from an unexpected person: her brother.
M E and Rene discuss the current state of racism. When M E examines the issue with an article, both her and her family are surprised by a burning cross on their lawn.
M E confronts Uncle Jimmy about the burning cross on her lawn. This and some hate-filled internet postings, leads Rene and M E to take Jimmy to court.
M E and Colliar's money issues continue as Colliar loses a big client due to bankrupcy and M E learns she's on a grocery store bad check list. Rene and Bill's relationship continues to be on rocky ground.
M E and Colliar mourn on the anniversary of their son's death.
While M E tries to adjust to her new security guard position, Rene tries to adjust to her new position as a single woman.
Kelly turns to Rene to talk about her boyfriend instead of her mother. When Colliar takes ME out on a date to rekindle their love life, things get really interesting when their double date partners suggest a swap.Young ME is afraid of a scary doll received after her Aunt Harriet dies and, in trying to get rid of it, she falls into a blackmail plot by Theresa.
Rene defends a teacher suspected of being a witch. M E and Colliar discuss guns and violence as a hunting trip with Davis approaches.
When Rene's successful friend from college visits, M E feels neglected.
M E makes changes to her will that reflect the changes in her life. Rene starts dating a white man.
Rene takes on a plastic surgery malpractice suit for a teenage girl. M E finds Kelly with condoms.
M E handles the wake at her job as a security guard after a burglary. Rene tries to protect her assistant from the Bar Association.
Rene contends with her feelings for Bill when he's arrested in connection to a shooting.
Rene handles Bill's case as ME continues writing. The presence of a known pedophile riles the neighborhood.
Rene and ME go to their high school reunion.