Jess is considered to be a cool force when she goes out with the guys, so they go out to find women and leave her at home. Jess hears noises outside and asks the guys and their dates to return. Party games begin, and Nick has to kiss Jess.

Jess makes a real connection with a student in her writing class. She reads the papers to her roommates and Nick thinks the guy is a psychotic killer. Winston and Schmidt argue about what others say about them behind their back.

Nick's father visits and Nick is upset. Nick thinks his con-man father is just in town to pull another scheme. Jess tries to find a way to repair their relationship. Meanwhile, Schmidt and Robby try to win Cece back into their hearts.

Jess and Sam have a weekend getaway planned. Jess invites Nick and Angie to go with them so she does not have to face Sam alone. Schmidt thinks Winston needs more black friends and experiences.

The gang tries to attend a lot of Christmas parties. Cece talks to Schmidt about becoming just friends again. Jess tries to avoid Sam; he tells her he wants to get back together. Nick has trouble adjusting to his adventurous girlfriend.

Jess wants a bathtub in the apartment, and Winston helps her get one. Schmidt is still interested in CeCe and thinks they would be great together, but he is also still with his boss. Nick meets a woman with man troubles at the bar.

When Sadie tells Jess and Cece they only have so many eggs available for having children, Jess is worried and insists she and Cece get tests done. Schmidt tries to find confirmation for his sexual prowess. Nick finishes writing his book.

When Jess's parents, Bob and Joan, show up at the same time for Thanksgiving dinner, Jess takes the opportunity to "parent trap" them into a reconciliation, but her ploy backfires. Meanwhile, Schmidt and his bigger ex-Marine cousin, Big Schmidt, engage in a "manliness" competition.

Unable to pay her share of rent and utilities, the guys tell Jess to get a job. She is experiencing her monthly period and is an emotional mess. Nick meets a silent guy who shows him how to be peaceful. Cece wants to go back with Schmidt.

Nick prepares for a visit from Amelia, someone he had a crush on at college. Jess has a job at a haunted house for Halloween. She invites Sam, her non-boyfriend to the haunted house and plans to tell him she wants to be a girlfriend.