Valerie and Kelly reluctantly join forces to attempt to break up Valerie's mother, Abby, and Kelly's father, Bill, after they announce their engagement at Valerie's birthday party. Brandon interviews for a job at a major daily newspaper and is hired on the spot, but he discovers there's a catch: Brandon must fill in as a scab for other agency reporters going on strike. Meanwhile, at the Beverly Beat, Janet begins to complain to Steve about being overworked and underpaid. Steve sets off in search of Jill's real penpal, Ted, to introduce them to try to mend the hostile situation he started. Noah goes too far in helping Donna with her work, bribing a local fashion company to set the stage for her designs and purchases.