Custody Law and Eastern European Diplomacy

Did You Know?

• This was the only episode in which Enver Gjokaj guest-starred.
• It was the second of several episodes featuring Malcolm-Jamal Warner.
• The episode was the third written by Andy Bobrow for the series.

Plot

The study group organizes a baby shower for Shirley, acknowledging the possibility that either Andre or Chang could be the father. Chang looks let down when Shirley and Andre declare their intention to raise the child regardless of paternity. Britta inquires about Abed and Troy’s new acquaintance, Lukka. They forbid her from dating him, fearing she will expose his secrets and spoil their friendship after a breakup.

Nevertheless, Britta visits Abed’s room while Lukka is there, and he invites her out. Shirley requests that Jeff, with whom Chang is currently staying, persuade Chang to sign away any future parental claims. Jeff agrees, though reluctantly. Later, as Lukka and Britta kiss, he describes his experiences in the Balkans.

Britta gradually grasps that he committed terrible acts against insurgents there. Jeff returns home and hands Chang the document. Chang believes he can win Shirley over and retain his parental rights by securing a job and his own place; Jeff encourages this notion, hoping Chang will leave. The following day, Chang tries to behave responsibly, and Shirley accuses Jeff of betraying her.

Britta observes Troy and Abed playing a violent video game with Lukka and notes his exceptional proficiency. They dismiss her concerns, so she devises a scheme to accuse Lukka of stealing one of Abed’s DVDs. Abed’s dorm camera, however, captures her in the act. She attempts to explain that Lukka is a war criminal, but Troy and Abed disregard her.

Jeff finds Chang at home with two boys, whom Chang introduces as Shirley’s sons, claiming he picked them up from school. Jeff tells the boys he will drive them home; as he leaves, Chang realizes the boys are not Shirley’s and reports a kidnapping to the police. Jeff is taken into custody but is freed after Shirley convinces the boys’ mother to drop the charges. They witness Chang being arrested for his actions, and Jeff and Shirley discuss how to lengthen any potential prison term.

Andre persuades them to relent and practice forgiveness. Eventually, Troy and Abed inform Britta that they questioned Lukka about his past and discovered the truth. The three of them agree to handle future relationship conflicts with greater maturity.