Joe is an arson investigator for the fire department. He has a loving and devoted wife and has two just as loving and devoted sons. Things couldn't be better for him until he learns that the department wants to retire him. He does so reluctantly. He then falls into a deep depression because, while most people look forward to retirement, he doesn't. So, his wife and children do their best to lift his spirits but all he does is push them away.

Feature-length TV movie (with the title card "Rags and Riches") that served as the pilot to the series that ran from 1987-1988. A wealthy businessman decides to soften his "cutthroat" image by adopting some children. He winds up adopting six girls and isn't prepared for the problems that come with them.