A New York City writing professor, Frannie Avery, has an affair with a police detective who is investigating the murder of a beautiful young woman in her neighborhood.

TV producer Warren is developing his masterpiece, a reality show called "Handicaps" starring a variety of people with disabilities. Aided by an overbearing partner with anger issues and an ex-prison guard, Warren creates a hit. But he soon learns that his cast can be just as vain and egotistical as anyone else in Hollywood.

After a blow to the head, Abby decides she can't do it anymore. Her life just can't be only about the house, the kids and the wife. She needs more: she needs to be Eleanor.