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In the pilot episode of Once and Again, single mom Lily Manning (Sela Ward) is raising two daughters: the angst ridden Grace Manning (Julia Whelan) and the precocious Zoe Manning (Meredith Deane). Meanwhile, across town, single dad Rick Sammler (Billy Campbell) is busy dealing with his two kids Eli Sammler (Shane West) and Jessie Sammler (Evan Rachel Wood). Lily and Rick run into each other at their children's school and form an immediate attraction. The two begin to date and share the ups and downs of single parenting and the troubles associated with dealing with ex-spouses Karen Sammler (Susanna Thompson) and Jake Manning (Jeffrey Nordling). Eli begins having trouble academically and Grace struggles with typical teenage girl insecurities -- popularity and looks. The episode ends with Lily's children "catching" Lily and Rick making out on the living room couch like two teenagers.