The episode begins with Rocko working at the register of Kind of a Lot O' Comics, reading a Really Really Big Man comic book. Several background characters are shown reading comics. A slug approaches him at the desk.
"Hey, kangaroo boy. Can you help a slug out?" asks Slippy the Slug.
"What's the problem?" inquires Rocko.
"How do I maintain my comic book collection without my slime damaging it? I'm sick of having to throw away limited edition copies because of it."
"Oh! You should invest in some polyester bags. Not only will they be safe from slime, but they'll also be protected from the elements! You can find them near the door." answers a genial Rocko.
"Thanks, kid! You're a real lifesaver!"
After Slippy heads toward the door, a pig then appears and walks up to Rocko.
"Excuse me, short stuff. Do you have any comics about werewolves and vampires? I've been looking everywhere in this here store, but had no luck." explains Tammy the Pig.
"Try the horror section. I think you'd like Lupus and the Count: Enemies or Lovers? There's lots of clever twists in that one."
"I appreciate your help. Oh, and I like that cute shirt of yours. Reminds me of the carpets at the Bowl-O-Rama." replies Tammy.
"Heh heh, thank you. My Mum bought it for me before I left Australia to live here." explains Rocko.
"Well, she has great taste in fashion. I'll see you around." Tammy departs with her newfound comic in hand.
Rocko goes back to reading his own comic, until he hears foot steps.
"Hello? Is anyone there?" asks Rocko.
"Hi, mister!" states a yellow lion cub, wearing a rainbow shirt.
"Hey there, little guy." greets Rocko. "What's your name?"
"I'm Jimmy."
"What do you need help with?" inquires Rocko.
"Well, um, I want to read Little Poots: Sugarloaf vs. Sucralose, but I can't reach it. Can you help me?" asks Jimmy.
"Sure thing, kiddo." Rocko grabs the wooden box he uses to see over the desk, and lets Jimmy borrow it. "Follow me."
Jimmy follows Rocko, and upon Rocko setting down the box, Jimmy climbs on it to successfully reach his desired comic.
"I did it! Thank you so much!" says an ecstatic Jimmy, hugging Rocko in appreciation. This causes several patrons to be touched by the display.
"I love my job." says a prideful Rocko. "My boss notwithstanding."
The scene transitions to the exterior of Conglom-O. The camera zooms in on Ed's office, who is doing paperwork.
"Just a few more pieces of financial transactions, and I can go home to my cupcake." states Ed, looking at a picture of Bev on his desk.
As Ed continues writing, he starts to cramp in his hand.
"Ow! Sweet mother of cheese and rice!"
Still in pain, Ed begins using his left hand to write the remaining paperwork. He then finishes writing.
"Finally!" yells a triumphant Ed.
Just then, Ed's chair gives out, causing him to fall face first on the ground.
"There goes my back." Ed mumbles to himself.
A knock is heard at the door. The person opening the door is revealed to be a green lizard.
Mr. Noway looks at Ed with disappointment. "Sleeping on the job, Bighead? That's not how we do it here at Conglom-O."
"What do you want, Noway?" Ed asks in disdain.
"I came here to pick up your paperwork."
"It's on my desk." replies Ed.
Mr. Noway rifles through the papers. "Uh, this is not acceptable."
"What do you mean?" inquires Ed.
"You used red ink. Bighead, you know we only use blue!" insists Mr. Noway.
Ed gets up from the floor. "Since when? It's never been a problem before."
"Because we had a meeting today about banning it." answers Mr. Noway.
"And I was supposed to know that how?" asks Ed.
"Well, it's not a good look someone whose worked here for over three decades can't even get the ink right."
"Listen here, Noway! I've been working here since you've been in diapers! Don't you dare imply I'm a lazy worker!" shouts a furious Ed.
"I didn't imply; I was saying you were." corrects Mr. Noway. "Anyway, you're gonna have to redo all this paperwork again. With the right ink this time. I'll go get the photocopier."
Mr. Noway leaves Ed's office.
"I hate my job." Ed says in defeat.
Later, Rocko is shown parking in his garage after work.
"Hmm, Mr. Bighead's not back yet. That's unlike him." Rocko muses as he enters his house.
Rocko then takes a look at his shirt, and sees it has a few ink stains on it.
"Blimey! I need to wash this, and soon!"
Rocko takes his shirt off, revealing a white sleeveless shirt underneath. A sequence is shown of Rocko putting the shirt in his washing machine. Lacking a dryer, Rocko places his shirt on a clothesline outside to dry.
Now nighttime, Ed finally returns from work, and groggily walks towards the front door of his house.
Bev is in the living room, none too pleased. "Ed! Where have you been? If you were gonna work overtime, you should have called me! Now dinner's spoiled!"
Ed is too tired to respond to Bev, as he musters all his strength to go up the stairs in he and Bev's shared bedroom. He collapses on the mattress face first, instantly falling asleep.
Now inside his home, Rocko is in bed with Spunky.
"Oh, Spunky. Life is good. I have lots of caring friends, a wonderful dog, and a house to live in. Things can't get any better than this."
Spunky barks, licking Rocko's face and causing the latter to laugh. Rocko then turns his lamp off before sleeping.
In the early morning hours, Ed is the first to awaken.
"Bev? You awake?"
Receiving no response, it's clear Bev is still asleep. Ed checks the clock to see it is 5:47 AM, thus the sky is a fusion of darkness and light.
"Hmm. I could go back to bed for a few more hours... or be the first to work! That'll show Noway whose more dedicated!"
Bev is heard moaning in her sleep, as Ed had started yelling. "Oh, Ed."
Ed lets out a frisky smile upon hearing Bev. He leaves the room to get ready for work.
"Oh, Ed. Put on the collar, sweetie. Yes, that's it."
Now fully dressed, Ed prepares to leave for work. However, just before entering his car, Ed notices Rocko's shirt on the clothesline.
"There it is. That ugly shirt. An eyesore, just painful to look at. I don't know why Rocko likes it so much." Ed gets an idea, with a light bulb appearing above him. "Maybe I can find out why."
Ed tries to bypass Rocko's fence, but falls on his crotch. Ed is crying from the pain. Nonetheless, he manages to enter Rocko's lawn.
"After all, if that mutt of his can eat my salmon bushes, why can't I borrow his shirt?"
Ed proceeds to grab Rocko's shirt, and succeeds. He temporarily takes off his white shirt to put on Rocko's, which is a perfect fit. Ed uses a second layer of clothing to hide the shirt, using his standard getup. He drives away after his devious deed.
Later on that morning, Rocko wakes up from his slumber. He turns his head to see it is 11:35 AM on his alarm clock.
"Cobblers! I overslept!"
Rocko rushes out the door in only his sleeveless shirt. He sets foot on his yard, and is shocked to see his shirt missing.
"My shirt! I can't go to work without me shirt!" shouts Rocko.
He goes back inside and holds Spunky.
"Spunky, answer honestly: did you bury my shirt in the backyard?"
Spunky affirmatively shakes his head no. Rocko immediately drops him to the floor right after. Rocko then digs a comically large hole in his backyard, right down to the Earth's core.
"My shirt is gone!" yells out Rocko, the high decibels causing his tree leaves to fall out and a nearby bird to drop dead.
After recovering, Rocko says to himself, "I gotta go! I'm already late for work as it is!"
Rocko quickly jumps inside his car window, having no time to open the door. He arrives at Kind of a Lot O' Comics, where Mr. Smitty is covering for him at the register.
Rocko is panting. "I'm here, Mr. Smitty!"
"Well, look who finally decided to show up."
"Sorry I'm late! I overslept, couldn't find me shirt, and then I-" Rocko is interrupted.
"I didn't ask for your life story. Get behind the counter. And put a shirt on, would ya? Nobody wants to see that." states a disgusted Mr. Smitty, walking towards his office.
"Crikey, that's right! I'm gonna have to go... clothes shopping." A scream is heard in the background after Rocko says this.
Cut to Comglom-O. Ed is in his office, doing paperwork as always.
"If I do this now instead of later, I can get off work early!" states an excited Ed.
A knock is heard on Ed's door.
"Come in."
Mr. Dupette enters, picking his nose. "Hello there, Bighead. I've been informed you came to work 3 hours earlier than usual."
"Oh, was I not supposed to? I promise I won't do it again, sir!" grovels Ed.
"What? I came here to congratulate you on your initiative!"
Ed retains his composure. "It was nothing, sir. Just doing what's best for Conglom-O."
"I'm so relieved to hear you say that, because there's a new position open in the photocopying room." explains Mr. Dupette.
"Isn't Heathwood in charge of that department?" asks Ed.
"Usually, yes. But he's taking a sabbatical for personal reasons. I don't want to name specifics, but let's just say he's laying off the ice cream for a while." replies Mr. Dupette.
"And you want me to take his place?" inquires Ed.
"If you don't mind. Of course, I can always ask Noway instead." answers Mr. Dupette.
"It's a deal! Thank you so much, sir!"
Ed vigorously shakes Mr. Dupette's hand. He heads for the photocopying room.
"Everyone! I have an announcement to make!" shouts Ed, getting the attention of the Conglom-O Lizards.
"I am Ed Bighead, your new boss! That has a nice ring to it. Anyway, I'll be filling in for Heathwood until further notice."
"Okay." says a nonchalant Conglom-O Lizard.
"This is just marvelous! No more writing paperwork, the whole room is my desk, and..." Ed grabs a chair. "My very own swivel chair! This garish shirt truly is lucky. I wish I had thought of this sooner!" Ed says in excitement.
He rotates and tests the pump until accidentally hurling himself off screen.
Back at Kind of a Lot O' Comics, Rocko is finishing up his shift.
"Thank goodness the day's all over. Now to get myself a new shirt. I'm gonna miss my old one, though." Rocko sniffles as he leaves the comic shop and enters his car.
He travels throughout O-Town in search of clothing stores. His first stop is Sweater or Not, where Rocko sees a familiar face inside.
"Hello, Mrs. Hutchison." greets Rocko.
"That's Ms. Hutchison to you. You know Frank is dead to me." replies Widow Hutchison.
"Sorry."
"Anyway, welcome to my store! I use the finest corduroy and gingham to create the most beautiful sweaters this side of O-Town!"
"That's wonderful. I'm looking for a new shirt." says Rocko.
"You've come to the right place, dear! I know just the thing for you!"
Widow Hutchison uses her hooks to knit and sew a sweater on the spot. The result is a dark purple sweater with a string of yellow X's and O's in the middle.
"My best work, n'est-ce pas?" asks Widow Hutchison.
Rocko looks in horror at the ugly sweater. "I think I'll take a rain check, Ms. Hutchison."
"Wait! I'll slash the price in half if you split Paula up with that shellboy." Widow Hutchison uses one of her hooks to slash the air while saying the word "slash."
Rocko is shocked. "Ms. Hutchison, Filburt and Dr. Hutchison are close friends of mine!"
"Exactly! That'll soften the blow when they break up. Have you seen their kids? That's not right!"
"I couldn't break up their marriage!" insists Rocko.
"It'll be our little secret. I'll even come up with a backstory for you. You're a medical student who needs Paula's help. And then... Rocko?"
Widow Hutchison realizes Rocko had left the store while she was talking.
Back on the road, Rocko sees a neon sign advertising Couture a la Mode, with Chuck and Leon's heads near the text.
"Hmm. Fancy and hoity-toity. They must know what they're doing!" declares Rocko.
Rocko parks near the entrance and walks inside the store.
"Welcome to the exclusive Couture a la Mode!" greets Chuck.
"Where you meet the future of the fashion!" adds Leon.
"Future? I just want to get a new shirt." explains Rocko.
"And you should! What are you doing wearing that in public?" asks Leon.
"Tsk, tsk. Very indecent." agrees Chuck.
Chuck walks toward the selection of clothing.
"We have a robot suit, waterproof shirts, and my personal favorite: the size changing dress shirt!" Chuck says with excitement.
"Don't you have something more... normal?" inquires Rocko.
"Mm. Another one lacking imagination." proclaims Leon.
Chuck nods in agreement, and leaves to find Rocko another shirt. He returns with a black and white shirt containing a checkerboard pattern.
"Here, Rocko. Try this checkerboard shirt." states Chuck.
"I think you mean chess." corrects Leon.
"No, Leon. I said checkerboard."
"It's chess, you pea brain!" insists Leon.
"Checkerboard!" yells Chuck.
"Chess!"
"Stop it!" shouts Rocko at the top of his lungs. "Can I please try it myself?"
Chuck gives Rocko the shirt, as the latter puts it on.
"Oh, honey, that looks good on you!" compliments Chuck.
"Work it, baby!" replies Leon.
"I don't know, it seems a little... tacky." opines Rocko.
"Tacky? We'll have you know we use the most natural, synthetic fibers for our clothing." claims Leon.
Chuck begins cornering Rocko while talking, as Rocko moves backward.
"But if you're too good for our high quality clothing, well, you can see that keister out the door, aardvark."
Chuck slams the door in Rocko's face.
"Aardvark? That one's a first."
Yet again, Rocko is on the road, desperately searching for a new shirt.
"Poor Spunky. He must be worried sick about me." Rocko states as he drives.
Rocko sees one more clothing store right where O-Town ends: Bucky's Variegated Plaid. He decides to walk inside.
"Hi there, little fella!" greets Bob "Bucky" Taylor from "Dear John."
"Hey! Weren't you that guy who did the shoddy renovation of my house?" asks Rocko.
"I don't know what you're talking about, eh." Bucky whistles after saying this.
"I've looked everywhere, and I just can't seem to find a shirt that fits."
"I had the same problem, eh. All my life, none of the typical shirts looked good on me, and I resigned myself to wearing butterfly collars. But then I discovered plaid, and it changed my life. That's why I opened this store, to help people like you." explains Bucky.
Rocko looks around to see the flannel options. "Hmm. It isn't too loud or futuristic."
"That's the beauty of it, you know? It's just something to wear. Go ahead and try some out." encourages Bucky.
Rocko picks red flannel, and proceeds to put it on over his white sleeveless shirt. "This'll keep me warm on cold nights. And I can open or close it at any time. Most of all, it's really quite comfy."
"I think we found a winner, eh! Come to the register, please."
Rocko grabs money from his wallet, and purchases it.
"Pleasure doin' business with ya!" shouts Bucky, as Rocko departs the store.
As Rocko gets into his car, he reflects on his purchase.
"It's a fine shirt. But it's not my shirt." Rocko says in despair, driving away afterward.
At the Bighead household, Ed is just coming home from work.
"Beverly! Your crumb cake is home!" shouts an exuberant Ed.
"My, you're in a good mood." points out Bev.
"Let's just say you're looking at the new photocopying head."
"Oh, darling, that's wonderful!" Bev hugs her husband.
"What do you say we take that second honeymoon we always wanted?" asks a seductive Ed, showing Bev two tickets to Hollo-Wood.
Bev coos. "I haven't seen this side of you since the '70s."
"Well, say hello to the new Ed Bighead."
The following morning before work, Filburt and Heffer are inside Rocko's house sitting on the couch.
Heffer burps. "Rocko never calls us this early unless it's an emergency."
"I hope he didn't catch my asthma." states Filburt.
Concerned, Heffer gets off the couch and walks up the stairs. "Hey, buddy! Did you fall in the toilet again?"
"No, Heffer! Just give me a few more minutes." replies Rocko off screen.
"Okay."
A few moments later, Rocko walks down the stairs to reveal his new red flannel shirt to his friends.
"So, what do you guys think? Don't hold back."
Heffer wolf whistles at him. "Lookin' sharp!"
"You look like you're ready to eat pancakes. What happened to your shirt?" asks Filburt.
"I lost it yesterday, so I had to settle for this while shopping." explains Rocko.
"Don't worry, Rock! I'm sure it'll turn up." consoles Heffer.
"I hope so." Rocko says with a frown.
Rocko then drives to work, and enters Kind of a Lot O' Comics. Mr. Smitty notices Rocko's new shirt.
"Oh, you must be one of those grunge punks." states Mr. Smitty bitterly.
"Actually, Mr. Smitty, I chose it for convenience." corrects Rocko.
"Whatever lie you need to tell yourself. It's called plaid, and we didn't insult it by plastering grunge all over it."
Mr. Smitty rudely blows smoke in Rocko's face after this statement.
Rocko turns his head to the camera. "See what I have to deal with day in and day out?"
"Stop talking to yourself, son, and get back to... whatever it is you do." replies Mr. Smitty.
"Cashiering, sir."
"Right, right. Oh, and while you're at it, dispose of my cigar butts."
Later that day, Rocko is shown reading a comic book, but he begins to yawn after only reading a few pages. He proceeds to fall asleep on his desk. Rocko is then woken up by Filburt a few hours later.
"Rocko! Check out the newest issue of Really Really Big Man! His nipples turn inward, and he travels back to the past!"
Rocko rubs his eyes to remove sleepy seeds. "Filburt, you know I get advance issues as an employee. Besides, it was nothing special."
Filburt is shocked. "Nothing special? He shook hands with a T-Rex, flew on pterodactyls and destroyed an asteroid, saving the dinosaurs from extinction."
"I know, I read it." Rocko says tersely.
"Who are you and what have you done with Rocko?"
"I'm sorry, Filb, it's just... I don't feel like myself without my shirt." states a sad Rocko.
"Oh, I get you. That's me if I don't bring a bucket just in case." replies Filburt.
"Well, it's not really a case of forgetting things." Rocko pauses. "It's a feeling of being... lost."
"Right! Like when I lose my medical tag."
"Filb, I'm trying to tell you how miserable I am! You just don't get it!" shouts Rocko.
"Yeesh. Mood swing at 12 o'clock. Call me when you're not on the verge of a breakdown." Filburt leaves the comic shop.
Rocko looks subdued, feeling remorse for yelling at his friend.
At Conglom-O, Ed is leading the charge in the photocopying department.
"Smellings, refill the toner. Barnes, get the paperwork. And you!" Ed points at the chest of a Conglom-O Lizard.
"Yes, sir?"
"Do something useful and close the window." orders Ed.
"I mean, you were the one that told me to open it." replies the Conglom-O Lizard.
"Do I detect a hint of sass in that tone of voice? Should we get Mr. Dupette involved, hmm?"
The Conglom-O Lizard defensively moves his hands. "No, of course not! I'll go close it. It's drafty in here anyway."
Ed sits back down on his chair. "I wonder where Noway is with my coffee. He's sure taking his sweet time."
Just then, Mr. Noway enters the photocopying room, with an angry expression on his face.
"Here." Mr. Noway simply places the coffee pot on Ed's lap.
"A cup of Joe would be nice, Noway." states Ed.
"Oh, you want a cup? I'll give you one."
Mr. Noway proceeds to pour the pot of coffee on Ed's lap, causing the latter to scream violently.
Ed runs around the room incredibly fast, and once he settles down, the collar of Rocko's shirt becomes visible under his white one. The Conglom-O Lizards gasp.
"Oh no." states a terrified Ed.
Mr. Noway smirks, and says in a sing-songy voice, "Someone's getting fired."
Ed and Mr. Noway are then shown in Mr. Dupette's office.
"You see, sir, Bighead has violated our strict dress code. He's wearing this awful shirt underneath his business wear, and I do believe that's forbidden, correct?" asks Mr. Noway.
"Indeed it is." Mr. Dupette sternly replies.
"Mr. Dupette, what I've done is rather serious and-" Ed is cut off.
"Seriously genius. Ed, I should thank you!"
"Huh?" asks Mr. Noway.
"I've thought about relaxing the dress code for years. It's just too bad some snot nosed kid beat me to it and called it Casual Friday." Mr. Dupette picks his nose as he says this.
"So I can keep wearing the shirt?" inquires Ed.
"Of course! In fact, I'll have a meeting with the other executives and talk about it. I'll let you know what we think."
"You know, I think Bighead's shirt is loud, colorful, and anti-conformist! Just like me." states shameless suckup Mr. Noway, as Ed looks at him in annoyance.
"Keep up the good work, Bighead. You'll be in the executive chair before you know it." assures Mr. Dupette.
Ed thinks in his mind, "Finally... to leave the endless tedium and disrespect of middle management to the slightly less tedious and hallowed position of executive."
After work, Ed and Rocko are seen driving home at the same time, exiting their vehicles.
"Good evening, Rocko!" Ed says cheerily.
Rocko simply glares at Ed, slamming the door upon going into his house.
"What's his problem? No matter, time to see my sugar lips!"
Ed enters the house. Bev overhears from the kitchen, where she is preparing food in a pot.
"Welcome home! We're gonna eat like kings tonight, honey! I got some horseflies! They're soaking in vinegar right now."
"That means leftovers tomorrow!" replies Ed, walking inside the kitchen.
Bev hums while stirring the pot, but stops upon seeing Ed's collar.
"Ed?"
"Yes, dearest?" Ed says with a smirk.
"What is that on your shirt?" asks Bev.
"You must be seeing things, there's nothing there!" insists Ed.
"Edward, I know when you're lying."
"I'm true blue, sweetie! See?" Ed's right eye twitches after saying this.
"Nope, you can't fool me. That's Rocko's shirt, isn't it?" inquires Bev.
"Maybe." Ed says with a sheepish smile.
"You stole his shirt? I thought you said it looked like two hairballs relieved themselves on it." remarks Bev.
"And it does! But it's a good luck charm, in fact Mr. Dupette said I'm a shoo-in for an exec position."
"Don't be foolish. You know luck isn't real." replies a stern Bev.
"Things started looking up for me after ste- er, borrowing Rocko's shirt." insists Ed.
"Ed, you are gonna return that shirt to Rocko right now, and owe him an apology."
"No, Beverly! As a matter of fact, he owes me an apology for causing me so much stress and torment! This is his just desserts."
Bev rolls her eyes. "You're such a drama queen."
"Either way, this shirt is mine now and that's that. Now, let's have some grub!" proclaims Ed.
"I think I lost my appetite." says Bev, as she walks upstairs to her bedroom.
Ed shrugs. "More for me!" He proceeds to eat the horseflies inside the pot.
Cut to Rocko's house. Rocko is sitting in the kitchen, watching Spunky eating linoleum.
"Spunky, you know that's not good for you. Don't make me get up. Ah, who am I kidding? I can't."
His doorbell rings.
"Come in." says Rocko.
Heffer and Filburt walk into the kitchen, and sit themselves down at the table.
"Hey, Rocko! How come you didn't answer the door? Are you sick or something?" asks Heffer.
"If so, he's in luck! I brought my first aid kit." states Filburt.
"Well, you could say that. I don't feel very good." answers Rocko.
"Are you still sad about the shirt? Don't worry about it! There's other fabrics in the sea." assures Filburt.
"Filb, you don't understand. That shirt was very important to me. It was a gift from my Mum. Do you get it, Heff?"
"Sure. You've lost your sense of self, causing the ego to suffer and find a way to regain the confidence you lack but once had." states an eloquent Heffer.
"Heffer, that was incredible!" exclaims Rocko.
"Hmm? Oh, I was just reading the Dear Fawn advice column." replies Heffer. He changes the subject by asking "Hey, do you mind if I rifle through your fridge?"
"Help yourself." replies Rocko.
"Thanks, Rock! You're the best best friend ever!"
"I wish I felt like one." Rocko says with sadness.
"You're such a cow, Heffer!" opines Filburt.
"Steer." corrects Heffer.
"I'm such a galah; I shouldn't have left my shirt out overnight." mourns Rocko.
"If it helps, I think you look handsome in your new shirt, Rock." compliments Heffer.
"You're just saying that to make me feel better."
"No, I mean it! It makes you look rugged and strong." opines Heffer.
"You know, Rocko, I think I can help you." states Filburt.
"Really? How?" inquires Rocko.
"I have a free coupon for O-Town General. You can have it."
Rocko declines the offer. "Oh, Filburt! I couldn't!"
"I insist! Hutch always gives me one. You never know when an ice cream headache will strike."
"That doesn't make you nauseous." claims Heffer.
"Sure. They always say that until the motion sickness kicks in." replies Filburt.
Rocko has a worried expression on his face, as the camera irises out, ending the first half of the episode.