[2] The series focused on the problems and events that had led Bonaduce, speaking retrospectively, to consider his life a "car crash".

He also makes periodic attempts to save his crumbling marriage by attending couple's counseling with his wife, Gretchen (who, over the course of the series, evolves from being Danny's constant enabler/excuse-maker, to filing for divorce after Bonaduce's dangerous antics finally push her too far).

The series was both celebrated and criticized for making voyeuristic entertainment of a seemingly "no limits"-style documentation of Bonaduce's mounting—and generally self-inflicted—misfortunes.

A review in Variety magazine said, "...It's hard to imagine a shower long enough to wash away the experience of simply viewing the show, much less having produced, programmed or participated in it.

"[3] On the verge of moving out of his home and possibly leaving his wife, Danny realizes that he has a great life that is worth keeping; but, the small thing that's missing is just so important.

After a bout of anger, Danny finally realizes that Gretchen can't speak his romantic/emotional 'language' -- and, that it's unfair for him to keep asking her to.

As he hits rock bottom, his Alcoholics Anonymous group stages an intervention, accusing him of relapse behavior.

During this time, Danny vents his frustrations to his consoling friend, while Gretchen does her best to calm her deeply concerned children.

But even with Danny's attempts to manage his bipolar disorder episodes, Gretchen is still one step from filing divorce papers.

Danny decides his only option is to work his way back into her good graces by easing her parental duties by spending much-needed time with their children.

However, Gretchen's band is scheduled to play another gig, and discussions resurface about Danny's angry behavior the last time she performed.