FRIENDS AND LOVERS - Syd (Melina Kanakaredes) and Joe's (guest star Steven Ekholdt) relationship is strained when Syd becomes better acquainted with his estranged wife Erica (guest star Christina Haag) and the two women discover that they like each other. Brought together through volunteer work for breast cancer research, Erica asks Syd to consult on her friend Lynn's (guest star Allison Smith, ""The West Wing"") breast reconstructive surgery. Meanwhile, Joanie (Paula Cale) struggles with financial problems caused by Jim's (Mike Farrell) HMO coverage, or lack thereof. Jim discovers the joys of home shopping on cable television which adds to Joanie's concerns. Joanie and Heather (guest star Dana Daurey) interview a temporary replacement for Jim to run the vet clinic and decide to hire Dr. Sam Magala (guest star Cress Williams). Robbie (Seth Peterson) tries to help Tina's (guest star Maria Pitillo) son Pete (guest star Alex D. Linz, ""Home Alone 3"") with a school science project but mee