the plot: As some sort of ooze creature forms from the debris found in a lower Manhattan sewer system, Mac Gargan, the Scorpion celebrates his liberation from his criminal identity. Meanwhile J. Jonah Jameson too is excited, since it appears that Spider-Man has attacked the wealthy Philip Cussler sr., and despite the fact that Phil jr. claims that his father is hardly an innocent himself, Jameson takes full advantage of an opportunity to lambast Spider-Man. On the way out of his office with Phil, Jameson tells his secretary Glory Grant to send flowers to Cussler, remembering that cancer stricken photographer Nick Katzenberg is at the same hospital he begins to tell Glory to send some to Nick as well, though Glory cuts him off mid-speech with the sad news that Nick has died.

Meanwhile, high above the city, Spider-Man swings across the cityline until he spots a gang of car thieves. Leaping down and threatening the thugs, Spider-Man enstills such fear in the car jackers they quickly give themselves up. At the hospital, where Cussler sr. is in entensive care, Phil jr. arrives to tell his father what he couldn't before, mentioning how they lost touch with each other, and before leaving Phil tells his father he loves him, to the surprise of Cussler who was pretending to be asleep during his son's visit. Jameson has arrived at the laboratory of his wife Marla Madison, who Jameson has had marital problems with lately. After explaining that Nick Katzenberg died, Jameson professes his regret over his not having visited Nick while he was in the hospital, and how he doesn't want time to run out on their marriage like time ran out for Nick.

Back in his civilian clothes, Peter has arrived at the hospital where Aunt May is being taken care of while in her coma. A familiar face though has arrived to visit May as well, but ducks away before being spotted by Peter. Cussler has recieved a visitor as well in Mac Gargan, who thanks Cussler for his support, and Cussler tells him that he'll offer any financial aid necessary for Gargan's reform. From Aunt May's beside, Peter sees Gargan leaving Cussler's room and goes after him, putting on his Spider-suit. Following Gargan to his hideaway, Spider-Man begins to beat Gargan silly until the ooze from before stops his attack and somehow shows Peter how his anger has taken over him. Realizing that he has gone over the edge, Spider-Man stops his assault on Gargan.

The following day, at the Daily Bugle, Robbie Robertson muses over how the Daily Globe covered the story about Cussler's criminal habits, confessed to by by Philip. Robbie discusses salvaging the story by meeting with Philip jr. for a comment, but Jonah tells Robbie to handle it himself since he's going out to dinner with his wife.

Back at the hospital it appears that Peter has returned to visit with Aunt May, though to "Peter's" surprise Spider-Man has arrived at the hospital, and trying to avoid him, "Peter" heads out to the roof of the hospital only to run into Spider-Man!?! Could this mean the return of the clone?

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