 As a Martian, Martin can literally "let off steam" when aggravated, and Det. Brennan is aggravating him more than usual. This build up of aggravation and the resulting letting off of steam is causing Martin to dehydrate, and he needs some cold air therapy quickly to normalize his system, otherwise he will turn into, in his own words, "a cracker". He thinks he can do so by rigging up a contraption from the refrigerator through him to the oven. The only problem: Det. Brennan has thrown out his back and is temporarily but indefinitely laid up in Tim s bed. Martin figures he can still proceed with his plan if Tim keeps Mrs. Brown preoccupied. Martin meanwhile will "take care" of Det. Brennan, a statement which he overhears and thinks is meant in the sinister sense. While Martin is working away on the cold air contraption, the detective becomes mobile and finds what he thinks is incriminating evidence linking Martin to wanting to kill him. The detective and Tim ultimately walk in on Martin as he is rigged up to the refrigerator/oven mechanism. Although the detective is flabbergasted by the sight, Martin tells him the truth - Martin knows that the detective will only think he a little wacko, which is indeed the case.