The July 4, 2011 episode of “Secret Life of the American Teenager” was a middle-of-the-road type of thing, with nothing particularly explosive happening, unless you count Adrian trying to come up with a plan to keep Ben. We didn’t because once she came up with a way to “test” him, she even told Grace she’d figure something else out. Adrian has yet to notice that her scheming always backfires on her.

Amy and Ricky clashed over whether their son John was sick enough to go the emergency room. Amy never misses a chance to remind Ricky that he wasn’t much help in the first year of their unplanned offspring’s life. Ricky never misses a chance to feel insulted and be rude. When they finally go to the E.R., because John keeps grabbing his ears and saying “Owww,” the doctor actually agrees Ricky was right. The only thing John is sick of is hearing his parents argue, but not before Ricky offends a lady in the waiting room who asks him if John is his son and Amy is his wife. He tells her to mind her own business!

SECRET LIFE GUYS: HOW OLD ARE THEY ANYWAY?

Another aspect of their annoying bickering was whether Ricky will ever marry Amy. At this rate, even if he does, it won’t last long. Ricky needs more anger management therapy. But just to keep viewers happy, they make up with Amy wisely soothing her man’s ruffled feathers.

Ben still wants O-U-T in a big way despite reconsummating his marriage all weekend. His daddy, Leo, says Ben is going to stay married, like it or not, just like Leo has decided to do. There is no Leo Betty Camille Triangle, according to the Sausage King. Ben asks him if he would have married Betty if he knew Camille was in love with him, and Leo says Camille is not in love with him. Just think about that. Leo and Betty haven’t known each other 1/3 as long as Camille and Leo, but Camille never gave Leo a hint about the depth of her devotion. All we can say is poor Betty. Leo continues to increase his alcohol intake rather than be straight with her.

Ashley calls home to inform George that she and Toby are alone in Florida. His grandmother’s arrival has been delayed indefinitely. George informs her that her monthly allowance is going to be delayed indefinitely too, so she better get a job if she wants to stay there. Toby balks at the very thought of work, not realizing that his response has made Ashley see him in an entirely different and unflattering light.

Tom Bowman is another one who has “one foot out the door.” He’s not happy with his new arrangement with Rachel. He didn’t realize that he would have to make adjustments in his lifestyle, like not watching TV at night because Rachel’s kids have to go to bed early.

The Grace Jack Grant Daniel Quadrangle was actually a lot more entertaining. Jack’s stepdad returns after his talk with Madison. He tells Jack he wants to come back to town, but Jack doesn’t want him to. When Grace and Daniel come in, Jack’s dad Rev. Stone figures out Madison’s motives after learning Daniel is Grace’s new boyfriend. Rev. Stone asks Jack if he thinks Grace is a fickle girl. Jack, who already thinks he is the expert on Grace by virtue of having slept with her first, adds that line to his repertoire and lays it on Grant in their next conversation. As for Grace, she regrets sleeping with everyone she ever slept with except Daniel, until her next hookup … which may be sooner than she thinks if she keeps running into Jack in her PJs.

July Spoilers: