Already inside the mistake
The episode opens with Dennis and Dee hiding in a closet. Their artifact-recovery plan has become an intrusion into an occupied home.
Supporting source ↗CASE FILE · S07 E09
The Gang Gets Trapped
S07 E09Photograph not available
The gang sneak into a residence to "extract" an "artifact," only to discover that someone is home. Uh-oh.
THE SHORT VERSION · SPOILERS AHEAD
INSIDE THE CASE.
A divided extraction team
Mac and Charlie wait outside with a walkie-talkie. Inside, Frank searches luggage and handles a whip while the others try to leave.
Supporting source ↗Tickets become a conspiracy
The intruders build increasingly wild theories around travel preparations and Jay Leno tickets. The household is actually facing a relationship crisis.
Supporting source ↗The simplest exit
The group finally walks out through the front door. Mac’s late diversion ends with the sought-after vase breaking.
Supporting source ↗THE EVIDENCE
THINGS IN THIS EPISODE.
Characters
Charlie Kelly180 other recorded episodes
Charlie raises binoculars while sitting in the van.Source ↗
Dee Reynolds179 other recorded episodes
Dee reads a slip of paper during the bedroom search.Source ↗
Dennis Reynolds176 other recorded episodes
Dennis hides beside Frank and Dee in the crowded closet.Source ↗
Frank Reynolds171 other recorded episodes
Frank conceals himself among stuffed animals while holding his whip.Source ↗
Objects
Binoculars5 other recorded episodes
Charlie looks through binoculars from his seat in the van.Source ↗
Elbert the bearOnly recorded here so far
Frank examines the talking bear while searching the luggage.Source ↗
Frank’s van1 other recorded episode
The white van is parked across from the house.Source ↗
Jay Leno ticketsOnly recorded here so far
Dee finds Jay Leno tickets among the travel papers.Source ↗
The artifact vaseOnly recorded here so far
The white and blue vase stands on a table between the intruders.Source ↗
Walkie-talkies4 other recorded episodes
Frank speaks into a handheld radio in the bedroom.Source ↗
Food & drinks
Potato chips4 other recorded episodes
Mac eats from a bag while Charlie sits beside him.Source ↗
Schemes
The artifact missionOnly recorded here so far
The group finally reaches the large vase near the front door.Source ↗
Costumes
The Swedish plumberOnly recorded here so far
Mac arrives with his unnecessary Swedish-plumber diversion.Source ↗
Miscellaneous
Indiana Jones1 other recorded episode
The gang traces its artifact scheme to watching Indiana Jones.Source ↗
FOLLOW THE THREAD
CONNECTED EPISODES.
S11 E09 
Connected through Whips, Suitcases, Frank Reynolds and 4 more.
S04 E02 Connected through Frank’s van, Frank Reynolds, Dennis Reynolds and 3 more.
S09 E02 
Connected through Indiana Jones, Frank Reynolds, Dennis Reynolds and 3 more.
S01 E05 Connected through Stakeouts, Binoculars, Dennis Reynolds and 3 more.
SOURCES & NOTES.
Tags document researched occurrences, not every appearance. Read the research notes and attribution.