One of TV’s sharpest and funniest sitcoms, “Family Ties” cast Meredith Baxter Birney and Michael Gross as Elyse and Michael Keaton, two liberal baby boomers from Ohio whose children in the 80s exhibit very different attitudes than their parents did in the 60s. Alex (Michael J. Fox) is a republican, Mallory (Justine Bateman) is self-obsessed, and Jennifer is a cynical tomboy.
Jennifer's friend chooses Mallory over her. (Love Thy Neighbor)
Karen quits for good this time. (Karen II, Alex 0)
Jennifer wonders what it's like to date boys. (Love Thy Neighbor)
A girl whom Skippy likes kisses Alex. (Don't Kiss Me, I'm Only the Messenger)
Alex makes nice with a single mom to be. ( Oh Donna)
Mallory deals with the death of an aunte she was very close with. (Auntie Up)
Elyse and Stephen are on opposing sides in the debate over the actions of their recently divorced friends. (To Snatch a Kieth)
Alex convinces Jennifer to coerce her friend to join their baseball team. (Batter Up)
Mallory questions whether her boyfriend determination to quit school and return home is an easy way out of dealing with the problems he is experiencing as a college Freshman. (The Homecoming)
Alex is anxious to know whether his mother has left an impression on his teacher, but is not prepared for the type of impression she's left. (The Harder They Fall)