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.
When his mother interrupts his birthday celebration, Alex accuses her of trying to control his life. (Birthday Boy)
Steven shares a kiss with a co-worker who thinks she's in love with him. (Not An Affair to Remember)
When his co-worker propositions him, Steven has to ask himself whether a brief affair is worth the sacrifice of betraying his principles. (Not An Affair to Remember)
Jennifer complains that she has too many chores to do because her mother is out working all day. (Diary of a Young Girl)
Skippy is having trouble deciding whether his birth mother or his adopted mother is his real mother. (Baby Boy Doe)
Mallory is upset when her mother is chosen over her to be "This Year's Model."
Elyse and Mallory are the models in a photo shoot. (This Year's Model)
Alex goes shopping for his family on Christmas day - and decides to play Santa. (A Keaton Christmas Carol)
Elyse waits up for her mother who is out on a date ("M" is for Many Things]
Elyse cannot get used to the idea that her parents are separated and are headed for divorce. ("M" is for Many Things]