Here you can find synopses (advertising copies) for all episodes of
Family Ties.
I believe this list should be pretty much complete now, with basically the same
full synopses as I have. If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail
me.
WARNING! To view
this page as it was intended, you should use a screen resolution of 800x600
pixels or higher. With lower resolutions (such as 640x480), you most likely would have to
scroll horizontally to read everything, due to the strange ways
browsers handle ASCII text... Therefore, if you're using a lower screen
resolution than 800x600, if possible switch to a higher resolution using the
Control Panel (if you're running Windows 95/98/NT/2000). If this isn't
possible for you for some reason, then I would recommend that you download the plain text
version of this page and read it offline using any text editor which can word
wrap text correctly.
If you prefer synopses in plain ASCII text, you can find these here
(the content itself is identical to this page). Don't forget to visit the normal episode titles list as
well, with the episode titles in a shorter form.
Since
last fall, the list contains guest star information for ALL episodes. However, only occasionally are
guest co-stars and "featuring" actors/actresses listed. I hope to be
able to add more of these soon. As of very recently, this list also
contains writing and directing credits for all episodes.
Also note that this episode guide lists the episodes in their chronological (intended) order, which in many cases are not the same as the
original airing order. Within brackets are the original air dates from NBC,
listed in the U.S. format MM-DD-YYYY (Month-Day-Year). As you can see, many episodes were aired
out of order on NBC, so the order the episodes are listed in should be the order
Paramount intended them to air. Unlike the earlier information on this page, the
current air dates now comes directly from Paramount Television and should
therefore be completely accurate (a few of the earlier air dates listed were
probably incorrect). If you have more information about this, please e-mail
me!
First season 1982-83
# Title/Synopsis
========================================
1 Pilot (Originally Aired 09/22/1982)
The smitten Alex is thrilled at the thought of escorting pretty, budding
socialite Kimberly Blanton to her country club's dance, but Steven and Elyse
are appalled that their son would set foot in a restricted club and agonize
over whether to impose their values on him.
Kimberly's status-conscience, snobbish ways were immediately apparent when
she had dinner with the Keatons. Alex is intent on impressing her with
fabricated tales of his family's heritage and wealth. Alex's "I'm not out to
change the world" attitude clashed with that of his parents, who retain the
ideals of the Woodstock generation.
On the nite of the dance, Steven shows up at the Carleton Country Club in an
effort to persuade the horrified Alex to come home. Later, when father and son
air their feelings at home, each is able to understand, if not accept, the other's
point of view.
(Guest Stars: Cindy Fisher as Kimberly Blanton, John Petlock as Mr. Blanton,
Toni Sawyer as Mrs. Blanton and Maurice Marsac as Roger)
Writer: Gary David Goldberg
Director: Asaad Kelada
2 Elyse D'Arc (Originally Aired 04/11/1983)
In her zeal for good causes Elyse devotes so much energy to committee work that
a neglected Steven feels shortchanged.
Ecstatic to have won an award for his public television documentary, Steven
arrives home eager to celebrate, but every effort is foiled by Elyse's obligations
to her various projects. Finally, the over-extended wife-mother-architect-committee
volunteer begins to realize she's neglecting her most important committee.
(Guest Stars: Belita Moreno as Bernice and Enid Kent as Phyllis)
Writer: Michael J. Weithorn
Director: Michael Zinberg
3 I Know Jennifer's Boyfriend (Originally Aired 10/06/1982)
Peer pressure to shun the opposite sex causes 9-year-old Jennifer to give up
her friendship with Justin Perkins, but thanks to her mother Elyse, the kids come
together at a jitterbugging "Nifty Fifties" birthday party.
Jennifer is upset by threats from little girls who say they won't be her friend as
long as she associates with Justin. Finally she capitulates. In a mother-daughter
talk with Jennifer, Elyse explains the importance of developing good friendships
with boys.
Jennifer's "Nifty Fifties" birthday party begins with the boys on one side of the
room and the girls on the other, but with a little encouragement from Steven and
Elyse and a ladies' choice dance, the kids get into the swing of things.
(Guest Star: Jeremy Schoenberg as Justin Perkins)
Writer: Gary David Goldberg
Director: Michael Zinberg
4 Not With My Sister You Don't (Originally Aired 09/29/1982)
As head of the household while his parents are away for the weekend, an overly
confident Alex throws a big bash, but when his sister Mallory leaves the party
with the school Romeo, he's filled with guilt and anger.
A little wary about leaving the kids alone for the first time, Steven and Elyse
finally depart for a weekend with their friends, the Davis's. While the romantic
holiday turns into a marathon sports competition instigated by Ron Davis and
resented by Elyse, there's trouble brewing on the home front.
Teenage brother and sister clash when Alex assumed the attitude of an overprotective
father and lectures Mallory for arriving home late from her date with sports
hero/lothario Eric Morrison. However, when Eric arrives at the Keaton doorstep with
flowers to apologize, it's clear that Alex has jumped to a false conclusion. He must
now restore peace and tranquility by the time his parents return home.
(Guest Stars: Lee Montgomery as Eric Morrison, Jay Tarses as Ron Davis,
Brooke Alderson as Suzanne Davis and Betsy Russell as the girl)
Writer: Lloyd Garver
Director: Tony Mordente
5 Oops (Originally Aired 12/22/1982)
Unable to face her own mother, Mallory's pregnant friend Cindy Sullivan confides in
Elyse, whose advice to the teenager seems to backfire - and causes a rift between
Mallory and Elyse.
Mallory urges the distraught Cindy to discuss her condition with Elyse, who lends a
sympathetic ear and then, to her daughter's dismay, advices the girl to go home and
be forthright and honest with her mother. When the overly strict Mrs. Sullivan can't
cope with her daughter's revelation , Cindy runs away and finally turns up on the
Keaton doorstep again. There, an emotional mother-daughter confrontation leads to a
better understanding.
(Guest Stars: Christen Kauffman as Cindy and Julie Payne as Lynne Sullivan,
Cindy's mom)
Writer: Joanne Pagliaro
Director: Tony Mordente
6 Have Gun, Will Unravel (Originally Aired 12/08/1982)
The Keatons are burglarized, and a terrified Steven and Elyse wrestle with the
previously unthinkable notion of buying a gun for protection.
As pacifists, Steven and Elyse have always hated guns. However, the burglary and a
discouraging neighborhood-watch meeting make them begin to see things in a different
light. After a reluctant trip to the the sporting goods store, they emerge with a
weapon they hope to put out of sight forever. That evening though, a bump in the
nite and the sound of breaking glass force them to face the threat - one way or
another.
(Guest Stars: Pat McNamara as Officer Becker, Edit Kent as Phyllis, Jack Riley as
Earl and Mary Jackson as Edna)
Writer: Ruth Bennett
Director: Alan Bergman
7 Summer of '82 (Originally Aired 10/27/1982)
Seduced by an "older woman" of 21, the hitherto inexperienced Alex is devastated to
learn that she thinks of their relationship as casual.
When Alex delivers groceries to pretty college senior Stephanie Brooks, there's an
immediate intellectual and physical attraction between them. Later, Stephanie phones
and invites Alex to an economics lecture. However, the events following the lecture
prove more instructive to the teenager. Just when he begins to fantasize about
marriage, an unexpected situation brings him rudely back to reality.
(Guest Stars: Amy Steel as Stephanie Brooks and John Putch as Pete)
Writer: Michael J. Weithorn
Director: Alan Bergman
8 I Never Killed For My Father (Originally Aired 11/03/1982)
Sensitive, liberal Steven and his macho, conservative father, Jake, clash as usual
during the elder's annual visit - until Jake's startling news leads to a first
effort to bridge the gap.
The annual fight between father and son commences immediately upon Jake's arrival.
Intent on going hunting with his grandson, Alex, the vigorous outdoorsman
apparently shares many more interests and attitudes with Alex than with Steven.
Yet, the undemonstrative Jake and Steven finally recognize that this could
represent a last chance to come to terms with their relationship.
(Guest Star: John Randolph as Jake Keaton)
Writer: Kimberly Hill
Director: Tony Mordente
9 No Nukes is Good Nukes (Originally Aired 11/24/1982)
To the dismay of the Keaton children and their equally conservative grandparents,
Steven and Elyse take time out Thanksgiving Day to attend an anti-nuke rally - and
wind up spending the holiday in jail.
Mr. and Mrs. Donnelly arrive early to help prepare a festive dinner and learn they
must wait for Steven and Elyse to return from the demonstration. When the couple
end up behind bars after clashing with the police, other cellmates agree to sign a
statement that they will never again participate in a nuclear arms protest but the
Keatons stick headfastly to their principles.
However, that doesn't stop the Keaton kids and their grandparents; they decide to
take Thanksgiving dinner to their loved ones behind bars.
(Guest Stars: Priscilla Morrill as Kate Donnelly, Dick Sargent as Charlie Douglas,
Jack O'Leary as the guard, Nancy Lenihan as Roberta and Larry Hankin as Walter)
Writer: Ruth Bennett
Director: Will MacKenzie
10 Suzanne Takes You Down (Originally Aired 03/16/1983)
Soon after free lance architect Elyse Keaton hires her friend Suzanne Davis to handle
clerical chores, she wants to fire the under-qualified, overly aggressive secretary,
but Suzanne's marriage breaks up, making the new job her only salvation.
After 20 years as a housewife, Suzanne feels she lacks an identity outside the home.
Swamped with paperwork, Elyse decides to solve that problem while easing her friend's
mid-life crisis. Unfortunately Suzanne's take-charge approach to business throws
a wrench into Elyse's client dealings and threatens to ruin the women's friendship.
On the brink of firing Suzanne, the frustrated Elyse faces a terrible dilemma when
Ron Davis decides he "needs space" and leaves his wife.
(Guest Stars: Brooke Alderson as Suzanne Davis, Jay Tarses as Ron Davis and
Terry Willis as Don Bradford)
Writer: Ruth Bennett
Director: Will MacKenzie
11 Death Of A Grocer (Originally Aired 12/01/1982)
Though Alex loves working at kindly Mr. Adler's "Mom and Pop" grocery store, to
the old man's dismay, he quits to "climb the corporate ladder" at an ultramodern
supermarket.
Alex is indispensable to Sy Adler and they enjoy a close relationship. But when
the budding teenage entrepreneur hears of a better opportunity he grabs it.
(This is the first episode with Skippy Handleman, played by Marc Price)
(Guest Stars: Jack Somack as Sy Adler and Marc Price as Skippy Handleman)
Writer: Michael J. Weithorn
Director: Will MacKenzie
12 Give Uncle Arthur a Kiss (Originally Aired 11/10/1982)
(AKA: Give Your Uncle A Kiss)
Mallory is horrified and confused when a close family friend and older
business associate of her father, Steven, makes a pass at her.
Arthur Cantrell has been a good friend of the Keaton's since the kids were
toddlers. Steven has even written an on-air tribute to his admired colleague,
who is about to change jobs. However, Cantrell's mid-life transitional period goes
beyond his career, and there's no mistaking his moves toward Mallory at the
station's fund-raiser. When the embarrassed teenager reveals the situation, her
parents must confront their friend and urge him to seek professional help.
(Guest Stars: David Spielberg as Arthur Cantrell and Sal Viscuso as Richard Jacobs)
Writers: Gary David Goldberg & Lloyd Garver
Director: Will Mackenzie
13 Big Brother Is Watching (Originally Aired 11/17/1982)
As the new editor of his school paper, Alex uncovers a cheating scandal and to
everyone's chagrin prints a list of students who were caught - including his
sister Mallory.
Alex aims to inaugurate a hard-hitting investigative approach in the Harding Hurray,
and the hushed-up fact that 27 students were caught buying copies of the algebra
final is just the story to cause a stir. The result of his expose is more than he
bargained for, and he must face the wrath of his teachers, classmates and sister
Mallory, whose explanation for her actions surprises the whole family.
(Guest Stars: Philip Sterling as Mr. Winkler and Andrew Lederer as Howie)
Writer: Ruth Bennett
Director: Alan Bergman
14 A Christmas Story (Originally Aired 12/15/1982)
AKA: Christmas Show
When a blizzard forces the Keatons to spend Christmas at home, Elyse's gift to
Steven - an album filled with fascinating old photos - sparks flashbacks
to the birth of their three children.
The Keaton kids are disappointed that the weather has thwarted their weekend on
the ski slopes, but the photos soon divert their attention. Former Peace Corps
volunteers, Elyse and Steven recall Alex's birth in Africa. With equal sentiment
and humor, they wax nostalgic about Mallory's delivery by Steven's childhood friend
Dr. "Crazy Larry" Waxman and about the zany misadventures en route to the hospital
for 'Jennifer's premature birth.
(Guest Stars: Peter Jurasik as Max Brown, Charles Levin as Doctor Waxman,
Bruce French as Doctor Rogers, Mari Gorman as the nurse, Chris Hebert as Young Alex
and Bridgette Anderson as Young Mallory)
Writer: Joanne Pagliano
Director: Will MacKenzie
15 Sherry Baby (Originally Aired 01/12/1983)
When popular sorority girl Sherry Marshall befriends Mallory to get close to
Alex, Mallory brings them together in hopes of joining Pi Nu - but her plan
backfires.
Mallory's thrilled when Sherry chooses her for a science project partner, though
the snobbish girl's ulterior motive soon surfaces. Eager to join the sorority,
Mallory persuades Alex to escort Sherry to the Pi Nu dance. She even agrees to
his condition that she attend the dance with the adoring, nerdy Skippy Handleman.
(Guest Star: Lisa Lucas as Sherry Marshall and Marc Price as Skippy Handleman)
Writer: Barbara Hall
Director: Tony Mordente
16 The Fugitive (Part 1) (Originally Aired 01/19/1983)
Elyse's younger brother, Ned, a go-getting corporate executive who is
Alex's idol, pays a surprise visit and puzzles everyone with his
cloak-and-dagger behavior.
Ned claims to be on vacation and insists that no one be told of his whereabouts.
Several mysterious phone calls, replete with code words, arouse the family's
suspicions. Finally, an FBI agent turns up at the Keaton's doorstep with astounding
news - after Ned's quick exit.
(Guest Stars: Tom Hanks as Ned Donnelly and Richard Venture as Mr. Carlyle)
Writer: Michael J. Weithorn
Director: Will Mackenzie
17 The Fugitive (Part 2) (Originally Aired 01/26/1983)
With the FBI hot on Ned's heels for embezzling $4-1/2 million in corporate
funds, Elyse's ethical brother - and Alex's idol - tells the family why
and where he hid the money and flees with Alex, leaving Elyse and
Steven in a quandry.
Ned explains that to stop a merger that would result in firing of 1800 people,
he hid a portfolio of corporate records and assets in a company computer. The
top-level junior mogul confides that he couldn't deal with a company structure
that puts profits above the public good.
Alex is shattered by his idol's rejection of the exciting business world but
agrees to drive Ned to the airport, where they're spotted by FBI agent Carlyle.
After a wild and crazy charade, Ned flees again and winds up back at the Keatons'
where Carlyle and Ned's boss awaits him.
(Guest Stars: Tom Hanks as Ned Donnelly, Richard Venture as Mr. Carlyle, Woody
Eney as Rob Peterson, Eda Merin as Woman #1 and Earl Boen as Attendant)
Writer: Michael J. Weithorn
Director: Will Mackenzie
18 Margin of Error (Originally Aired 02/09/1983)
Alex amasses a bundle by playing the stock market on paper for his economics
class, and courts disaster by secretly investing his father's money.
Even broker Dan Matthews, who takes Alex's class on a tour of his company is so
impressed by the teenager's acumen that he advises clients to buy his choices.
Sure of himself and frustrated by his parents' insistence of holding onto their
AT&T stock, Alex impersonates his father in a telephone call to Matthews and
reopens Steven's account. However, when a typhoon causes the stock of his choice
to plummet, Alex must scramble to get out of a gigantic jam.
(Guest Star: Philip Charles MacKenzie as broker Dan Matthews, Anne Haney as
Mrs. Matthews and David Couwlier as the office boy)
Writer: Michael Russnow
Director: Tony Mordente
19 French Lessons (Originally Aired 02/16/1983)
Mallory's handsome but shy French tutor, Jeff, finally musters up the
nerve to ask her out and then courts disaster by enlistening Alex's
advice on how to behave on the date.
Just when Mallory resolves to invite Jeff out, he beats her to the punch with Alex's
help. Inexperienced at dating, Jeff seeks advice from the supremely chauvinistic
Alex and even persuades him to show up at the scene, at Italian restaurant, to
coach him surreptitiously from the sidelines. Appalled by Jeff's behavior, Mallory
runs out on him, and the shy teenager must find a way to win her back in his own
manner.
(Guest Stars: John Dukakis as Jeff Wakefield and Zeke Zaccaro as Guido)
Writer: Ruth Bennett
Director: Tony Mordente
20 I Gotta Be Ming (Originally Aired 02/23/1983)
(AKA: Bachelor Brother)
As "Big Brother" to a 10-year-old Vietnamese boy, Alex tries to mold Ming
into his own image, and he learns an unforgettable lesson when he breaks a
promise to the adoring child.
Alex thinks being a Big Brother will look good on his resume. He's also anxious
to create a little Alex and even prepares summaries of The Wall Street Journal
and buys preppy clothing for Ming. While the child would rather play baseball
than study economics, he wants to please his Big Brother more than anything.
But it's more than he can bear when Alex schedules a meeting of the Young
Entrepreneur's Club on the same day of the Big Brother-Little Brother Circus
performance.
(Guest Stars: Eugene Akutagawa as Ming and Irene Yah Ling Sun as Mrs. Tanly,
Ming's mother)
Writer: Douglas Wyman
Director: Sam Weisman
21 Stage Fright (Originally Aired 04/04/1983)
(AKA: Video Jitters)
While gearing up to face the TV cameras as captain of his high school's team
on "Quiz-Em", Alex panics at first when a teammate drops out - and then
launches a tutoring program a la Eliza Doolittle for his sister Mallory.
The highly competitive teenager is thrilled by the challenge of the annual
contest hosted by his father, Steven, at the PBS station. Winning is everything
to Alex, so when a teammate falls ill, he scours the school for a suitable
replacement, but to no avail. Mallory, however, longs to be on TV, and Alex is
stuck with her. Intensive tutoring and a few partial male teenage judges have
their impact. But Alex's behavior on the show is the biggest surprise.
(Guest Stars: Carlos LaCamara as Petey, Jeff Shelby, Charlie
Douglas and John Allogly as the judges and Kerry Noonan, Deborah Foreman and
Margaret Fitzgerald as the opponents and Mike Moynahan as Grover)
Writers: Ruth Bennett & Michael J. Weithorn
Director: Sam Weisman
22 Fifth Wheel (Originally Aired 03/28/1983)
Alex gets stuck babysitting for his little sister Jennifer, who is
fed up with feeling in the way at his poker game and decides to disappear.
Though it's Mallory's turn to take care of Jennifer, she strikes a deal with Alex
to assume the duty so she can go out with Jeff. Already feeling glum about being
a burden on her siblings, Jennifer agrees to go with Alex to his friend's apartment
for a poker game in hopes the guys will let her play, too. They refuse and become
so preoccupied with the game that no one notices when the little girl takes a walk.
Frantic, Alex and Mallory quickly learn not to take their little sister for granted.
(Guest Stars: John Dukakis as Jeff, Moosie Drier as Arnie, Michael Spound as Neil,
Grant Heslov as Doug and Robert O'Donnell as Chuck)
Writer: Michael J. Weithorn
Director: Andrew McCullough
Second Season 1983-84
23 Tender is The Knight (Originally Aired 09/21/1983)
When pretty Carrie Newman and her mother Julia come to visit the
Keaton's, Carrie's forward behavior sends Alex into a panic. Believing that she needs
a firmer hand than her worldly mother is willing to give, Alex gets up the courage
to ask her out.
But when the highlight of their date turns out to be bingo and a stop at the "Have
A Nice Day" café, Alex oversteps his bounds so Carrie takes steps of her own.
(Guest Star: Talia Balsam as Carrie Newman, Susan Bay as Julia Newman, Chris Nash
as Victor and Kelly Ann Conn as Sherry)
Writer: Ruth Bennett
Director: Sam Weisman
24 To Snatch A Keith (Originally Aired 12/21/1983)
Steven and Elyse realize how lucky they are when their friends come over for a
visit, but are unaware that it will be for the last time.
Divorced "Sunday father" Richard Bailey and his son, Keith, come over to the
Keaton's before taking off on a secret flight of their own. It seems Keith's
mother is moving to California with her new husband and plans on taking her son
with them. When a satisfactory visiting arrangement can't be reached, Richard
decides it's time to make a move and it's up to Steven to put a stop to their
travel plans.
(Guest Stars: James Sutorius as Richard, Donna McKechnie as Cynthia,
David Faustino as Keith Bailey and Isabell Monk as the waitress)
Writer: Alan Uger
Director: Sam Weisman
25 Speed Trap (Originally Aired 11/09/1983)
When Alex takes diet pills for a lift during mid-terms, his dependency
level increases daily.
Alex is studying for several tests and convinces Mallory to obtain diet
pills to help him stay awake. At his hyperness and irritability increase,
so does his dependency on the pills. When he finally gets so desperate
that he threatens Mallory to get more drugs, she becomes worried that he
is headed for a "crash landing".
(No Guest Stars)
Writer: Michael J. Weithorn
Director: Sam Weisman
26 The Harder They Fall (Originally Aired 10/19/1983)
Alex anxiously awaits a crucial college recommendation from his English
teacher and urges Steven and Elyse to butter Mr. Tedesco up on parents'
nite at school - but the obnoxious Tedesco is so insulting that Elyse
slugs him, and a horrified Alex entreats Steven to make amends.
The usually calm and non-violent Elyse is amazed and ashamed at her
uncharacteristic behavior, though Tedesco "asked for it". Steven visits
him and after being subjected to disparaging remarks about his wife,
winds up repeating her deed. Finally Tedesco, who does recognize Alex's
intellect, accepts an invitation to the Keaton home where he alienates
everyone again. Alex must decide whether a glowing recommendation from
an influential but disgusting man is worth groveling for.
(Guest Stars: Edward Edwards as Mr. Tedesco, Mary Farrell as Mrs. Morgan,
Molly David as Mrs. Jones and Bunny Summers as Mrs. Binney)
Writer: Rich Reinhart
Director: Sam Weisman
27 The Homecoming (Originally Aired 10/12/1983)
When Mallory's boyfriend Jeff arrives home from college and wants to
go steady, she's elated, but it's soon apparent that he's a little
awed by school and merely grasping at the familiar - and she must decide
whether to "let go" and accept the change in their relationship.
Mallory is nervous that Jeff may have met someone new, outgrown her or
forgotten her. When the opposite appears true, and he announces plans to
quit school, she refuses at first to see the obvious; that he's just a
little overwhelmed by college. What's thrilling to her is self-destructive
on Jeff's part.
(Guest Star: John Dukakis as Jeff and Bob Tzudiker as Mr. Needham)
Writer: Douglas Wyman
Director: Sam Weisman
28 Batter Up (Originally Aired 11/30/1983)
Steven and Elyse worry that Alex, who is the new coach of Jennifer's softball
team, is pushing the girls too hard - when Jennifer fails to jog all the way home
he orders her to do 20 extra pushups.
Alex takes his coaching duties seriously - and his players are leaving the team
in droves. Two days before the championship game they don't even have enough
players to qualify as a team - unless Alex can convince Jennifer to persuade
Skippy's klutzy sister Arlene to join the team. Arlene is happier making dresses
for her turtles, but desperately wants Jennifer's friendship and agrees to play
ball - with some disastrous consequences.
(Guest Stars: Marc Price as Skippy Handleman, Tanya Fenmore as Arlene and
Farrin Jacobs as Jessica)
Writer: Lisa Bannick
Director: Sam Weisman
29 Not An Affair To Remember (Originally Aired 11/03/1984)
Steven's assistant at the station is bright, talented, funny, witty...and
in love with him. And it looks like Steven may be returning her affections.
It becomes obvious that Steven's assistant, Stacey Hughes, is very much
attracted to him. And after a rough evening at home, as brief fling begins
to look better and better to him.
(Guest Stars: Judith Light as Stacey Hughes and John Hancock as Gus Thompson)
Writers: Gary David Goldberg & Ruth Bennett
Director: Sam Weisman
30 Working At It (Originally Aired 05/10/1983)
When Elyse lands a job with a top architectural firm, the load begins to
get to her - at work and at home.
Elyse feels the need to expand her horizons. She lands a job at one of the major
architectural firms in the city. But twelve years of not working in an office have
put her behind the times. When she becomes over-worked, she starts to neglect her
family and the major presentation to the president of the company is jeopardized.
(Guest Stars: Rebecca Balding as Karen Banks, Walter Olkewicy as Bill Channing and
Michael Currie as Mr. Haifax)
Writer: Lloyd Garver
Director: Sam Weisman
31 Sweet Lorraine (Originally Aired 11/16/1983)
While working as a DJ at the school radio station, Alex strikes up a
telephone friendship with caller Lorraine Ferrar, who shares his love of
swing music, and he and the attractive 40-year-old meet and develop a
special relationship.
Drawn to Lorraine's sexy voice and love of swing music, Alex invites her to a
Big Band concert. On arriving at her home for the date, he's shocked to find that
she's an older woman and the mother of one of his sister's classmates. But they
develop a platonic relationship, enjoying each other's company and discovering a
wide range of shared interests. When Alex and Lorraine continue to "date", Steven
and Elyse try to accept it but eventually ask her to stop seeing their son.
(Guest Stars: Carolyn Seymour as Lorraine Ferrar and Hannah Cutrona as
Melissa Ferrar, Lorraine's daughter)
Writer: Alan Uger
Director: Sam Weisman
32 This Year's Model (Originally Aired 10/26/1983)
After Mallory secretly submits a picture of Elyse and herself to ad agency for
for a mother-daughter modeling contest, she's ecstatic to have won - but
dismayed and jealous when the reluctant Elyse becomes the star model.
Mallory is thrilled at the prospect of entering the glamorous world of modeling,
but Elyse must be coaxed into participating. At the photo session, Elyse is
showered with attention, while Mallory is shunted to the sidelines. To the
chagrin of the teenager, her mother who is becoming seduced by the glamour, is
offered a TV commercial for TV dinners - to be filmed in the Keaton home. The
filming ensues, but Mallory is determined to create a few stumbling blocks.
(Guest Stars: Frank Dent as Ed Hanson, Sarah Abrell as Heather, Eve Roberts as
Mrs. Marin, Donald Reiker as Phillip, Robert Schanche as The Slate Man and
John McCook as The Tuxedo Man)
Writers: Richard Raskind & Susan Borowitz (later on producer for the show)
Director: Will MacKenzie
Note: John McCook is otherwise known as Eric Forrester in the CBS daytime
soap "The Bold and the Beautiful".
33 Birthday Boy (Originally Aired 01/05/1984)
On his 18th birthday, Alex defies his mother and goes off with some of
his buddies to celebrate at an out-of-town niteclub, and to his dismay,
the irate Elyse shows up and confronts him.
With her husband Steven out of town, Elyse and the girls plan to take Alex out to
dinner on hid birthday. However, his friend Neil proposes a livelier celebration
befitting a boy just entering adulthood, so Alex immediately scraps the family
plans. When Elyse forbids him to go out on the town with the boys, Alex resents
being treated like a child and takes off. He's having a grand time with his pals
and several enraptured girls at the Camelot Inn when Elyse shows up to take him
home.
(Guest Stars: John Putch as Neil, Eileen Seeley as Roxanne, Kate Vernon as
Christie and Debbie Gilbert as Buffy)
Writer: Michael J. Weithorn
Director: Will Mackenzie
34 Diary Of A Young Girl (Originally Aired 05/03/1984)
In the hospital awaiting a tonsillectomy, Jennifer fears she may never see her
family again and, while writing in her diary, she flashes back to regrettable
incidents with each family member.
Jennifer conjures up memories of the time she deliberately ruined Mallory's date
with a boy, and also recalls an incident when her stubborn refusal to rehearse a
play with Alex caused him to lose out on the lead.
(Guest Stars: Nancy Parsons as the Nurse and Michael David Wright as Kevin)
Writer: Ruth Bennett
Director: Sam Weisman
35 Anniversary Waltz (Originally Aired 12/16/1987)
While plans are in full swing for the Keaton's 20th anniversary party,
Steven and Elyse are fighting and it looks like they may not make it
that far.
Elyse wants to have a big party to celebrate the Keaton's 20th anniversary and
Steven reluctantly agrees. Steven's enthusiasm for the affair diminishes even
further as Elyse's guest list expands and the domestic problems begin to stack up,
the happy couple are at each other's throats... until the kids decide they'd better
do something if they want their parents to stay together.
(Guest Stars: Jack Heller as Chaim, Gloria Gifford as Aikla and Howard Renesland
as Bernie)
Writer: Alan Uger
Director: Sam Weisman
36 Go Tigers (Originally Aired 01/12/1984)
Alex is both amazed and furious when a critical admissions interview at
Princeton University is shattered by his hysterical sister Mallory, who
feels her anger over discovering her boyfriend kissing another girl is
more important than his college education.
Alex is overjoyed at going to Princeton for the interview, but not too ken
about taking his sister along so she can visit her boyfriend Jeff at the
university. He drops Mallory off at Jeff's and heads for his important
interview, only to be humiliated when he has to leave the meeting to comfort
his weepy sister.
(Guest Stars: John Dukakis as Jeff, Kate Charleson as Sandy, Duncan Ross as Dean
Memminger, Bill Gratton as the janitor and Joshua Miller as Kenneth)
Writer: Michael J. Weithorn
Director: Will Mackenzie
37 A Keaton Christmas Carol (Originally Aired 12/14/1983)
A cynical Alex finds the spirit of Christmas in a dream, when he's shown
shocking visions of the past and future by ghosts of Mallory and Jennifer.
While the family enjoys trimming the tree, singing carols and taking pictures,
Alex would rather listen to stock reports and finds Christmas "a silly sentimental
farce" - except for the commercialism. That evening, when he drifts off to sleep,
Jennifer - The Ghost of Christmas Past - takes him back ten years to a scene in
the Keaton living room and a time when young Alex loved Christmas. Next, the Ghost
of Christmas Future - Mallory - appears and transports Alex 15 years ahead in
time. The impoverished Keaton household is a sorry sight, visited by a rich fat
cat on his way to Las Vegas - the future Alex.
(Guest Stars: Chris Hebert as Young Alex and Kaleena Kiff as Young Mallory)
Writer: Rich Reinhart
Director: Will MacKenzie
38 "M" Is For The Many Things (Originally Aired 01/19/1984)
Elyse is chocked by her soon-to-be-divorced mother's quick and free-spirited
plunge into the singles world, and sparks fly between the two women when
Elyse can't help but interfere.
Kate Donnelly is enjoying herself with a regular suitor, but her daughter Elyse
is still hopeful that her parents will reconcile and can't keep from meddling.
She worries about Kate's ability to handle herself in today's singles world and
even waits up for her after her date with the family dentist. When Kate doesn't
come home that nite, mother and daughter "have it out".
(Guest Stars: Priscilla Morrill as Kate Donnelly and James Karen as Harold)
Writer: Lisa Bannick
Director: Will Mackenzie
39 Say Uncle (Originally Aired 01/26/1984)
Alex discovers that his idol, young Uncle Ned, has a serious drinking
problem when the bright, but ill-fated corporate whiz kid returns for
a visit after losing another job.
Elyse's brother hasn't had a decent job in ages, and when Steven sets him up
for an interview with his boss at the TV station, Ned starts celebrating
immediately with a few beers. While cramming for an exam late one nite, Alex
finds his uncle imbibing at the kitchen table. The next day an intoxicated Ned
shows up at the station for a disastrous job interview and then must his
family - and the truth.
(Guest Star: Tom Hanks as Ned Donnelly and Ben Piazza as Mr. Wertz)
Writer: Ruth Bennett
Director: Will Mackenzie
40 Ladies' Man (Originally Aired 02/02/1984)
Alex pretends to support the Equal Rights Amendment to impress a pretty
feminist and winds up behind bars after championing the cause at a debate
that turns into a riot.
To get a date with Deena Marx, the conservative Alex starts spouting feminist
rhetoric. While it's all a sham, he gets in over his head when he accompanies
Deena to a debate, stands up for a feminist being heckled and is carted off
to jail following a near riot. He's a hero to the women in his cell, but when
he's asked to be the keynote speaker at an ERA rally, he realizes the charade
has gone too far.
(Guest Stars: Tracy Nelson as Deena Marx, Philip Sterling as Mr. Winkler,
Gail Strickland as Ms. Dorothy Cannell, Edith Fields as Mrs. Sharon Fletcher
John Hostetter as The Heckler and Richard Vidan as Jail Guard)
Writer: Alan Uger
Director: John Pasquin
41 Ready Or Not (Originally Aired 02/09/1984)
Mallory turns to Alex for some advice when she begins to fear she'll lose
her new boyfriend unless she agrees to his pleas for a more "adult" romance.
Sixteen-year-old Mallory and eighteen-year-old Rick seem to have a special romance,
and she fears that she'll ruin it unless she gives in to his request to enter a
new phase of the relationship. Mallory becomes burdened with the question of what is
the "right time" for the "first time".
(Guest Stars: Tom Byrd as Rick Harmon, Kathy Wilhoite as Kathy, Susan Isaacs as
Linda and Lenora May as Margo)
Writers: Ruth Bennett & Michael J. Weithorn
Director: Lee Shallat
42 Lady Sings The Blues (Originally Aired 02/23/1984)
Excited at the prospect of reviving her folk-singing career at a local niteclub,
Elyse faces the skepticism of Alex and Mallory and an audience unattuned to the
songs of the sixties.
Though Elyse hasn't performed on stage since college days, friend's of the Keaton's
are impressed when she pulls out the old guitar and sings such folk classics as
"Turn, Turn, Turn", "The Times They Are A'changin'" and "If I Had a Hammer". They
encourage her to audition at a small neighborhood club, and Elyse joins the Top
Spot's slate of performers - to eye opening results.
(Guest Stars: Milt Oberman as Andy, Enid Kent as Robin, Alan Blumenfeld as
Lou Stone, Sam Kwasman as Dennis McKay and William Boyett as The Policeman)
Writers: Alan Uger & Michael J. Weithorn
Director: Andrew McCullough
43 Double Date (Originally Aired 02/16/1984)
Alex courts disaster when he invites two dates to the senior prom and
devises an elaborate scheme for escorting each of the unknowing girls on a
nite to remember.
Prom chairman Alex is all set to attend the big evening with an ecstatic Rachel
Miller, when he finds that his heartthrob, Jocelyn Clark, has just broken up with
her boyfriend. While consoling her, Alex invites her to be his date - and finds
himself in a major jam. With Skippy's help he tries to juggle both dates, until
the truth comes crashing down.
(Guest Stars: Marc Price as Skippy Handleman, Daphne Zuniga as Rachel Miller,
Jami Gertz as Jocelyn Clark and Terry Wills as Dr. Shulte, the principal)
Writer: Doug Wyman
Director: Will Mackenzie
44 The Graduate (Originally Aired 03/15/1984)
Alex is so sure that he will be named valedictorian of his class that he
can't cope with the thought of being defeated by a girl - especially his girl -
so his budding romance with Rachel is threatened when she wins the honor.
The dismayed and shattered Alex, who even memorized his valedictory speech, feels
cheated out of an honor he felt was his destiny all thru high school - and he
precedes to sabotage his relationship with Rachel.
(Guest Stars: Daphne Zuniga as Rachel and Terry Wills as Dr. Shulte, the principal)
Writers: Lloyd Garver & Ruth Bennett
Director: Will Mackenzie
Note: Episodes 43 and 44 should, according to Paramount's official lists, be the
other way around (I e as 44 and 43, respectively). But based on the chronological
order, this is the way it must be (Think of it logically... Alex starts going out
with Rachel in "Double Date" and they have been dating for several weeks in "The
Graduate". It can't possibly be the other way around!). According to my information,
it did air in the correct order though.
45 Baby Boy Doe (Originally Aired 03/08/1984)
When Alex's pal Skippy discovers he's adopted, Alex helps him cope with the
shocking news and accompanies the nervous teenager on a memorable meeting
with his real mother.
Skippy accidentally learns he's not a Handleman and decides to pursue his roots.
While his tearful adopted parents are reassured by Steven and Elyse that their
lives won't change, Alex takes Skippy on a trip out of town to meet the woman
who gave him up at birth.
(Guest Stars: Marc Price as Skippy Handleman, Garn Stephens as Elizabeth
Davidson, Skippy's birth mother and Raleigh Bond and Lois De Banzie as Skippy's
adoptive parents, Harry and Rose Handleman)
Writers: Ruth Bennett & Alan Uger
Director: Will MacKenzie
46 The Gambler (Originally Aired 09/20/1984)
Elyse is tricken with gambling fever on a business trip to Atlantic City, and while
on a roll with Alex's "foolproof" blackjack system, she's oblivious to her family
and job.
Excited at the prospect of having his system put to the test, Alex urges his folks
to "go for the gold", but Elyse insists her trip is strictly business. Finally,
she's persuaded to try her hand at blackjack. Swept away on a seemingly endless
winning streak, Elyse doesn't show up at the architects' convention, ignores her
family's needs and casts all financial caution to the wind.
(Guest Star: Seth Jaffe as the pit boss)
Writers: Michael J. Weithorn & Alan Uger
Director: Will MacKenzie
Third Season 1984-85
47 Here We Go Again (Originally Aired 09/27/1984)
The news that their mother is pregnant sends the three Keaton kids into an angry
outburst resulting in a family battle.
The children react with panic and outrage at the though of having a baby around,
and the Keaton household is in turmoil while Elyse tries to make them see the
brighter side of the situation.
(Guest Star: Marc Price as Skippy Handleman)
Writers: Ruth Bennett & Alan Uger
Director: Will Mackenzie
48 Fabric Smarts (Originally Aired 10/25/1984)
Mallory's enthusiasm for her part-time job at a boutique causes her school
grades to slip even lower than usual and Steven and Elyse agree that she
must quit work, but Alex comes up with a proposal that could resolve the
situation.
Alex has his own reasons for wanting Mallory to keep her job - it keeps her
away from the house - so he initiates a plan that will allow her to work and
improve her grades at the same time.
(Guest Stars: Marc Price as Skippy Handleman and Doris Belack as Mrs. Willis)
Writer: David Lloyd Garver
Director: Will MacKenzie
49 Lost Weekend (Originally Aired 11/22/1984)
Steven and Elyse plan a nostalgic weekend with the kids before the baby arrives,
and are crushed to discover that the children are not at all interested in
reminiscing about old times - they'd rather be with their friends.
Elyse's camping trip with Mallory and Jennifer is cut short when she realizes that
the girls are bored to death, while Steven's plans to spend time with Alex at home
are crushed when his son leaves on a date.
(Guest Star: Marc Price as Skippy Handleman)
Writers: Michael J. Weithorn & Ruth Bennett
Director: Will MacKenzie
50 Little Man On Campus (Originally Aired 10/04/1984)
Alex is thrilled to be taking a college course taught by one of his
personal heroes, Professor Ephraim Bronski, but in his eagerness to impress
the teacher he gets off to a bad start and is humiliated by his idol when
he fails the first class assignment.
Alex cannot believe that the brilliant paper he turned in received an "F" and
turns to his sister Mallory for advice on how to cope with failure.
(Guest Star: Michael McGuire as Professor Bronski and Timothy Busfield as Doug)
Writer: Michael J. Weithorn
Director: John Pasquin
51 Best Man (Originally Aired 11/15/1984)
When his best friend, Doug, meets and falls in love with Eleanor, and
decides to marry her, Alex resents the fact that someone has come between
their friendship and refuses to be in the wedding.
Alex cannot accept the fact that he and everyone around him are growing
up, and desperately clings to his old ways.
(Guest Stars: Timothy Busfield as Doug, Lily Mariye as Eleanor, Doug's fiancée,
Michael Zorek as Flaum, William Campbell as Lyle, Tate Donovan as Clancy, Toni
Gerry as Doug's Mother and Ernest Harada as The Pastor)
Writer: Alan Uger
Director: John Pasquin
52 Keaton 'n Son (Originally Aired 10/18/1984)
Alex reluctantly accepts a part-time job with his father at the non-profit station,
and his dad is bursting with pride to have him following in his footsteps, but Alex
feels his talents are being wasted.
Steven is excited to have Alex working with him and begins planning their future
together, but Alex tries to convince his dad that he has other goals.
(Guest Stars: Sal Viscuso as Richard Grasso, Marsha Warfield as Doris, Warren Munson
as Fred and Frances Bay as Mrs. Menlo)
Writer: Lissa Levin
Director: Will Mackenzie
53 Don't Kiss Me, I'm Only The Messenger (Originally Aired 11/29/1984)
Alex plays Cupid to help his shy pal Skippy get together with Jane, the girl of
his dreams, but his good intentions goes awry when the girl falls for him instead.
When Skippy and Mallory find Alex locked in a passionate embrace with Jane, Skippy
accuses him of stealing his girl.
(Guest Stars: Marc Price as Skippy Handleman, Michelle Meyrink as Jane)
Writer: Ruth Bennett
Director: Will Mackenzie
54 Love Thy Neighbor (Originally Aired 10/11/1984)
Little Jennifer is thrilled about a visit from Scott, a former neighborhood
pal she hasn't seen in five years, but her happiness at the reunion is
shattered when he ignores her in favor of her older sister, Mallory.
To win Scott's attention, Jennifer dresses up in a flirtatious outfit and
goes to the restaurant where he is having dinner with Mallory.
(Guest Star: Matthew Barry as Scott and Richard Morof as The Waitor)
Writers: Michael J. Weithorn & Alan Uger,
based on a story by Richard Reinhart
Director: Will Mackenzie
55 Hotline Fever (Originally Aired 11/01/1984)
Alex is teamed with long-time rival James Jarrett and assigned to work at
a "hotline" crisis center to fulfill a course requirement, and the two end
up in a crisis of their own when they get a call from a suicidal student.
As an economics student, Alex finds it demeaning to be forced into a public service
position, but his experiences at the crisis center gives him a new outlook on life.
(Guest Star: Jeff Joseph as James Jarrett)
Writer: Marc Lawrence
Director: John Pasquin
56 Help Wanted (Originally Aired 12/06/1984)
Because of Elyse's pregnancy, the family decides to get a housekeeper, so Alex
hires the lovely Karen Nicholson, a totally incompetent young lady whom the
family immediately adores - but Steven insists she must be fired.
Despite the fact that Karen has no domestic skills and is rapidly destroying every
appliance in the house, the kids love her - and Steven has a difficult time trying
to fire her.
(Guest Star: Geena Davis as Karen Nicholson, Anne Ramsay as Mrs. Warfield and
Robert Costanzo as Max)
Writers: Ruth Bennett & Michael J. Weithorn
Director: Will Mackenzie
57 4 Rms Ocn Vu (Originally Aired 11/08/1984)
While Steven and Elyse are away on vacation, the Keaton house becomes a hotel for
the weekend after Mallory accidentally crashes her parents' car into a telephone pole
and the kids need to raise money for auto repairs.
A lot of people are in town for the Leland homecoming game, so Alex decides to take
advantage of the situation and rent out rooms - but suddenly he's swamped with
renters and the house looks like a three-ring circus.
(Guest Stars: Marc Price as Skippy Handleman, Sam Whipple as Jack Driscoll,
Shawn Shepps as Darlene Driscoll, Earl Boen as Ed Barker, Beverly Archer as
Sue Barker, Jeff B. Cohen as Dougie Barker and Marcianne Warman as Ellen Barker,
Jeff B. Cohen as Dougie Barker, Robert Schanche as Young Man #1, and Christopher
Joyce as Young Man #2)
Writers: Marc Lawrence & Alan Uger
Director: Lee Shallat
58 Karen II, Alex 0 (Originally Aired 12/13/1984)
Alex's chances or acceptance into a smug college fraternity are dependent upon his
having a knockout date for the pledge dance and when the girl cancels he pleads with
Karen, the housekeeper, to accompany him - but his problems are far from resolved
when they arrive at the dance.
Karen reluctantly agrees to be Alex's date, but does not tell him why she is so
hesitant to go.
(Guest Stars: Marc Price as Skippy Handleman, Geena Davis as Karen Nicholson,
Robert Pine as Dean McCall, Rick Gibbs as Don Caruthers, Christopher Rydell as
Craig Duvall and Barry Sobel as Petey Gordon)
Writers: Lloyd Garver & Michael J. Weithorn
Director: Lee Shallat
59 Auntie Up (Originally Aired 01/10/1985)
Mallory is crushed when her favorite aunt dies suddenly, but her feelings of
sadness turns to anger when family and friends at the funeral seem to be taking
Aunt Trudy's death too lightly.
Mallory feels that she has lost her best friend, and is shocked that no one else
seems to share her grief.
(Guest Stars: Marc Price as Skippy Handleman, Edith Atwater as Aunt Trudy,
John Petlock as Reverend Wilson, Enid Kent as Phyllis, Matthew Faison as
Mr. Cromwell, Bernadette Birkett as Mrs. Cromwell, Richard Stahl as Stu Devin,
Stan Roth as The Doctor, Denise Damaco as The Nurse and Alan Blumenfeld as
Man at Garage Sale)
Writer: Lawrence Levy
Director: John Pasquin
60 Oh Donna (Originally Aired 01/03/1985)
Alex becomes involved with Donna, a young, unwed expectant mother from
Elyse's natural-childbirth class - but his interest in her becomes an obsession
when he starts planning for her child's future and acting as if they were a
real family.
Donna is flattered by Alex's concern for her and her unborn baby, but soon
begins to realize that he is becoming a little bit too helpful.
(Guest Star: Isabelle Walker as Donna Barrows, Mary Farrell as Carol Mannings,
Jack Blessing as Leonard, Karlene Crockett as Marge, Julie Fulton as Suzie Harris
and David Paymer as Larry Harris)
Writer: Alan Uger
Director: Will Mackenzie
61 Philadelphia Story (Originally Aired 01/17/1985)
The Keaton family is transported back in time when Alex dreams he is at the
Constitutional Convention at 1776, but history is off track. Steven Keaton is Thomas
Jefferson and has just turned down John Adams' request to write the Declaration of
Independence, so it's up to Alex to convince him to do it.
Alex falls asleep while working on a college term paper on Thomas Jefferson and
dreams that his family and friends are living 200 years ago.
(Guest Stars: Marc Price as Skippy Handleman, Ben Piazza as Ed Nelson/John Adams
and Jamie Cromwell as John Hancock)
Writer: Michael J. Weithorn
Director: Will MacKenzie
62 Birth Of A Keaton (Part 1) (Originally Aired 01/24/1985)
To help Steven during pledge week at his TV station, the Keatons reluctantly agree
to be a part of the entertainment, but the audience gets an unexpected show when
Elyse goes into labor right on camera while in the middle of a song.
Elyse realizes that the baby is on the way. she and the kids begin to panic when
they realize that Steven had to rush home to fix a plumbing problem and is now
trapped there by a snowstorm. His TV set shows him what's happening at the station.
(Guest Star: Ron Karabatsos as Bud, the plumber, John Hancock as Gus, Bruce
Jarchow as Ted, Chez Lister as Bill, Rick Podell as Jackie Jackerman and Fran
Robinson as Judy)
Writer: Lloyd Garver
Director: Will Mackenzie
63 Birth Of A Keaton (Part 2) (Originally Aired 01/31/1985)
Still trapped at the television station, Elyse realizes she cannot make it thru the
snowstorm to the hospital and prepares to gibe birth in Steven's office. Meanwhile,
stuck at home by the same storm, Steven enlists the help of Bud the plumber and his
truck, and heads for the hospital, thinking Elyse will be there.
Elyse makes a plea on camera to Steven - wherever he is - to come to the station,
so Steven, the doctor, the plumber and Skippy all frantically head for WKS, hoping
they arrive in time for the birth.
(Guest Stars: Marc Price as Skippy Handleman, Ron Karabatsos as Bud, Melanie Jones
as Dr. Alexander, John Hancock as Gus, Rick Podell as Jackie Jackerman, Shirley
Prestia as Receptionist and Bill Cort as Dr. Witt)
Writers: Alan Uger & Marc Lawrence
Director: Will Mackenzie
64 Cry Baby (Originally Aired 02/07/1985)
The Keaton family adjusts to life with the new baby - but while everyone caters to
the new arrival, Jennifer struggles with jealous feelings about not being the baby
of the family anymore.
When Steven and Elyse realize that Jennifer feels left out, they overcompensate by
trying too hard to make her feel loved.
(No Guest Stars)
Writers: Bruce Helford & Bruce David
Director: Sam Weisman
65 Don't Know Much About History... (Originally Aired 02/14/1985)
Alex and his good friend James go into business together as tutors for their
fellow students at Leland. However, their competitiveness threatens to
undermine their business - let alone their friendship - particularly when one
of their students turns out to be a very attractive young lady.
(Guest Stars: Jeff Joseph as James Jarrett, Nancy Everhard as Robin, Wyatt Clark as
William, David Wohl as Axelrod and Robert Schlanche as Student)
Writers: Michael J. Weithorn & Marc Lawrence
Director: Sam Weisman
66 Cold Storage (Originally Aired 03/07/1985)
With the rest of the family away for the weekend, Mallory is excited about having
the house to herself - until she is accidentally locked in the basement with the
person she'd least like to be with - her adoring neighbor, Skippy.
The mismatched pair do, however, come up with a unique way to keep warm and share
some tender moments while waiting for their rescue.
(Guest Stars: Marc Price as Skippy Handleman, Jack Blessing as Leonard, Karlene
Crockett as Marge, Julie Fulton as Suzie and David Paymer as Larry)
Writer: Marc Lawrence
Director: Lee Shallat
Note: These are mostly the same guest stars as in episode 60: "Oh, Donna".
67 Bringing Up Baby (Originally Aired 02/21/1985)
With two careers, three bickering children and one demanding baby, Steven and Elyse
can't seem to find any time for each other. But when they do finally take the time
for a quiet evening alone, they miss all the chaos.
(Guest Stars: Radha Delamarter as Woman in Restaurant, Steven Peterman as Man in
Restaurant and Kurt Smildsin as The Waiter)
Writer: Richard Reinhart
Director: Andy McCullough
68 Remembrances Of Things Past (Part 1) (Originally Aired 03/28/1985)
69 Remembrances Of Things Past (Part 2) (Originally Aired 03/28/1985)
Steven takes a nostalgic trip to his hometown following the death of his father and,
with the support of Elyse and the children, tries to prepare his mother for her new
life in a special two-part episode.
Good and bad memories of Steven's childhood (including flashbacks to his boyhood)
are stirred up as he sorts thru family photos and heirlooms. But an on-going rivalry
with his older brother Robert, and the unsettled feelings he has about his dad make
it a difficult period of adjustment for everyone.
(Guest Stars: Anne Seymour as May Keaton, Norman Parker as Robert Keaton and Adam
Carl, Mark Marias, Maryedith Burrell and Michael Alldredge as young Steven,
Robert, May and Jake Keaton, respectively, in flashback scenes)
Writers: Gary David Goldberg & Alan Uger
Director: Sam Weisman
Note: Part 1 and 2 were originally screened as one 50-minute episode.
70 Designated Hitter (Originally Aired 10/24/1985)
Jennifer takes on the class bully to defend her boyfriend and unwittingly
humiliates him by undermining his masculinity - and Alex is devastated when
Mallory scores higher than him on an IQ test.
Jennifer tries to apologize to Adam, but discovers that all the boys are
making fun of him and he won't speak to her.
(Guest Stars: Marc Price as Skippy Handleman, Noah Hathaway as Adam, Danny Nucci
as Rick, Simon Burgess as The Student and Andre Marcellous as The Teacher)
Writer: Steven J. Curwick
Director: John Pasquin
71 Return Of The Native (Originally Aired 03/20/1988)
Cousin June returns to the Keaton household for a visit after a three year stay in
London. All of the Keatons are eager to hear her tales of England, but they just
can't seem to let her get a word in edgewise.
(Guest Star: Danielle Von Zerneck as June. Guest Co-Stars: Beverly Archer, Matthew
Barry, Earl Boen, Jeff B. Cohen, Molly David, John Dukakis, Edward Edwards, Mary
Farrell, Christopher Joyce, Ron Karabatsos, Richard Morof, Robert Schanche, Shawn
Schepps, Carolyn Seymour, Bunny Summers, Marcianne Warman and Sam Whipple)
Writers: Lloyd Garver & Marc Lawrence
Director: John Pasquin
72 Matchmaker (Originally Aired 07/23/1987)
When Mallory comes home from her sixth disastrous date in a row, Alex tries to
comfort and then help. He will find her a new and perfect boyfriend using a
computer that the Keaton's have gotten for Jennifer's "educational" use.
Yet, when Roger and Mallory don't hit it off, Alex refuses to give up on getting
this "perfect couple" together.
(Guest Stars: Marc Price as Skippy Handleman, Bill Allen as Roger Sloate, Eli
Marder as Tracey and Laura Esterman as the Waitress)
Writer: Bruce Helford and Bruce David
Director: Barbara Schultz
Fourth season 1985-86
00-1 Family Ties Vacation (Parts 1 to 4) (Originally Aired 09/23/85)
00-2 In a special four-part adventure, the Keaton family visits historic
00-3 London, England for a vacation that is sure to be remembered.
00-4
The Keaton's embark on a trip to London when Alex earns a study scholarship at
prestigious Oxford University. Aboard their flight, Elyse befriends a fellow
passenger who has possession of a microfilm hidden in a hair brush. Upon arrival,
the passenger secretly slips the brush into the Keatons' luggage.
Once Alex arrives at Oxford, he desperately seeks acceptance from his noble
roommate, Lord William of Cureton, and his fellow students, who in turn make Alex
the butt of various pranks. In the meantime, Mallory is charmed when William falls
madly in love with her.
Unbeknownst to the Keaton's, a couple of spies are tracking every move in an effort
to retrieve the brush and the microfilm. After several bungled attempts, the spies
vow that it's time to get serious!
While the spies frantically search for the hair brush, the Keatons bicker over what
sights to see in London, and Alex finds life at Oxford tougher than he'd ever
imagined.
After quarrelling over their sightseeing itinerary, the Keatons split up and go
their separate ways: Steven and Elyse explore museums and landmarks, while Mallory
and Jennifer head for stores and restaurants.
Meanwhile, Alex, having taken enough abuse from his malicious peers, confronts
them before a history class and sets them straight. William, admiring Alex's stand,
invites him to fill a vacancy on his canoeing team. Alex graciously accepts.
After Steven confides to Elyse his nagging suspicion that they're being followed,
they wise up to a stranger who is indeed trailing them. Identifying himself as a
police inspector, he explains the situation involving them and the microfilm -
the Keatons have become embroiled in international espionage.
When William invites the Keatons to his estate for a weekend visit, Steven and
Elyse are surprised to find the inspector disguised as a servant. He assures them
that he and his other disguised colleagues will protect them from danger.
Unbeknownst to anyone, however, the spies are also disguised as servants!
During a weekend visit to the Cureton's estate, William and Mallory share tranquil
moments together while Steve and Elyse attempt to decipher the strange events
surrounding them during their vacation.
Romance blossoms between William and Mallory once he reveals that he is falling
in love with her. Meanwhile, Steve, Elyse, and the inspector realize that all of
the strange occurrences involve a hair brush - the microfilm must be planted in
one of their hair brushes! The spies are listening in on the conversation when
Jennifer remembers that she placed an unfamiliar brush in Alex's belongings.
Alex is about to enter the canoe race when he is forewarned of ensuing trouble,
so he passes the brush on to William's father. The spies enter the race in hot
pursuit of Alex.
After the race, the spies confront Alex, who claims that he knows nothing. But
when Mallory inadvertently blows his cover, the spies take Alex and Mallory hostage.
While everyone frantically searches for Alex and Mallory, one of the spies inform
the Keatons of Alex and Mallory's abduction and possible whereabouts.
The spies escort Alex and Mallory to the House of Lords where they retrieve the
brush from William's father, the Earl of Cureton. Afterwards, the Keatons arrive
with the police to find Alex, Mallory, and several others bound and gagged.
Disguising themselves as judges, the spies seek refuge in a courtroom, but when
Alex recognizes one of the spies a fight breaks out, allowing the head spy to escape.
Alex pursues the spy and finally reaches him. As they struggle, the brush breaks
free and Alex is able to retrieve it. The police arrive and all is back to order.
Before returning home, Alex receives gifts and goodbyes from his Oxford peers,
while Mallory receives roses and a profession of love from William.
(Guest Stars: Philip Hynd as Clifford Markham, Charles McKeown as Frederick Weiss,
James Saxon as Luther Broder, John Moulder Brown as Lord Cureton, Derek Nimmo as
Gwynne Davies and John Westbrook as Earl of Cureton)
Writers: Gary David Goldberg, Michael J. Weithorn, Alan Uger & Marc Lawrence
Director: Will McKenzie
Note: The four "Family Ties Vacation" episodes was originally recorded as a feature
film (TV movie), and later some other channels have also aired it this way, even
though it is officially listed as four episodes. These episodes were filmed on
location in London and are the only episodes not recorded in a studio with
audience. Therefore, this movie does not contain the audience laughter sounds as
all normal episodes do.
One more note: In Paramount's official lists, this movie is to go between seasons
five and six. However, based on the production date, original air date and the
chronological order, it really should go here (between seasons three and four).
73 Mr. Wrong (Originally Aired 10/17/1985)
Mallory brings home her new boyfriend, Nick - a Rambo-type environmental artist - to
meet her family, but Steven and Elyse are shocked by his crude appearance and gruff
manner.
(This is the first episode with Nick Moore, played by Scott Valentine)
(Guest Star: Scott Valentine as Nick Moore)
Writer: Alan Uger
Director: Will Mackenzie
74 The Real Thing (Part 1) (Originally Aired 09/26/1985)
Alex implements a fail-proof, and extremely unromantic, method of
meeting the girl of his dreams: He picks her from pictures in the
freshman directory. His selection, Tricia, seems to fit his requirements
perfectly, but his plan goes off-track when he is strongly attracted
to her roommate, Ellen.
Ellen and Alex dislike each other instantly, and though he can't figure out
why, he finds himself thinking about her constantly.
(This is the first episode with Ellen Reed, played by Tracy Pollan)
(Guest Stars: Tracy Pollan as Ellen Reed, Marc Price as Skippy Handleman and
Suzanne Snyder as Tricia Armstrong)
Writer: Michael J. Weithorn
Director: Will Mackenzie
75 The Real Thing (Part 2) (Originally Aired 10/03/1985)
Alex realizes he must make Ellen aware of his feelings, but she is on a
train on her way to marry another man, so he takes drastic measures to stop
the wedding.
The usually cool Alex decides he must let down his defenses or lose the girl
he loves.
(Guest Stars: Tracy Pollan as Ellen Reed, Marc Price as Skippy Handleman,
Suzanne Snyder as Tricia Armstrong, Judson Allen as Jack, Peter Van Norden as
the Janitor and Danny Ponce as the Shoeshine Boy)
Writer: Michael J. Weithorn
Director: Will Mackenzie
76 The Old College Try (Originally Aired 11/07/1985)
When Mallory informs her parents that she has no intention of going to college
after graduation, they are sure she is being influenced by her boyfriend, Nick,
a high school dropout.
Elyse is crushed by Mallory's decision to forego a college education, and Mallory
turns to Nick for support.
(Guest Stars: Scott Valentine as Nick Moore and Molly Cheek as Frances Wilder)
Writer: Ruth Bennett
Director: Barbara Schultz
77 It's My Party (Part 1) (Originally Aired 08/06/1987)
78 It's My Party (Part 2) (Originally Aired 08/13/1987)
In her quest to become one of the popular kids, Jennifer invites her trendy
classmates to her thirteenth birthday party. When they become bored and begin
grumbling at her "lame" party (which includes a traditional puppet show by her
father), Jennifer takes drastic action. With Mallory's guidance, she becomes a
"valley girl", who then deserts her own party.
Yet, it's only a matter of time before Jennifer realizes she isn't having any
fun and she rebels against her new friends.
(Guest Stars: Tracy Pollan as Ellen Reed, Marc Price as Skippy Handleman,
Amy Lynne as Chrissy Nardino, Heather Hobbs as Stacie Connors, Stephanie Dizon
as Holly, Alyson Croft as Brooke, Nichole Nourmand as Beth, Niall Gartlan as
Brett, Gino de Mauro as Zack, Fluffy as himself and Sparky as Marv)
Writer: Susan Borowitz
Director: Asaad Kelada
79 Don't Go Changing (Originally Aired 10/31/1985)
Alex does some fancy footwork on the dance floor to impress Ellen when
he thinks he is losing her because of their divergent interests.
Alex feels he has to compete with Ellen's artsy friends for her attention
and attempts to change himself to fit into her world.
(Guest Stars: Tracy Pollan as Ellen Reed, John Scott Clough as David,
Bronwyn Thomas as Roberta, Jesse Welles as Deborah Henley and Pamela
Springsteen as Gail)
Writer: Marc Lawrence
Director: Asaad Kelada
80 My Tutor (Originally Aired 11/14/1985)
Alex hires a tutor to help him with math, but his "teacher" turns out to be a
13-year-old genius who suddenly becomes more interested in Jennifer than in
helping Alex.
When Eugene, Alex's tutor, meets Jennifer he loses his concentration and Alex
comes up with a scheme that will benefit both him and Eugene.
(Guest Star: River Phoenix as Eugene Forbes, Peter Hobbs as Professor Jenkins
and Kim Sebastian as Eunice)
Writer: Jace Richdale
Director: Sam Weisman
81 Mr. Right (Originally Aired 11/21/1985)
Mallory's boyfriend, environmental artist Nick Moore, swaps his T-shirt,
camouflage pants, combat boots and earrings for a three-piece suit and a
haircut to impress Mallory's parents, but while Steven and Elyse love the
new Nick, Mallory is ready to leave him.
(Guest Stars: Scott Valentine as Nick Moore, Alan Blumenfeld as Mr. Gleason
and Bunny Summers as Customer No. 1 and Denise Damico as Customer No. 2)
Writers: Cheri Eichen & Bill Steinkellner
Director: Jim Burrows
82 Just One Look (Originally Aired 12/05/1985)
Steven's old college buddy Richard Schofield is in town for and Steven looks
forward to reminiscing about old times - until he learns that Richard and Elyse
share some memories he wasn't aware of.
Steven loses his normally cool composure and becomes insanely jealous, imagining
that Elyse and Richard are secretly attracted to one another.
(Guest Star: Robert Desiderio as Richard Schofield)
Writers: Paul Wolff & Bill Steinkellner,
based on a story by Gary David Goldberg & Michael J. Weithorn
Director: Andy McCullough
83 How Do You Sleep (Originally Aired 12/12/1985)
Alex, who prides himself on being in control of his life, is embarrassed to admit
that he is having a problem with insomnia, which is creating stress in his personal
life as well as in school.
Although Alex refuses to discuss his sleeping problems with anyone, his restlessness
is disrupting the whole family.
(Guest Star: Marc Price as Skippy Handleman)
Writer: Marc Lawrence
Director: John Pasquin
84 The Big Fix (Originally Aired 11/17/1986)
When Terry Bridgeman, a colleague of Elyse's, confides that he has broken up
with his girlfriend, Elyse decides to fix him up with a family friend, the
beautiful Liz Obeck.
What Elyse doesn't realize, however, is that Liz has been seriously involved with
someone else for two years.
(Guest Stars: Scott Valentine as Nick Moore, Terry Farrell as Liz Obeck, Tony
Carreiro as Terry Bridgeman and John Petlock as Ted Waterman)
Writer: Michael J. Weithorn
Director: John Pasquin
85 You've Got A Friend (Originally Aired 12/19/1985)
Mallory begins to feel severe guilt after reporting a young girl to the police
for shoplifting - especially when he learns that the girl is from a home for
abused children. Mallory visits Jessie at the home but is suspicious of the
girl's intentions.
Nick warns Mallory that she can't change Jessie overnight, but Mallory is sure
that she can at least be a good influence.
(Guest Stars: Scott Valentine as Nick Moore and Martha Plimpton as Jessie Black)
Writer: Ruth Bennett
Director: John Pasquin
86 Nothing But A Man (Originally Aired 01/02/1986)
Steven gets the promotion he has been waiting years for, but as the new regional
manager of the station, he is required to put in long hours at the office, and
soon realizes he has no time for his family.
Although Elyse and the kids are happy about Steven's new position, they begin to
miss the days where he would come home for dinner every nite and have time to take
part in day-to-day activities.
(Guest Stars: Tracy Pollan as Ellen Reed, Marc Price as Skippy Handleman,
John Hancock as Gus, George Coe as Justin and Robert Costanzo as Waiter)
Writer: Jurgen M. Wolf,
based on a story by Jean Kraynak Brincko
Director: Will MacKenzie
87 A Word To The Wise (Part 1) (Originally Aired 02/13/1986)
88 A Word To The Wise (Part 2) (Originally Aired 02/13/1986)
The Keaton family fills in his girlfriend, Ellen, on some of the
more humorous events in Alex's life before they met in this special
one-hour episode.
Flashbacks to previous episodes include some highlights from the series'
past shows.
Alex and Ellen celebrate their six-month anniversary as boyfriend
and girlfriend, and the family think it's time for Ellen to know
the truth about Alex.
(Guest Star: Tracy Pollan as Ellen Reed. Guest Co-Stars: Beverly Archer, Earl Boen,
Jeff B. Cohen, Geena Davis, Charlie Douglas, John Dukakis, Margaret Fitzgerald,
Deborah Foreman, John Gallogly, Debbie Gilbert, Crispin Glover, Christopher
Joyce, Philip Charles MacKenzie, Michael B. Moynahan, Kerry Noonan, John Putch,
Duncan Ross, Robert Schanche, Shawn Schepps, Eileen Seeley, Jeff Shelby, Kate
Vernon, Marcianne Warman and Sam Whipple)
Writer: Susan Borowitz
Director: Will MacKenzie
Note: Part 1 and 2 were originally screened as one 50-minute-episode. Therefore,
the guest cast information above applies to both episodes together.
89 The Disciple (Originally Aired 01/09/1986)
Alex offers to help Jennifer with a speech project and winds up creating a
monster - the speech is such a success that she is asked to repeat the
performance for an awards panel.
Jennifer does her class project perfectly, but doesn't understand what she said
because Alex coached her on most of the material. So when asked to present it to
the panel of judges, her nerves get the best of her.
(Guest Stars: Marc Price as Skippy Handleman, Cynthia Carle as Betty Boswell,
David Wohl as Ralph Boswell, Amy O'Neill as Brenda, Belita Moreno as Mrs. Pedroza
and Corey Feldman as Student)
Writer: Richard Reinhart
Director: Will MacKenzie
90 Where's Poppa? (Originally Aired 01/16/1986)
Alex secretly invites Ellen's dad to Parent's Day Weekend at Leland College,
thinking that she will be pleasantly surprised to see him, but what he doesn't
know is that Ellen has no desire to see her father.
Ellen can't forgive her father for not spending time with her when she was
growing up, and although he wants to make amends she refuses to forgive and forget.
(Guest Stars: Tracy Pollan as Ellen Reed and Ronny Cox as Franklin Reed,
Ellen's father)
Writers: Marc Lawrence & Susan Borowitz
Director: Will MacKenzie
91 Fool For Love (Originally Aired 01/23/1986)
Skippy's lifetime obsession with Mallory builds to a climax when he refuses to
accept that she is in love with Nick, and creates an embarrassing scene at the
Homecoming dance.
Alex tries to convince Skippy he should forget about Mallory and find someone else,
and even enlists the help of a psychiatrist, but Skippy can't let go of his fantasy.
(Guest Stars: Marc Price as Skippy Handleman, Scott Valentine as Nick Moore and
Suzanne Lederer as Dr. Sylvia Bogner)
Writer: Marc Lawrence
Director: Lee Shallat
92 Checkmate (Originally Aired 01/30/1986)
A chess tournament between Leland College students and a visiting
Soviet team turns into a wrestling match when Alex and his opponent,
Ivan Rozmirovich, match wits and "fight" for their countries.
Alex considers it his patriotic duty to beat the Russian, but as the
game progresses he realizes his opponent is not really the enemy he
had envisioned him to be.
(Guest Stars: Tracy Pollan as Ellen Reed, Albert Macklin as Ivan Rozmirovich,
Todd Jeffries as Eddie, George Pentecost as Eric Nordstrom, Elsa Raven as
Mildred Atkins and Alex Henteloff as the Coach)
Writer: Michael J. Weithorn
Director: Sam Weisman
93 Engine Trouble (Originally Aired 02/06/1986)
Elyse enrolls in an auto mechanics class to prove Alex and Steven that women can
be just as competent with cars as men, but to protect his own masculinity, Alex
joins the class to prove her wrong.
(Guest Stars: Marc Price as Skippy Handleman, Scott Valentine as Nick Moore,
Robert Costanzo as Sam and Tony Quinn as Clete)
Writer: Ruth Bennett
Director: John Pasquin
94 Art Lover (Originally Aired 02/20/1986)
Mallory suspects there's more involved than "art appreciation" when a wealthy and
beautiful older woman takes a special interest in Nick's creations.
Promising to help launch his career, art patron Victoria Hurstenberg takes Nick
under her wing, occupying nearly all of his time and interfering with his
relationship with Mallory, who insists that the older woman has her eye on more
than Nick's art.
(Guest Stars: Scott Valentine as Nick Moore and Christina Belford as Victoria
Hurstenberg)
Writer: Bruce Helford
Director: Andrew McCullough
95 Teacher's Pet (Originally Aired 03/02/1986)
Alex lands a teaching-assistant position and runs into big trouble when he has
to grade a student who also happens to be his girlfriend, Ellen.
When Ellen is assigned to Alex's economics class, he has trouble treating her as
just another student, and ends up causing a strain on their relationship.
(Guest Stars: Tracy Pollan as Ellen Reed, Macon McCalman as Professor Spanos and
Mark Moses as Rick Albert)
Writer: Marc Lawrence
Director: John Pasquin
96 My Buddy (Originally Aired 03/06/1986)
Steven has a very difficult time accepting that his youngest daughter, Jennifer,
is growing up and no longer wants to "pal around" with him.
As Jennifer grows and finds new interests, Steven feels rejected because she no
longer spends time with him. The situation comes to a head when Steven insists
on accompanying Jennifer on her girls-club outing, and she is mortified when he
is the only male there.
(Guest Stars: Miriam Flynn as Mrs. Carpenter, Jenny Havens as Shelley, Laura Jacoby
as Jill and Anne Marie McEvoy as Alice)
Writer: Alan Uger
Director: Sam Weisman
97 Once In Love With Elyse (Originally Aired 05/01/1986)
(AKA: Loan Arranger) (?)
Elyse must deal with Paul, a young architect associate who falls in love with her.
After working for a year in the same office as Elyse, Paul, a very promising
architect, can no longer ignore his feelings for her. He quits the job and
confronts Elyse's husband, Steven, with his dilemma.
(Guest Stars: Peter Scolari as Paul Kenter, Matthew Faison as Raymond, John Petlock
as Ed Waterman and Enid Kent as Susan Alexander)
Writer: Michael J. Weithorn
Director: Sam Weisman
Note: On some of Paramount's official episode lists, this episode is listed under
the title "Loan Arranger", even though this title really doesn't make much sense.
I currently do not know of the reason for this mysterious title in Paramount's
lists. In the synopses lists in Paramount's press kits, the episode is titled
"Once In Love With Elyse", however, which should be the correct title.
98 Paper Chase (Originally Aired 05/08/1986)
(AKA: Mallory's Graduation)
Mallory discovers that her high school graduation is in jeopardy unless she can
pass a very tough history exam.
Never an avid student, Mallory faces the possibility of failing her senior year
in high school because of her poor grades. As the school term rapidly draws to a
close, her only hope is to score extremely well on a tough final exam.
(Guest Stars: Tracy Pollan as Ellen Reed, Marc Price as Skippy Handleman,
Scott Valentine as Nick Moore, Gracie Harrison as Mrs. Hillman, Will Garson as
Walter and Terry Wills as Dr. Schulte)
Writer:: Susan Borowitz
Director: Sam Weisman
Note: This is the last episode guest starring Tracy Pollan as Ellen. In episode 103
("Starting Over"), it is mentioned that Ellen has moved to Paris on a dance
scholarship, but that storyline was never actually seen in any episode.
Fifth Season 1986-87
99 My Back Pages (Originally Aired 10/16/1986)
When Steven is asked by an old college friend to help him re-establish a left-wing
political magazine they had worked on 20 years before, Steven realizes he is no
longer in tune with the radical thinking it reflected - and that his values are
more middle-of-the-road than he had ever expected.
When Matt Gilbert tells Steven he has the funds to revive "The Scavenger," Steven
is excited about the opportunity to again express his viewpoints and to vividly
recall the college days when he pursued Elyse. It only takes one story for him to
realize, however, that he no longer represents the revolutionary left.
(Guest Stars: Sanford Jensen as Matt Gilbert, Janice Lynde as Monica, Raymond Singer
as Cameron Wallace, Walker Olkewicz as Howie, Timothy Busfield as Young Matt,
Margaret A. Marx as Young Elyse and Michael David Wright as Young Steven)
Writer: Ruth Bennett
Director: Sam Weisman
100 Be True To Your Preschool (Originally Aired 09/25/1986)
Alex shocks his parents when he visits his 3-year-old brother Andrew's
very special preschool class, decides the wrong values are being
stressed and withdraws him from the school.
Steven and Elyse had pulled strings to get Andrew into the special preschool. They
are shocked when Alex announces that the school teaches "anti-competitive" values,
and argues that his brother should be taught in a more aggressive manner.
(Guest Stars: Marc Price as Skippy Handleman, Jennifer Salt as Mrs. Kluger,
Joan McMurtrey as Mrs. Kaufman, Philip Boutte as Michael and Ashley Bank as Rhonda)
Writer: Marc Lawrence
Director: Sam Weisman
101 Mrs. Wrong (Part 1) (Originally Aired 11/06/1986)
Nick and Mallory make sudden plans to elope when Steven and Elyse vehemently
oppose their marriage plans and threaten to ground their teenaged daughter.
During a quiet evening together, Mallory pops the "big question" to Nick. They
are ecstatic until they learn that the entire Keaton family is solidly against
the idea.
(Guest Star: Scott Valentine as Nick Moore)
Writer: Alan Uger
Director: Asaad Kelada
102 Mrs. Wrong (Part 2) (Originally Aired 11/13/1986)
Alex sees Mallory and Nick leaving the Keaton residence in the predawn hours to
elope, and unable to stop them, follows them to New Jersey where he finds the
young couple taking a hard look at their decision.
After Nick bumbles around the outside of the house with a 16-foot ladder, Alex
makes a desperate attempt to keep his younger sister Mallory from marrying Nick.
But they are too much in love to listen. It takes Erin and Mike, another couple,
to give them perspective on their maturity.
(Guest Stars: Scott Valentine as Nick Moore, John Ingle as the Justice of the
Peace, Larry Cox as Mike and Alexandra Powers as Erin)
Writer: Alan Uger
Director: Asaad Kelada
103 Starting Over (Originally Aired 10/02/1986)
Distraught that his girlfriend Ellen has gone to Paris on a dance scholarship,
Alex desperately tries to find someone to take her place, but finally realizes
that falling in love again will take time.
Alex mopes around the Keaton house pining for Ellen until Sharon, a pretty
waitress, attracts his attention. Once on a date with her however, Alex tries
to transform her into another Ellen, with disastrous results.
(Guest Stars: Marc Price as Skippy Handleman, Haviland Morris as Sharon, Michael
Zorek as Flaum, John Putch as Neil, Nan Vernon as Margie, Kerry Remsen as Reenie,
Robert Costanzo as Carmine and James Macnerland as Jim)
Writer: Alan Vejar
Director: Steve Robman
104 The Freshman And The Senior (Originally Aired 03/26/1987)
Mallory is teamed with 66-year-old Margaret Hollings on a college sociology project
and fins that she has a lot to learn about honesty, sensitivity and older people
when she almost causes the woman to quit the class.
As Mallory faces the fact that the widowed senior citizen has her own special
problems as a college freshman, Alex takes a special interest in the terms of the
last wills and testaments of his parents.
(Guest Stars: Marc Price as Skippy Handleman, Julie Harris as Margaret, Tracy
Griffith as Holly Parker and Helena Carroll as Jean)
Writers: Ruth Bennett & Marc Lawrence
Director: Asaad Kelada
105 Beauty And The Bank (Originally Aired 10/30/1986)
Alex is emotionally torn when he goes to work in a bank and finds that the
vice president to whom he reports is Ms. Ryan, a beautiful, smart and
self-confident woman - and that he's growing more romantically interested
in her each day.
The Keaton family delights in Alex's taking orders from Ms. Ryan, but their
playfulness wanes when they discover his attitude toward her is taking a toll
on his career and ego.
(Guest Stars: Melinda Culea as Rebecca Ryan and John Petlock as Mr. Heaney)
Writer: Steven J. Curwick
Director: Asaad Kelada
106 Paper Lion (Originally Aired 12/11/1986)
While assisting his economics professor in the final stages of an important
research paper, Alex faces a serious moral dilemma when he finds that his
mentor's conclusions are not supported by the facts.
On the threshold of winning the coveted Wilson Award for his work with economics
professor Rhodes, Alex is dismayed to discover that a major error in Rhodes'
computations invalidates the professor's theory.
(Guest Stars: Mason Adams as Professor Rhodes, Lisa Sloan as Professor Marshall,
Jane Downs as the photographer and Amy Benedict as Eve Kimball)
Writer: Wendy Aron
Director: Peter Baldwin
107 My Brother's Keeper (Originally Aired 11/20/1986)
Alex must choose between his friendship with Skippy and allegiance to his
college fraternity when Theta Pi Sigma pledges Skippy with the idea of making
him the object of a cruel prank.
Skippy is desperate to become a member of a fraternity, but in his zealousness
he fails to recognize that he is the "Big Stooge" of the semester.
(Guest Stars: Marc Price as Skippy Handleman, Tom Breznahan as Brian Elliott,
Christopher Bradley as Dave Rubin and George Newbern as Eric)
Writer: Susan Borowitz
Director: Lynn Hamrick
108 O'Brother (Part 1) (Originally Aired 01/08/1987)
It's bad news for the Keatons when Uncle Rob arrives for a visit and announces
that he and his wife, Maureen, have split up.
News of Robert and Maureen's separation throws the whole Keaton family into an
emotional tailspin, despite Robert's insistence that the decision was a mutual
one and long overdue. Having always looked up to his responsible and successful
older brother as a role model, Steven refuses to believe that Rob's 25-year
marriage is really over. Rob, in turn, is dismayed about upsetting the family,
but also disappointed by their lack of support.
(Guest Stars: Norman Parker as Robert Keaton and Wendell Meldrum as Kathy Brady)
Writer: Alan Uger
Director: Sam Weisman
109 O'Brother (Part 2) (Originally Aired 01/15/1987)
The emotional roller-coaster continues at the Keaton household with the arrival
of Aunt Maureen, Uncle Rob's estranged wife.
It seems like Rob has been less than candid when he told his brother Steven that
the marital separation had been a mutual decision. According to Maureen, Rob left
two months ago, without a word, and has been on the road, trying to sort out his
life ever since.
(Guest Stars: Norman Parker as Robert Keaton, Julie Cobb as Maureen Keaton and
Wendell Meldrum as Kathy Brady)
Writer: Alan Uger
Director: Sam Weisman
110 Battle Of The Sexes (Part 1) (Originally Aired 02/19/1987)
When Alex plays "gentleman" to his mother and two sisters and orders for them at
a restaurant without even asking them what they want, the battle begins with
Elyse, Mallory and Jennifer on one side, and Steven, Alex and Andrew on the other.
Using clips from previous shows, each side tries to prove its points on male
bonding, female bonding, Nick Moore's special case and Alex's one time support
of the Equal Rights Amendment.
(No Guest Stars. Guest Co-Stars: Matthew Barry, Frank Dent, John McCook from
"The Bold and the Beautiful", Richard Morof, Tracy Nelson, Robert Schancke and
Carl Strickland)
Writer: Steven J. Curwick
Director: Sam Weisman
Contributing Directors: Will MacKenzie, Andrew McCullough & John Pasquin
Contributing Writers: Ruth Bennett, Susan Borowitz, Richard Raskind, Richard
Reinhart, Alan Uger & Michael J. Weithorn
111 Battle Of The Sexes (Part 2) (Originally Aired 02/19/1987)
As the battle continues, more clips from past shows reveal the true nature of the
Keaton family relationships.
The clips includes Jennifer's jealousy over a boy who only has eyes for Mallory;
a battle between Elyse and Mallory about a modeling contest; Alex's support of
Mallory when she is jilted by her boyfriend and the time when Alex lost Jennifer
in a card game.
(No Guest Stars. Guest Co-Stars: Matthew Barry, Frank Dent, John McCook from
"The Bold and the Beautiful", Richard Morof, Tracy Nelson, Robert Schancke and
Carl Strickland)
Writer: Steven J. Curwick
Director: Andrew McCullough
Contributing Directors: Will MacKenzie, Andrew McCullough & John Pasquin
Contributing Writers: Ruth Bennett, Susan Borowitz, Richard Raskind, Richard
Reinhart, Alan Uger & Michael J. Weithorn
Note: Episode 110/111 was originally screened as one long episode.
112 High School Confidential (Originally Aired 12/04/1986)
Nick faces a serious dilemma when he learns that to teach an art class he must
have a high school diploma. Mallory volunteers to tutor him, but it takes the
skills of another Keaton to help him prepare for his final exam.
When Mallory fails to make Nick understand grammar, Alex finds a unique way to
help him grasp the basics.
(Guest Star: Scott Valentine as Nick Moore)
Writer: Ruth Bennett
Director: Mark Travis
113 My Mother, My Friend (Originally Aired 12/18/1986)
When Mallory brings her new friend, Allison King, home with her to study, little
does she expect that Allison will find a kindred spirit in Elyse.
Bound together by their love of architecture, Allison and Elyse soon become fast
friends, with Elyse even becoming the subject of Allison's architecture research
project. They study together, shop together, go to exhibits together, always
inviting Mallory to join them, but unconsciously making her feel like a fifth wheel.
Matters come to a head when Allison is invited to dinner at the Keatons " after
getting an "A" on her college architecture project. Mall unexpectedly vents her
resentment and jealousy, and storms out, leaving her mother upset and confused.
When Mallory finally does return home, she and Elyse have to deal wtih the conflict
that Allison's friendship has stirred. And together, they reaffirm that blood is,
indeed, thicker than common interests.
(Guest Star: Robin Morse as Allison King, Marietta DePrima as Simone and Allyson
Rice as Becky)
Writer: Kate Botilier
Director: Lynn Hamrick
114 A Tale Of Two Cities (Part 1) (Originally Aired 02/05/1987)
The Keaton's are a house divided over a "major" domestic issue - whether to
redecorate their old-fashioned, but cozy kitchen. Elyse, Mallory and Jennifer
think the time has come to leave the familiar behind and opt for a new, more
modern look. Steven loves the kitchen's history, and doesn't want to change a tile.
Alex only half-heartedly joins the fray. His thoughts are elsewhere, in Chicago to
be exact. His employer, Leland Trust, is sending two representatives to the 15th
Annual Midwest Banking and Financial Planning Seminar, and Alex is already packing
his bags.
But he's in for a rude awakening when his boss, Rebecca Ryan, chooses the shy and
retiring Matthews over Alex to accompany her to the conference. When Matthews
becomes ill, however, Alex is pressed into action. This could turn out to be
the professional highlight of his young career. It could also turn out to be the
end of his brief career, as he is obliged to "room" with his boss for the duration
of the conference.
(Guest Stars: Marc Price as Skippy Handleman, Scott Valentine as Nick Moore,
Melinda Culea as Rebecca Ryan, Alan Blumenfield as George Bellack, Terry Willis
as the Desk Clerk and James N. Hamilton as the Bellhop)
Writers: Alan Uger & Marc Lawrence
Director: Peter Baldwin
115 A Tale of Two Cities (Part 2) (Originally Aired 02/12/1987)
While Steven tackles the job of re-wallpapering the Keaton kitchen singlehandedly,
Alex is in Chicago with his boss, Rebecca Ryan, attending an important banking
conference. Forced to share a tiny room due to a shortage of hotel space, the
two spend an awkward and uncomfortable nite together, with Alex relegated to
sleeping in the closet.
Getting ready for the conference, Rebecca becomes more and more nervous as she
prepares to meet the Federated Bank President Charles Okun, Jr. to try and
facilitate a merger between his bank and Leland Trust.
Unfortunately, the champagne flows at the banquet and Rebecca proceeds to get
thoroughly drunk. To Alex's surprise, she ends up insulting Okun and his young
wife, totally blowing any prospects of a merger. Most embarrassing of all,
Rebecca ends up making a pass at Alex.
(Guest Stars: Marc Price as Skippy Handleman, Scott Valentine as Nick Moore,
Melinda Culea as Rebecca Ryan, Alan Blumenfield as George Bellack, James N.
Hamilton as the Bellhop, Reid Shelton as Charles Okun Jr. and Jonna Lee as
Tammy Okun)
Writers: Alan Uger & Marc Lawrence
Director: Peter Baldwin
116 Higher Love (Originally Aired 01/22/1987)
Mallory's relationship with Nick is put to the test when she joins a poetry
reading group and becomes infatuated with its handsome and sophisticated leader,
English grad student Colin Spenser.
Newly exposed to poetry and enormously flattered by Colin's persistent attentions,
Mallory begins to question the wisdom of being "tied down" to Nick.
Despite a stern warning about Colin's sincerity from one of his former conquests,
fellow group member Joyce, Mallory is swept off her feet by his gift of roses
and poetry, and agrees to join him for a special tete-a-tete following an
evening's reading.
Her perspective, however, is shaken up quite a bit when she realizes that she is,
in fact, just the "next girl in line" for the all-too-smooth Colin.
(Guest Stars: Marc Price as Skippy Handleman, Scott Valentine as Nick Moore,
Jonathan Emerson as Colin Spenser, Penelope Miller as Joyce and Chad McCann
as Delivery Boy)
Writer: Susan Borowitz
Director: Debbie Allen
117 Architect's Apprentice (Originally Aired 01/29/1987)
Steven and Elyse are forced to take a new closer look at Nick and his considerable
artistic talents when they invite him to compete with other local artists to create
a sculpture for the lobby of Steven's television station.
Hired to re-design the lobby of the WKS building where Steven works, Elyse is busy
pouring over architectural drawings one evening when Nick arrives at the Keatons.
As he studies her work, he begins to suggest some of his own ideas and takes
Elyse completely by surprise with his immediate grasp of what she is trying to
achieve.
When Steven comes home and announces that the station has agreed to sponsor a
local art competition to produce the sculpture for the lobby, Mallory instantly
suggests that Nick be allowed to compete, especially when she and Nick learn of
the $2,500 winning prize.
A somewhat open-minded Elyse and a very skeptical Steven finally agree to
interview Nick and allow him to enter the contest. When Steven ends up casting
the deciding vote in another artist's favor, however, both he and Elyse are
compelled to re-examine their true feelings about Nick, their potential son-in-law,
and Nick, the artist.
(Guest Stars: Marc Price as Skippy Handleman, Scott Valentine as Nick Moore,
Walker Olkewicz as Walter Luskin and Ben Piazza as Mr. Wertz)
Writer: David Tyron King
Director: Steve Robman
118 Band On The Run (Originally Aired 02/26/1987)
As chairman of the entertainment committee for the Leland College 10th reunion,
Alex has big plans, which include hiring some great bands to impress attending
alumni in the music business. Jennifer finally talks a very skeptical Alex into
letting her new all-girl band, The Permanent Waves, audition for the affair.
At the audition, Alex is thrilled with the unexciting Polka Boys, but his fellow
committee members are left cold until they hear The Permanent Waves. They are so
good, in fact, that even Alex is impressed and not only books the group but
convinces them to sign with him as manager.
Once in charge, Alex decides to completely revamp the look and style of the band.
For the reunion performance, he has the girls dress in evening gowns and changes
the group's name to The Swinging Corporate Raiders, persuading them to sing such
golden oldies as "Mr. Sandman". After being completely ignored, the girls finally
break into one of their own tunes and immediately win the crowd over. Unfortunately,
the record executive alumnus that Alex has been courting turns out to be in sporting
goods. Before Alex can make any more big plans for "his girls", the band decides
to strike out on its own again.
(Guest Stars: Marc Price as Skippy Handleman, Christina Applegate as Kitten,
Rainbow Phoenix as Ashley Berkhart, Yael Nucci as Brooke Bowman, Steve Heineman
as Ron and Margaret Nagle as Jill)
Writers: Marc Lawrence & Susan Borowitz
Director: Andrew McCullough
Note: Tina Yothers does sing herself in this episode.
Important Note: On the closing credits to this episode, Yael Nucci's character is
typed as "Ruth" and Rainbow Phoenix's character as "Linda". However, they are called,
in the episode, Ashley and Brooke, so the names above should be the correct ones.
They are only called by name once during the episode, by Alex during a rehearse for
the band, but they are called by the names above then. The reason for this error on
the end titles is currently unknown to me. The names are listed correctly in
Paramount's official synopses and press kits, however.
119 My Name is Alex (Part 1) (Originally Aired 03/12/1987)
120 My Name is Alex (Part 2) (Originally Aired 03/12/1987)
When Alex's friend Greg dies in a car accident, Alex is thrown into a state of shock
and begins to seriously question the meaning and purpose of his own life. Having
been asked to accompany his friend on the fatal trip and refusing because it wasn't
convenient, he is overcome by guilt. He tries to fathom why he was spared in the
face of such selfishness, and begins to have encounters with Greg's ghost. His family
urges him to get help.
Alex seeks the counsel of a monk, Father Timothy, about changing his life, but
ultimately decides against joining the order because of the chastity vow, Still
hallucinating and tortured, Alex agrees to see a psychiatrist. In trying to come
to terms with Greg's death, he talks about his life-long love of money and
experiences flashbacks which reveal periods of his "selfish" past.
During these flashbacks, Alex asks the various members of his family how they feel
about their lives and about death, and comes to a new appreciation of them as
individuals. Though he can relate to their beliefs, he feels that such questions
are much tougher for a "special" person like himself. When Alex is finally asked
if he believes in God, however, he realizes that he does. With this breakthru,
he is able to accept himself, deal with Greg's death and preserve his friend's
memory by resolving to become the best Alex Keaton he can be.
(Guest Stars: Marc Price as Skippy Handleman, Scott Valentine as Nick Moore,
Brian McNamara as Greg, Richard McGonagle as Brother Timothy, David Wohl as
the voice of the psychiatrist and Meg Wyllie as Mrs. Leahy)
Writers: Alan Uger & Gary David Goldberg
Director: Will MacKenzie
Note: Parts 1 and 2 was originally aired as one long episode, slightly over
50 minutes.
121 Love Me Do (Originally Aired 04/30/1987)
When Skippy falls head-over-heels in love with Mallory's new college friend,
Amy Sussman, he's both startled and overjoyed to find himself in his first
real romantic relationship.
Just as Steven finishes an informal pep talk with the kids, unraveling his
fool-proof plan to throw Elyse a surprise birthday party, Amy arrives to pick
Mallory up for a study session. Skippy happens to drop by and is immediately
taken with Mallory's shy and pretty friend. He's so smitten, in fact, he's
rendered completely helpless, and Mallory ends up arranging their first date.
Amy is delighted and their relationship blossoms, though not without some
embarrassing moments. When she finally invites Skippy back to her dorm room to
watch TV, however, he panics because of his inexperience with women, and seeks
Alex's advice. He tries to follow Alex's instructions but, unfortunately, his
attempt to create a romantic atmosphere at Amy's results in a lamp catching fire
and the arrival of the fire marshal.
Later at Elyse's party, which turns out to be fun but no surprise at all, an
embarrassed Skippy ends up closer to Amy than ever, as he realizes the overriding
importance of love and mutual respect in their young and exciting relationship.
(Guest Stars: Marc Price as Skippy Handleman, Sonia Curtis as Amy Sussman and
Lucy Butler as Christine)
Writer: Marc Lawrence
Director: Sam Weisman
122 "D" Is For Date (Originally Aired 03/20/1987)
Jennifer develops her first major crush on science lab partner Tim Higgins, the
handsome star pitcher of the school baseball team. When Tim comes over to work on
their science project, Jennifer is thrilled, but also embarrassed by his open
admiration of her academic talents. Believing the adage that boys never like girls
who are smarter than they are, she decided the way to keep Tim interested is to
play dumb.
Much to her parents' dismay, Jennifer begins to spend most of her time with Tim,
goofing off in Mr. Feinman's class at the expense of both her grades and his.
When Steven and Elyse begin to question her actions, Jennifer reacts sharply,
protesting that she's happier than she's ever been.
It's only after she and Tim wind up with an "F" on their science project and Tim
is suspended from the baseball team, that Jennifer is forced to put aside her
"cute and dopey" act and deal with Tim honestly.
Meanwhile, Nick gets a threatening letter from the IRS, demanding payment for
five years of unfiled taxes. Alex, aided by precocious Andy, rushes to Nick's rescue.
(Guest Stars: Scott Valentine as Nick Moore, Whil Wheaton as Timothy Higgins
and Ken Lerner as Mr. Feinman)
Writer: Susan Borowitz
Director: Sam Weisman
123 Keaton Vs. Keaton (Originally Aired 03/05/1987)
Brother and sister go head-to-head when Steven announces a scholarship competition
sponsored by his station, WKS. A confident Alex scoffs as the family encourages
a reluctant Mallory to enter the competition. In spite of Alex's arrogant comments,
Mallory prepares her fashion presentation for the competition and realizes that
no matter what he says, she really wants to try. Alex discovers that he may have
grossly misjudged his sister's business acumen as well as her sense of fashion. When
the winner is announced, Alex and Mallory react to the news in a way that surprises
even themselves.
Andy loses his favorite toy, Mr. Pig, causing Nick and Skippy to begin a topsy-turvy
search of the household to comfort the devastated three-year-old. After their
attempt to pass off a newly-bought imposter, Mr. Pig re-surfaces in a most unusual
spot.
(Guest Stars: Marc Price as Skippy Handleman, Scott Valentine as Nick Moore,
Ben Piazza as Mr. Wertz and Anne Bellamy as Boardwoman)
Writer: Stephen J. Curwick
Director: Sam Weisman
124 The Visit (Originally Aired 05/07/1987)
When Elyse's sister Michele and her family arrives for their annual visit, Elyse is
overjoyed, while the rest of the Keaton clan brace themselves for a long hard week
of togetherness.
With the exception of Elyse, who loves spending time with her sister, each of the
Keatons is hard pressed to be gracious about the situation. Steven is constantly
being needled by Michele's husband Marv; Michele's daughter Monica becomes the
resident prophet of doom and gloom; and Monica's brother Marv Jr. begins
appropriating Alex's clothes.
Oblivious to the Keatons' hospitality, insomniac Marv serenades the household
with bagpipe tunes late at night, accepts collect calls from his business
associates on the Keatons' phone, and generally drives everyone crazy. It is
only after he demolishes the back end of the Keatons' car, however, that the
usually tolerant Steven jumps up to defend hearth and home.
(Guest Stars: Karen Landry as Michele, Stuart Pankin as Marv, Jeffrey B. Cohen
as Marv Jr, Dana Andersen as Monica and Porthos as their dog Bingo)
Writers: Alan Uger & Marc Lawrence
Director: Sam Weisman
Sixth Season 1987-88
125 Dear Mallory (Originally Aired 09/20/1987)
Mallory is thrilled to follow in "Dear Abby's" footsteps when she's tapped to write
the personal advice column in the Columbus Shopper's Guide. She manages to involve
the entire family - even Alex - in reading and answering the growing stack of mail,
while searching for the perfect letter to launch her career in psycho-journalism.
Mallory finally settles on a note from a lovesick teen who signs her correspondence
"First Love".
When Mallory's first column is published, Steven and Elyse are dismayed to discover
that she's printed the family's phone number and address in her article. Explaining
that she has to be warm and accessible to her readers, she becomes personally
involved in "First Love's" relationship, while answering hundreds of letters and
phone calls. Despite her exhaustion, she remains exhilarated by the idea that she's
helping so many people, and plans an open house for many of those to whom she has
given advice.
When her "fans" begin arriving, Mallory learns that for every good piece of advice
she's given, another has proved disastrous, and she is forced to face the
consequences!
(Guest Stars: Marc Price as Skippy Handleman, Scott Valentine as Nick Moore,
Jane Adams as "First Love" (Andrea), Raymond Singer as Buffaloed Bill, Katherine
James as Connie, Annie O'Donnell as Blue Mama (Charlotte) and Frank Landfield
as Bad Table Manners Bob)
Writer: Alan Uger
Director: Will McKenzie
126 Last of the Red Hot Psychologists, Part 1 (Originally Aired 09/13/1987)
127 Last of the Red Hot Psychologists, Part 2 (Originally Aired 09/13/1987)
As the Keaton household gets ready for the first day of the new school
year, Alex reminds Jennifer of how incredibly successful he was at the high
school she's about to enter, and preps Andrew on the most efficient kindergarten
take-over tactics, before leaving for the Leland campus to participate in a
psychology research project on overachievers.
Having responded to an ad soliciting paid subjects, Alex shows up for his
first interview and is greeted by the author of the study, pretty senior
Psychology major, Lauren Miller. They clash almost immediately over Alex's
monetary demands and Lauren's increasingly heated allusions to the
emotionally-bankrupt, materialistic attitudes of overachievers like him.
At dinner that evening, Alex is preoccupied with Lauren and their tense
confrontation. He finally confides in his family, observing that no one has
annoyed him that much since his former girlfriend, Ellen. While the rest of the
family members exchange meaningful glances, Alexn insists that he is too busy to
fall in love again, especially with someone like Lauren.
At Alex and Lauren's next appointment, apologies are exchanged and before long,
the two students are really warming up to each other. But when the conversation
turns to dating habits, Lauren is quick to side-step the issue in an effort to
keep their relationship strictly professional.
(This is the first episode with Lauren Miller, played by Courteney Cox)
(Guest Stars: Courteney Cox as Lauren Miller, Fess Reynolds as Reggie and
Masakio as the monkey Chester)
Writer: Marc Lawrence
Director: Sam Weisman
Note: Episode 126/127 was originally screened as one 50-minute episode.
128 The Way We Were (Originally Aired 11/08/1987)
The Keatons are surprised, but delighted, when Elyse's Aunt Rosemary shows up for a
visit. Although Rosemary claims to have sent a letter and spoken with Mallory about
her arrival, the mix-up is quickly forgotten as the family warmly welcomes their
loving and favorite aunt.
Rosemary charms the Keatons with her wit, humor and wonderful family stories. But
soon, she begins to act strangely to simple questions, and Elyse starts to worry
when Rosemary begins repeating things that have just been discussed. Finally,
Rosemary admits that she has been having trouble with her memory and has no idea
how she even got to the Keaton home.
A trip to the doctor confirms beyond any doubt that Rosemary has Alzheimer's
disease, which will get progressively worse and ultimately, render her helpless.
Stunned by this tragic news, Rosemary nevertheless refuses to despair, determined
to make the most of the time she has left. Both she and the Keatons rise to the
challenge courageously, as she passes the family scrapbook on to Elyse, who will
become the new keeper of stories and memories.
(Guest Stars: Scott Valentine as Nick Moore, Barbara Barrie as Aunt Rosemary and
Matthew Faison as Dr. Skip Williamson)
Writer: Gary David Goldberg
Director: Will MacKenzie
129 Dream Date (Originally Aired 10/04/1987)
Jennifer is appalled when nerdy sophomore Simon Wickerson falls head over heels
in love with her. Although Jennifer rejects his advances, Simon is undaunted. He
follows her home and tries to shower her with expensive gifts, but Jennifer only
has eyes for Roger, a sophomore "hunk" who doesn't even know she's alive.
Simon pleads with Jennifer to attend the sophomore dance with him and at first,
she refuses. She finally relents, however, when she realizes that Simon is her
only chance to attend the dance, thereby giving her the opportunity to run into
Roger. Although she is reluctant to use Simon - no less be seen with him - Alex
reassures her that manipulation is the way of the world.
Despite Elyse's warnings that she's doing the wrong thing, Jennifer has made up
her mind. At the dance, she scans the room for Roger and Ignores Simon, who is
deliriously happy to be with her. When she finally approaches her idol, he is
rude and insensitive and obviously has no desire to get to know her. Then, after
Roger's date insults Jennifer and Simon stands up for her, Jennifer painfully
realizes that she's just receiving the same cruel treatment she's been dishing
out to Simon.
(Guest Stars: Jason Naylor as Simon Wickerson, Tony Crane as Roger,
Lilly Moon as Nancy, Brad Kesten as Brad and Sarah Jo Martin as Roger's girlfriend)
Writer: Katie Ford
Director: Andrew McCullough
130 The Other Woman (Originally Aired 09/27/1987)
While Nick entertains the Keatons with a demonstration of the "salesmanship" he's
using in his new job selling lightbulbs over the phone, an impatient Andrew waits
for Alex to come home so they can watch a special edition of "Wall Street Week"
together.
When Alex finally arrives, Andy is depressed to see that he has brought his new
love, Lauren Miller. To make matters worse, Alex forgoes watching "Wall Street Week"
in favor of spending time with Lauren, which only adds to Andy's frustration.
As the evening wears on, Andy is the only Keaton who isn't enjoying Lauren's company.
She amuses the family with an analysis of Steven and Mallory's dreams, while Andy
vies unsuccessfully for Alex's attention.
Andy suffers the final insult when the weekend arrives and Alex, having completely
forgotten his promise to take Andy to the coin show, goes off with Lauren to a
touch football game.
Angry and rejected, Andy retreats to his room, convinced that Alex doesn't love him
anymore. When Alex shows up feeling guilty about breaking his word and Andy's heart,
he tries to make it up to his little brother by taking him, along with Lauren, to
Playland. However, when the outing proves to be a disaster, Alex realizes that it
will take much more than fun and games to restore Andy's trust.
(Guest Stars: Courteney Cox as Lauren Miller and Scott Valentine as Nick Moore)
Writer: Susan Borowitz
Director: Asaad Kelada
131 Walking On Air (Originally Aired 10/25/1987)
When Steven arrives home with news of a job opening at his station - an internship
position he feels would be perfect for Mallory - he finds his family deeply
engrossed in a contest to locate the missing "Colonel Crackle" from clues found in
Crackle cereal boxes. An excited Alex happily spearheads the search, which offers
the winner a 5,000 dollar prize.
Steven is equally enthused about the idea of having Mallory come to work at WKS.
Although Mallory tries to squirm out of giving him an immediate answer, Steven
dismisses her objections and pressures her into accepting his offer.
(Guest Stars: Scott Valentine as Nick Moore, John Hancock as Gus and John Hostetter
as the Anchorman)
Writer: Katie Ford
Director: Andrew McCullough
132 Super Mom (Originally Aired 10/18/1987)
As Elyse wraps up a major project for her firm, she realizes that her busy
architectural career is causing her to neglect her family - especially Andy.
Although Elyse feels terrible about not devoting more time with Steven and the
kids, she doesn't want to give up her rewarding position at the firm.
Just when she expects a breather, Elyse's boss dumps a prestigious project into
her lap. Inspired by the challenge, she accepts the enormous job, despite initial
misgivings. Later that afternoon, when a teacher calls to tell Elyse that no one
has come to pick Andy up from school, "Super Mom" begins to feel like a failure,
unable to juggle her private and professional demands.
Though Steven remains supportive and understanding, the kids exert pressure on
Elyse to quit and she is ridden with guilt. The next time Steven picks up Andy
from school, he drops him off at Elyse's office to spend the afternoon. But a
tired and cranky Andy ends up asking Elyse's boss to fire her so she can be at home.
Discussing the incident with her family that night, Elyse recalls the advice of
her own devoted mother, who urged her to "have it all." In the end, she and
Steven agree to "hang in there," as they attempt to keep "having it all" from
including a nervous breakdown!
(Guest Stars: Courteney Cox as Lauren Miller, Jay Thomas as Jerry, Suzie Pladson
as Doris, Sandy Ward as Carl Norback and Max Segar as Mr. Carlisle)
Writer: Alan Uger
Director: Matthew Diamond
133 Invasion Of The Psychologist Snatchers (Originally Aired 11/01/1987)
Alex and Lauren face the first real test of their budding romance when
one of Lauren's former loves comes for a visit and Alex finds himself
feeling uncharacteristically insecure.
While turning a "foolproof" meal of frozen TV dinners into a complete disaster,
Lauren gets a call from her handsome and brilliant ex-boyfriend, Eric Matthews,
who announces that he's flying in from New York and wants to take her to dinner.
Careful to avoid any possible misunderstanding, Lauren consults with Alex before
accepting Eric's invitation, and is reassured that Alex doesn't mind at all.
When the big evening arrives and Alex meets Eric at Lauren's apartment, he is
overwhelmed by Eric's credentials. He discovers that Eric, a former Economics
major himself, excelled at school and received all the same awards and
scholarships as Alex. Worse yet, Eric has already established himself in one of
the most exclusive investment firms on Wall Street and is the proud owner of
a black Porsche.
As the night wears on, Alex becomes increasingly insecure about his
relationship with Lauren and looks to the family for support. At 2:OOAM, having
not heard from Lauren, Alex decides to go to her apartment. Discovering Eric in
what appears to be a compromising situation, Alex must soon confront the real
issue: his lack of trust in Lauren.
(Guest Stars: Courteney Cox as Lauren Miller and Campbell Scott as Eric Matthews)
Writer: Marc Lawrence
Director: Matthew Diamond
134 Mister Sister (Originally Aired 11/15/1987)
Fearing the long-term effects of Andy's liberal upbringing with Its lack of
strong gender identification, Alex tries to push his little brother into learning
to play basketball, only to end up in some heated games of one-on-one with Steven.
Meanwhile, In an effort to supplement his income from teaching at the "Y", Nick
naively applies for the job of Dean of Admissions of Grant College. When he's
rejected, he lets Mallory persuade him to take the job as janitor of her sorority
house.
Enthusiastic at first, Mallory proudly introduces Nick to her "sisters", who
warm up to him immediately. When he offers housemates Cindy and Karen creative
suggestions on decorations for the sorority's Winter Dance, he finds himself
becoming the unofficial sorority mascot.
When Nick is made an honorary sorority member, he really becomes "gung ho,"
quoting Mallory the sorority handbook chapter and verse, and criticizing her lack
of sorority pride. Finally, on the night of the Winter Dance, after Nick is
crowned Winter Dance Snow Queen, a disillusioned and embarrassed Mallory forces
her man to re-examine his need for attention.
(Guest Stars: Scott Valentine as Nick Moore, Tracy Camilla Johns as Dana,
Laura Leigh Hughes as Cindy and Kim Gillingham as Karen)
Writer: Susan Borowitz
Director: Kent Bateman
135 Citizen Keaton (Originally Aired 11/22/1987)
When Mallory decides to run for student body president of Grant College, her family
is surprised at her uncharacteristic interest in politics. She explains that
"it just sounded like a good idea", and introduces Skippy as the manager of
this rather unfocused campaign. Still her most ardent admirer, Skippy encourages
the whole family to work on Mallory's behalf.
Alex, who considers Mallory the ideal candidate ("attractive and generally
non-offensive") begins to take over the entire campaign. He makes up buttons and
posters that include his picture with Mallory's and starts advising her about
the kind of campaign promises she should make to get herself elected.
As voting time nears, Mallory becomes exhausted by the heavy schedule that Alex
has set for her, and is also somewhat nervous about the promises she's made,
which have escalated from new drapes and a diet soda machine to Alex's suggestion
of free trips to Hawaii. Finally, despite the concerted efforts of the whole
family, Mallory loses the election. Alone with her brother after the final
results are tallied, Mallory is able to come to a new appreciation of her
imperfect, but loving relationship with Alex.
(Guest Stars: Marc Price a