Ep 2. The Parents Are Coming, the Parents Are Coming

In Thirtysomething season 1 episode 2 titled "The Parents Are Coming, the Parents Are Coming", Michael and Elliot are forced to deal with their upcoming visit from their respective parents while trying to navigate their careers and personal lives. Michael struggles to gain the approval of his distant father, who disapproves of his son's career in advertising. Meanwhile, Elliot faces a difficult conversation with his mother about his decision to quit medical school and pursue a career as a writer.

The episode also follows the lives of the women in their lives, including Michael's wife, Hope, and Elliot's wife, Nancy. Hope is dealing with the stresses of motherhood and trying to find balance in her career. Nancy, on the other hand, struggles with her own identity and purpose as a stay-at-home mom.

As the parents arrive and tensions rise, the couples must confront their own personal issues and the challenges of their relationships. Michael and Hope argue over their parenting disagreements while Elliot and Nancy find themselves at odds over their own careers.

Overall, "The Parents Are Coming, the Parents Are Coming" explores the complexities of family dynamics and the struggles of balancing personal ambitions with parental expectations. The characters' various conflicts and conversations offer a realistic representation of the challenges faced by many thirtysomethings, both then and now.