Ep 1. Pilot

Family Ties season 1 episode 1, titled "Pilot", is an introduction to the Keaton family living in Columbus, Ohio in the early 1980s. The episode centers around the relationship between the liberal parents, Steven and Elyse Keaton, and their conservative teenage son, Alex.

Steven and Elyse are former hippies who now work as architects while raising their three children: 17-year-old Alex, 15-year-old Mallory, and 11-year-old Jennifer. The family dynamic is established early on as Steven and Elyse struggle to connect with their son Alex who is more concerned with politics and making money than with the social issues his parents value.

As the family prepares for dinner, Elyse is excited to announce that she is pregnant with their fourth child while Steven is nervous about the financial burden. The tension between Steven and Elyse regarding their future is highlighted when Alex is dismissive of his mother’s announcement. He compares it to a “baby boom” and says that it is frivolous.

Throughout the episode, Alex showcases his conservative beliefs and intellectual prowess, often engaging in debates with his family members. He reveals that he is a big fan of the conservative economist Milton Friedman and even has a framed portrait of him in his room.

Meanwhile, Mallory and Jennifer struggle with their own adolescent problems. Mallory is obsessed with her appearance and is constantly applying makeup while Jennifer is more interested in her pet frog than in school.

As the episode progresses, the family faces a crisis when Steven loses his job. This event prompts Alex to take action as he pitches in to help his father find a new job and criticizes his mother's perceived frivolousness. Despite their ideological differences, the Keaton family comes together to support each other in their time of need.

The pilot episode of Family Ties sets the stage for the show's overarching theme of generational clashes. It touches upon the shifting social and political climate of the 1980s and how it affected families across America. The Keaton family represents a microcosm of American society at that time, with each member embodying different belief systems and struggles.

The show's characters are well-developed, with the likable and relatable Steven and Elyse providing a steady foundation for the family, while Alex's intellect and conservative values make him a complex and intriguing character. Mallory and Jennifer's struggles with adolescence add depth to the show and serve to humanize the Keatons.

Overall, the pilot episode of Family Ties manages to strike a balance between humor and drama while also setting up the show's central conflicts. It provides a glimpse into the lives of the Keaton family, while also touching upon the broader issues facing American families in the 1980s. The episode ends with a sense of hope for the family's future and leaves viewers wanting to see more of their journey.