Ep 10. Have Gun, Will Unravel

In the tenth episode of Family Ties season 1, titled "Have Gun, Will Unravel," the Keaton family faces a decision regarding the ownership of a rare antique gun that Elyse's father left behind when he passed away. Elyse's mother wants the gun, but her sister, who is in dire financial straits, believes that selling it would help her out of her troubles. Elyse finds herself torn between her mother and her sister, and in trying to broker a deal that would make everyone happy, she gets caught up in a web of lies and half-truths.

Meanwhile, Alex is determined to prove that he is the equal of his wealthy friend Doug in all things, including shooting. He convinces Doug to let him borrow his beloved shotgun and takes it to the park for a little target practice. When a police officer mistakes him for a burglar and tries to arrest him, Alex's attempts to prove his innocence only land him in deeper trouble.

Mallory, still reeling from her recent breakup, decides to take up kickboxing in an effort to boost her confidence. She enlists the help of her family, who all take turns holding a punching bag for her to work on. However, when Nick becomes too enthusiastic and accidentally hits her in the face, Mallory begins to question whether the sport is really for her.

As tension builds between the Keatons over the ownership of the gun, Alex finds himself in a dangerous situation when he takes the weapon into his own hands. Through a series of mishaps and miscommunications, the family is forced to confront their own biases and preconceptions about guns, family, and money. In the end, they must decide what is truly important to them and whether they are willing to sacrifice their values for the sake of a material object.

"Have Gun, Will Unravel" is a thought-provoking episode that tackles issues of family loyalty, financial hardship, and the place of guns in society. Through its deft handling of these complex topics, the show demonstrates its ability to be both entertaining and insightful. Fans of the show will appreciate the strong character development and humorous moments that are woven throughout the episode.