Ep 7. Big Brother is Watching

In this episode of Family Ties, titled "Big Brother is Watching," the Keaton family is thrown into chaos when eldest son Alex (Michael J. Fox) takes on a new job as a grocery store assistant manager, gaining a newfound sense of power and authority. Alex's new position and his eagerness to throw his weight around at work quickly cause tension within the family.

Meanwhile, Alex's younger brother, Andy (Brian Bonsall), is struggling to find his place in the world. Feeling overshadowed by his successful and ambitious older siblings, Andy becomes enamored with the idea of joining a strict military academy. His parents, Steven (Michael Gross) and Elyse (Meredith Baxter), are hesitant to let him go, but Andy is determined to prove himself and find his own path in life.

As tensions rise between the Keaton siblings, the family is faced with a new challenge when a neighborhood watch group forms to combat rising crime rates in the area. Alex begins to see himself as the leader of the group, adamantly enforcing their strict rules and regulations on everyone around him. But when his girlfriend, Ellen (Tracy Pollan), becomes the victim of the group's overzealous tactics, Alex is forced to confront his own arrogance and the consequences of his actions.

Throughout the episode, the Keatons explore themes of power, responsibility, and the challenges of growing up. Alex must come to terms with the fact that his actions have real-world consequences, and that true leadership is about more than just wielding authority. Meanwhile, Steven and Elyse struggle to balance their desire to protect Andy with their need to let him find his own way in life.

Ultimately, "Big Brother is Watching" is a heartwarming and thought-provoking episode that showcases the wit, humor, and heartfelt family moments that made Family Ties a beloved sitcom classic.