Ep 2. The Real Thing (2)

The Real Thing (2) is the second episode of the fourth season of the iconic American sitcom, Family Ties. The show follows the Keaton family, headed by liberal parents Steven (Michael Gross) and Elyse (Meredith Baxter), as they navigate life in the early 1980s with their three children, Alex (Michael J. Fox), Mallory (Justine Bateman), and Jennifer (Tina Yothers).

In this episode, Alex is trying to impress his new girlfriend, Ellen Reed (Tracy Pollan), who is a pre-law student at Leland College. Alex believes that Ellen is the "real thing," the perfect woman for him, but he becomes increasingly anxious as her visit to the Keaton home approaches. He enlists Mallory's help to clean the house and prepare a gourmet meal, but chaos ensues when they accidentally break Steven's cherished lamp and set the kitchen on fire.

Meanwhile, Elyse is trying to convince her sister, Minna (Cicely Tyson), to move to Columbus. Minna is a successful businesswoman who is accustomed to living in a big city, and she is hesitant to uproot her life. Elyse enlists Steven's help to win over Minna, but their efforts are thwarted when Alex and Mallory's disasters distract them.

Throughout the episode, Alex becomes increasingly nervous about Ellen's visit, worried that she won't see him as the intelligent, sophisticated man he wants to be. He comes to realize that he's been trying too hard to be someone he's not, and that Ellen likes him for who he is. They have a heart-to-heart conversation where Alex reveals his insecurities, and Ellen reassures him that she cares for him and believes in him.

The Real Thing (2) is a classic Family Ties episode that showcases both the humor and heart of the show. It deals with themes of self-esteem, authenticity, and family relationships, while also providing plenty of laughs along the way. Fans of the show will appreciate the familiar dynamics of the Keaton family and the witty banter between the characters. Overall, this episode is a reminder of why Family Ties was such a beloved show during its time on the air.