Ep 7. My Tutor

In this episode of Family Ties, titled "My Tutor," we see Alex struggling in his pre-law classes and in danger of losing his scholarship. Elyse suggests that he hire a tutor, and Alex reluctantly agrees. Meanwhile, Mallory becomes enamored with Alex's tutor, a handsome and charming young man named Jeff.

As Alex and Jeff begin working together, tensions rise between them. Alex is used to being the top student and resents having to ask for help. Jeff, on the other hand, seems to be intentionally pushing Alex's buttons, enjoying the challenge of breaking down his defenses. Elyse is caught in the middle, trying to mediate their conflicts and keep Alex focused on his studies.

Meanwhile, Mallory is spending more and more time with Jeff, much to the chagrin of her long-distance boyfriend Nick. When Nick comes to visit, Mallory has to make a difficult choice between the familiar security of her old relationship and the excitement of her new crush.

As the episode progresses, we see Alex and Jeff begin to develop a grudging respect for each other. Jeff begins to understand why Alex is so driven to succeed, and Alex learns to appreciate Jeff's unconventional approach to learning. Mallory makes her decision between Nick and Jeff, but not before some hilarious misunderstandings and mistaken identities.

Ultimately, "My Tutor" is a classic episode of Family Ties, full of humor, heart, and a little bit of romance. We see the Keaton family grappling with issues of academic pressure, relationships, and the importance of staying true to oneself. Along the way, we laugh, we learn, and we root for these lovable characters to overcome their challenges and come out stronger on the other side.