In TV Land, a baby's arrival in a sitcom family is traditionally a ratings ploy to prop up a sagging series. This was not the case with Family Ties, an era-defining sitcom that launched the career of breakout star Michael J. Fox. Rather, costar Meredith Baxter Birney's real-life pregnancy no doubt forced the issue, with baby Andrew arriving late in the season in a typically chaotic two-parter, in which mom Elyse goes into labor at dad Steven's (Michael Gross) public television studio during Pledge Week. Indeed, Family Ties handles its growing pains with its usual blend of humor and heart. Fox is given several opportunities to shine: in “Little Man on Campus,” college freshman Alex's confidence is shattered when he receives his first “F”; in “Hot Line Fever,” he volunteers at a crisis hotline and must deal with a suicidal caller; and in “Best Man,” he initially selfishly refuses to attend the wedding of his best friend (Timothy Busfield). Gross has perhaps his finest hour in the two-parter “Remembrance of Things Past,” in which he must contend with the death of his father and a reunion with his estranged older brother. Justine Bateman is allowed to flesh out dim Mallory with an emotional episode in which she is grief-stricken over the death of her beloved aunt. But it's not all deaths and suicide watches. In the farcical episode “4 RMS OCN VU,” the kids turn their home into a hotel while their parents are away paying for damage Mallory did to the family car, and in “Help Wanted,” Alex hires a beautiful and charming but incompetent housekeeper (future Oscar-winner Geena Davis). Family Ties is an old school ‘80s sitcom that holds up well, thanks to the immensely likable ensemble. In one episode, Alex is asked in an interview if he knows any emotionally disturbed people. “Just family,” he replies. It's a good joke, but one completely out of character: the Keatons were one of TV's most functional families, and in these 24 episodes from the 1984-85 third season, they remain good company. DVD extras include a gag reel. Recommended. (D. Liebenson)
Family Ties: The Third Season
Paramount, 4 discs, 573 min., not rated, DVD: $39.98 Volume 23, Issue 3
Family Ties: The Third Season
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