Family Ties

When pretty Carrie Newman and her mother Julia come to visit the Keatons, Carrie's forward behavior sends Alex into a panic.

Mallory's boyfriend Jeff arrives home from college and wants to go steady.

Alex anxiously awaits a crucial college recommendation from his English teacher.

Mallory secretly submits a picture of Elyse and herself to an ad agency for a mother-daughter modeling contest.

Steven's assistant at the station, Stacey Hughes, is bright, talented, funny, witty. She is also in love with him. It looks like Steven may be returning her affections.

Alex takes diet pills for a lift during midterms.

While working as a DJ at the school radio station, Alex strikes up a telephone friendship with caller Lorraine Ferrar.

Alex is the new coach of Jennifer's softball team. When Jennifer fails to jog all the way home he orders her to do twenty extra pushups. Steven and Elyse worry that he is pushing the girls too hard.

A cynical Alex finds the spirit of Christmas in a dream when he's shown shocking visions of the past and future by ghosts of Mallory and Jennifer.

Steven and Elyse realize how lucky they are when their friends come over for a visit. They have no idea that it will be for the last time.

On his 18th birthday, Alex defies his mother and goes off with some of his buddies to celebrate at an out-of-town nightclub. To his dismay, Elyse shows up and confronts him.

Alex is both amazed and furious when a critical admissions interview at Princeton University is shattered by his hysterical sister Ma llory.

Elyse is upset by her soon-to-be-divorced mother's quick and free-spirited plunge into the singles world. Sparks begin to fly between the two women when Elyse can't help but interfere.

Uncle Ned is visiting after losing yet another job. Alex discovers that his idol has a serious drinking problem.

Alex pretends to support the Equal Rights Amendment to impress a pretty feminist. He winds up behind bars after championing the cause at a debate that turns into a riot.

Mallory turns to Alex for some advice when she begins to fear she'll lose her new boyfriend unless she agrees to his pleas for a more "adult" romance.

Alex courts disaster when he invites two dates to the senior prom. He devises an elaborate scheme for escorting each of the unknowing girls on a night to remember.

Elyse is excited at the prospect of reviving her folk-singing career at a local nightclub.

When Alex's pal Skippy discovers he's adopted, Alex helps him cope with the shocking news. Alex accompanies the nervous teenager on a memorable meeting with his real mother.

Alex is so sure that he will be named valedictorian of his class that he can't cope with the thought of being defeated by a girl...especially his girl. His budding romance with Rachel is threatened when she wins the honor.

In the hospital awaiting a tonsillectomy, Jennifer fears she may never see her family again. While writing in her diary, she flashes back to regrettable incidents with each family member.

Elyse feels the need to expand her horizons.