Family Ties - The Complete First Season (1982)

Meet the Keaton's

Because of a "Coach" draught (I'm amazed at how slowly these old shows are released) I wanted to watch another friendly sitcom and I fondly remembered "Family Ties" from way back when. It doesn't hurt that I'm a big fan of Michael J. Fox either.

"Family Ties" is a nice little family sitcom which I doubt seriously would offend anyone. All the family members are likable in their own way and deal with their fair share of shortcomings. What I like most about it though is their political overtone. Elyse and Steven Keaton (Meredith Baxter-Birney and Michael Gross) are old hippies who seem to have raised a die-hard Republican in Alex P. Keaton (Fox). Alex's ideals continually clash with his parents's and those moments provide some great entertainment. Although the tone is pretty lefty it is not judgemental and the clashes always end well (usually with Alex seeing the errors of his ways).

The first season of "Family Ties" isn't laugh out loud funny it must be said. The first three episodes in particular are not at all interesting or very funny but things pick up immediately in the fourth episode which deals nearly exclusively with Alex. The kids gradually took center stage but originally the parents were to be the real main characters.

"Family Ties" ran for seven seasons and when shows run that long it's usually thanks in large parts to great chemistry between the cast members. It's easy to see why Fox became a hot property. He's such a natural comic performer and overall good actor and he easily carries the lesser episodes in the series. Justine Bateman grows on you as Mallory and Meredith Baxter is sincere and likable as Elyse. But here on the first season Michael Gross is easily the weakest link. His one-liners look like they're read off of cue cards and his comic talents seem to be mostly non-existent. He fares better when he's called upon to be serious (like in the episode dealing with his father and when Mallory's uncle behaves inappropriately), that's where he looks pretty solid.

Overall "Family Ties" is a sporadically funny but (nearly) always enjoyable sitcom. The irresistably appealing Fox carries the shows in it's duller moments but mostly it's great fun watching the goings on at the Keaton household. Nearly every reviewer here says the seasons got better and I'm taking them at their word as Season 2 is on it's way. August 27, 2008

Typo

The official Amazon review lists ABC as the network that carried Family Ties. I don't think NBC will be particularly pleased to hear this! :) July 27, 2008

a great show-bought to show my kids!!

We dont live in America so I got this to improve their English! Its a classic show!!! June 1, 2008

A childhood favorite.

Family Ties - The Complete First Season brings back fond memories for me, I remember watching this show when I was a little kid. My favorite character was always Alex P. Keaton played brilliantly by Michael J. Fox. This show was pretty groundbreaking for its time, the first season was fresh and honest. My favorite episodes include: Summer of '82, Give Uncle Arthur a Kiss, Death of a Grocer, The Fifth Wheel, and Stage Fright. I highly recommend purchasing this timeless show today, enjoy! May 25, 2008

Family Ties Season One

This is a great item to own if you are a Family Ties fan or just love 80s television in general. The only let down is that there are no special DVD features in this edition, but it is still the same great show with all your favorite characters. March 27, 2008

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