I just discovered a remedy to all that ails me during this very challenging, bizarre, and rather dumb period in history we are living through. I want to share it: Seasons 1-7 of a tv show from the 80s called Family Ties.
If you want family values that aren’t corny or unrealistic, you will find them here. But this isn’t why it’s THE remedy (although it is a lovely bonus). Family Ties is the funniest television show I have ever seen. Still. I love Parks and Rec, the original U.K. version of The Office, 30 Rock, even Friends (although the premise and their overly coifed hair and wardrobe were a bit irritating). Nothing for me, though, ever lives up to Family Ties.
Buy the entire series. Preferably on DVD, off eBay, so you won’t have to finance Apple or Amazon, but even if you must, as I did, just DO it. Watch it everytime you feel down, or frustrated, or hopeless, or scared.
Michael J. Fox played Alex P. Keaton, the greatest tv character of all time. You will notice throughout the series that every article of his clothing, eventually, will be monogrammed with his initials “APK”—even his sleeping bag. He is a die-hard conservative, with photos of Nixon and Reagan prominently displayed in his bedroom. Alex dresses every day in a combination of sweater vests, preppy blazers, button-down-collar oxfords, occasionally a three piece suit, with loafers, and always wearing a tie, just cuz. Alex is the son of two hippy boomers. He has 2 sisters, Mallory and Jennifer. They have a neighbor named Skippy, who is second only to Alex’s father, Steven Keaton, as the greatest supporting character in television history, with Alex’s sister, Mallory Keaton, and her boyfriend Nick closely behind.
Most important is the writing on this show, courtesy of Gary David Goldberg, who sadly passed away in his late 60s due to brain cancer. He and his staff of writers were absolute masters of character development. The characters are so beautifully developed, so honored by the writers throughout the entirety of the series, that this show is truly the gold standard for character development, for any writer, comedy or otherwise. The writers, without fail, adhered to each character’s specific personality throughout the series, in every single detail imaginable. The writers loved these characters. They were loyal to these characters. They must have fought for these details with production and the network, but clearly always got their way.
Anyway, you may want to start with season 3 and at some point go back to season 1 and 2 when you become curious as to how this all started. The third season of most tv shows tends to be the peak. The entire series of Family Ties is a peak experience, however. My personal favorites are seasons are 3 & 4.
P.S. Mallory Keaton is played by actress Justine Bateman, older sister of actor Jason Bateman. I like her better.
I love Family Ties!!!
I love family ties!! Best show ever.