Family Ties
Season 1
Episode 1
"Pilot"
Original Airdate: 9/22/1982
Original Airdate: 9/22/1982
Synopsis: The series opens as the family watches a slide show of Steven and Elyse's time protesting the Vietnam War in the 1960's as the kids Alex, Mallory, and Jennifer groan, moan, and mock them.
After the opening credits, we are taken into the Keaton kitchen where the family is eating breakfast and getting ready for the day. After Steve and Elyse greet each other and discuss her architecture plans, Steve showers her with compliments about looking younger, and "Paws" her in affection, which Mallory walks in on and promptly dismisses as disgusting. A few minutes later we are introduced to Alex P. Keaton, a young man described as "middle-aged" looking by Steven. Lastly comes Jennifer, looking to learn the capital of Iowa. Jennifer receives a series of phone calls leading to an argument with Alex over phone usage as he is expecting an important phone call. When inquired as to who is calling, Mallory jumps in and announces that it is Kimberly Branson, an upper-class girl who is Alex's age, and whom he has a crush on. As Alex goes back and forth between Mallory's jabs, and Jennifer's phone usage, Kimberly finally calls, and Alex invites her over for dinner and studying for class the next day.
Next we are taken back into the living room as Alex prepares the family for Kimberly's arrival. He changes everything from the music, to their clothing, hair style and even their posture. Upon arriving, we get our first glance at Kimberly as Alex apologizes for answering the door due to their "butler" having the night off as the family stares at him bewildered.
Heading into the dining room, we see the Keaton family having dinner with Kimberly. All is quiet until Elyse strikes up a conversation asking what she is studying in school. After an inconclusive answer, a deflating conversation about her trip in Southern France, and a humorous exchange about what career path she wants to follow, the dinner ends with Alex impressed, and the rest of the family less so.
The next day, Elyse is in the dining room telephone, working with Mr. Emerson on their housing project. Alex enters and asks if anyone know the rules for Polo which Kimberly has invited him out to join. Steven and Elyse are not as familiar with the sport much to Alex's displeasure as he walks away. The parents make plans to spend a romantic evening together when Mallory walks in and scolds her parents for being mushy again. Alex comes down the stairs and as he prepares to leave for the day lets them know he will be going to an exclusive upper class country club in the city. As his parents ask him to consider where he is going, and their snobbish attitude to different people and cultures, Alex dismisses it as he is just going to a party.
We are then shown later in the evening, Steven sits in a darkened living room attempting to call the country club and encourage Alex to leave for his own good. His attempts to get through are thwarted as he is placed on hold due to not being a member. Elyse enters and turns the lights on, leading him into a panic, and a pretend conversation about needing car repairs. After harmless lying, he admits the truth to Elyse, that he is worried about Alex's more conservative views, and that it will pull him away from the family. Elyse assures him that everything will be alright.
We then go to the country club where Kimberly's family is eating dinner with Alex. As Mr. Branson asks him some questions, Alex fumbles through some answer while still attempting to get their his first "Upper Class" dinner. Steven attempts to sneak up to the table but is spotted and called to by Alex. As the family introduces themselves to Steven, the father asks if anything is the matter. Steven tells them how nothing is wrong, he just forgot to tell Alex something. The family insist he take a seat and join them, but Steven graciously declines. As he passively argues with the family about whether or not to sit down and spend some time with them, he pulls Alex aside, and angrily tells him how much he disagrees with the club and Alex being there. As he does this, he is served Water in a dinner glass, and hors d'oeuvre being served straight to him. Alex is later pulled away by Kimberly to dancing.
Steven and the rest of the family talk about how he went a little crazy at the country club and hurt Alex's feelings. Alex comes downstairs and joins the family as Elyse and the girls dismiss themselves so Alex and Steven can talk one-on-one. Steven apologizes, and Alex has difficulty accepting it. He feels very humiliated, and not able to comprehend Steven's actions. Steven tries to reason with Alex about his actions, and draws comparisons of Alex to his father, and says how it's hard to know people care if they are cold and unemotional unlike himself. Steven recalls a time where he went to work on the Nixon Campaign because he developed a crush on a girl there, and he betrayed his own principles because he followed his heart to a different place. Steven tells him that he only does these things because he loves and cares for him. Alex and Steven ponder whether this will happen again before coming to an understanding that they are both very different and separate people, but love and care for each other. They shake and hug it out as the show ends.
After the opening credits, we are taken into the Keaton kitchen where the family is eating breakfast and getting ready for the day. After Steve and Elyse greet each other and discuss her architecture plans, Steve showers her with compliments about looking younger, and "Paws" her in affection, which Mallory walks in on and promptly dismisses as disgusting. A few minutes later we are introduced to Alex P. Keaton, a young man described as "middle-aged" looking by Steven. Lastly comes Jennifer, looking to learn the capital of Iowa. Jennifer receives a series of phone calls leading to an argument with Alex over phone usage as he is expecting an important phone call. When inquired as to who is calling, Mallory jumps in and announces that it is Kimberly Branson, an upper-class girl who is Alex's age, and whom he has a crush on. As Alex goes back and forth between Mallory's jabs, and Jennifer's phone usage, Kimberly finally calls, and Alex invites her over for dinner and studying for class the next day.
Next we are taken back into the living room as Alex prepares the family for Kimberly's arrival. He changes everything from the music, to their clothing, hair style and even their posture. Upon arriving, we get our first glance at Kimberly as Alex apologizes for answering the door due to their "butler" having the night off as the family stares at him bewildered.
Heading into the dining room, we see the Keaton family having dinner with Kimberly. All is quiet until Elyse strikes up a conversation asking what she is studying in school. After an inconclusive answer, a deflating conversation about her trip in Southern France, and a humorous exchange about what career path she wants to follow, the dinner ends with Alex impressed, and the rest of the family less so.
The next day, Elyse is in the dining room telephone, working with Mr. Emerson on their housing project. Alex enters and asks if anyone know the rules for Polo which Kimberly has invited him out to join. Steven and Elyse are not as familiar with the sport much to Alex's displeasure as he walks away. The parents make plans to spend a romantic evening together when Mallory walks in and scolds her parents for being mushy again. Alex comes down the stairs and as he prepares to leave for the day lets them know he will be going to an exclusive upper class country club in the city. As his parents ask him to consider where he is going, and their snobbish attitude to different people and cultures, Alex dismisses it as he is just going to a party.
We are then shown later in the evening, Steven sits in a darkened living room attempting to call the country club and encourage Alex to leave for his own good. His attempts to get through are thwarted as he is placed on hold due to not being a member. Elyse enters and turns the lights on, leading him into a panic, and a pretend conversation about needing car repairs. After harmless lying, he admits the truth to Elyse, that he is worried about Alex's more conservative views, and that it will pull him away from the family. Elyse assures him that everything will be alright.
We then go to the country club where Kimberly's family is eating dinner with Alex. As Mr. Branson asks him some questions, Alex fumbles through some answer while still attempting to get their his first "Upper Class" dinner. Steven attempts to sneak up to the table but is spotted and called to by Alex. As the family introduces themselves to Steven, the father asks if anything is the matter. Steven tells them how nothing is wrong, he just forgot to tell Alex something. The family insist he take a seat and join them, but Steven graciously declines. As he passively argues with the family about whether or not to sit down and spend some time with them, he pulls Alex aside, and angrily tells him how much he disagrees with the club and Alex being there. As he does this, he is served Water in a dinner glass, and hors d'oeuvre being served straight to him. Alex is later pulled away by Kimberly to dancing.
Steven and the rest of the family talk about how he went a little crazy at the country club and hurt Alex's feelings. Alex comes downstairs and joins the family as Elyse and the girls dismiss themselves so Alex and Steven can talk one-on-one. Steven apologizes, and Alex has difficulty accepting it. He feels very humiliated, and not able to comprehend Steven's actions. Steven tries to reason with Alex about his actions, and draws comparisons of Alex to his father, and says how it's hard to know people care if they are cold and unemotional unlike himself. Steven recalls a time where he went to work on the Nixon Campaign because he developed a crush on a girl there, and he betrayed his own principles because he followed his heart to a different place. Steven tells him that he only does these things because he loves and cares for him. Alex and Steven ponder whether this will happen again before coming to an understanding that they are both very different and separate people, but love and care for each other. They shake and hug it out as the show ends.
Character Introductions:
Steven Keaton - The liberal hippy head of the Keaton household. He works as the Manager of the local Public Broadcasting Station. A pacifist who is deeply supportive of peace and equality among all people. He has a strong disliking of anyone deemed elitist, fascist, and exclusionist.
Elyse Keaton - The liberal hippy mother of the house. She works as an architect for various clients. She is a bit stronger-willed than Steven, and more assertive with the children. She shares an equal disliking to more conservative-minded people, but also appears more reasonable when calming Steven down.
Alex P. Keaton - The young Republican son of Steven and Elyse. He is hyper-focused on success, in a deep passionate love affair with money, and always on the lookout for a new girl to impress. He has many ideas and schemes to become successful, and uses them to get his way. Deep down, he has a heart and it comes to light at different times.
Mallory Keaton - The flighty, materialistic, older daughter of Steven and Elyse. She may not be the most intellectual person in the household (much to Alex's advantage), but she is very crafty, and knowledgable on fashion and romance. She is dating (much to her parent's disliking) but knows how to hold her own when needed.
Jennifer Keaton - The youngest daughter of Steven and Elyse. She is still very young and impressionable, but shows assertiveness when prompted based on the knowledge her young mind has acquired. She has a sense of humor, and sometimes is brutally honest in times when the rest of the family is more reserved.
Alex Girlfriend #1: Kimberly Branson - (As described by Mallory) A super rich chick, with a yellow convertible who looks like a Barbie doll. As part of her the Branson family, is a member of an exclusive Country Club in Columbus where they enjoy Polo and fine dining. She wants to help people in the world by seeking employment as a cheerleader.
Mr. Emerson & Family - Unseen clients of Elyse, for whom she is laying down the plans for the home of the couple, and their 8 children.
Steven Keaton - The liberal hippy head of the Keaton household. He works as the Manager of the local Public Broadcasting Station. A pacifist who is deeply supportive of peace and equality among all people. He has a strong disliking of anyone deemed elitist, fascist, and exclusionist.
Elyse Keaton - The liberal hippy mother of the house. She works as an architect for various clients. She is a bit stronger-willed than Steven, and more assertive with the children. She shares an equal disliking to more conservative-minded people, but also appears more reasonable when calming Steven down.
Alex P. Keaton - The young Republican son of Steven and Elyse. He is hyper-focused on success, in a deep passionate love affair with money, and always on the lookout for a new girl to impress. He has many ideas and schemes to become successful, and uses them to get his way. Deep down, he has a heart and it comes to light at different times.
Mallory Keaton - The flighty, materialistic, older daughter of Steven and Elyse. She may not be the most intellectual person in the household (much to Alex's advantage), but she is very crafty, and knowledgable on fashion and romance. She is dating (much to her parent's disliking) but knows how to hold her own when needed.
Jennifer Keaton - The youngest daughter of Steven and Elyse. She is still very young and impressionable, but shows assertiveness when prompted based on the knowledge her young mind has acquired. She has a sense of humor, and sometimes is brutally honest in times when the rest of the family is more reserved.
Alex Girlfriend #1: Kimberly Branson - (As described by Mallory) A super rich chick, with a yellow convertible who looks like a Barbie doll. As part of her the Branson family, is a member of an exclusive Country Club in Columbus where they enjoy Polo and fine dining. She wants to help people in the world by seeking employment as a cheerleader.
Mr. Emerson & Family - Unseen clients of Elyse, for whom she is laying down the plans for the home of the couple, and their 8 children.
Columbus or Bust:
4 different locations:
- Keaton Living Room
- Keaton Kitchen
- Keaton Dining Room
- Carlton Country Club
4 different locations:
- Keaton Living Room
- Keaton Kitchen
- Keaton Dining Room
- Carlton Country Club
Best Jokes:
Alex: (While watching the Slide Show) "What were you protesting? Good grooming?
Jennifer: Mommy, you look so pretty...like an Indian Princess.
Elyse: That's your father dear.
Steven: There you are
Jennifer: You look almost as pretty as daddy.
Mallory: Oh God, are you two pawing at each other again?
Steven: I don't consider a legitimate display of affection pawing. Do you know what pawing is?
Mallory: Of course I know what pawing is, I am dating Richard DiFazzio aren't I?
Steven: Not Anymore
Steven: (On Alex's Study Date) I haven't seen him this excited since Reagan was elected
Steven: (When Alex says the musician sounds like he's in pain) He's supposed to be in pain, he's a folk singer.
Elyse: Well tell me Kimberly, what are you studying in school
Kimberly: Oh...You know...
(Elyse gives a confused look over the lack of response)
Alex: So...Dad...think we may sail around the world this summer?
(Stunned, Steven takes time to think of an answer to the unexpected question)
Steven: I'll be honest with you Alex...it doesn't look good.
Kimberly: If you ever go to the Riveria, you're going to have a really hard time trying to find a decent cheeseburger.
Elyse: Have you decided what you're going to be studying in college?
Kimberly: Well...yeah...see...I really want to dedicate my life into help others, and...well I really want to be a cheerleader.
Steven: Do you think maybe he was switched at birth and the Rockefeller's have our kid?
Elyse: Could be. I wasn't going to tell you, but this morning I found a copy of the Wall Street Journal under his bed.
Elyse: What your father means is that, the Carlton country club doesn't have any members who are Black, Jewish, or Hispanic, or any other group that didn't come over on the Mayflower.
Alex: I just want to go to a party mom, I don't want to change the world.
Steven: (drinking and eating while scolding Alex) Don't you understand what this place stands for? It's elitist, it's exclusionary, it's...it's...(Turns to Butler)...boy these things are really great, what are they?
Butler: Rumakis sir
Steven: Are there any without liver?
Alex: (While watching the Slide Show) "What were you protesting? Good grooming?
Jennifer: Mommy, you look so pretty...like an Indian Princess.
Elyse: That's your father dear.
Steven: There you are
Jennifer: You look almost as pretty as daddy.
Mallory: Oh God, are you two pawing at each other again?
Steven: I don't consider a legitimate display of affection pawing. Do you know what pawing is?
Mallory: Of course I know what pawing is, I am dating Richard DiFazzio aren't I?
Steven: Not Anymore
Steven: (On Alex's Study Date) I haven't seen him this excited since Reagan was elected
Steven: (When Alex says the musician sounds like he's in pain) He's supposed to be in pain, he's a folk singer.
Elyse: Well tell me Kimberly, what are you studying in school
Kimberly: Oh...You know...
(Elyse gives a confused look over the lack of response)
Alex: So...Dad...think we may sail around the world this summer?
(Stunned, Steven takes time to think of an answer to the unexpected question)
Steven: I'll be honest with you Alex...it doesn't look good.
Kimberly: If you ever go to the Riveria, you're going to have a really hard time trying to find a decent cheeseburger.
Elyse: Have you decided what you're going to be studying in college?
Kimberly: Well...yeah...see...I really want to dedicate my life into help others, and...well I really want to be a cheerleader.
Steven: Do you think maybe he was switched at birth and the Rockefeller's have our kid?
Elyse: Could be. I wasn't going to tell you, but this morning I found a copy of the Wall Street Journal under his bed.
Elyse: What your father means is that, the Carlton country club doesn't have any members who are Black, Jewish, or Hispanic, or any other group that didn't come over on the Mayflower.
Alex: I just want to go to a party mom, I don't want to change the world.
Steven: (drinking and eating while scolding Alex) Don't you understand what this place stands for? It's elitist, it's exclusionary, it's...it's...(Turns to Butler)...boy these things are really great, what are they?
Butler: Rumakis sir
Steven: Are there any without liver?
Notable Notations:
- Episode Runtime: 23:32.
- This features the original season 1 opening credits featuring "Our Love" sung by Johnny Mantis, and showcasing how Steve and Elyse got together, raised a family, and grew into the family we know and love today. This would remain the opener throughout the remainder of Season 1.
- This episode was the only episode shot at Metromedia Square, before being moved to Paramount Studios for the remainder of the series.
- Episode Runtime: 23:32.
- This features the original season 1 opening credits featuring "Our Love" sung by Johnny Mantis, and showcasing how Steve and Elyse got together, raised a family, and grew into the family we know and love today. This would remain the opener throughout the remainder of Season 1.
- This episode was the only episode shot at Metromedia Square, before being moved to Paramount Studios for the remainder of the series.
Conclusion:
Overall, not a bad introduction to the Keaton family. The episode is both funny and entertaining. We certainly see the political differences between the parents and children, and are introduced to elements that would remain throughout the course of the series. While the earlier episodes focused more on the parents vs. the later spotlight on Alex, it still feels like a normal episode. Even in the series premiere, you already feel the sense of family as they enjoy breakfast and treat each other much like every other family in America (in some respects, even still today). Very well done, and this is part of why the series endured for 7 seasons.
Overall, not a bad introduction to the Keaton family. The episode is both funny and entertaining. We certainly see the political differences between the parents and children, and are introduced to elements that would remain throughout the course of the series. While the earlier episodes focused more on the parents vs. the later spotlight on Alex, it still feels like a normal episode. Even in the series premiere, you already feel the sense of family as they enjoy breakfast and treat each other much like every other family in America (in some respects, even still today). Very well done, and this is part of why the series endured for 7 seasons.
1/176
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