"Birth of a Keaton, Pt. 1" is the seventeenth episode in the third season of the NBC family sitcom Family Ties. It originally aired on January 24, 1985, and is the sixty-first episode of the series overall.
Synopsis[]
Pledge Week is underway at WKS. The kids have no interest in participating but can't relate that to Steven. Elyse has a desire to sing at the telethon, but Steven doesn't think it would be right. He later relents. The kids finally show some support with a "Good Luck" card and an appearance at the station. Elyse goes into labor while trying to hit the high note in her song.
Plot[]
The Keaton kids are utterly disgusted to have to participate every year in dad Steven's lame PBS telethon as his loving, fake-enthusiastic WKS family, without ever having been asked, and they don't even hide it anymore. The parents think the asking is the problem, so Steven poses the open question - but all three bail out instantly, Jennifer even without any excuse. After some prodding from adult strangers, who all enjoy the loyalty of Steven's colleagues' families, even Alex ends up caving in. A good luck card doesn't cure their guilt, so after Elyse volunteered to play guitar and sing, the trio turns up unexpectedly. However a totally unexpected Keaton has chosen this day for his early, absolute and hence more memorable debut.
Cast[]
Starring[]
- Meredith Baxter as Elyse Keaton
- Michael Gross as Steven Keaton
- Michael J. Fox as Alex P. Keaton
- Justine Bateman as Mallory Keaton
- Tina Yothers as Jennifer Keaton
Guest Starring[]
- John Hancock as Gus Thompson
- Rick Podell as Jackie Jackerman
- Bruce Jarchow as Ted
- Fran Robinson as Judy Thompson
- Chez Lister as Bill Thompson
- Ron Karabatsos as Bud Carlson
Co-Starring[]
Quotes[]
Trivia[]
- The title is a play on the movie "Birth of a Nation".
- Parts of this episode are used as a flashback in "The American Family".
- Jennifer is wearing a Duran Duran watch. (very 1980s)
- John Hancock reprises his role as Gus Thompson.
- The kids and later Steven break into the WKS jingle.
- Elyse sings "Believe Me, if All Those Endearing Young Charms", a very popular tune, and misses the high note like everyone in cartoons and comedies do. (Think Bugs Bunny on the xylophone)
- The comedian breaks out in "Having My Baby" as Elyse heads for the hospital.
Gallery[]
