"Karen II, Alex 0" is the thirteenth episode in the third season of the NBC family sitcom Family Ties. It originally aired on December 13, 1984, and is the fifty-seventh episode of the series overall.
Synopsis[]
Alex is dead-set to be selected for the Alpha Phi Epsilon fraternity, snobs who fixate on prestige, power and money. He lies his way trough an initial interview with chapter officials Don Caruthers and Craig Duvall, but his trump card, a gorgeous though Mallory-dumb date for the party for preselected candidates, has to cancel. Clumsy housekeeper Karen, Alex's only alternative, says she can't tell him why, would like to help him but just can't. Seeing how badly disappointed he is, she turns up, but clearly knows dean Ian McCall, an alumnus, too well, leaves and explains everything to Steven; her next move...
Plot[]
Karen Nicholson returns as the housekeeper, with her usual skill at egg preparation. Alex is rushing a fraternity and hopes that Suzie Farkas as his date will impress the brothers, who are very concerned about family roots and social status. And when Suzie breaks her ankle ice-skating, Alex asks Karen to fill in (who initially refuses, but later shows up at the dance). Karen explains to Steven where she came from and why she became a housekeeper.
Cast[]
Starring[]
- Meredith Baxter as Elyse Keaton (credit only)
- Michael Gross as Steven Keaton
- Michael J. Fox as Alex P. Keaton
- Justine Bateman as Mallory Keaton
- Tina Yothers as Jennifer Keaton
Guest Starring[]
- Marc Price as Skippy Handelman
- Geena Davis as Karen Nicholson
- Robert Pine as Ian McCall
- Barry Sobel as Petey Gordon
- Christopher Rydell as Craig Duvall
- Rick Gibbs as Don Caruthers
Co-Starring[]
Quotes[]
Trivia[]
- Alex is going to the Alpha Phi Epsilon dance
- In the closing shot in the kitchen, it is very clear that a section of linoleum is coming up.
- Meredith Baxter Birney does not appear in this episode. (see explanation).