"My Buddy" is the twenty-second episode in the fourth season of the NBC family sitcom Family Ties. It originally aired on March 6, 1986, and is the ninetieth episode of the series overall.
Synopsis[]
Feeling a disconnect with his daughter, Steven makes a hilarious attempt to spend time with Jennifer by accompanying her on her Sunflower Girls club meeting; Alex stands his ground to fight a traffic ticket.
Plot[]
As Jennifer is growing up, Steven feels detached from her. Alex is pulled over by a policeman for not coming to a complete stop, and Mallory openly agrees with the officer. He vows to fight the ticket. Jennifer brings home a boy, Chuck (played by Dion Rottman), and Steven dismisses him quickly. Steven decides to attend the Sunflower Girls meeting with Jennifer.
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[]
- Miriam Flynn as Mrs. Carpenter
- Dion Rottman as Chuck
- Anne Marie McEvoy as Alice
- Laura Jacoby as Jill
- Jenny Havens as Shelley
Co-Starring[]
Quotes[]
Trivia[]
- Parts of this episode are used as a flashback in "The American Family".
- Alex's evidence to present in court includes one of Mallory's report cards and the results of a recent IQ test. He thinks these will convince the judge that she's not a credible witness. (Of course, Mallory's IQ test results were pretty good in "Designated Hitter".)
- Alex slams the refrigerator door and it remains ajar (and it remains so throughout the rest of the episode).
- Elyse quotes Mark Twain saying that when he was 14, his father was so ignorant and he couldn't stand to be around him. But by the time he turned 21 he was astonished how much his father had learned in just seven years. (see reference) (Some believe Twain did not actually say this).
- At the Sunflower Girls meeting, the group sings "Low Bridge" (aka, The Erie Canal song)
Gallery[]
