"Nothing But a Man" is the twelfth episode in the fourth season of the NBC family sitcom Family Ties. It originally aired on January 2, 1986, and is the eightieth episode of the series overall.
Synopsis[]
Dad Steven postulates for the job of regional PBS manager, interested in programming clout rather then the pay raise - despite his poor performance, he got the job, in fact in advance. The family is disappointed he's home much less - except Alex, who even acts as Dad's tough appointment bookkeeper. Alex is terribly worried for his beloved baby brother Andy's manhood when the kid takes a ferocious fancy to a doll Ellen gave him. Steven starts feeling guilty never to be available for the children's activities, enough to rethink his goals.
Plot[]
Steven has a job interview for Midwest Regional Manager for PBS. Despite his being uncomfortable with the interview, Steven gets the job. Unfortunately, his new business partner, Justin Phillips would call each and every single time Steven wanted to go anywhere and do anything with his family. While on a business trip, Justin tells Steven that he likes being away from home and his family. Steven decides to just do his job and return home. Alex kept talking about the money, but Steven tells Alex that he called his boss to ask for his old job back so he could be with the family again.
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[]
- Marc Price as Skippy Handelman
- Tracy Pollan as Ellen Reed
- Robert Costanzo as Andrew
- John Hancock as Gus Thompson
- George Coe as Justin Phillips
Co-Starring[]
Quotes[]
Trivia[]
- In this episode, it's Steven that's too busy for the family. Previously, Elyse had the same problem: "Elyse D'Arc", "Here We Go Again", and "Super Mom".
- Robert Costanzo appears in this and several other episodes.
- John Hancock reprises his role as Gus Thompson.
Gallery[]
