"Starting Over" is the second episode in the fifth season of the NBC family sitcom Family Ties. It originally aired on October 2, 1986, and is the ninety-fourth episode of the series overall.
Synopsis[]
Alex is distraught when Ellen departs for France so he tries to find someone to take her place.
Plot[]
Ellen Reed has won a dance scholarship and left Alex to go to Paris. His parents encourage him to get on with his life. His buddies are no help. but a waitress, Sharon McElroy (played by Haviland Morris) might. They go out to dinner, but Alex is still thinking of Ellen.
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
- Brian Bonsall as Andrew Keaton
Guest Starring[]
- Haviland Morris as Sharon McElroy
- Robert Costanzo as Carmine
- Michael Zorek as Flaum
- John Putch as Neil
- Kerry Remsen as Reenie Crawford
- Nan Vernon as Margie Hanley
Co-Starring[]
Quotes[]
- Alex: "I'm hip, I'm cool, I'm a happenin' fool."
- Steven: "Whatever means groovy these days".
Trivia[]
- Part of this episode is used as a flashback in "The American Family".
- The introduction of Ellen's departure seems like it should have been dealt with in another episode (but it wasn't).
- John Putch reprises his role as Neil from "Birthday Boy". He was also Pete in "Summer of '82".
- The character of Flaum (played by Michael Zorek) also appeared in "Best Man".
- Robert Costanzo appears in this and several other episodes.
- As in the two episodes titled "The Real Thing", the song by Billy Vera & The Beaters', "At This Moment", is heard (It was sort of their song).
Gallery[]
