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"The Fifth Wheel" is the twentieth episode in the first season of the NBC family sitcom Family Ties. It originally aired on March 28, 1983, and is the twentieth episode of the series overall.

Synopsis[]

With their parents out for the night, Alex and Mallory argue over who has to stay to watch Jennifer, leading Alex to take her to a poker game with his friends. But after Jennifer quietly takes off, Alex panics.

Plot[]

Steven and Elyse attend a political rally for a candidate for the state Senate, though Elyse doesn't support him.  When Alex declares the man a liberal, Elyse changes her mind.  Mallory is supposed to babysit, but she has other plans with Jeff.  She bargains with Alex to have him take the responsibility for the night.  He agrees, but is then invited to a poker game (to which he takes Jennifer and eventually loses her).

Cast[]

Starring[]

Guest Starring[]

  • Moosie Drier as Arnie
  • Michael Spound as Neil
  • Bob O'Donnell as Chuck
  • Grant Heslov as Doug

Co-Starring[]

Quotes[]

Trivia[]

  • The title is a reference to an extra person on any endeavor which called a "fifth wheel".
  • Parts of this episode are used as flashbacks in both "Battle of the Sexes" and "Return of the Native".
  • One of Alex's friends at the poker game is wearing a #14 Cincinnati Bengals jersey (at that time a new style) that was worn by quarterback Ken Anderson from 1971-1986.
  • The candidate Steven supports wants to change the state bird to the chicken and the state song (of Ohio) to "Oklahoma".
  • Alex's idea of entertaining Jennifer is to give her a booklet: "Your personal guide to tax-free municipal bonds".
  • When Alex decides to go to the poker game, Jennifer says, "You're not throwing me out in the street, are you?  I saw Nicholas Nickleby.  I know what can happen to kids out there."

Gallery[]

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