"The Gambler" is the first episode in the third season of the NBC family sitcom Family Ties. It originally aired on September 20, 1984, and is the forty-fifth episode of the series overall.
Synopsis[]
When Elyse has a convention speech in 'fascinating east coast resort' Atlantic City, she didn't plan to waste any time and money gambling, but Alex is dying to get his mathematical system tested and Steven makes sure they stay in a casino and play a few hands of blackjack. His luck runs out very soon, but Elyse has enough to win big with Alex's system. Of course casino lucks never lasts, yet when losing she's already hooked. When Elyse returns from her solo last run, she surprises the family with both results and conclusions.
Plot[]
The Keatons are going to Atlantic City so that Elyse can give a speech at an architects' convention. And though they're not there to gamble, Alex has a sure-fire method to win at Blackjack. Alex convinces them to learn his system, and Elyse has a big win ($1263). She returns to the tables and becomes obsessed to the point of skipping her conference (she had Mallory give her speech). She ends up winning big money but feeling very empty with her life.
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[]
- Arthur Taxier as Eddie Spangler
- Seth Jaffe as the pit boss
- Charles Walker as the waiter
Co-Starring[]
Quotes[]
Trivia[]
- The title references the Kenny Rogers popular album and song "The Gambler" in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
- This episode was produced during Season 2.
- Parts of this episode are used as flashbacks in "Wrap Around the Clock".
- Mallory is excited that Tom Jones is appearing in their hotel (and missights him twice)
- Steven and Elyse enter the kitchen singing "On the Boardwalk" (composed by Josef Myrow), and the violins play it later in the hotel room.
- At the hotel they go for the unavoidable "Under the Boardwalk" (made popular by The Drifters) - though they sing "Down on the Boardwalk".
- Jennifer is dealing Blackjack (the game of the episode) and says (giving a card to Mallory), "One for the little lady", (and to Alex), "One for the little man."
Gallery[]
