Ep 17. French Lessons

The show Family Ties is a sitcom that ran from 1982-1989. The show follows the Keaton family, parents Steven and Elyse, and their three children, Alex, Mallory, and Jennifer, as they navigate through life in Columbus, Ohio. The show's themes typically revolve around family values, generational differences, and social issues.

In season 1, episode 17: French Lessons, the Keaton family prepares for a visit from Elyse's mother, Grandma Meister. Elyse is excited to see her mother but is also nervous about the visit as her mother is known for being judgmental. Meanwhile, Alex is feeling overwhelmed with his studies and is in danger of failing French.

As the family prepares for Grandma Meister's arrival, Alex receives a surprise visit from his French tutor, the beautiful and charming Madeline. With her help, Alex begins to understand French better and starts to feel more confident about his studies. However, things take a turn when Madeline invites Alex to go out for a night on the town with her and her friends. Alex is torn between his studies and his desire to impress Madeline.

As the night progresses, Alex becomes more and more infatuated with Madeline and her carefree lifestyle. However, things come crashing down when Madeline reveals that she is actually a high school student and not a college student as Alex originally thought. Devastated and embarrassed, Alex decides to quit his French lessons altogether.

Meanwhile, Elyse's mother arrives and immediately begins to criticize everything, from the family's home decor to their parenting style. Elyse becomes increasingly frustrated with her mother's comments and decides to confront her. However, things take an unexpected turn when Grandma Meister reveals that she is secretly proud of her daughter's parenting skills but simply struggles to express her feelings.

In the end, Alex comes to the realization that he needs to prioritize his studies and seeks the help of his mother to find a new tutor. Elyse and her mother make amends, and Grandma Meister leaves with a newfound appreciation for her daughter and her family.

Overall, Family Ties season 1 episode 17: French Lessons, touches on themes of family relationships, the importance of education, and the struggles of young love. With relatable characters and heartwarming moments, the episode leaves viewers feeling uplifted and entertained.