Ep 11. Birthday Boy

When Alex P. Keaton marks the momentous occasion of his 18th birthday, he isn't quite sure how to feel. On one hand, he's excited about the newfound freedoms that come with being legally recognized as an adult. But on the other hand, turning 18 also means he's getting closer and closer to having to leave the comforts of home and the safety net provided by his parents, and that scares him.

As the Keaton family gathers around to celebrate the birthday boy, each member has their own set of expectations for how the day should go. Elyse, Alex's mother, has planned a surprise party for him, complete with all the decorations and treats she knows he loves. Meanwhile, Steven, Alex's father, has something else in mind entirely: he has invited a group of businessmen over to the Keaton house to talk to Alex about his future career prospects.

Alex finds himself torn between these two worlds: the comfort and security of his family, and the pressure to figure out his next steps in life. On one hand, he's grateful for their support and the effort they're putting into his birthday. But he's also frustrated that they don't seem to understand the weight of his responsibilities and the decisions he'll have to make in the near future.

As the day progresses, tensions rise and emotions run high. Alex's siblings, Mallory and Jennifer, find themselves caught in the crossfire as Elyse and Steven continue to argue over the best way to support their eldest son. Meanwhile, Alex himself begins to feel overwhelmed by the expectations placed upon him, both by his family and society as a whole.

In the end, Alex realizes that he needs to take control of his own life and make his own decisions. He thanks his family for their support and love, but makes it clear that he needs space to figure out his next steps on his own terms. As he blows out the candles on his birthday cake, he feels a newfound sense of confidence and determination. With his family behind him, he knows he can handle whatever the future holds.