Ep 5. Not An Affair to Remember

In season 2 episode 5 of Family Ties titled "Not An Affair to Remember," the Keatons face a challenge when Steven's friend comes to visit. Steven's old Army buddy, Doug, arrives in town and stays with the Keatons for a few days. However, trouble ensues when Elyse starts to suspect that Doug is having an affair with Steven's secretary. Meanwhile, Alex attempts to deal with his first love affair and Bon Jovi's hit song, "Livin' on a Prayer," becomes a central topic of conversation.

The episode begins with the Keatons excitedly preparing for the arrival of Steven's old Army buddy, Doug. Elyse describes Doug as a "wild child" who caused trouble during their college days, but Steven is thrilled to reconnect with his old friend. However, Elyse becomes suspicious when she notices that Doug seems overly interested in spending time with Steven's attractive young secretary, Jennifer.

Desperate to uncover the truth, Elyse orchestrates a series of ridiculous plans to catch Doug and Jennifer in the act. These plans include enlisting the help of Alex and his friend Skippy to act as spies and setting up a fake phone call to lure Doug into confessing. However, none of Elyse's plans yield any conclusive evidence, and her accusations only strain Steven's relationship with his old friend.

Meanwhile, Alex begins to experience what he believes to be his first true love affair. He becomes infatuated with a girl named Rachel, who he meets at the movie theater on a double date with Mallory and her boyfriend. Alex spends the rest of the episode obsessing over his feelings for Rachel and trying to work up the courage to talk to her.

Throughout the episode, "Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi plays a central role. The Keatons discuss the song at length, with each family member having their own interpretation of the lyrics and the meaning behind them. They even perform an impromptu karaoke-style rendition of the song in their living room, complete with air guitars and dramatic choreography.

In the end, Elyse's suspicions are proven to be unfounded, and Doug leaves town without incident. Alex finally works up the courage to talk to Rachel, only to discover that she already has a boyfriend. The Keatons gather together for a family dinner, where they reflect on the events of the episode and bond over their shared love of "Livin' on a Prayer."

Overall, "Not An Affair to Remember" is a lighthearted and humorous episode that explores themes of love, friendship, and family. It showcases the Keatons' zany and lovable personalities, while also touching on some more serious issues such as infidelity and adolescent romance. With its catchy soundtrack and heartwarming moments, this episode is a beloved classic of the Family Ties series.