Ep 6. Speed Trap

In the second season of the popular sitcom Family Ties, the Keaton family continues to navigate the challenges of life, love, and growing up. In episode six, entitled "Speed Trap," the family finds themselves dealing with the consequences of breaking the law.

The episode begins with the Keatons excitedly getting ready for a weekend trip to the mountains. However, their plans are derailed when Alex (played by Michael J. Fox) is pulled over for speeding on their way out of town. Despite his best efforts to talk his way out of a ticket, Alex is still fined $50 for his violation.

At first, Alex is indignant and refuses to pay the fine, arguing that he was not really speeding and that he should not have to suffer for a mistake he did not make. However, his parents (played by Meredith Baxter and Michael Gross) insist that he take responsibility for his actions and pay the fine, even though it will mean giving up some of the money he had saved for the trip.

As the family drives on, tension mounts between Alex and his parents. He feels that they are being too strict and unfair, while they believe that he needs to learn to take responsibility for his choices and face the consequences of his actions. This conflict comes to a head when they arrive at a motel and Alex decides to sneak out and go to a local dance club with his friend Skippy (played by Marc Price).

At the club, Alex and Skippy take to the dance floor and enjoy themselves for a while. However, their fun is cut short when the police raid the club and arrest everyone inside for underage drinking. Alex and Skippy are put in a holding cell with several other teenagers and are forced to wait for their parents to come bail them out.

Back at the motel, Alex's parents are beside themselves with worry when they realize their son is missing. They eventually learn what has happened and rush to the police station to get him. When they arrive, they are angry and disappointed with Alex for disobeying their rules and putting himself in danger.

The episode ends with the Keatons back on the road to their mountain vacation, but the mood is much more subdued than before. Alex is contrite and apologetic, while his parents are still trying to figure out how to balance their desire to give their children freedom with their need to keep them safe and responsible.

"Speed Trap" is a classic example of the kind of family drama and humor that made Family Ties such a beloved show in the 1980s. It touches on universal themes of growing up, making mistakes, and learning the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions. With its strong performances, relatable characters, and smart writing, it's no wonder that this episode remains a fan favorite to this day.