Ep 7. Sweet Lorraine

In the episode "Sweet Lorraine" of Family Ties season 2, viewers are introduced to a new love interest for Alex P. Keaton (played by Michael J. Fox) in the form of a sophisticated older woman named Lorraine (played by Judith Light). The episode opens with Alex confidently pursuing Lorraine at a small party, where she seems interested but ultimately rejects his advances.

Undeterred, Alex continues to pursue her and manages to secure a date with her at a fancy restaurant. However, things quickly go awry when Lorraine reveals that she is several years older than Alex and has two children from a previous marriage. Alex initially tries to hide his shock and disappointment, but eventually admits that he had been hoping for a more traditional relationship.

Despite their initial setbacks, Alex and Lorraine continue to see each other and even begin planning a trip to Europe together. However, things come to a head when Alex's parents (played by Michael Gross and Meredith Baxter) express their concerns about the age difference and the potential consequences of such a relationship.

Throughout the episode, viewers see Alex struggle with his own desires and expectations as he grapples with societal norms and pressures. Despite his initial reservations about Lorraine's age and past, he eventually comes to appreciate her intelligence, wit, and independence. Lorraine, for her part, challenges Alex to question his own assumptions and biases, leading to a deeper understanding of himself and his relationships.

Overall, "Sweet Lorraine" offers a poignant exploration of love, age, and the complexities of modern relationships. Through its portrayal of Alex and Lorraine's relationship, the episode offers viewers a thought-provoking examination of the role that societal expectations and pressures play in shaping our attitudes toward love and romance.