Ep 1. The Gambler

In season 3 episode 1 of Family Ties, titled "The Gambler," Alex P. Keaton finds himself in a bit of a bind. After winning $1,000 in a poker game, he's convinced that he can turn his luck into a fortune by gambling the night away. His family, however, is not so thrilled about his newfound obsession with gambling, and they do their best to bring him back down to earth.

As Alex takes his gambling to the next level, he starts to neglect his studies and even his girlfriend, Ellen Reed. His obsession with winning big begins to take over his life, and it becomes clear that he needs an intervention. His parents, Steven and Elyse, try to talk some sense into him, but Alex is too caught up in the thrill of the game to listen.

Meanwhile, Mallory is busy dealing with her own drama. She's been hired to be the new assistant for a popular fashion designer, but her boss, Mr. Beverly, is making her do all of the grunt work. She's starting to feel like she's not cut out for the job, and when Mr. Beverly insults her work, she's ready to quit. However, with some encouragement from her family, she decides to stick it out and prove that she's more than just a glorified errand runner.

As the episode progresses, Alex's gambling only gets more out of control. He's spending all of his time and money at the casino, and he's even borrowing money from his friends. When he realizes that he's in too deep, he tries to win back all of his losses in one big bet. However, things don't go exactly as planned, and he ends up losing everything.

In the end, Alex learns a valuable lesson about the dangers of gambling and the importance of responsible behavior. He realizes that he can't rely on luck to dictate his future, and that hard work and dedication are the keys to success. Mallory also learns an important lesson about perseverance, and she proves that she's more than just a pretty face. By the end of the episode, the entire family has come together to support each other and overcome their struggles.

Overall, "The Gambler" is a heartwarming and entertaining episode of Family Ties that tackles important themes like responsibility, hard work, and perseverance. With its charming characters and relatable storylines, it's easy to see why this show became such a beloved classic. Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering the show for the first time, "The Gambler" is a must-watch episode that's sure to leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.