Ep 12. Help Wanted

In this episode of Family Ties, entitled "Help Wanted," the Keaton family struggles with a difficult decision when Elyse decides to go back to work. After being a stay-at-home mom for years, Elyse is excited to use her degree in architecture and get back into the workforce. However, her new job offer requires her to relocate to New York City, leaving her family in Ohio.

Steven is supportive of Elyse's decision but worries about how it will affect their children, Alex, Mallory, and Jennifer. Mallory is upset that she won't be able to celebrate her 16th birthday with her mom, while Jennifer is worried that Elyse won't be there to comfort her at night when she has nightmares.

Meanwhile, Alex is struggling with a different problem: finding a job. He drops out of college to pursue a career in art and is struggling to make ends meet. He asks his parents for help, but they refuse to bail him out. Desperate for money, he eventually takes a job as a waiter at a local diner.

As Elyse prepares to leave for New York, the family comes together to throw her a going-away party. Despite their sadness about her leaving, they are proud of her for taking this step and know that it will be a great opportunity for her career.

Throughout the episode, the Keatons grapple with the challenges of growing up and making tough decisions. Elyse's decision to go back to work raises important questions about the balancing act of career and family, while Alex's struggles underscore the importance of persistence and hard work.

In the end, the family comes together to support one another, and Elyse leaves for New York with the love and encouragement of her family. They know that her decision to pursue her career will ultimately benefit them all and make them stronger as a family.