Ep 12. Nothing But a Man

In "Nothing But a Man," the twelfth episode of the fourth season of Family Ties, the Keaton family is adjusting to a new addition. Alex's former girlfriend Lauren is living with the family while she interns at a local TV station. Meredith Baxter Birney, who plays Alex's mom Elyse, directed this episode.

At the beginning of the episode, Elyse is anxious about Lauren's arrival. She's worried about where Lauren will sleep and how she will fit into the family dynamics. Meanwhile, Lauren is excited to reconnect with Alex. She's been gone for a while, and they barely had time to say goodbye before she left.

As soon as Lauren arrives, she and Alex start flirting. It's clear that they still have feelings for each other, even though they've broken up. However, they're not the only ones who notice the chemistry between them. Mallory, Alex's younger sister, also picks up on it. She's never been a fan of Lauren, and she doesn't want to see her brother get hurt again. Mallory's boyfriend Nick, on the other hand, is more interested in Lauren than he should be.

While Lauren is staying with the Keatons, she starts to feel a little out of place. She doesn't have her own room, and she's not used to living in such a crowded household. Alex suggests that she try to connect with Elyse, since they have a lot in common. Lauren is hesitant at first, but she agrees to give it a try.

As they spend time together, Lauren and Elyse find that they do have a lot in common. They both care deeply about Alex, and they're both strong, independent women. However, when Lauren tries to talk to Elyse about her career ambitions, Elyse gets defensive. She's worried that Lauren will judge her for being a stay-at-home mom, and she doesn't want to feel inferior.

Meanwhile, Alex is struggling to balance his feelings for Lauren with his commitment to Jennifer, his current girlfriend. He tries to distance himself from Lauren, but it's clear that they still have a connection.

Throughout the episode, there are several misunderstandings and miscommunications between the characters. Mallory thinks that Lauren is trying to steal Alex away from Jennifer, while Lauren is just trying to figure out where she fits in. Alex is torn between two women, but he doesn't want to hurt either of them.

By the end of the episode, the Keatons have all learned something about themselves and each other. Lauren realizes that she needs to be more assertive in her relationships, rather than waiting for the other person to make the first move. Elyse learns that she doesn't have to be defensive about her choices as a mother and a wife. Alex realizes that he can't keep stringing both Lauren and Jennifer along.

"Nothing But a Man" is a classic episode of Family Ties, showcasing the strong writing and acting that made the show a hit in the 1980s. It's a funny, heartwarming, and relatable story about love, family, and growing up.