Ep 24. Paper Chase (a.k.a.) Mallory's Graduation

At the start of Family Ties season 4 episode 24, titled "Paper Chase" (a.k.a.) "Mallory's Graduation," the Keaton family gathers to celebrate Mallory's graduation from high school. While they are thrilled for her achievement, their excitement quickly turns to concern when Mallory announces that she hasn't landed a job yet.

As the family discusses her options, Mallory confesses that she has applied to several colleges but is worried about the cost of tuition. Her parents offer to help her out, but she insists on managing it on her own.

With this in mind, Mallory decides to take a job at the local mall to help pay for her education. However, she is quickly disillusioned by the work and the people she encounters there. Meanwhile, her brother Alex is busy applying to colleges himself and admits that he may not be able to afford his first-choice school.

As the episode progresses, Mallory begins to see that her job at the mall is not all it's cracked up to be. She struggles to fit in with her coworkers and finds that the work is tedious and monotonous. She confides in her boyfriend Nick, who tries to encourage her to stick with it.

However, Mallory's frustration reaches a boiling point when she is given an unwanted promotion and confronted by her boss, who accuses her of being lazy and unproductive. She quits on the spot and storms out of the store.

Back at home, Mallory's family is worried about her sudden change of heart. Alex comes up with a plan to help her out: he offers to pay for her tuition if she agrees to go to his second-choice college instead of the more expensive one she had her heart set on.

Mallory is torn, but ultimately decides to take her brother up on his offer. She realizes that the most important thing is not where she goes to school, but the support and love of her family.

In the end, Mallory graduates from college with flying colors and lands a job she loves. Her family could not be prouder of her accomplishments and Mallory is grateful for their unwavering support.

Overall, "Paper Chase" (a.k.a.) "Mallory's Graduation" is a heartwarming and relatable episode that deals with the pressures of post-graduation life and the importance of family support.