Ep 11. Paper Lion

In the fifth season of the beloved 80s sitcom "Family Ties," episode 11 titled "Paper Lion" takes viewers on yet another heartwarming and humorous journey with the Keaton family. Led by the iconic character Steven Keaton (Michael Gross) and his devoted wife Elyse (Meredith Baxter-Birney), the Keatons navigate the challenges and joys of raising their four unique children, Alex (Michael J. Fox), Mallory (Justine Bateman), Jennifer (Tina Yothers), and Andrew (Brian Bonsall).

"Paper Lion" centers around Alex Keaton, the ambitious and politically conservative oldest son who always seems to find himself in interesting predicaments. Known for his sharp wit and strong opinions, Alex has long dreamed of becoming a powerful businessman and making a name for himself. In this episode, his aspirations come closer to fruition than ever before, but not in the way he expects.

The episode begins with Alex receiving a job offer from Blumberg and Wexler, a prestigious and well-established Wall Street financial firm. It's a dream come true for Alex, who envisions himself climbing the corporate ladder and achieving the wealth and success he desires. Proud of his accomplishment, he shares the news with his family, who offer their support and congratulations.

Excited about his future in the finance world, Alex dives headfirst into his new job. However, he quickly discovers that his position is not what he envisioned. Rather than working directly with clients or making high-stakes decisions, he finds himself stuck with tedious paperwork and administrative tasks. This leaves Alex disappointed and disillusioned, struggling to find purpose and satisfaction in his newfound career.

While grappling with these feelings, Alex inadvertently stumbles upon a potential solution. As he strugglingly flips through various financial newspapers, a particular article catches his eye. It discusses the skyrocketing success of a local small business, "The Paper Lion," a quirky stationery and office supply store that has been thriving against all odds. Intrigued, Alex decides to pay a visit to the store in the hopes of understanding its secrets to success and finding inspiration for his own career path.

At "The Paper Lion," Alex encounters Leo Green (Kirk Cameron), the youthful and enthusiastic owner. Leo's energy and innovative ideas instantly captivate Alex, and he sees the potential for a mentorship. He convinces Leo to let him work at the store part-time, hoping to learn from his business acumen and apply it to his own finance career.

As Alex becomes more involved with "The Paper Lion," he discovers the true essence of entrepreneurship and gains a newfound respect for the small business world. While initially believing that success only comes through traditional corporate means, he witnesses the passion and fulfillment that Leo experiences every day as a small business owner. This leads Alex to question his own ambitions and consider whether he has been pursuing the wrong path all along.

Simultaneously, the rest of the Keaton family faces their own challenges in this episode. Elyse, the nurturing and artistic matriarch, finds herself caught in a creative slump, struggling to find new inspiration for her painting. Mallory, the fashion-obsessed and somewhat ditzy sibling, faces a dilemma when her designer dress gets ruined before a special event. Jennifer, the intelligent and independent youngest daughter, grapples with peer pressure at school. And Andrew, the youngest Keaton, navigates the usual adventures of childhood.

Throughout "Paper Lion," the Keaton family experiences growth, self-reflection, and a deepening of their bond. Each member discovers new insights about themselves and the world around them, proving once again the enduring themes of love, family, and personal growth that have made "Family Ties" a cherished classic.

"Paper Lion" is a heartfelt and thought-provoking episode of "Family Ties," showcasing the talents of the cast and the show's ability to explore relevant social and personal issues with humor and grace. It reminds viewers of the importance of chasing their dreams, embracing unplanned opportunities, and finding happiness and fulfillment in unexpected places.