Ep 12. My Mother, My Friend

In Family Ties season 5 episode 12, titled "My Mother, My Friend," the Keaton family rallies together to support Elyse when her beloved mother dies unexpectedly. While Elyse initially tries to keep herself isolated from her family's attempts to comfort her, she ultimately learns to lean on her loved ones during this difficult time.

Throughout the episode, we see various members of the Keaton family struggle with their grief over the loss of Elyse's mother. Alex, in particular, seems deeply affected by the news, as he had built up a close relationship with his grandmother over the years. He initially tries to keep busy and avoid his feelings, but eventually breaks down in tears as he realizes how much he will miss her. Meanwhile, Mallory grapples with feelings of guilt over not having been as close to her grandmother as Alex was, and tries to make up for lost time by embracing her family's traditions and reminiscing about happy memories.

Elyse, for her part, is initially resistant to her family's attempts to console her. She keeps herself holed up in her mother's old bedroom, reluctant to face the reality of her loss. It's only after chatting with her therapist and reflecting on her mother's legacy that Elyse begins to open up to her family and allow herself to grieve. In the end, she gives a touching eulogy at her mother's funeral, acknowledging the wisdom and strength she gained from their relationship over the years.

Throughout "My Mother, My Friend," the show explores themes of grief, family, and resilience. We see how different members of the Keaton clan cope with loss in their own way, but ultimately come together to support one another and celebrate the life of someone they all loved. The episode is poignant and emotional, but ultimately ends on a hopeful note as Elyse learns to embrace her memories of her mother while also letting go and moving forward.