Ep 17. A Tale of Two Cities (1)

Alex P. Keaton is a character you cannot resist. He is a young man with an insatiable appetite for wealth and success. In the Family Ties season 5 episode 17, "A Tale of Two Cities (1)", Alex's dreams and aspirations are put to the test when his father sends him on a business trip to New York City.

The trip is meant to be a valuable learning experience for Alex, but he quickly finds himself out of his depth. New York City is a world away from his cozy suburban hometown of Columbus, Ohio. The fast-paced, cut-throat world of business in the Big Apple is apparently too much for him.

As soon as Alex arrives in New York, he finds himself being given the runaround by his father's business associates. He is left to his own devices in a strange city, and he quickly becomes overwhelmed. The episode follows Alex as he struggles to adapt to his unfamiliar surroundings.

One of the main themes of "A Tale of Two Cities (1)" is the contrast between the hustle and bustle of New York City and the slower pace of life in Ohio. Alex is forced to confront this contrast firsthand, and he begins to question his own values. Is all this ambition and striving for success really worth it? Is the fast-paced lifestyle of a big city really the way to go?

Another central theme of the episode is the relationship between Alex and his father. Over the course of the series, this relationship has been a complex one. Alex has always idolized his father, but at the same time, he has always felt the need to distinguish himself from him. In "A Tale of Two Cities (1)", these feelings come to a head.

Alex's father is firmly entrenched in the world of business in New York, and Alex feels as though he is living in his shadow. He is desperate to prove himself as his own person, but he quickly realizes that this is easier said than done. The episode explores the ways in which this struggle affects Alex, and the toll it takes on their relationship.

Despite the heavy themes explored in "A Tale of Two Cities (1)", the episode is not without its lighter moments. There are plenty of scenes that showcase Alex's trademark humor, as well as some moments of levity that help to break up the tension.

Overall, "A Tale of Two Cities (1)" is an excellent episode of Family Ties. It provides a nuanced exploration of some complex themes, and it does so in a way that is both thoughtful and entertaining. If you're a fan of the show, you won't want to miss it.