Family Ties: Season 5

Happy with purchase. Great DVD to add to my collection of TV shows on DVD.

Season Five of Family Ties may be best remembered for two things: Baby Andrew grew up a LOT over the summer, and Michael J. Fox's amazing performance in the hour-long episode "A, My Name Is Alex."(SPOILERS AHEAD)Brian Bonsall joins the cast as preschool-aged Andrew Keaton. While Bonsall's screentime is understandably limited, the mere fact that Alex's little brother can now speak and interact with the others helps create some great comic moments. Alex also has to deal with the loss of steady girlfriend Ellen (though actress Tracy Pollan would eventually become Mrs. Michael J. Fox in real life). It's also a great year for Nick and Mallory, including probably my all-time favorite scene in which Mallory tries to tutor Nick ("High School Confidential"). And life would continue to imitate art when Tina Yothers tried her hand at singing after Jennifer Keaton joins a band.Still, it's the groundbreaking "A, My Name Is Alex" which leaves the largest impression. Alex is overcome with remorse and self-doubt when he backs out of a commitment to help his friend Greg, and then Greg is killed in a car accident. The second half of the episode, which was presented commercial-free back in 1987, is basically Fox on a darkened stage, with family and friends appearing in little vignettes illustrating key points in Alex's life."Walking into that kitchen was like walking into a hug," Alex observes. And for those of us with fond memories of this quintessential 80's sitcom, here's another 4 discs' worth of hugs.

Great show from the 80s. Back when there were quality tv shows with a message. I enjoy the characters and the retro sets. DVD's are really good and as described.

While the episodes were enjoyable to watch, some were out of place. Andrew's age jumped back and forth between a baby not yet talking and a little boy with dialogue. At least one episode was made before there was an Andrew. I expected to see a soliloquy about Ellen in this season. Maybe I confused the seasons, but the closest episodeto that kind of thing in this season was in two parts and was a conversation between Alex and an off-camera counselor. I felt that this season was a poor recreation. Did they really jump around like that in the original airing? What else was missed in earlier seasons if some of the episodes from those seasons are being placed in this season? Where are the episodes that belong with this season?

Its so hard for me to give Family Ties such a low rating. Perhaps one of the best sitcoms in the history of television, complete with memorable moment after memorable moment, this show was the beacon of good writing, amazing acting, and performances we won't soon forget.But I simply cannot stand by and not voice my outrage at CBS DVD and their butchering of the finest show in the entire run of this series.Season Five featured an episode called "My Name is Alex"...a ground-breaking episode not only because of the superb talents of Michael J. Fox, but also because of how it was originally broadcast. When first aired, it ran for one hour, the final half hour being completely uninterrupted by commercials and, from what I can tell, unedited. It played out like a stage performance, with Alex (Michael J. Fox) going thru every part of his life, searching for answers as to why his friend would be killed in a car accident and he be allowed to live. Watching it in its entirety, you feel the back and forth, the conflicting emotions, and the roller coaster ride he goes on. The viewer is right along with him.Sadly, this DVD features the syndicated version, which cuts the episode into two shows. It cuts right in the middle of Alex's journey, going instead to end credits of the first show. The 2nd show then begins part-way thru his session with his psychiatrist, thus killing the momentum of the show, and the entire reason it was aired in its entirety the first time.I'm just lucky I still have the VHS I recorded off-air back in the mid-80s. That will continue to be the only way I'll watch "My Name is Alex".Sigh.

For a long time, I have loved Family Ties, and I still do! I received this as an Easter present. I'm glad they added Andy to the Keaton family because he's so cute and adorable! During this season Alex pulls Andy out of preschool, Alex is depressed because Ellen leaves to go to Paris, Alex has a hard time working with his boss because she is a woman, Jennifer tries to fit in with the cool kids by acting snobby to her family and friends, Mallory wants to marry Nick for the wrong reasons, Alex helps Nick finish high school, Jennifer wants to start a rock band, (I thought Tina Yothers had a beautiful singing voice, she should have released an album) and much more! I didn't care for the episode that seemed like a stage play. I highly recommend FAMILY TIES: THE COMPLETE 5TH SEASON!!!

DVD WRKS WEL!!!

I probably like Family Ties more than the typical viewer.This is the first season where they really go out of their way to tee up lines for Andy (the new baby brother).There are still lots of good episodes and important issues, though. It did not deter me from wanting Season 6.I do like this season, but the whole:Step 1: Set up the kidStep 2: Have him say a line he obviously doesn't understandStep 3: Have him run out stage leftmechanic gets old after about once.

When i got this series i just thought i can't wait for the final 2 series. this dvd includes what i think is one of the best storylines in family ties when a friend dies and Alex visits a psychiatrist even seeing it again it's still one of my favourites.

This season in my opinion was one of the best of the series. It was the show at the height of its fame and highest in the ratings. This season we get a new cast member, Brian Bonsall, who plays pre-schooler Andy. Mallory starts college, Alex gets a job at a bank, and next door neighbor Skippy finally gets a girlfriend. Jennifer (Tina Yothers) sings this season in an episode called "band on the run". And she's actually pretty good. Tina Yothers had an album out at the time, and she sang the single "baby im back in love again." In the episode "D is for Date" Will Wheaton guest stars as Jennifers boyfriend. This season also has a gag reel. A special note: there are 2 episodes that are from season 4 on this season. The episodes "the big fix" and "its my party". Also there is an episode from season 3 called "matchmaker". Why they did that, i dont know. Overall, I'd give this season five stars. Michael J. Fox was at the height of his 'back to the future' fame, and his success fueled the jump in ratings this season im sure. I loved this season and its one of my favorites. I'd recommend for all Family Ties fans!

If you are a fan of Michael J Fox this is the show to watch. It was meant to be all about Meredith Baxter but he became the star of the show.Highly recommended for those that are fans of his.

Family Ties may have hit its peak in Season #5. Alex seems to be his most Alex-like. Now he has a younger sibling to mold in his image as brother Andy someone who remarkably aged from infant to pre-schooler in one summer. The best episode of the season might be the first one where Alex withdraws Andy from his leftist nursery school and works hard to de-program him.

Brings back good memories of the 80's. Wish I had a time machine.