"Family Ties" is easily one of my favorite family-based TV sitcoms from the 1980's. It's one of those shows that I've waited for, and waited for, and waited for to come out on DVD for as long as the 'TV on DVD' has been running. Thankfully, the wait is finally over as Paramount finally added it to its roster last year. It seems however, that the seasons are slow to release as they are only up to the 3rd season this month. It would appear that the holdup has to do with some music issue rights. This seems to be an ongoing problem with a lot of the older sitcoms. I'm sure there may be a few of you who never saw "Family Ties", but I doubt there are any of you who have never seen "Back to the Future." By that I mean all of you have at least heard of Michael J. Fox. Yes, "Family Ties" is the show that launched his illustrious career. Initially however, Fox wasn't intended to be its star. Instead, Michael Gross and Meredith Baxter Birney were meant to be its leads, starring as the parents of three children. They were products of the 60's, so having children of their own turned out to be quite the eye-opening experience.

Their youngest daughter Jennifer (Tina Yothers) is a tomboy of the highest order, while the elder Mallory (Justine Bateman) was more the typical boy-crazy teenager.

But it was their son Alex, played my Fox who presented their biggest challenge. Despite his parent's teaching, Alex grew into a staunch Republican, whose every ideal and thought went against their extremely liberal opinions. Get them talking about politics or nukes, and they had a guaranteed war on their hands. It was Fox's dead on performance, both as a clashing right-winger and loving son that won audiences over. It didn’t take long before Fox became the real star of the show, despite the talent surrounding him. And it even introduced him to his future (and still) wife, Tracy Pollan.

The series ran for only 7 seasons, but having watched it religiously it almost seems like it went for more. I doubt there was a single episode I didn't see, and while there were certainly standouts, I really don’t think I saw one I didn’t enjoy. I'm already looking forward to future releases to catch the best 2-part episode ever, "A, My Name is Alex", where Alex experiences a near nervous breakdown after the loss of a friend in a car accident. That particular episode won a well-deserved Emmy for Outstanding Writing.

The DVD release last year of the 1st season reunited me with the series after not seeing any episodes for over a decade. Re-watching that season, I noticed that it wasn't necessarily as good as I remembered, but only because I could tell the show was working on getting its stride. Most of the episodes were still great, but they definitely improved by the time the 2nd season hit. I was also surprised to see Tom Hanks starring in a 2-part episode as Elyse's (Birney) brother. I remembered him being in a later episode where we learn about his being an alcoholic, but not this first appearance. This 1st season also offered a nice light-hearted episode where the Keaton's were snowed in for the holidays and spend the time reminiscing about the births of their children. I really thought that was a great episode, in part because it was so illuminating as to the family's beginnings, but also because I got to see actor Peter Jurasik without the huge hairpiece he wore as Londo in "Babylon Five!"

Now that the 3rd season is available, I am seeing where they finally hit their aforementioned stride. The stories began to fall away from the typical gags and jokes that most sit-coms use, and the writers really began to explore the richness of the characters. The familial relationships hit every stride from both the parents and the children, and the sibling rivalry rang true. The series also took a turn when it was announced that Elyse was pregnant. (Birney was really pregnant at the time so they wrote it into the series.) Where many shows are bogged down by the addition of a child this was one case where it really worked. Then there was the fact that Geena Davis showed up in an episode… if there’s a reason to watch… that is it!

The episodes looked incredibly clear for it being a show that is over 25 years old. Paramount did take the time to clean them up a little bit, which always enhances the viewing. I looked for some of the changes that were referred to on the case about the music, but to be honest having not seen the show for so many years I really didn’t notice anything different. I'm sure hardcore fans that have the shows videotaped will be able to pick out every note that's been changed, but the average viewer (like me) won’t a thing. As for extras, there is a nice gag reel.

The packaging for this release is rather interesting as it goes against the grain of all of the earlier Paramount TV on DVD releases. Instead of the usual box containing slim cases, they opted to use a single clear Amaray case that holds all four discs. The inside of the case has the episode titles and descriptions printed on what would be the inside of the printed cover. As the case is clear, you can read them… but the fact that some of the discs are in the way makes it a little difficult unless you remove the disc. I really prefer the slim cases, which leave more room for artwork and episode details, but I can see where this might be a good cost reducing decision on the part of the studio.

Aside from the nitpick about the case, the bottom line for me is that "Family Ties" is available on DVD. I really hope sales warrant the release of all of the seasons. (So get out there and buy them!!)

Episodes:
Here We Go Again
Little Man on Campus
Love Thy Neighbor
Keaton and Son
Fabric Smarts
Hotline Fever
Rms Ocn Vu
Best Man
Episode 3.9
Don’t Kiss Me, I’m Only the Messenger
Help Wanted
Karen II, Alex I
Oh, Donna
Auntie Up
Philadelphia Story
Birth of a Keaton, Part 1
Birth of a Keaton, Part 2
Cry Baby
Don’t Know Much About History
Bringing Up Baby
Cold Storage
Remembrances of Things Past, Part 1
Remembrances of Things Past, Part 2

Starring: Michael Gross, Meredith Baxter Birney, Michael J. Fox, Justine Bateman, Tina Yothers
Extras: None
Specifications: Full Screen Format, Dolby Digital Mono
Studio: Paramount
Release Date: 2/12/2008
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give Family Ties: Season 3 a B.