DVD Pick of the Week - Family Ties: Season One
“Sha-la-la-laaaa!”
Family Ties: Season One
So far the numbers indicate that the Republicans are going to have their work cut out for them in ’08; even their biggest crowd pleaser, Rudy “Boom Boom” Giuliani, doesn’t seem to be getting much traction in the polls. Not that that’s such bad thing, but you’ve got to wonder if they’re ever going to get off their asses and find themselves an Alex P. Keaton to run for president. Who could say no to that face? That comic timing? That crass yet irresistible snark? Well okay, I’m liberal enough that I probably still could… but I’d be sorely tempted for about ten minutes. It’s been far too long a wait, but this week Paramount finally releases the first season of Family Ties, the sitcom that made Michael J. Fox a household name before Back to the Future launched him into super-stardom, and good news, it has aged remarkably well despite being a true relic of Reagan’s 1980’s, featuring liberal ex-hippie parents vs. a burgeoning NeoCon capitalist son!
Interestingly, a look back on the opening season reveals the show’s evolution to the height of its popularity, when Fox became the break-out star and his battles with prog parentals Elyse and Steven became more common. Family Ties v. 1.0 spent a leisurely year establishing the family dynamic and delivering as many laughs as it did thoughtful and serious family issues. (Steven’s work buddy hitting on barely-teen Mallory?! Yikes! Not to mention the two-parter wherein “cool” uncle Ned, played by some young buck named Tom Hanks, got nicked by the feds for corporate crimes.) Mostly, it’s the not-yet sappy warm and often quite wry classic you remember. By the way, no one was as wry as little Tina Yothers. Most underrated kid actor ever? Oh, I think so – watch her go toe to toe with Michael J. and tell me I’m wrong.
Other recommended titles for February 20th: American Hardcore; Flushed Away; A Man For All Seasons; Penn & Teller: Bullshit!, Season 4; The Prestige
—Nicole Campos
