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Family Ties - S01E20 - The Fifth Wheel
 

Family Ties season 1 episode 20

The Fifth Wheel

 
Alex gets stuck babysitting for his little sister Jennifer, who is fed up with feeling in the way at his poker game and decides to disappear.
 
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Family Ties / S01E20 : The Fifth Wheel
Season 1, Episode 20 | Aired on March 28, 1983 | TV-G | 25 min. | NBC
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EPISODES
Season 1
Season 1
Season 1
Season 7
Season 6
Season 5
Season 4
Season 3
Season 2
Season 1
Specials
 
 
  • Family Ties - Episode 1 - Pilot
    Episode 1
    Pilot
  • Family Ties - Episode 2 - Not With My Sister You Don't
    Episode 2
    Not With My Sister You Don't
  • Family Ties - Episode 3 - I Know Jennifer's Boyfriend
    Episode 3
    I Know Jennifer's Boyfriend
  • Family Ties - Episode 4 - Summer of '82
    Episode 4
    Summer of '82
  • Family Ties - Episode 5 - I Never Killed for My Father
    Episode 5
    I Never Killed for My Father
  • Family Ties - Episode 6 - Give Uncle Arthur a Kiss
    Episode 6
    Give Uncle Arthur a Kiss
  • Family Ties - Episode 7 - Big Brother is Watching
    Episode 7
    Big Brother is Watching
  • Family Ties - Episode 8 - No Nukes Is Good Nukes
    Episode 8
    No Nukes Is Good Nukes
  • Family Ties - Episode 9 - Death of a Grocer
    Episode 9
    Death of a Grocer
  • Family Ties - Episode 10 - Have Gun, Will Unravel
    Episode 10
    Have Gun, Will Unravel
  • Family Ties - Episode 11 - A Christmas Story
    Episode 11
    A Christmas Story
  • Family Ties - Episode 12 - Oops!
    Episode 12
    Oops!
  • Family Ties - Episode 13 - Sherry Baby
    Episode 13
    Sherry Baby
  • Family Ties - Episode 14 - The Fugitive (1)
    Episode 14
    The Fugitive (1)
  • Family Ties - Episode 15 - The Fugitive (2)
    Episode 15
    The Fugitive (2)
  • Family Ties - Episode 16 - Margin of Error
    Episode 16
    Margin of Error
  • Family Ties - Episode 17 - French Lessons
    Episode 17
    French Lessons
  • Family Ties - Episode 18 - I Gotta Be Ming
    Episode 18
    I Gotta Be Ming
  • Family Ties - Episode 19 - Suzanne Takes You Down
    Episode 19
    Suzanne Takes You Down
  • Family Ties - Episode 20 - The Fifth Wheel
    Episode 20
    The Fifth Wheel
  • Family Ties - Episode 21 - Stage Fright  (a.k.a.) Video Jitters
    Episode 21
    Stage Fright (a.k.a.) Video Jitters
  • Family Ties - Episode 22 - Elyse D'Arc
    Episode 22
    Elyse D'Arc

Family Ties season 1 episode 20 Recap and FAQ

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Episode Summary

The Keaton family navigates the challenges of balancing personal interests with family responsibilities, particularly focusing on young Jennifer feeling neglected. As Elyse and Steven attend a political event, Mallory shirks her babysitting duties for a date, leaving Jennifer in Alex's care, who irresponsibly takes her to a poker game. Jennifer's subsequent disappearance and return highlight her feelings of being an afterthought, prompting a family reconciliation. The episode underscores the importance of attentiveness and inclusivity towards each family member's emotional well-being.

Full Episode S01E20 Recap

### Opening Scene: Keaton Family Living Room - The Keaton family is gathered in their living room. Elyse and Steven discuss a local politician, Dale Lewis, whose policies include changing the state bird to a chicken and adopting "Oklahoma" as the new state song, sparking a debate about political priorities. - Mallory expresses disinterest in politics, prioritizing her social life over familial responsibilities, while Alex, focused on economics and personal gain, shows no interest in babysitting his younger sister, Jennifer. ### The Babysitting Dilemma - With Elyse and Steven planning to attend a political event, Mallory is expected to babysit Jennifer but plans to go out with her boyfriend, Jeff, leaving Jennifer in Alex's reluctant care. - Alex, uninterested in entertaining Jennifer, offers her a book on tax-free municipal bonds as a form of amusement. ### Jennifer's Disappointment - Jennifer feels neglected and unimportant as her siblings prioritize their personal interests over spending time with her. Mallory leaves for her date, entrusting Alex with Jennifer's care. - Alex decides to take Jennifer to a poker game after receiving an invitation, showing his disregard for his babysitting responsibilities. ### The Poker Game - At the poker game, Jennifer is bored and ignored, highlighting her feelings of isolation and neglect within her own family. - When Alex's parents unexpectedly arrive to pick up Jennifer, he fabricates a story about her being with Mallory and Jeff to cover up his irresponsible behavior. ### The Truth Comes Out - Back at home, the family discovers Jennifer is missing, leading to a frantic search and a series of lies to cover up the truth. - Jennifer returns home on her own, revealing she took a bus ride to escape her feelings of being an afterthought in her family's busy lives. ### Family Reconciliation - The Keaton family confronts the issue of neglecting Jennifer's emotional needs, leading to apologies and promises to include and value her more. - The episode ends with the family acknowledging their mistakes and committing to be more attentive and inclusive of Jennifer, highlighting the importance of family unity and the value of each member.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who does the Keaton family discuss at the beginning of the episode?

Dale Lewis, a local politician.

What are Dale Lewis's notable campaign policies?

Changing the state bird to a chicken and adopting "Oklahoma" as the new state song.

Why is Mallory expected to babysit Jennifer?

It's her turn, as Elyse and Steven plan to attend a political event.

Why does Alex take Jennifer to a poker game?

He receives an invitation and prefers attending the game over babysitting.

How does Jennifer express her feelings of neglect?

She feels unimportant and later takes a bus ride alone to escape.

What issue does the Keaton family address by the end of the episode?

Neglecting Jennifer's emotional needs and taking her for granted.

What resolution do the Keaton siblings come to regarding Jennifer?

They apologize and promise to include and value her more in the family.

 
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