Family Ties - Season 5 - Eps 17: A Tale of Two Cities (1)
The Keaton's are a house divided over a ""major"" domestic issue whether to redecorate their old-fashioned, but cozy kitchen. Elyse, Mallory and Jennifer think the time has come to leave the familiar behind and opt for a new, more modern look. Steven loves the kitchen's history, and doesn't want to change a tile. Alex only half-heartedly joins the fray. His thoughts are elsewhere, in Chicago to be exact. His employer, Leland Trust, is sending two representatives to the 15th Annual Midwest Banking and Financial Planning Seminar, and Alex is already packing his bags. But he's in for a rude awakening when his boss, Rebecca Ryan, chooses the shy and retiring Matthews over Alex to accompany her to the conference. When Matthews becomes ill, however, Alex is pressed into action. This could turn out to be the professional highlight of his young career. It could also turn out to be the end of his brief career, as he is obliged to ""room"" with his boss for the duration of the conference.
About Family Ties

Title: Family Ties
First Air Date: 1982-09-22
Last Air Date: 1989-05-14
Status: Ended
Rating: 7.25/10 (from 238 votes)
Language: EN
Seasons: 8
Total Episodes: 168
Network: NBC
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Family
Production Companies: Ubu Productions, Paramount Television, NBC Studios
Synopsis
Former 1960s flower children Steven and Elyse Keaton raise their conservative son Alex, daughters Mallory and Jennifer, and later, youngest child Andrew.
Cast

Meredith Baxter
Elyse Keaton

Michael Gross
Steven Keaton

Michael J. Fox
Alex P. Keaton

Justine Bateman
Mallory Keaton

Tina Yothers
Jennifer Keaton

Brian Bonsall
Andy Keaton