Somewhat overrated, but not bad

budikavlan

Many remember this show quite fondly, largely because it introduced Michael J. Fox to the wide public.  Perhaps that is why some place it on a list of the greatest sitcoms in history.  I don't believe it was a bad show; it was of decent quality, but it never reached the level of truly great shows like "Seinfeld," "The Simpsons," or "Cheers."

Virtually the whole show rested on Fox's shoulders.  He is undeniably a charismatic actor and well-equipped to carry a show.  His character, unfortunately, was annoyingly one-note in some of the episodes.  One week, he would be a complex, developing young man trying to integrate life's surprises with his materialistic values, then the following week he would be a greedy stereotype played for cheap laughs.  Most shows do this kind of thing, but the best shows are able to get laughs without cheapening their characters.

The other characters were often given short shrift in order to emphasize Fox.  "Family Ties" was originally about a pair of ex-hippie parents raising children whose values conflicted with theirs.  By the end, Steven and Elyse were little more than blandly nice parents there to worry when their children were afflicted with "very special episodes." The plots were about average for a sitcom, and the show was typically setbound, taking place predominantly in the same two rooms.

All in all, I would place this show at the top of average shows rather than among the greats.  It has been overrated to some extent, but not as flagrantly as "Everybody Loves Raymond," "Mad About You," or "Night Court."

score /10

budikavlan 19 November 2002

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw0190254/