I notice Michael J. Fox has a huge role on Family Ties, deservedly so with his enormous talent. I've never watched the early episodes, and I'm wondering if this was by design, or did it evolve this way? When they were planning the show, was it supposed to be about a young couple with three kids, and each child actor given equal roles and airtime? Or, was this one of those instances where a character just *breaks through* and steals the show, like Frasier on Cheers or Jack on Will and Grace?
Long question, sorry--any thoughts?

That's exactly it, Jan. From what I've read the show was to center around Birney's character (which is why her name is first in the credits), as a working mother trying to juggle career and home. But Alex's appeal as an adult in a teenager's body pulled the attention away from her (and the others for that matter) and he became the star. There are conflicting stories of backstage griping by Birney over that matter. I could believe her and the rest of the cast being upset that most stories centered around Fox. But, of course, he's what made the show great, so they had to ride his wave so to speak.

Really, McFly? That's odd...I remember hearing on TVLand's "Inside TVLand: The Pitch" that the show was originally supposed to be about two flower-children in the 80's and thier "establishment" son, to put it simply. I always figured that Mallory and Jennifer were originally put in the show just to make it a little more diverse. Hmmm...

Peace,
Manda

Originally posted by Manda:
Really, McFly? That's odd...I remember hearing on TVLand's "Inside TVLand: The Pitch" that the show was originally supposed to be about two flower-children in the 80's and thier "establishment" son, to put it simply. I always figured that Mallory and Jennifer were originally put in the show just to make it a little more diverse. Hmmm...

Peace,
Manda

It was concieved as a sort of reverse "All in the Family" -- liberal parents with conservative kids. Gary David Goldberg also originally wanted it to be a one-hour comedy-drama, but NBC needed sitcoms at the time. The focus was definitely supposed to be on the parents originally, though, which was why Baxter, a well-established actress, was hired. Check out the first season, and you'll see a LOT more stories focusing on Steven and Elyse than later on. But Fox stole the show, and the rest was history.

I've read different stories about Baxter and Michael Gross being unhappy with their smaller roles on the show. But Gross is pretty philosophical about it these days, and I guess Baxter has gotten over it, too -- she guest starred once as Fox's mother on "Spin City."

I've heard that plot, too; 60s parents clashing with their 80s kids. The thing I only ever was sure about was that the mother was the center (at the start), which was rare for any kind of tv show.

And I say, too, that Birney eventually got over it enough to star as Fox's mom once again for that Spin City guest shot.