I enjoyed the interplay between Michael Gross and Meredith Baxter Birney as Steven and Elyse Keaton. They played the parts as though they actually can be married to each other in real life. They were more realistic as a couple compared to other TV couples we see. Too bad the producers did not know how to keep them the center focal point of the show instead of changing the show into the Michael J. Fox sitcom. There could have been so many good storylines with Steven and Elyse especially in their interaction with Alex in their different point of view. That could have been another Mike vs. Archie type relationship.

I totally agree. The focus should have been kept on them. In my opinion, Meredith Baxter-Birney and Michael Gross are better actors then MJF. He's good, but not excellent or anything. Sure, MBB is a ton better at Drama, but she is still a wonderful actress. And the show was called "Family Ties", so the focus should has been on the parents, and coping with raising children in the 80's.

I agree totally. I love Michael Gross and Meredith Baxter as Steven and Elyse. You're right, they act like a married couple. They're totally believable.. And they're really funny! There should've been more episodes with them as the center.

I agree, Michael Gross and Meredith Baxter had the best on screen chemistry of almost any couple I've seen. They were so realistic in their portrayal of Stephen and Elyse, you feel like they really are this married couple. I wish they had done more episodes about their relationship, because it was an extraordinary one. I love Michael J. Fox, but in the last 3 seasons or so, the parents did get pushed into the background. Especially Elyse, which was unfair because Meredith Baxter is such a gifted actress and they should have allowed her to showcase her talent more often. It needed to be about the family, not just Alex, although he was a key player in the success of the show.