“‘A’ My Name Is Alex” - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Buffyboy323 · 07-14-2012, 10:03 PM

Recently, for the first time in 10 years, I watched the season 5 episode “‘A’ My Name Is Alex.” Even though there were potential eye-rolling moments (maybe it's aged a little?), I did find myself wondering about it. Actually, I wasn't sure what to think. Was this a great episode? Was it pretentious? Did Alex (and the audience) get any message here? Was there a point? This episode seems heavy compared to other sitcoms in 1987.

I did some research and found the episode actually was BIG.

http://www.avclub.com/articles/famil...is-alex,56598/

Are you a fan of this very serious episode? Was it a big deal at the time? Thoughts on the episode?

Willbo · 09-19-2012, 08:27 AM

I thought it was a great episode and one of the best acted of the series. MJF won an emmy for this episode.

Marvo301 · 09-19-2012, 01:57 PM

I admire the creative risks taken by the writers and producers in creating this episode. And I admire the performances by the actors in this episode. Especially Michael J. Fox. But in the end this episode had relatively little to say about life and death so the risks and performances were kind of wasted.

Family Ties Forever! · 09-19-2012, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marvo301

I admire the creative risks taken by the writers and producers in creating this episode. And I admire the performances by the actors in this episode. Especially Michael J. Fox. But in the end this episode had relatively little to say about life and death so the risks and performances were kind of wasted.

I'm sorry that you didn't really enjoy the episode. I thought it was a good episode. It was different, but good.

Mr. Television · 09-19-2012, 07:55 PM

It was one of the best episodes that Family Ties ever did. The only thing that would have made it better would have been if we had actually heard about this friend before.

PrettyinPink55 · 10-10-2012, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuck In The '70's

It was one of the best episodes that Family Ties ever did. The only thing that would have made it better would have been if we had actually heard about this friend before.

I thought it was a phenomenal episode. I liked the format and thought it was refreshing.
But, I agree. It probably would've had added impact on it if we had seen the character in previous episodes and gotten to know him.
I don't like when sitcoms do that...they have a character whom we have never seen or met before die in an episode and while we feel for the characters who are in mourning, we can't really feel what they are feeling because we don't know said character. It's more random than tragic.

Did they ever show Aunt Trudy before she died? She obviously had a HUGE impact on Mallory. It would've been nice to have seen them interact.

07-14-2012, 10:03 PM	#1
Buffyboy323 Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Jun 24, 2005 Posts: 6,102	“‘A’ My Name Is Alex” Recently, for the first time in 10 years, I watched the season 5 episode “‘A’ My Name Is Alex.” Even though there were potential eye-rolling moments (maybe it's aged a little?), I did find myself wondering about it. Actually, I wasn't sure what to think. Was this a great episode? Was it pretentious? Did Alex (and the audience) get any message here? Was there a point? This episode seems heavy compared to other sitcoms in 1987. I did some research and found the episode actually was BIG. http://www.avclub.com/articles/famil...is-alex,56598/ Are you a fan of this very serious episode? Was it a big deal at the time? Thoughts on the episode?

09-19-2012, 01:57 PM	#3
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,460	I admire the creative risks taken by the writers and producers in creating this episode. And I admire the performances by the actors in this episode. Especially Michael J. Fox. But in the end this episode had relatively little to say about life and death so the risks and performances were kind of wasted.
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

09-19-2012, 07:55 PM	#5
Mr. Television 23 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,132	It was one of the best episodes that Family Ties ever did. The only thing that would have made it better would have been if we had actually heard about this friend before.
	__________________ Sonny

09-19-2012, 08:27 AM	#2
Willbo Member Forum Regular Join Date: Feb 10, 2012 Location: Chattanooga, TN Posts: 863	I thought it was a great episode and one of the best acted of the series. MJF won an emmy for this episode.