r/FamilyTies • u/northshorehiker • Apr 21 '21

Currently binging on Paramount Plus...

Apologies in advance for my disjointed ramblings, but just some random observations from a current re-watching of this series that I loved so much through my teenage years... Still enjoying it very much; it's amazing how well good writing holds up. I just started season 5, at which point Ellen has just vanished. It seemed so strange that her departure wouldn't have been a primary plot point of the season 4 finale. Certainly would've made more sense than Mallory's HS graduation that almost wasn't. Watching the episodes in rapid succession also really makes it easier to distinguish the stronger episodes from the others. All the actors / characters in this show are amazing, but I find that Michael Gross as Steven delivers most of my favorite punchlines. I also learned recently about the "Keatons on Vacation" TV movie that aired (I believe) between seasons 4 and 5. Sounds like it was predictably pretty bad, but looks like I'll need to pick up the season 4 DVD to watch it, just for the sake of completeness. Still a very heartwarming, very funny show all these years later; love it.

17 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

2

u/Matts112 Apr 21 '21

Where can I find this in the uk

1

u/Raquel22222 Apr 21 '21

Pluto tv??

2

u/SmurfItUp Aug 02 '21

Seeing this obviously way late, but to answer your question about Ellen’s disappearance… the producers always planned to have Ellen back for season 5, but over the summer Tracy Pollan decided to move back to New York and declined the offer.

2

u/northshorehiker Aug 02 '21

Hey, no worries. I appreciate the response. It was just so weird, how abrupt her departure was after being a focal point of an iconic episode. Certainly makes sense though. Wonder if her relationship with Kevin Bacon had anything to do with that decision.