Family Ties - Season 2 - Eps 3: The Harder They Fall
Alex anxiously awaits a crucial college recommendation from his English teacher and urges Steven and Elyse to butter Mr. Tedesco up on parents' nite at school - but the obnoxious Tedesco is so insulting that Elyse slugs him, and a horrified Alex entreats Steven to make amends. The usually calm and non-violent Elyse is amazed and ashamed at her uncharacteristic behavior, though Tedesco ""asked for it"". Steven visits him and after being subjected to disparaging remarks about his wife, winds up repeating her deed. Finally Tedesco, who does recognize Alex's intellect, accepts an invitation to the Keaton home where he alienates everyone again. Alex must decide whether a glowing recommendation from an influential but disgusting man is worth groveling for.
About Family Ties

Title: Family Ties
First Air Date: 1982-09-22
Last Air Date: 1989-05-14
Status: Ended
Rating: 7.252/10 (from 240 votes)
Language: EN
Seasons: 8
Total Episodes: 168
Network: NBC
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Family
Production Companies: Ubu Productions, Paramount Television, NBC Studios
Synopsis
Former 1960s flower children Steven and Elyse Keaton raise their conservative son Alex, daughters Mallory and Jennifer, and later, youngest child Andrew.
Cast

Meredith Baxter
Elyse Keaton

Michael Gross
Steven Keaton

Michael J. Fox
Alex P. Keaton

Justine Bateman
Mallory Keaton

Tina Yothers
Jennifer Keaton

Brian Bonsall
Andy Keaton