With the arrival of Maureen (Julie Cobb) the divorce discussion between her and Rob (Norman Parker) turns the Keaton household into a warzone as the kids try to figure out how these things happen.

Oh, Brother: Part 2 was written by Alan Uger, and first aired on 17 January, 1987.

Alex (Michael J. Fox), Mallory (Justine Bateman) and Jennifer (Tina Yothers) attempt to cope with everything, Steven (Michael Gross) and Rob are in constant conflict, and it seems there are no easy answers for anyone.

Maureen confides in Elyse (Meredith Baxter), while Steven tries to understand the events that led his brother to this tragic event.

There are some fun comedic moments throughout the episode, Fox knows how to get the best out of Brian Bonsall’s Andy, but eventually, the episode needs to focus on Rob and Maureen and how things are going to play out for them.

Rob has to figure out how to go forward with his life, and will Steven and the rest of the family be able to deal with the new dynamic? Maureen doesn’t get quite as much attention, which is unfortunate, but it’s about the Keatons, and this one, especially has to do with the relationship between Steven and his older brother.

Higher Love was written by Susan Borowitz and debuted on 22 January, 1987.

Mallory is getting into poetry in a big way, in fact, she’s even organized one at the house, and it’s revealed that Mallory has become quite enthralled by Colin Spencer (Jonathan Emerson), a grad student, who helps run the readings (and look Penelope Ann Miller is in the group too!).

It’s obvious that Colin has some designs on her, and Nick (Scott Valentine) is increasingly worried that he may lose Mallory to him. Mallory even agrees to go out on a date with Colin, so it’s no wonder Nick is worried. In fact, Mallory thinks she may be falling for Colin.

Things get resolved however when one of the other members of the reading group, Joyce (Miller) tells Mallory the truth about Colin, something she’s already been through. But Mallory did wrong by Nick on this one, and he deserved better than how she treats him in this episode.

The b-story follows Andy’s desire to have a puppy, something they can’t have, Mallory is allergic, so Steven and Alex are attempting to focus the young boy on pet fish instead.

It’s interesting to see Mallory in a different romantic relationship, but it’s also nice to see it wrapped up in one episode. I’m not saying she doesn’t deserve a smart and engaging relationship, but Nick does that, in a real way and the two make a good couple.

Architect’s Apprentice first aired on 29 January, 1987 and was written by David Tyron King.

Elyse has a contract to remodel the lobby of Steven’s television workplace. They have also organized a contest for sculptures to be displayed in the lobby, and Nick has a number of ideas and suggestions.

Steven has some reservations about Nick’s involvement, but Nick and Elyse seem to have a real connection when it comes to design and art. As Steven and Elyse conduct an interview with Nick, they realize he’s informed, knows his subject, and is actually an inspired artist. And as they open up to him, he sees a way to connect to them, and perhaps come up with a great idea for the lobby.

It’s a really good episode for Nick, Elyse and Steven, and they all begin to see one another in a new way.

But when it comes down to the contest, Steven’s vote will be the deciding one. There’s one vote for Nick, one for another, how will Steven vote?

Well, Nick doesn’t win, and Mallory makes a scene about it that embarrasses everyone. Back home, things get sorted out, and they realize they all know one another better, and things will smooth over as they continue to grow as a family.