While the Keaton family gears up for Andy’s (Brian Bonsall) 7th birthday and Steven (Micheal Gross) goes typically overboard, Nick (Scott Valentine) is reunited with his old dog Scrapper in Nick’s Best Friend.

Written by Katie Ford this episode first debuted on 15 January, 1989.

While Nick is overjoyed to be reunited with his old friend, the dog, and apparently most animals in this episode really take to Alex (Michael J. Fox). Things take a turn, however, when Scrapper is hit by a car, and Nick is forced with some hard choices about what to do for his canine friend.

Does he ask for the surgery, which at Scrapper’s age he may not survive, and then has to worry about his quality of life, or does Nick have him put to sleep? It’s a tough call, and Nick refuses to face the reality of the situation and asks for the surgery.

Worrying about Scrapper, Andy doesn’t want his party, and things get worse when the vet informs Nick that Scrapper isn’t going to make it. He, Mallory (Justine Bateman) and Alex all go to the hospital to see Scrapper one last time, and Nick really gets to shine as Valentine brings some real emotion to the scene of saying goodbye to Scapper.

Episodes like this hit close to home, and it’s done so well, and I will cry everytime I watch this episode. I think the Keatons jump the gun just a bit by getting Nick a new dog so quick, but you also have to wrap things up happily and hopefully before moving on to the next story.

Get Me to the Living Room on Time first aired on 29 January, 1989 and was penned by Matthew Monaster.

Steven is struggling to find a new idea for a documentary for the station and while the entire family throws out ideas Andy has his new friends come over. They’re from the retirement center. After initial shock the family is delighted and surprised and Steven has an idea for a new documentary.

Consequently, Steven starts shooting at the retirement home and he thinks he’s on to something really special. Things are complicated however are troubled when Joseph (Douglas Seale) wants to propose to and marry Eva (Marie Denn), when Joseph’s son, David (Jeff Perry) is less than thrilled about the situation.

The newly engaged couple comes to the Keatons for help and asks Steven to talk to David, and perhaps find a way for father and son to connect in time for the ceremony, which will be held in the Keaton household which is a more homey location to have it than the retirement home’s activity room.

It’s a gentle episode that looks at love, and how it doesn’t know age, or time.

The Job Not Taken puts Alex in the limelight. Written by Marc Lawrence this episode debuted on 5 February, 1989.

One of Alex’s friends, Paul (Billy Morrissette) recommends him for a job in finance which would be perfect for him. But when Alex takes the job he’s a little shocked to learn that Paul has been fired, and he’s the replacement.

As Alex struggles with what to do, he’s in a job that he loves and can do well, but isn’t happy about the cost, he comes to the realization that he can’t take a job from a friend, and quits in protest. Once again showing that despite some Republican leanings, Alex really does have a heart.

This one doesn’t have quite the emotional impact of either of the previous episodes, but Fox is wonderfully on point throughout.

There’s a fun b-story where Steven is diving into a huge medical book and sharing all manner of information that he’s read.