thirtysomething (1987)

Episode Overview

Elliot settles back into family life with his wife and kids as Thanksgiving approaches, but Ethan is struggling with anxiety, fearing for his safety. He attempts to avoid school, acting out and feeling unheard. On his way to school with his friend Nicholas, they discuss the recent robberies in their neighborhood. Meanwhile, Nancy is at her mother Eleanor's new home, having moved from Indiana, hoping she’ll join them for the holiday. While Elliot and Nancy are thrilled to have the family back together, Ethan lies awake at night, unsettled by the sound of police sirens. When he questions his grandmother about his grandfather's past, she reveals he left but eventually returned. Nancy shares Ethan's fixation on the robberies with Hope and Melissa, while Elliot tries to assist Ethan with his reading, but Ethan resists his help.