Family: Season 5
Season 5 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of Family Season 4.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 5 Progress Shield
'Tis the Season
Dec 24, 1979
A pre-Christmas argument with Willie nearly gives Doug a heart attack; Buddy invites her school's janitor to her house, where he quickly endears himself to everyone but Kate.
Jack of Hearts
Jan 14, 1980
Buddy and Nancy find themselves in a love triangle; Annie dabbles in the occult.
When the Bough Breaks
Jan 21, 1980
Kate finds out she's pregnant; a friend of Buddy's, on vacation from her all-girls school, picks Willie as a seduction target.
Hard Times
Jan 28, 1980
Two friends of Buddy's who have been going steady for 3 years are having relationship problems -- and when she tries to help, the results aren't quite what she expected; Nancy is h
Whispers
Feb 4, 1980
Buddy's friendship with a teacher gives rise to rumors; Annie uses questionable tactics to get Willie to let her interview him for her school paper.
Play on Love
Mar 3, 1980
Willie finds the director of his play more interesting than Rachel; Buddy insists on buying an old sports car, over Doug's objections.
Daylight Serenade
Mar 10, 1980
Buddy has an ambiguous relationship with a nerdy schoolmate whom Kate is training for a piano recital; Nancy begs Annie to teach her how to roller-skate, so she can go to a party w
Such a Fine Line
Mar 17, 1980
A schoolboy has a crush on Kate; Jeff, now an in-over-his-head rock manager, blows into town with his band.
The Ties That Bind
Jun 4, 1980
Elaine resurfaces in Kate's life after being dumped by Fred for a younger woman. Meanwhile, Annie experiences abandonment issues, too.
Just Like Old Times
Jun 11, 1980
Buddy tries to make everyone think she didn't get into any of the schools she applied to; Doug wants Annie to share his obsession with baseball.
Smarts
Jun 18, 1980
Annie gets picked on by her classmates, for being too smart; Buddy, studying for her SATs, worries that she's not smart enough.
Letting Go
Jun 25, 1980
Doug is upset when Buddy starts dating a 21-year-old; Annie is jealous of an old friend who has matured much faster than she has.