[s1e3] — Dick's First Birthday

In the third episode of , "[S1E3] Dick's First Birthday " (originally aired January 23, 1996), the Solomon family confronts the human obsession with age. What begins as a bureaucratic request from Nina for Dick’s date of birth spirals into a comedic exploration of a middle-life crisis as the aliens learn that humans don't just exist; they "age". Plot Breakdown

: The episode ends on a rare moment of connection between Dick and Mary when they both realize they are 42 years old (though John Lithgow and Jane Curtin were both older in reality). Production Trivia [S1E3] Dick's First Birthday

: Dick becomes offended when Mary Albright gives him a teasing birthday card mentioning he looks "old and wrinkled". His insecurity is compounded by his attraction to a young anthropology student, Laurie, played by guest star Lauren Graham in one of her early roles. In the third episode of , "[S1E3] Dick's

: Nina’s request for a birthday list forces the Solomons to quantify their time on Earth. Dick arbitrarily chooses the age of 45, while the others are content with their respective human vessel ages. Production Trivia : Dick becomes offended when Mary

: This is one of seven episodes featuring a unique opening narration by James Earl Jones .

: Desperate to feel young, Dick dyes his hair jet-black and squeezes into incredibly tight, squeaky leather trousers—a look that has since become one of the series' most iconic visual gags. Themes & Analysis

: Jane Curtin’s laughter during the leather pants scene was genuine. The producers used an outtake for the final cut because her reaction was so authentic.