This episode reveals the problems of taking a broad theme and compressing it into a format that has to run in one hour, minus the commercial breaks.
With CometTV showing the syndicated episodes of "The Outer Limits", I've had the chance to see some episodes multiple times. In a refreshing change, I had the chance to see "Family Values" for the first time.
This is what I gleaned from my first viewing. In essence, this episode is a small screen adaptation of Jack Williams' novelette "With Folded Hands...".
The general plot parallel is a superior robot introduced into a family setting and soon taking over control of the family. The original work was much darker. Humans were prevented by the robots from engaging in *any* activity that could lead to harm to themselves. No steak knives in the kitchen drawer. No drills, saws, lathes, etc in wood-shops. No access to lawnmowers. Not allowed to drive a car on the highway. Obviously, carving, stone sculpture, and casting metals for artwork were prohibited as well. Creativity involves risk. Meaningful work sometimes involves risk. When the robots took over and remove all risk, they also removed the stimulus that humans need to survive, thrive, and improve themselves.
The same theme is explored in the "Star Trek" (TOS) episode "I, Mudd".