When Edith's cousin Amelia comes visiting with her entrepreneur husband, Archie's irritated both by Russell's boasting about his business and Edith's wistfulness in wishing Archie treated her more like Russell does Amelia. Both Archie and Edith soon learn, however, that they themselves are the richer in terms of true happiness and marital contentment.
What makes this episode so wonderful, besides the humorous dialogue, is what is revealed about Archie and Edith that seals our affection for them. As limited and coarse as Archie can be in his thinking, he truly loves and is devoted to Edith, as seen in his statement to Russell about greener pastures ("Edith is green enough for me."). He also believes strongly in fidelity in general, as witnessed when he reprimands Russell for his antics towards the woman at the bar, and reminds him of his "nice wife waiting" back at his place.
Likewise, Edith possesses not even a hint of envy when she hears about Amelia's travels and trips thanks to Russell's successful business. She is genuinely happy for her cousin, and is devastated to learn that it's all superficial, and that there are serious problems in Amelia's marriage.
I believe that this devotion between Archie and Edith along with what is indicative about their individual characters is what makes the audience so fond of them, and I believe the dialogue between Amelia and Edith about what Edith must be doing "right" in bed cements the notion that Archie and Edith have a very active and passionate sex life. It seems a little bizarre to think about, but it was something that the media contributors and critics of All in the Family commented on during the show's actual run.
My favorite part of this episode is the very last scene, in which Edith and Archie sit in mutual silence in their chairs. Archie glances over and sees the look on Edith's face, and silently guesses what she is thinking about now that their company has just left. Worldlessly, he puts his hand over hers in an act of comfort and shared knowledge. It is one of the most touching moments of the series, and is an insight into that hard-boiled sensitivity of Archie's that lends him anotherdimension, not-often-seen.moreless
Episode Summary
EDIT
Archie is hoping to have a relaxing Sunday, but his hopes are dashed when Edith announces that her cousin Amelia and her husband Russell are coming over for a visit. Both Archie and Edith both get a shock and realize that their marriage is in pretty good shape compared to Amelia and Russell, who may be on the brink of a divorce.moreless
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GUEST STAR
Elizabeth WilsonAmelia DeKuyper
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GUEST STAR
George S. IrvingRussell DeKuyper
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Carroll O'Connor
Archie Bunker
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Jean Stapleton
Edith Bunker
Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions
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TRIVIA (0)
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QUOTES (9)
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Archie: (Referring to the Hawaiian shirt he just received as a gift from Russ and Amelia.) This could be the wallpaper at a fag bar.
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Amelia: Of all the people I know, Edith, you're practically the only one who has a happy marriage.
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Archie: (to Russell) Just remember what you got waitin' for you back at my place: a nice wife with fifteen pounds off her kiester.
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Edith: (telling Archie why she envies Russell's treatment of Amelia) It's all the little things he does for her... Archie: Hey, nobody does littler things for you than me.
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Russell: Hey Arch, did you see the look on Kelsey's face when he couldn't change my hundred dollar bill? Archie: Did you see the look on my face when I had to pay the tab ?
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Archie: Let me tell you somethin'... I ain't lookin' for no greener pastures cuz Edith is green enough for me...and I like being stuck with her (smiles).
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Russell: Arch, I got me a secretary you would not believe. 24-years-old and wild, Arch, wild ! You know what she calls me? Archie: Grandpa?
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Russell: After 25 years marriage is just a box of Crackerjacks with no surprises. Archie: What's the matter with just the Crackerjacks?
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Edith: (about Russell and Amelia) I love the way he calls her honey and sweetheart and things. Archie: Aw, gee-I call you things! Edith: But you ain't called me honey or sweetheart for years. Archie: Well let me tell you there's an old saying...you don't keep runnin', after you catch the bus.
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NOTES (2)
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This was among Norman Lear's favorite episodes.
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Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers do not appear in this episode.
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ALLUSIONS (0)
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Who's Your Favourite Character?
12/22/117
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Your least Favorite Character
09/27/113
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Season 2 DVD set 2003 Sony release...question
08/12/111
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If you could own up to 5 pieces of All in the Family memorabilia, what you pick.
08/11/113
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Favorite Quotes and Exchanges
05/31/114
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The Elevator Story
S 2 : Ep 14
Aired 1/1/72
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Christmas Day At The Bunk
S 2 : Ep 13
Aired 12/15/71 (26:15)
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Christmas Day at the Bunkers'
S 2 : Ep 13
Aired 12/18/71
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The Man in the Street
S 2 : Ep 11
Aired 12/4/71
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