For instance (https://web.archive.org/web/20061031125335/http://www.jumptheshark.com/a/allinthefamily.htm), there was an episode (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0509791/reference) where Jean Stapleton portrayed a German lady (with a ridiculously exaggerated accent) all with a stupid double shot from the back when she appeared as Edith in the same scene. Of course, there was a big split-screen scene when Edith and this other character-named "Judith" appeared face-to-face including audience applause at the magic and wonder of it all.
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/all-in-the-family-tv-show/images/d/d6/AITF_9x15_-_A_Girl_Like_Edith.png/revision/latest?cb=20190213034653
Retro Vic
10-13-2019, 12:08 AM
This was actually a good episode, along with the 1st Mr. Klemmer episode. Very funny, Stephanie is cute, I think they were letting Jean Stapleton expand her range for once outside the Edith character, & she does a good job as Mr. Klemmer’s “Liebchen” Judith.
Bonniegirl
10-13-2019, 02:10 AM
This was actually a good episode, along with the 1st Mr. Klemmer episode. Very funny, Stephanie is cute, I think they were letting Jean Stapleton expand her range for once outside the Edith character, & she does a good job as Mr. Klemmer’s “Liebchen” Judith.
I agree! I thought both eps. with Mr. Klemmer were really funny!:D And I like Stephanie. I thought the show still had many good eps. after Gloria and Mike left! ;)
Retro Vic
10-13-2019, 06:15 PM
I liked it when Judith snaps at Archie—“Klammerstadt!”:lol:
cfr1970
10-17-2019, 04:44 PM
I don't think it became cliched as much as the focus of the show simply shifted. There are some really funny episodes in that 9th season. I don't know if many would agree with me, but I love the cabin episode with Barney and Blanche. Also, when the Bunkers visited Mike & Gloria in California is a favorite of mine too with lots of laughs in both episodes.
Then there's the dramatic eps like when the waitress Archie kissed a couple seasons back is hired at the bar and Edith confronts her, and another one when Edith goes to Aunt Iola's funeral and she sadly finds that she's the only one there. I love both those episodes for it's drama.
And Stephanie was a good addition to show us how Archie finally began to soften and evolve. The episode where it's revealed that Stephanie is Jewish is one of my favorites just for that final scene where he gives her the star necklace and says "You gotta love somebody to give em one of them. I mean, you gotta love everything about them." I don't think season 1 Archie would have done that.
And one of my favorite laugh out loud moments of that season is when Stephanie had her appendectomy and Archie calls her "Wanda Wee Wee" doll "Peggy Poo Poo". I love the twisting of words he does throughout the series, but the way he says this always makes me LOL.
I wouldn't rank season 9 at the top of my list, but wouldn't place it at the bottom either. It's not cliched imo, just a different tone from previous seasons.
And I like the return of Mr. Klemmer and Jean Stapleton playing the role of the wife. This was the season when they stopped filming in front of an audience, so it was probably much easier to do than with one.
TV Guy
10-18-2019, 08:59 PM
I like season 9. I like seeing the softer relationship between Archie and Edith. Archie and Blanche are funny adversaries. The episodes with Sidney Shapiro are good, too. And the episode with Klemmer the butcher makes me laugh (“Miss Clammachowder - LOL). The appendectomy episode is a highlight.
Retro Vic
10-19-2019, 02:09 PM
I am also a fan of Season 9! There are some very funny episodes in season 9 as mentioned above. The New Hampshire cabin episode is one of my all time favorites from AITF. This type of Blanche & Barney interplay was phenomenal, they should have run with this into ABP. I also loved the episode where Edith goes to the “First Friendly Bank” to try and get a loan to buy Archie a brand new color TV set, hilarious banter between Edith & Archie. Edith (to Archie): “& you’ve got a MEAN look on your face, like that man from the First Friendly Bank!” LOL! Edith goes into a wild rage. Also the episode where Stephy starts stealing things, & when Stephy runs away to the bus station, also great episode when Stephy & Edith sing “Glow Worm” & “Sister Kate” adorable. Season 9 gets thumbs up.
Johnny be good!
11-01-2019, 01:33 PM
Season 9 was awesome. The absence of Mike and Gloria, more than anything, opened up more opportunities.
TheLittleFaerie
11-05-2019, 04:36 AM
I liked seeing Archie in a softer fatherly role
The scene brought tears to my eyes when Archie was telling Stephanie all these punishments he had in store for her for her actions, then ended it by assuring her that she always had a place to stay at their home.
Sally Struthers got tired of playing ''fourth banana'' to ''Mr. O'Connor'' and the rest of the All in the Family cast (https://www.metv.com/stories/sally-struthers-got-tired-of-playing-fourth-banana-to-mr-oconnor-and-the-rest-of-the-all-in-the-family-cast)
"I fear and love God — I respect Mr. O'Connor."
Jean Stapleton offered Sally Struthers meaningful encouragement when the Stivics left All in the Family (https://www.metv.com/stories/jean-stapleton-offered-sally-struthers-meaningful-encouragement-when-the-stivics-left-all-in-the-family)
Struthers spoke with TV Guide Magazine when Stapleton passed in 2013.