A sad end to thirteen seasons.... - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

TheLazenby · 07-22-2011, 08:47 PM

A couple years ago, when I found the first six seasons for next to nothing on an auction site, I started my marathon of "All In The Family." Tonight, I watched the final episode of "Archie Bunker's Place."

I suddenly realize now what it would've been like if "Saturday Night Live" had really been cancelled in the middle of the sixth season, like NBC wanted - an overwhelming feeling of "That's it? You gotta be kidding me."

I can't help but think that this show (and yes, I do consider AITF and ABP to be one single show, as Carroll did) ended as a frail ghost of its former self. Three main characters gone, a non-offensive Archie, and FAR TOO MUCH emphasis on Billie and Gary. When an old guy with a flyswatter is the only comedy remaining, something's wrong.

Not to mention.... "Bunker Madness" was the most incredibly awful and tasteless episode ever. Stephanie is a pothead? Give me a friggin' break!

It's painful to know that what was once the greatest sitcom in history ended as one of the worst. In my opinion, at least.

mets82 · 07-22-2011, 09:20 PM

Is there anywhere you could watch the Archie Bunkers Place besides getting them on DVD?

TheLazenby · 07-23-2011, 12:51 AM

Not really. Season 1 was officially released on DVD, I found Season 2 as a BitTorrent, and I bought DVD-R's of Seasons 3 and 4 (as well as the unaired Gloria pilot) from an auction site.

Vince53 · 07-25-2011, 08:25 PM

Go to Youtube.com and you can see many episodes of ABP for free.

Schmoopie · 07-26-2011, 03:56 AM

Wow, that's really how they ended the series? I wasn't completely thrilled with the way they ended Frasier but at least they kept it in line with the rest of the series. But I hate when they just ruin series by having an awful finale. However, I'm sure it's hard to write a series ending that the audience will love. I mean, after all it's 'the end' and it's up to the writers to make the show memorable.

ThomasE · 07-27-2011, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheLazenby

I can't help but think that this show (and yes, I do consider AITF and ABP to be one single show, as Carroll did) ended as a frail ghost of its former self.

To me, it was one show. It definitley was but then the action shifted and format changed. The two formats split up in syndication. To me, it was always one show on the timeline.

TVFactFan · 07-27-2011, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThomasE

To me, it was one show. It definitley was but then the action shifted and format changed. The two formats split up in syndication. To me, it was always one show on the timeline.

Good point, just like Three's Company and Three's a Crowd

TheLazenby · 07-28-2011, 01:03 AM

Schmoopie, the problem was that it *had* no ending. After the incredibly weak fourth season (or thirteenth - ironically enough - if you count AITF), CBS just pulled the plug, and refused to allow Carroll a proper last episode.

No, the final episode of the show was just another lame Billie and Gary episode, without a whole lot of Archie. Which was typical for that season, anyway.

Mr. Television · 07-28-2011, 01:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schmoopie

Wow, that's really how they ended the series? I wasn't completely thrilled with the way they ended Frasier but at least they kept it in line with the rest of the series. But I hate when they just ruin series by having an awful finale. However, I'm sure it's hard to write a series ending that the audience will love. I mean, after all it's 'the end' and it's up to the writers to make the show memorable.

It wasn't written as a series final. The show was canceled. It came as a surprise to everyone.

TVFactFan · 07-28-2011, 10:29 AM

What kind of Finale would it have been anyway?-lol

Big3sCompanyFan · 07-30-2011, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuck In The '70's

It wasn't written as a series final. The show was canceled. It came as a surprise to everyone.

That's the same thing that happened with the Jeffersons. They never got a series finale either.

So many of the cast members did "The Jeffersons on Stage" which was a play that toured the nation. The amazing thing is after all these years I can't find a SINGLE person who saw that!! WTF??

I can't imagine Bunker being in a stage play! LOL

TVFactFan · 07-30-2011, 04:10 PM

Neither cast should have been surprised esecially the ABP cast since the show had been on 13 years

9symphony9 · 08-26-2012, 11:21 AM

From season 1 of All in the Family to the end of Archie's Bunker's Place, you couldn't recognize anyone. Every 10 years people change so much it seems.

Big3sCompanyFan · 08-26-2012, 10:18 PM

They pushed show too far. 13 seasons is way too long!

ThomasE · 11-20-2012, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big3sCompanyFan

They pushed show too far. 13 seasons is way too long!

If a show is getting good ratings, then it doesn't matter how long a show runs. People are still watching. Two and a half men is in its 10th year and it still brings in enough ratings to remain on the air.

07-22-2011, 08:47 PM	#1
TheLazenby Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Apr 21, 2010 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 19	A sad end to thirteen seasons.... A couple years ago, when I found the first six seasons for next to nothing on an auction site, I started my marathon of "All In The Family." Tonight, I watched the final episode of "Archie Bunker's Place." I suddenly realize now what it would've been like if "Saturday Night Live" had really been cancelled in the middle of the sixth season, like NBC wanted - an overwhelming feeling of "That's it? You gotta be kidding me." I can't help but think that this show (and yes, I do consider AITF and ABP to be one single show, as Carroll did) ended as a frail ghost of its former self. Three main characters gone, a non-offensive Archie, and FAR TOO MUCH emphasis on Billie and Gary. When an old guy with a flyswatter is the only comedy remaining, something's wrong. Not to mention.... "Bunker Madness" was the most incredibly awful and tasteless episode ever. Stephanie is a pothead? Give me a friggin' break! It's painful to know that what was once the greatest sitcom in history ended as one of the worst. In my opinion, at least.

07-26-2011, 03:56 AM	#5
Schmoopie Keep Calm and Love Snoopy Forum Star Join Date: Jul 13, 2008 Location: Lynnwood, Washington Posts: 15,697	Wow, that's really how they ended the series? I wasn't completely thrilled with the way they ended Frasier but at least they kept it in line with the rest of the series. But I hate when they just ruin series by having an awful finale. However, I'm sure it's hard to write a series ending that the audience will love. I mean, after all it's 'the end' and it's up to the writers to make the show memorable.
	__________________ In memory of my wonderful husband. I love and miss you more than words can say, but I will always and forever keep you in my heart. September 23, 1961-January 14, 2019

08-26-2012, 11:21 AM	#13
9symphony9 Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Aug 08, 2012 Location: New York Posts: 25	From season 1 of All in the Family to the end of Archie's Bunker's Place, you couldn't recognize anyone. Every 10 years people change so much it seems.
	__________________ Fun And Useless Trivia Last edited by 9symphony9; 11-24-2012 at 01:17 PM.

07-22-2011, 09:20 PM	#2
mets82 Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Mar 14, 2011 Location: Connecticut Posts: 5,060	Is there anywhere you could watch the Archie Bunkers Place besides getting them on DVD?

07-23-2011, 12:51 AM	#3
TheLazenby Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Apr 21, 2010 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 19	Not really. Season 1 was officially released on DVD, I found Season 2 as a BitTorrent, and I bought DVD-R's of Seasons 3 and 4 (as well as the unaired Gloria pilot) from an auction site.

07-25-2011, 08:25 PM	#4
Vince53 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Dec 26, 2010 Location: Chapala, Mexico Posts: 492	Go to Youtube.com and you can see many episodes of ABP for free.

07-28-2011, 01:03 AM	#8
TheLazenby Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Apr 21, 2010 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 19	Schmoopie, the problem was that it had no ending. After the incredibly weak fourth season (or thirteenth - ironically enough - if you count AITF), CBS just pulled the plug, and refused to allow Carroll a proper last episode. No, the final episode of the show was just another lame Billie and Gary episode, without a whole lot of Archie. Which was typical for that season, anyway.

07-28-2011, 10:29 AM	#10
TVFactFan Member Forum Junkie Join Date: Aug 17, 2002 Posts: 99,135	What kind of Finale would it have been anyway?-lol

07-30-2011, 04:10 PM	#12
TVFactFan Member Forum Junkie Join Date: Aug 17, 2002 Posts: 99,135	Neither cast should have been surprised esecially the ABP cast since the show had been on 13 years

08-26-2012, 10:18 PM	#14
Big3sCompanyFan Member Senior Member Join Date: Sep 16, 2003 Posts: 2,493	They pushed show too far. 13 seasons is way too long!